The Best Washington Nurse Practitioner Programs

For Washington nurses who wish to move up in their careers, attending a nurse practitioner (NP) program can help them gain advanced qualifications. Washington remains a great state for those interested in becoming an NP. In fact, Washington ranks as one of the highest paying states for nurse practitioners, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

This guide introduces the best Washington nurse practitioner programs, so you can find the right degree to help you advance in your career.

We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best nurse practitioner programs in Washington, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.

Washington nurse practitioner programs train nurses to offer advanced care in several specialties. NPs offer a similar level of care as physicians and can prescribe medications in some states.

Nurse practitioners need a master of science in nursing (MSN) to qualify for certification. Because of this, nurse practitioner programs offer graduate-level coursework in healthcare. Students choose a specialization, such as adult-gerontology, women’s health, family care, pediatric care, and psychiatric-mental health.

Nurse practitioner programs at Washington universities can last 1-3 years. This depends on whether students enroll part- or full-time, already possess a bachelor’s degree in nursing, or enroll in an accelerated program, among other factors. Schools offer both online, on-campus, and hybrid programs. Regardless of format, MSN candidates must complete clinical hours on site.

Admission requirements vary for Washington nurse practitioner programs. Typically, universities require MSN applicants to possess a bachelor’s degree and a registered nurse (RN) license. However, some schools offer RN-to-MSN programs that allow candidates with an associate degree to skip past the traditional bachelor of science degree in nursing (BSN) and go straight to the MSN.

Accreditation is the single most important quality measure for nursing schools. During accreditation, external objective reviewers evaluate every aspect of a program to be sure it meets the highest standards. Therefore, this guide only lists accredited NP schools in Washington.

Washington is the fourth-highest paying state for NPs, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median NP salary is $130,840. However, the cost of living is also very high, especially in the Seattle area.

The demand for nurse practitioners continues to grow across the country, with the BLS projecting the job outlook for NPs to increase by 46% from 2020-2030. That demand extends to Washington state. In fact, growth for the NP profession in Washington could outpace national growth, with the U.S. Department of Labor expecting an increase of 51% from 2020-2030.

Typically Washington nurse practitioner programs last 2-3 years. This time frame varies, depending on a nurse’s previous education and experience. For nurses with an associate degree, an RN-to-MSN program usually lasts longer than traditional MSN programs. Students can complete an accelerated degree even more quickly than the standard two years.

Yes. Nurse practitioners hold full practice authority in Washington. This means they can meet with patients independently, diagnose illnesses, set treatment plans, and prescribe medication and controlled substances without a physician’s supervision.