Hannah Pierce, BSN
June 19, 2025
Through RN to BSN programs nurses with registration can pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Washington state demands more BSN-educated nurses as its healthcare system advances. The demand for healthcare professionals rises because of an aging population and expanding healthcare services which increases the need for highly skilled nurses. The healthcare system depends on BSN-prepared nurses because research shows they deliver superior patient results and enhanced care quality. Washington’s RN to BSN programs serve the healthcare requirements of the state by creating education pathways that help registered nurses improve their qualifications. The healthcare industry growth leads to increasing job prospects for BSN nurses because they can expect a favorable career outlook when they continue their education.
Bothell, WA - Public 4-Year - uwb.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Washington-Bothell Campus offers a hybrid RN to BSN program tailored for working registered nurses, enabling completion in one year full-time or two years part-time. With no concentration specified, it emphasizes flexibility through multiple start dates and three locations, maintaining high standards with a 90% graduation rate and CCNE accreditation. Project-based learning and leadership development are key features, and as a bachelor's program, it does not require ACT or SAT entrance exams.
Tacoma, WA - Public 4-Year - tacoma.uw.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Washington-Tacoma Campus offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN) program in a hybrid format, ideal for working registered nurses seeking to advance their careers. This program does not require an ACT or SAT entrance exam and builds on prior nursing experience with part-time and full-time options. It focuses on enhancing critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills, preparing graduates for diverse roles in healthcare. With a flexible schedule that combines online and in-person learning, it supports professional growth without a specific concentration.
Bellingham, WA - Public 4-Year - wwu.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Western Washington University's RN-to-BSN program is a nationally accredited hybrid option for registered nurses seeking to advance their education. It features a flexible format with online and in-person components, tailored for working professionals, and does not require entrance exams like the ACT or SAT. The curriculum includes 48 upper-division credits focused on enhancing clinical and leadership skills, preparing graduates for complex healthcare roles and potential graduate studies, with full-time or part-time enrollment available.
Pullman, WA - Public 4-Year - wsu.edu
Online Learning - Visit Website
Washington State University's RN-BSN program is a fully online, 30-credit option designed for working registered nurses, allowing completion in one year. It replaces traditional clinical hours with community health projects, focusing on leadership, evidence-based practice, and population health to support career advancement. No entrance exam is required for this bachelor's-level program. Tuition ranges from $582.20 to $956.67 per credit for residents and non-residents, with total costs estimated between $17,466 and $28,700. Admission requires an unencumbered RN license, a 3.0 GPA, and prerequisite courses, making it a flexible and accredited pathway.
Lacey, WA - Private 4-year - stmartin.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Saint Martin's University's RN to BSN program is a hybrid option ideal for working nurses, with classes just one night per week and completion possible in one year. It emphasizes flexibility with full or part-time study and multiple start dates, covering essential topics like research, leadership, and community health. No ACT or SAT is required for admission, and it's fully accredited with affordable tuition and scholarship opportunities, making it a military-friendly and accessible choice for career advancement.
Nurses working in Washington state can choose from different RN to BSN program formats that suit their needs. The institutions running these programs provide complete online courses that enable students to study at home while managing their own learning timeline. Students enrolled in some programs need to participate in live virtual meetings for specific components but others allow total asynchronous learning. The educational programs which blend online courses with occasional classroom meetings represent a common learning format. These programs enable students to manage their education together with their work commitments. Accelerated programs for nurses exist which enable them to complete their degree more quickly. The program schedule includes evening and weekend classes which provide flexibility to students who work standard business hours. Nursing students can use the various learning options to earn their BSN without taking time off work which helps fulfill state healthcare needs.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| University of Washington-Bothell Campus |
|
|
| Washington State University |
|
|
| Saint Martin's University |
|
|
| Certifying Board | Washington State Board of Nursing |
|---|---|
| Certification | BSN graduate, submit transcripts, pass NCLEX‑RN, complete fingerprint background check |
| License Renewal Period | Annual renewal on your birthday |
| Continuing Education | 8 contact hours annually, including 2 hours of health equity training |
| License Application Fee | $138 single‑state (or $203 multistate) plus $200 NCLEX registration and fingerprint vendor costs |
| Clinical Hours | Supervised practice in adult health, pediatrics, maternal‑newborn, psychiatric‑mental health, and community health per program standards |
| Application Processing Time | About 7 business days for application review, ATT issued upon approval, full license after background clearance |
| License by Endorsement | Apply via SAW/HELMS with a $138 fee ($203 for multistate), verify active RN license via NURSYS, submit transcripts, fingerprint check, and SSN |
Nurses who finish RN to BSN programs in Washington state will find excellent salary prospects ahead of them. The average annual salary for registered nurses working in Washington state reached $115,000 in 2024 surpassing the national average. Registered nurses holding BSN degrees receive salaries that fall within the higher range of nursing pay, especially when they move into leadership positions, educational, or specialized roles. The registered nursing profession in Washington will expand by 10% from 2020 to 2030 because the state faces a persistent shortage of qualified nursing professionals. BSN-prepared nurses face the greatest employment need in urban areas such as Seattle although rural and underserved regions also need their skills. The healthcare system expansion in Washington state generates multiple job opportunities for BSN nurses. BSN nurses who acquire advanced skills such as nurse manager, clinical educator, or care coordinator roles will earn higher compensation.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Washington | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual BSN Salary | $113,758 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $54.74 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$193,107 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $101,230 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$81,500 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) | 13% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~16,616 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Saint Martin's University |
|
|
| Western Washington University |
|
|
| Wenatchee Valley College |
|
|
A BSN degree creates multiple career advancement options which Washington state nurses can pursue. The BSN qualification enables nurses to advance their careers into leadership positions which include nurse manager roles along with clinical coordinator and supervisor positions. The BSN serves as a necessary first step for nurses who want to enter graduate programs leading to Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Anesthetist or Nurse Midwife certifications. Specialized certification options for BSN nurses extend into fields including oncology, pediatrics and critical care thus enhancing both their professional capabilities and job opportunities. A BSN degree enables nurses to pursue roles beyond clinical practice by preparing them for work in health policy, education, and management fields. The BSN qualification allows nurses to work in public health alongside administrative and academic settings to make contributions to healthcare at its broader level. The BSN degree creates professional growth opportunities together with specialized career paths that nursing students can pursue in their field.
Additional Nursing Programs in Washington
LEARN MORE
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online Learning - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
