Olivia Chen, NP
June 26, 2025
The District of Columbia supports nurses at every stage of their professional journey by offering a variety of educational pathways, from entry‑level certification to advanced clinical practice. Whether you’re beginning as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), advancing from Registered Nurse (RN) to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), pursuing licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), or training to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP), the region’s accredited programs blend rigorous academic coursework with immersive hands‑on training. With flexible online modules designed for working students alongside clinical practicums in leading healthcare facilities, these programs equip graduates with the skills and credentials needed for today’s dynamic medical environment. Upon completion, nurses emerge ready to pursue competitive salaries and rewarding careers across the District’s diverse care settings.
Washington, DC - Private 2-year - smcah.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Saint Michael College of Allied Health offers a 24-month Associate in Applied Science Degree in Nursing, designed for aspiring nurses seeking a direct path to licensure. The program includes 70 total credits, with 43 dedicated to nursing, covering biophysical and psychosocial sciences through hands-on clinical experiences in acute and chronic care settings. Graduates are prepared to take the NCLEX-RN exam. With options for day or evening study and multiple campus locations, it requires a 2.5 GPA and recent science prerequisites, but no entrance exam is specified for this associate-level program.
Washington, DC - Private 4-year - howard.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Howard University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is a campus-based offering that prepares students for diverse healthcare roles with a strong emphasis on holistic and culturally competent care. It requires a 3.0 GPA, prerequisite courses, and the TEAS-VI entrance exam for admission. The program includes clinical training, evidence-based practice, and leadership development, with tracks available for high school graduates, LPNs, and RNs to tailor education to individual backgrounds.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Howard University's LPN to BSN program is designed for licensed practical nurses seeking to advance to a bachelor's degree, focusing on critical thinking, ethical practice, and interprofessional collaboration. Admission requires a valid LPN license, 3.0 GPA, TEAS-VI exam, personal statement, and Casper Assessment. This campus-based program emphasizes culturally competent care and prepares graduates for leadership roles in healthcare through evidence-based training.
Washington, DC - Private 4-year - georgetown.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Georgetown University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program immerses students in a rigorous curriculum rooted in Jesuit values, emphasizing ethics and service. With over 800 hours of clinical, lab, and simulation experiences, students develop critical skills in diverse healthcare settings. The program boasts high NCLEX-RN pass rates and features a state-of-the-art simulation center for hands-on training. Unique opportunities include study abroad and a senior practicum, fostering global perspectives and practical expertise. Financial aid and scholarships are available to support students. Entrance exams such as ACT or SAT may be required for admission to this bachelor's level program.
Washington, DC - Private 4-year - gwu.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
George Washington University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program in Washington, DC, offers flexible pathways including a 17-month Accelerated BSN for career changers, a Veterans BSN recognizing military experience, and an Online RN-BSN for current RNs. It emphasizes rigorous training for nursing leadership and high standards of care, ensuring graduates are clinically ready. Admission may require ACT or SAT exams, depending on the specific pathway, catering to diverse educational backgrounds.
Washington, DC - Private 4-year - catholic.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., is a campus-based program that emphasizes moral integrity and holistic care, preparing students for a rewarding healthcare career. It integrates rigorous academics with extensive clinical experiences, achieving a 94% first-time NCLEX pass rate. Unique features include opportunities for a Certificate in Spanish for Health Care and study abroad options, fostering clinical competence and critical thinking. Entrance exams such as ACT or SAT are typically required for admission to this bachelor's-level program.
District of Columbia’s LPN programs immerse students in core nursing theory, covering anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and patient-care fundamentals, through classroom lectures and skills labs. Over roughly 12 to 18 months, learners complete supervised clinical rotations in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community health centers across the capital region. After passing the NCLEX-PN exam to earn licensure, graduates step into roles supporting RNs and physicians by administering medications, monitoring patient status, and delivering hands-on care. By strengthening the practical nursing workforce, these programs help ensure consistent, high-quality care throughout the District’s diverse healthcare settings.
District of Columbia’s CNA programs generally run six to twelve weeks, merging interactive lessons on infection control, patient safety, and vital-sign monitoring with supervised practicums across federal and community healthcare settings. Learners master daily living support, bathing, dressing, feeding, mobility assistance, and practice accurate documentation and communication with nursing staff. Upon certification, CNAs alleviate nursing workloads by providing essential daily care, bolstering the capital’s healthcare delivery across diverse care environments.
| Degree | Typical Length | Prerequisites | Outcome / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) | ~2 years | High school diploma or GED | Still available at community colleges, but BSN-prepared nurses strongly preferred |
| RN Diploma | 2-3 years | High school diploma or GED | No longer offered in D.C. |
| Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) | 4 years (12-18 months accelerated) | High school diploma or ADN transfer | D.C. follows BSN-in-10 law; BSN required/preferred in all major healthcare systems |
| Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) | 2 years (post-BSN) | BSN + RN license | Prepares for advanced roles; NPs must have collaborative agreements |
| Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) | 3-6 years (post-BSN or post-MSN) | BSN or MSN + RN license | Highest degree; DNP-prepared NPs remain under reduced practice authority |
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website