As the gap between patient demand and physician supply widens, advanced-practice nurses are entering the workforce at an increasing rate. Additionally, healthcare organizations are looking to increase efficiency to meet patient care demands. Advanced nursing degrees are necessary for those in executive or advanced-practice roles, and the highest degree a nurse can earn is a Doctor of Nursing Practice. The DNP not only brings nursing experience the table, but also leadership and innovation.

DNP programs can take two to six years to complete, depending on the nurse’s entry point and if they attend full time or part-time. The program begins with core courses, introducing the nurse to the DNP role. After, nurses focus on their specialty track as well as complete a final DNP capstone project.

2025 Best DNP Programs in Washington

Looking for the best DNP programs in Washington? RegisteredNursing.org has you covered. We rank top programs to help you make an informed choice. Our rankings focus on quality, affordability, and student success. Whether you're advancing your nursing career or starting fresh, find the right program for you. Check out our detailed rankings to see which schools stand out. Learn more about how we rank programs here.

#1

Seattle University

Seattle, WA - Private 4-year - seattleu.edu

Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

Campus Based - Visit Website

Seattle University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) offers transformative advanced nursing education across multiple specialized tracks. Designed for nurses and career-changers, this comprehensive program provides flexible entry paths, with completion times ranging from 3-4 years. Students can specialize in areas like Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, Family Nursing, Women's Health, Psychiatric Mental Health, and Certified Nurse-Midwifery. The nationally ranked program boasts over 95% board certification pass rates and prepares graduates for high-demand healthcare leadership roles with competitive salaries averaging $145,400 annually in Washington state.

  • 3-4 Year Completion Options
  • Multiple Specialized Tracks
  • 95% Board Certification Rate
  • Hands-On Clinical Experience
  • Direct Entry for Non-Nurses
  • Nationally Ranked Program
  • High Employment Demand
  • Purpose-Built Clinical Labs
  • Comprehensive Patient Care Focus

Doctorate - Family Nurse-Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Campus Based - Visit Website

Seattle University's Doctor of Nursing Practice in Family Nurse-Adult Gerontology Primary Care prepares advanced practice nurses to deliver comprehensive primary care across diverse populations. This rigorous 3-4 year program offers exceptional training with a 95% board pass rate and high employment potential. Students gain expertise in evidence-based healthcare, learning to provide quality care for patients of all ages while developing leadership skills to address complex healthcare challenges. The program provides multiple certification pathways, including Adult-Gerontology and Family Nurse Practitioner tracks.

  • Doctorate in Nursing Practice
  • 4 years non-nurses, 3 years RNs
  • CCNE Accredited Program
  • 85.7% Job Placement Rate
  • 109-166 Total Credits
  • In-Person Learning Format
  • ANCC/AANPCB Certification Eligible
  • State-of-the-Art Clinical Lab

Doctorate - Nursing, Health Systems Leader, Post-Master's DNP

Campus Based - Visit Website

Seattle University's Post-Master's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Health Systems Leader empowers experienced nurses to transform healthcare through advanced leadership skills. Designed for master's-prepared professionals, this 11-quarter program enables students to address complex healthcare challenges, develop evidence-based practice strategies, and drive systemic improvements. With flexible full-time and part-time options, students can balance work and studies while gaining critical competencies in healthcare policy, technology integration, and interprofessional collaboration.

  • 3-year program duration
  • Full and part-time options
  • 44 total credits required
  • CCNE Accredited program
  • 85.7% job placement rate
  • Clinical hours transferable
  • Leadership-focused curriculum
  • Located near major medical centers

Doctorate - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Campus Based - Visit Website

Seattle University's Doctor of Nursing Practice in Psychiatric Mental Health prepares advanced practice nurses to transform mental health care across diverse patient populations. The comprehensive program equips students with skills to provide integrated mental health and addiction treatment in various clinical settings, serving patients from childhood through older adulthood. Graduates become leaders in addressing healthcare disparities, with a focus on evidence-based interventions and compassionate care. The rigorous 3-4 year program offers in-person learning, clinical immersion, and prepares students for the ANCC certification examination.

  • CCNE Accredited Doctoral Program
  • Lifespan Mental Health Focus
  • In-Person Clinical Training
  • 108-171 Total Credits
  • 85.7% Job Placement Rate
  • 3-4 Year Program Duration
  • State-of-the-Art Clinical Lab
  • Comprehensive Mental Health Curriculum
  • Advanced Clinical Preparation

Doctorate - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner

Campus Based - Visit Website

Seattle University's Women's Health Nurse Practitioner DNP program prepares advanced practice nurses to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care for women across their lifespan. Students gain advanced skills in gynecological care, prenatal and postnatal services, family planning, diagnostic testing, and treatment planning. As Washington's top-ranked nursing school, the program offers a rigorous curriculum grounded in evidence-based research and critical thinking. Graduates are eligible for national certification and can pursue high-demand roles with average annual salaries around $145,400. The three to four-year program welcomes both BSN graduates and non-nurse professionals seeking career transformation.

  • Nationally ranked DNP program
  • Washington's #1 Nursing School
  • 3-4 year program duration
  • In-person clinical training
  • Eligible for NCC certification
  • State-of-the-art clinical lab
  • Located near major medical centers
  • CCNE accredited program
  • 113-176 total credits
  • Multiple entry pathways

Doctorate - Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, DNP

Campus Based - Visit Website

Seattle University's Doctor of Nursing Practice in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care prepares advanced practice nurses for intensive care environments. Students gain hands-on clinical experience with 90 hours of quarterly training, developing critical skills in inpatient, emergency, and critical care settings. The rigorous 3-year full-time program requires two years of acute care experience and offers comprehensive preparation for professional certification exams. With a strong focus on evidence-based practice, leadership, and healthcare innovation, graduates are equipped to make significant contributions in urban and rural healthcare settings.

  • 3-year full-time DNP program
  • 90 clinical hours per quarter
  • 2 years acute care experience preferred
  • CCNE Accredited Program
  • 85.7% job placement rate
  • State-of-the-art Clinical Performance Lab
  • Located at Swedish Cherry Hill Medical Center
  • Eligible for ANCC certification exam
  • 110-173 total program credits
  • In-person learning format

Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care - Campus Based - Visit Website

Seattle University's Doctor of Nursing Practice with Adult-Gerontology Acute Care concentration prepares advanced practice nurses for critical healthcare environments. The rigorous program offers 90 clinical hours per quarter, providing hands-on experience in acute care settings like emergency and intensive care units. Ideal for nurses seeking to maximize their impact, the curriculum develops expert clinical skills and leadership capabilities. Graduates benefit from high employment rates, with Washington nurse practitioners earning an average annual salary of $145,400. Two years of acute care experience is preferred but not mandatory for admission.

  • 90 clinical hours quarterly
  • Acute care practice focus
  • Two years experience preferred
  • $145K average annual salary
  • Nationally ranked DNP program

Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

Concentration: Certified Nurse-Midwifery - Campus Based - Visit Website

Seattle University's Doctor of Nursing Practice in Certified Nurse-Midwifery equips aspiring midwives with comprehensive skills to provide critical healthcare for women. This nationally ranked program (#22) combines traditional midwifery expertise with modern hospital technologies, preparing graduates to support families through childbirth. Students gain advanced clinical skills, evidence-based practice knowledge, and compassionate care techniques essential for delivering high-quality maternal healthcare across diverse settings.

  • Nationally ranked #22 CNM program
  • Comprehensive midwifery training
  • Evidence-based practice focus
  • Trusted midwifery traditions
  • Advanced clinical preparation
Show More 7 Programs ˅
#2

Gonzaga University

Spokane, WA - Private 4-year - gonzaga.edu

Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Gonzaga University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration offers a comprehensive online program designed for aspiring advanced practice nurses. Students gain extensive clinical preparation through 1,000 practicum hours, learning to provide comprehensive care across patient lifespans. The rigorous 78-credit program balances online coursework with strategic on-campus immersions, preparing graduates for national certification and advanced practice licensure. With a flexible hybrid format and competitive per-credit tuition of $1,170, this program equips nurses to excel in diverse primary care settings like clinics, urgent care centers, and community health centers.

  • 78 Total Credits
  • 1,000 Practicum Hours
  • Online with On-Campus Immersions
  • Average 5-Year Completion Time
  • Prepares for National Certification
  • Minimum 8 On-Campus Immersions
  • Faculty Clinical Site Visits
  • Comprehensive DNP Project Required

Doctorate - Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Gonzaga University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner prepares advanced practice nurses to provide comprehensive mental health care across patient lifespans. This rigorous 78-credit hybrid program equips students with advanced clinical skills, prescriptive authority, and extensive practicum experience. Graduates become highly skilled practitioners capable of diagnosing, treating, and managing mental health disorders in diverse healthcare settings. The program includes 1,000 clinical practicum hours and prepares students for national certification, with an average completion time of 5-6 years.

  • 78 total program credits
  • 1,000 clinical practicum hours
  • Hybrid online/on-campus format
  • 7 on-campus immersions
  • Prepares for national certification
  • Advanced clinical practice focus
  • Multiple healthcare practice settings
Show More 1 Programs ˅
#3

Washington State University

Pullman, WA - Public 4-Year - wsu.edu

Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Washington State University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) empowers nurses to become advanced healthcare leaders who transform patient care through evidence-based practice. The program prepares practitioners to operate independently in various healthcare settings, with full diagnostic and treatment capabilities. DNP graduates can diagnose illnesses, interpret diagnostic tests, and prescribe medications across multiple specialties including family practice and psychiatric mental health. Designed for working healthcare professionals, the hybrid program offers flexibility and cutting-edge training in population health, clinical leadership, and advanced nursing interventions.

  • Practice-focused doctoral degree
  • Multiple specialization tracks
  • Interactive videoconference delivery
  • CCNE accredited program
  • Independent practice preparation
  • Four campus location options
  • Advanced clinical leadership training

Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Washington State University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) track prepares advanced nursing professionals to deliver comprehensive primary care across all age groups. This hybrid program combines online learning with strategic in-person lab experiences, offering a flexible pathway for nurses seeking autonomous practice. Students can complete the program in 3-4 years, with tuition ranging from approximately $87,000-$145,000 depending on residency status. Admission requires a nursing bachelor's degree, minimum 3.0 GPA, unencumbered RN license, and preferred one year of nursing experience. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, leadership skills, and clinical expertise, positioning graduates to independently diagnose, treat, and manage patient care in diverse healthcare settings.

  • Hybrid online/campus program
  • Independent practice preparation
  • 3-4 year completion options
  • Comprehensive primary care focus
  • Evidence-based curriculum
  • Practicum in Washington/Idaho/Oregon
  • 1,000 total practicum hours
  • CCNE accredited program
  • Multiple campus location options

Doctorate - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Washington State University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) prepares advanced practice nurses to address critical mental health needs across diverse populations. This comprehensive program equips students with advanced skills in diagnosing, treating, and managing mental health disorders through a hybrid learning model. Designed for working professionals, the program offers flexible online coursework with select in-person lab experiences. Tuition ranges from approximately $87,000-$145,000 depending on residency status, with most students completing the program in 3-4 years. Applicants must hold an active RN license and have preferably one year of nursing experience.

  • Hybrid online/campus program
  • Comprehensive mental health specialization
  • Flexible 3-4 year completion options
  • Advanced practice nurse preparation
  • 1,000 total practicum hours required
  • Multiple campus locations available
  • CCNE Accredited program
  • Independent practice potential
  • RN license prerequisite
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA required

Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Washington State University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration offers advanced healthcare professionals a transformative pathway to independent primary care practice. This rigorous program prepares nurses to diagnose, treat, and manage patient health across the lifespan. Utilizing a hybrid learning model, students complete approximately 74 credits with tuition ranging from $1,180 per credit for residents. Admission requires a nursing bachelor's degree, minimum 3.0 GPA, and 936 hours of nursing experience. Graduates gain expertise in evidence-based practice, clinical decision-making, and comprehensive patient care, positioning them as crucial healthcare leaders in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho's evolving medical landscape.

  • Hybrid online/campus learning
  • Independent practice authorization
  • Comprehensive primary care focus
  • 1,000 total practicum hours
  • Multiple campus options
  • Advanced clinical decision skills
  • Resident tuition ~$1,180/credit
  • Requires 936 nursing hours
  • Synchronous Zoom sessions
  • DNP project capstone experience

Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Washington State University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner prepares advanced practice nurses to deliver comprehensive mental health care. This rigorous program equips students to assess, diagnose, and treat psychiatric disorders with expertise and compassion. Graduates gain advanced clinical skills to provide independent mental health services, addressing critical healthcare needs in diverse communities. The hybrid program offers flexibility for working professionals, enabling them to advance their careers while maintaining clinical practice.

  • Practice-focused doctoral degree
  • Hybrid program delivery
  • Independent practice eligible
  • CCNE accredited program
  • Multiple campus options
  • Prepares advanced mental health practitioners
Show More 4 Programs ˅
#4

Pacific Lutheran University

Tacoma, WA - Private 4-year - plu.edu

Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Pacific Lutheran University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration provides advanced healthcare professionals a pathway to leadership and specialized clinical expertise. This comprehensive program offers flexible full-time and part-time options, preparing nurses to develop quality healthcare systems and improve patient outcomes. Graduates become eligible for Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (APRN) licensure after completing the program and passing national certification exams.

  • Three program pathway options
  • Full-time and part-time study
  • Small cohort sizes
  • Clinical placements arranged
  • CCNE accredited program
  • Leadership-focused curriculum
  • Inter-professional team preparation

Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Pacific Lutheran University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program equips nursing professionals with advanced clinical expertise and leadership skills. Specializing in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), students can complete the program in 3-4 years, with flexible full-time and part-time options. The program prepares graduates to improve healthcare outcomes, develop quality improvements, and become advanced practice registered nurses. Graduates are prepared to take national certification exams and obtain state licensure, with clinical placements arranged by faculty to ensure comprehensive training.

  • Flexible full-time/part-time options
  • Small cohort learning environment
  • Faculty-arranged clinical placements
  • CCNE accredited program
  • Three pathway options: BSN-DNP, MSN-DNP, MSN-APRN to DNP

Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Pacific Lutheran University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) prepares advanced nursing professionals to lead transformative healthcare solutions. This rigorous program offers flexible full-time and part-time options, enabling nurses to develop specialized skills in mental health treatment. Graduates gain expertise in developing quality healthcare systems, collaborating across interdisciplinary teams, and driving significant patient outcome improvements. With small cohort sizes and personalized clinical placements, students receive high-quality, individualized education preparing them for leadership roles in psychiatric nursing.

  • Three pathways to DNP
  • CCNE Accredited Program
  • Full and part-time options
  • Specialized PMHNP concentration
  • Clinical placements arranged by faculty
Show More 2 Programs ˅
#5

Seattle Pacific University

Seattle, WA - Private 4-year - spu.edu

Doctorate - Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP)

Campus Based - Visit Website

Seattle Pacific University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Family Nurse Practitioner prepares advanced practice nurses to lead transformative healthcare systems. This comprehensive program equips students with clinical expertise, leadership skills, and a Christian-centered approach to patient care. Designed for registered nurses with a minimum of 12 months of experience, the program requires a Bachelor's or Master's in Nursing with a 3.0 GPA. The rigorous 11-quarter, full-time curriculum integrates evidence-based practice, advanced clinical training, and interprofessional collaboration across diverse healthcare settings.

  • 100 total credit program
  • Full-time 11-quarter schedule
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA required
  • 12+ months RN experience needed
  • Advanced clinical practicum included
  • Christian values integrated
  • Interprofessional collaboration focus
  • Leadership and transformation emphasis

Choosing a DNP Program

Many nurses seeking a higher degree have been away from academia for a while and may be unsure where to start. Washington has five accredited DNP programs to choose from, so prospective students may feel overwhelmed at where to start. The following describes which essential items should be considered.

What to Consider When Choosing a DNP Program

A DNP capstone project is also required. This involves identifying a healthcare-related issue and proposing evidence-based solutions to improve patient care outcomes.

Another type of "residency" involves post-graduate work in a fellowship-type position. For example, nurse practitioners can work in a specialty area to further their learning experience and build upon skills learned in the DNP program. Washington has multiple residency programs in areas such as Family Medicine, Pediatrics, hospital medicine, and gastroenterology.

Seattle University offers not only BSN and MSN applicants opportunity to earn a DNP, but non-nurses as well. For non-nurses, they provide an “Advanced Practice Nursing Immersion” program to prepare students to become licensed as an RN. For nurses, the following specialty tracks are available:

For more information, prospective students are encouraged to visit their website.

Admission, Licensing, and Certification Requirements

Admission

Criteria for admission to a DNP program in Washington may vary between schools. Generally, students should expect to:

Certification

Nurses enrolled in DNP programs who are not yet APRNs or CNSs, or those who wish to change their specialty, are eligible to sit for certification exams after graduating. Examples of specialty certification include:

Additionally, DNP graduates can obtain certification in Nurse Leadership, Nurse Executive, or Public Health.

Licensing

Specialty certification is required for licensure in Washington (if applicable). Additional requirements include:

Washington BSN to DNP Options

It may come as a surprise to RNs that one can obtain a DNP without first graduating from an MSN program. BSN nurses can apply for admission to a DNP program in Washington; in fact, four out of the five accredited schools have a BSN to DNP option. Most of the time, an MSN is earned along the way.

Washington State University offers several options for BSN to DNP students:

The learning method for students follows a “hybrid” model. Most of the courses are taught online, while in-person classes are in a 1-2 day “block” format. Additionally, in-person courses may be completed at multiple sites. Full or part-time study is available, and students can expect to finish the program in about 3-4 years if attending full-time, and 4-5 years if attending part-time. Also, the school has research and teaching assistant positions available.

For more information, students are encouraged to visit the university's WSU DNP website.

Related Education Paths

Helpful DNP Agencies and Organizations in Washington