Nurse Practitioner Programs in Washington
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Editor & Writer
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Editor & Writer
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Nurse practitioners (NPs) are key players in the delivery of high-quality patient care. In Washington, NPs are in high demand and enjoy a median annual salary that's $12,000 higher than the national median.
Learn more about the top NP programs in Washington, including how to choose a program, salary potential, and how to become an NP in state.
How to Choose Nurse Practitioner Program in Washington
When choosing a nurse practitioner program in Washington, there are many important factors.
When considering going to school, in-state and out-of-state tuition can vary significantly at public universities. The availability of financial aid may also impact your choice of program.
Beyond cost, you should examine acceptance and graduation rates, as well as program length. It’s smart to make sure you’re attending a fully accredited school, so you can become licensed. You may want to consider your needs and expectations regarding whether you attend in-person or online classes. Becoming an NP also involves many hours of clinical work with patients in real-world settings, so it’s important to understand whether a school will help you find appropriate clinical placements or if you’re responsible for finding your own clinical sites.
Featured Online MSN Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Career Outlook for Nurse Practitioners in Washington
The earning power of RNs and NPs in Washington is significantly higher than the national average. The median annual wage for nurse practitioners in Washington is $134,200,which is $12,000 more than the national median.
It's important to consider the cost of living along with earning potential. The cost of living is 50% higher in Seattle than the national average, 23% higher in Tacoma, and 4% higher in Spokane, according to Payscale. Where you choose to live and work has a direct impact on both your potential earnings and cost of living.
When considering the job outlook for NPs and RNs in Washington, the statistics are encouraging. RNs can look forward to 16% job growth through 2023, significantly higher than the 6% job growth for RNs nationwide. NPs will enjoy a projected 51% rate of job growth through 2030, outpacing the national projected job growth of 46%.
| Location | Employment | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | 4,150 | $134,200 |
| United States | 258,230 | $121,610 |
Salaries for Nurses in Washington
Nurses in Washington can increase their earning potential through furthering their education, training, knowledge, and skills. RNs in Washington earn median annual salaries of over $100,000, while NPs earn over $130,000.
| Career | Median Annual Salary in Washington |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant | $38,270 |
| Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse | $63,250 |
| Registered Nurse | $101,670 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $135,590 |
How to Become a Nurse Practitioner in Washington
To become a nurse practitioner in Washington, you must be a licensed registered nurse and complete graduate nursing programs. The Washington State Board of Nursing (WSBON) offers clear guidelines for those seeking nursing licensure. Students can pursue scholarships, grants, and loans to help offset educational costs.
RN Requirements
Similar to every other state, to practice as an RN you must first successfully complete an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) and pass the NCLEX licensing exam. Once you pass the NCLEX, you fulfill all requirements for licensure in Washington, which include completing an online application and submitting verification of your education.
If you attended an in-state nursing program, the school will send a certification of completion (COC) to the WSBON, followed by your submission of official transcripts. If you attended school in another state, official transcripts must be requested and sent to the WSBON.
NP Requirements
To become a nurse practitioner in Washington, you must first earn an MSN or DNP from an accredited program.
You must then submit an online application along with proof that you have successfully passed the national nurse practitioner certification exam.
Your next step will be submitting official transcripts, having an up-to-date Washington RN license, and applying for prescriptive authority, which requires you show proof of 30 hours of advanced pharmacology in the last two years.
Nurse Practitioner Programs in Washington
You can choose from many high-quality nurse practitioner programs in Washington. The following four programs offer different format options and various concentrations if you would like to pursue your NP education in Washington.
- Pacific Lutheran University — Tacoma, WA (On Campus/Online)
- Concentrations: DNP: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP); Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- Tuition: BSN to DNP-FNP: $92,720, BSN to DNP-PMHNP: $104,310
The Pacific Lutheran University DNP program offers FNP and PMHNP concentrations. Nurses with a BSN can complete the program in three years if attending full-time, or four years if attending part-time. Nurses with a previous MSN can complete a post-Master’s DNP in two years when attending full-time. For those nurses already working as Masters-level NPs, two years of part-time study can result in the earning of a post-Master’s DNP.
- Seattle University — Seattle, WA (On Campus/Online)
- Concentrations: DNP programs — Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP); Family Nurse-Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (FNP and AGNP); Certified Nurse Midwifery (CNM); Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- Tuition: Tuition varies based on chosen concentration and whether the student has prior education as a Registered Nurse, has a prior MSN, or is an entry-level DNP applicant. For an RN enrolling in the Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner DNP program, total tuition is $104,864 for the 3-year program and $163,328 for the 4-year program.
Seattle University offers multiple DNP tracks for those already working as RNs, those with a previous MSN, and applicants with no prior healthcare education or experience. Part-time and full-time programs offer flexibility for working nurses and those with family and other obligations.
- University of Washington — Seattle, WA (Hybrid: On-Campus, Online)
- Concentrations: DNP programs — Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGNP-AC); Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGNP-PC); Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP); Nurse-Midwifery (NM); Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist (PCNS); Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Acute Care (PNP-AC); Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care (PNP-PC); Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP); Women’s Health Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time
- Tuition: $982 per credit — all programs
University of Washington, Seattle Campus offers a wide array of full-time DNP programs for those interested in pursuing education in specific areas of nurse practitioner specialization. All programs are offered full-time only, with some courses offered in a hybrid format and others requiring in-person attendance.
- Washington State University — Spokane, Tri-Cities, & Vancouver, WA (Hybrid: On-Campus, Online)
- Concentrations: Family Nurse Practitioner; Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner; Population Health
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- Tuition: Spokane Campus — $41,606 in-state; $57,078 out-of-state (varies based on campus)
The DNP program at WSU offers several tracks, including FNP, PMHNP, Population Health, and a post-Master’s General Track focused on leadership and research. Students can choose from three campuses, with all programs being a hybrid combination of video-based and on-campus courses. Certain courses must be attended in-person.
Everything Else You Need to Know About Becoming a Nurse Practitioner in Washington
How much does a nurse practitioner license cost in Washington?
The application fee for a nurse practitioner license in Washington is $130.
What is the difference between FNP and APRN?
A family nurse practitioner (FNP) is a type of advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). However, APRNs can also train to practice in other areas of advanced practice nursing, such as psychiatric mental health, pediatrics, and adult-gerontology.
How long does it take to become a nurse practitioner in Washington state?
You can become a nurse practitioner in Washington state in 2-4 years, depending on the program you choose and your previous nursing education. Most nurse practitioner programs are 3-4 years in length, depending on the program requirements and whether you attend full or part-time. For RNs pursuing education as an NP, programs can be as short as 2-3 years.
Is Washington a full practice state for NP?
Yes, nurse practitioners enjoy full practice authority in Washington.
