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Best Washington RN BSN Degree Programs

NurseJournal Staff
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Updated November 7, 2022
    Washington State is known as the Evergreen state and is a melting pot of culture for the Pacific Northwest. This brings many students to seek success in their prospective studies, particularly nurses as there are many noteworthy nursing programs within...
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    Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?

    Credit: Kirk Fisher | iStock | Getty Images Plus

    Washington State is known as the Evergreen state and is a melting pot of culture for the Pacific Northwest. This brings many students to seek success in their prospective studies, particularly nurses as there are many noteworthy nursing programs within the state. Unfortunately, there is a rising nurse shortage within the state of Washington, which has prompted many schools in this state to turn to online teaching methods as a way to increase graduates and eliminate the wait lists that many institutions must supply.

    It’s important to know that most of the hospital positions within Washington seek out graduates with a BSN or higher to fill positions within their facilities.

    For a list of some of the best schools in this area for BSN and other nursing programs, review the following list.

    View ranking methodology
    1
    Eastern Washington University
    LocationSpokane, Tri-Cities, and Yakima, WA

    EWU provides a BSN degree through the Washington State University College of Nursing. This partnership also includes Whitworth University so that students can complete credits from any of the three universities as is necessary for the success of their program. Admission to the nursing program is highly competitive and only 80-85 students make the cut each year. GPA’s of 3.0 or higher are expected among a number of other prerequisites.

    • Campus: WSU College of Nursing in Spokane, Tri-Cities, or Yakima Washington
    • Type: Public
    • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
    • Tuition: $3,686.00 per semester for residents and $9,671.00 for non-residents.
    • Minimum Time Commitment: 2 years
    • Online Available: No
    • Degree Requirements: 2 years of coursework including in class, lab, and practical training.
    • Programs: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
    • School Site: Tuition and Financial Aid
    2
    Gonzaga University
    LocationSpokane, WA

    Gonzaga University is ranked as number four in a list of the best universities in the west by multiple sources such as the U.S. News and World Report, and their nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. This school provides online capability to earn a degree through a humanistic approach to nursing that other institutions don’t offer.

    • Campus: Spokane, Washington
    • Type: Private
    • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
    • Tuition: $17,285 for a 12 to 18 credit semester, with student activity fee included.
    • Minimum Time Commitment: 2-4 years
    • Online Available: Yes
    • Degree Requirements: Completion of prerequisite courses followed by theoretical and practical experience. This curriculum can be completed over a 9 semester period, but fluctuates depending on situation.
    • Programs: Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Online Registered Nurse to MSN, Online Masters of Science in Nursing, Online Doctor of Nursing Practice

    School Site: Tuition and Financial Aid

    3
    Pacific Lutheran University
    LocationTacoma, WA

    The BSN program at Pacific Lutheran University is designed for students who are yet to be licensed and looking to bridge into an RN position. The program is a compilation of classroom work and hands on training through a School of Nursing with a reputation for excellence within the Pacific Northwest.

    • Campus: Tacoma, Washington
    • Type: Private
    • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
    • Tuition: $27,675 and additional costs including examination and background check fees
    • Minimum Time Commitment: 3 years
    • Online Available: No
    • Degree Requirements: 134 credit hours over a 3 year period.
    • Programs: Bachelor of Science in Nursing, RN-B to Master of Science in Nursing, MSN to MBA
    • School Site: Tuition and Financial Aid
    4
    Seattle Pacific University
    LocationSeattle, WA

    Seattle Pacific University has been producing successful nursing graduates since 1936 and are held to the highest values throughout the Pacific Northwest. Graduates from this university are trained to research evidence based clinical care while using compassion and empathy. A strong liberal arts foundation is built upon to include community and individual care.

    • Campus: Seattle, WA
    • Type: Private
    • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
    • Tuition: $35,100 with $10,086 for students living on campus and Mandatory Fees of $372.
    • Minimum Time Commitment: 4 years
    • Online Available: No
    • Degree Requirements: 180 credits of which 60 are upper division credits.
    • Programs: Pre-licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing, RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing and post-master’s certification
    • School Site: Tuition and Financial Aid
    5
    Seattle University
    LocationSeattle, WA

    Seattle University and the College of learning are recognized as having an excellent baccalaureate program in nursing and have been recognized as a leader in the industry for 79 years. The college gives students a strong foundation in educational and practical preparation which is needed within the professional medical world. The school also utilizes Jesuit traditions in order to create empathy within the field.

    • Campus: Seattle, WA
    • Type: Private
    • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
    • Tuition: On campus students will pay $54,705 while off campus students living at home will pay $47,904 per year.
    • Minimum Time Commitment: 4 years
    • Online Available: No
    • Degree Requirements: 80 credit hours including lectures, lab, practical and clinical work.
    • Programs: Bachelor of Science in nursing, Master of Science in Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice Program
    • School Site: Tuition and Financial Aid