BSN Programs in Washington

By EveryNurse Staff on June 14, 2021

Caring individuals in the state of Washington who want a career in nursing can benefit significantly from earning their Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Nursing. There are BSN programs all over the state that cater to students right out of high school, as well as programs designed to help RNs gain their Bachelor’s Degree. A BSN is a necessary step for those who plan to earn a graduate degree in nursing, such as a Master’s or Doctorate’s Degree. These professionals work in a variety of healthcare settings alongside talented doctors and other healthcare professionals.

Schools With BSN Programs in Washington

Eastern Washington University offers their BSN program at the Spokane, Tri-Cities, and Yakima campuses and has a consortium partnership (Intercollegiate College of Nursing) with Washington State University to allow students to complete any required undergraduate courses before applying with EWU. Those who are completing their degree can typically do so within 2 years. Admission to this school is very competitive; only 80 to 85 students are accepted into the BSN program each fall and the majority of those students come from partner schools. Students need at least a 3.0 GPA to be accepted, although most of those accepted have GPAs well above 3.0.

Individuals who live in or around the Spokane area can take advantage of the BSN program at Gonzaga University. This school’s programs are based on Jesuit traditions and the BSN program is steeped in “servant leadership, social justice, community, and reflective practice.” The BSN program is a 9-semester program that offers a more relaxed pace to students. A total of 66 core nursing credits will be required for graduation, and those who complete the program will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN examination.

Northw est College offers a great BSN program for those who want a Christian-based atmosphere to study in. The 4-year BSN prepares students to take on the role of registered nurse and sit for the NCLEX-RN examination in the state of Washington. The program requires completion of 126 credit hours in order to graduate, and curriculum includes courses like Human Anatomy & Physiology, General Psychology and Christian courses like Christian Thought and Biblical Interpretation.

At Pacific Lutheran University,the 134-credit hour BSN program is an excellent option. The program requires three years to complete, after the completion of the prerequisite courses. The program is designed for individuals who have no previous experience in nursing and combines classroom education with hands-on experience in various healthcare settings, including hospitals and long-term care facilities. Individuals who complete the program will have the necessary foundation to continue with their nursing education or take the NCLEX-RN examination.

Individuals interested in attending Seattle Pacific University will be happy to know that they offer a fantastic BSN program, consisting of 180 credit hours, 80 of which are core nursing credits. In order to be considered for the program, individuals must submit to a background check as well as a drug screening and show proof of current immunizations. In addition to the basic BSN program designed for students with no previous nursing experience, this school offers an RN to BSN program for nurses who want to earn their Bachelor’s Degree.

Men and women in the Seattle area can take advantage of Seattle Un iversity, which offers a 180-credit BSN program. Only those who maintain a 3.0 GPA in prerequisite courses will qualify for the program. Individuals will gain the benefit of classroom theory combined with clinical experiences in healthcare facilities throughout the community. They must also complete the Nursing Personal Essay in order to gain entry into the program. Those who graduate will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN examination.

The School of Nursing at the University of Washington provides students with a few different options for earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The regular BSN option is a 2-year upper-division program that requires 60 semester credit hour prerequisites or can take this program as a post-baccalaureate if they have a degree in another field. The advanced BSN option allows students to go through the 18 month BSN program in just 15 months and is designed for those who have earned or are earning a Bachelor’s degree in another field. Both programs adequately prepare the nursing student to sit for the NCLEX-RN and to become qualified, competent nurses. The programs are available at the Bothell and Tacoma campuses as well.

Washington State University’s BSN program is a full-time-only program designed for individuals who have already completed their nursing prerequisites as well as their general education prerequisites. In order to gain entry into the program, individuals must have a prerequisite GPA of 3.0. This school also offers an RN to BSN program designed for nurses who have an Associate degree or diploma.

Washington BSN Checklist

Complete one of the high-quality, accredited BSN programs in the state of Washington and earn your BSN degree.
Sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses, earning a passing score.
Apply for licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN) through the Washington State Department of Health, including the $88 non-refundable application fee.
Maintain your license by renewing it each year by your birthday and including the $97 renewal fee.

Degree Guides

Accelerated BSN Programs

Accelerated Nursing Programs

Online Nursing Programs

Washington Nurse Salary & Job Outlook

Because of the demand for high-quality nurses in the state of Washington, excellent salaries are typically offered for registered nurses. Employers are typically willing to pay more for nurses who have earned their Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Nursing, and there are usually more opportunities available for these professionals. The annual median salary for a registered nurse in Washington is $76,420, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.