Like many other states across the US, Washington is expected to experience a shortage of qualified nurses by 2025. In terms of LPN counts, the state will be short 1,200 nurses. Although this is a concern for health care professionals and leaders, as well as Washington residents, it could mean promising opportunities for those looking to work as a practical nurse in the state.
Those who are ready to take the first step towards this challenging yet rewarding career can use the following guide to get more information on LPN programs in Washington, licensing requirements for employment, and state salary outlook.
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Top 5 LPN Programs in Washington
Methodology
The top LPN programs listed in this state's ranking were determined by comparison of three primary, equally-weighted criteria including
- Student-to-faculty ratio
- In-state tuition
- Graduation rate
Additional details for each school were included:
- Count of programs available
- Public and not-for-profit schools
- Normalized on a 100 percent curve
The methodology used for tie-break is as follows...
- Ties are broken based on lowest average net price for full-time, first-time undergraduates paying in-state tuition (average cost of tuition and expenses after grants and scholarships).
- If necessary, the lowest in-state tuition rate is used as a second tie-break
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data and
the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
#1 LPN Programs in Washington [2023 Guide]
Bellingham Technical College
Bellingham, WA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Learners can earn an associate degree or certificate in nursing from Bellingham Technical College. Although the school is located in Washington, students in any state can enroll in its online programs. Studying remotely allows learners to attend class without commuting or adjusting their schedule to attend day classes.
While earning an associate degree or certificate in nursing, participants examine core concepts in the field. Many individuals apply their training to entry-level positions in nursing immediately after graduation. In addition to entering the workforce, graduates can continue their studies by earning a bachelor's degree.
Bellingham Technical College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 35
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 1
Number of Certificate Programs: 53
#2 LPN Programs in Washington [2023 Guide]
Wenatchee Valley College
Wenatchee, WA - 4 years
- Campus
Learners interested in nursing can pursue a certificate or an associate degree from Wenatchee Valley College, a public school. Associate and certificate programs in nursing foster the field-specific skills graduates need to impress prospective employers. Many bachelor's programs accept transfer credits, allowing graduates of associate or certificate programs to earn a bachelor's degree in less than four years.
Offering online programs, in addition to on-campus classes in Wenatchee, the school educates enrollees in many states. This learning format can also be a great option for students who wish to work in nursing but require more flexibility than a traditional in-person program provides. Before enrolling, prospective applicants should review the institution's available programs to ensure they align with their goals.
Wenatchee Valley College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 23
Number of Certificate Programs: 34
#3 LPN Programs in Washington [2023 Guide]
Green River College
Auburn, WA - 4 years
- Campus
A public institution, Green River College offers options at the associate and certificate levels for learners interested in nursing. The school provides on-campus and online programming to support students located in Washington and throughout the country. Rather than relocating or commuting to campus, learners can choose to study online.
While completing an associate or certificate program in nursing, participants develop technical skills and gain broad knowledge in the field. These programs qualify individuals to apply to entry-level nursing positions after graduation. Additionally, many graduates enroll in bachelor's programs, saving money by transferring associate or certificate credits.
Green River College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 44
Number of Certificate Programs: 43
#4 LPN Programs in Washington [2023 Guide]
Bates Technical College
Tacoma, WA - 2 years
- Online + Campus
A public institution, Bates Technical College helps learners prepare for the workforce through associate and certificate programs in nursing. Students located in Washington can attend classes at the school's Tacoma campus, while others can enroll online. With flexible scheduling options, online learning is an excellent choice for working professionals and learners with personal responsibilities.
While earning an associate degree or certificate, participants complete field-specific coursework and gain important training. After completing their program, individuals can qualify for entry-level jobs related to nursing. Graduates can also pursue a bachelor's degree, which they may use to qualify for more advanced roles with higher earning potential.
Bates Technical College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 50
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 2
Number of Certificate Programs: 92
Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 3
#5 LPN Programs in Washington [2023 Guide]
Olympic College
Bremerton, WA - 4 years
- Campus
A public institution, Olympic College helps learners prepare for the workforce through associate and certificate programs in nursing. In addition to on-campus programs in Bremerton, Washington, the school delivers online classes students can attend remotely. Online learning eliminates the need to relocate and allows learners the flexibility to maintain full-time employment.
Nursing programs at the associate and certificate levels feature coursework exploring relevant theories and practical knowledge. Individuals often use the training from their degree or certificate program to succeed in entry-level roles in nursing and related fields. An additional option for graduates of certificate or associate programs is to pursue a bachelor's degree, which can lead to increased earning potential.
Olympic College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 35
Number of Certificate Programs: 65
Licensure Requirements for Washington LPNs
LPNs must be licensed in order to practice. Each state has its own requirements; it is very important to understand these requirements before applying for licensure. Here's what aspiring nurses can expect in Washington state.
Basic Eligibility
- Completion of an approved LPN program
Education & Training Requirements
Graduating from an approved LPN program takes less than two years and as little as one, depending on the school. Graduates who have completed the program should ask their school to send an electronic certificate of completion to the Washington State Department of Health Nursing Commission.
Additional Requirements for Licensure
- Submit a copy of official transcripts
- Register to take the NCLEX-PN
- Pass the NCLEX-PN
- Pass an FBI background check (this is done by submitting fingerprints)
- Complete the license application
- Attest to having met the AID education and training requirement
- Submit the proper fees:
- $88.00 LPN application fee
- $200.00 to take the NCLEX-PN
Unlike many other states, Washington does not honor the Nurse Compact Licensure Agreement. This means that a license to practice as an LPN in Washington is good only in that state and does not allow for practice privileges in other states.
Renewal
Washington State LPNs must renew their license every year. Every three years, the nurse must attest to accomplishing the following:
- Have at least 531 hours of active practice
- Obtained at least 45 hours of continuing education
LPNs must pay $96.00 to renew their license each year. There is an additional $50.00 charge for a late renewal. Renewals may be submitted online, by mail or in person. There is a $2.00 convenience fee for renewing online.
Salary for LPNs in Washington
LPNs in Washington can look forward to a good living wage, as evidence by the charts below, which compare not only wages within the state and metro areas, but against the national averages as well.
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[Chart]
| Type | Washington | National |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Wage (25th percentile) | $42,800 | $35,780 |
| Annual Wage (Median) | $48,020 | $42,490 |
| Annual Wage (75th percentile) | $55,840 | $49,450 |
Top Paying Metropolitan Areas
Annual Wage (25th percentile)Annual Wage (Median)Annual Wage (75th percentile)Seattle-Bellevue-EverettMetropolitan DivisionSeattle-Tacoma-BellevueTacoma
[Chart]
| Year | Annual Wage (25th percentile) | Annual Wage (Median) | Annual Wage (75th percentile) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Bellevue-Everett Metropolitan Division | $46,290 | $53,270 | $59,910 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue | $44,620 | $51,230 | $58,160 |
| Tacoma Metropolitan Division | $43,180 | $47,490 | $53,540 |
| Southwestern Washington nonmetropolitan area | $41,470 | $46,890 | $54,210 |
| Olympia | $42,150 | $46,440 | $53,660 |
Washington LPN Employment Trends
The need for LPNs in Washington is expected to be strong, growing 16.8% between 2012 and 2022, according to Projections Central. This amounts to an increase of about 1,400 jobs over that time period. As an added bonus for graduates of LPN programs in Washington, the 2014 median wage for LPNs in the state was notably higher than in the rest of the United States.
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Top Locations for Employment
| Area | Total Employment (2014) |
|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue | 4,080 |
| Seattle-Bellevue-Everett Metropolitan Division | 2,650 |
| Tacoma Metropolitan Division | 1,420 |
| Spokane | 660 |
| Yakima | 380 |
| Area | Total Employment (2014) |
|---|---|
| Bremerton-Silverdale | 370 |
| Bellingham | 330 |
| Olympia | 290 |
| Southwestern Washington nonmetropolitan area | 230 |
| Kennewick-Pasco-Richland | 180 |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2014 Employment of LPNs in Washington 8,750 10,210 Average Annual Openings 380
Source: Projections Central
Resources for LPNs in Washington
Northwest Organization of Nurse Executives (NWone)
NWone exists to advocate on behalf of nursing leadership at all levels and in all practice areas, in both the private and public sectors.
Nursing Students of Washington State
The only nursing organization dedicated to the interests of student nurses at all levels in the state of Washington.
School Nurse Organization of Washington (SNOW)
SNOW represents school nurses and their mission to improve the health and academic success of students.
Washington State Department of Health – Nursing Commission
The Nursing Commission is charged with protecting the public by overseeing the licensing of nurses within the state of Washington.