Best Online Nurse Practitioner Schools in Washington

Jessica Guzzetti, MBA, BSN, RN, CCHP-RN
Last Updated On Oct 24, 2024
Expert Verified: Jessica Guzzetti, MBA, BSN, RN, CCHP-RN
11 Min Read
Washington

Nestled amongst the Pacific Northwest, Washington State is ripe with opportunities for nurses who want to advance their careers. Whether in the city environment of Seattle or more suburban areas of the state, there are plenty of schools and degree levels for RNs and others who wish to become nurse practitioners. If you're looking for a quick and cost-effective route to an NP career, read on for your options in Washington. Jump to program listings.

2025 - Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in Washington

RegisteredNursing.org's 2025 Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in Washington showcases the top programs for aspiring nurse practitioners in the state. The rankings are based on key factors like completion rates, affordability, institutional reputation, program variety, and faculty expertise. To learn more about how the rankings are determined, visit the methodology page.

1.

Gonzaga University

Spokane, WA

Gonzaga University's nurse practitioner program boasts a rigorous curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on clinical experience. The program offers specialized tracks in family practice, adult-gerontology, and psychiatric-mental health. Gonzaga's nursing department emphasizes holistic care, cultural sensitivity, and community service, preparing students to become compassionate and competent leaders in the healthcare field.

DNP ProgramsMSN Programs
2.

Seattle University

Seattle, WA

Seattle University's nurse practitioner program is ranked among the top in the nation, offering a comprehensive curriculum that combines clinical experiences with evidence-based practice. The nursing department at Seattle University is committed to social justice and compassionate care, preparing graduates to serve diverse populations and address health disparities. Students also have the opportunity to participate in community-based projects and global health initiatives.

DNP ProgramsGraduate Certificate Programs
3.

University of Washington

Seattle, WA

The University of Washington offers highly competitive nurse practitioner programs, with a strong emphasis on evidence-based practice and interdisciplinary collaboration. Their nursing department philosophy focuses on promoting health equity, social justice, and innovation in patient care. Graduates from these programs are well-equipped with advanced clinical skills and leadership abilities to address complex healthcare challenges.

DNP ProgramsGraduate Certificate Programs

Fast & Affordable Nurse Practitioner Programs

Many Washington students are looking to complete their NP education cheaply and quickly. If you have a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) in hand, many graduate NP program options will fit the bill. Keep in mind that online NP programs are increasingly available, and they often allow students to complete the coursework faster and can also be much more cost-effective.

What Are the Fastest Online NP Programs?

Most nurses become NPs by completing either a Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree, or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. The MSN degree is typically the quickest route, taking just 2 years beyond a BSN to complete. DNP programs, however, can take 4-6 years to complete. This means that for those looking to enter NP practice quickly, an MSN will usually be your best bet. Take a look at some of the quickest online MSN-level NP programs in Washington:

School NameLengthFormat
Gonzaga University9 semestersOnline
Pacific Lutheran University2 yearsHybrid

What Are the Most Affordable Online NP Programs?

With today's rising costs, many students value affordability when it comes to completing an NP program. Tuition can range widely depending on degree type, city, and type of institution (public vs. private). Generally speaking, the shorter nature of the MSN program makes it less expensive than the longer DNP option. Those in Washington looking for affordable NP programs might want to consider the following options:

School NameTuition RangeEstimated Credits
Seattle University$944 per credit (DNP)75-80 credits
University of Washington$1,021 per credit (Post-Master’s Certificate and DNP)Varies

Schools Offering Popular Nurse Practitioner Specialties

There are numerous specialty areas available within NP programs. Students can choose to work within a specific area of care, or with a certain population of patients. Specialty tracks are available for every NP degree level, so it's important to consider what kind of NP you want to become before enrolling in a degree program. Some popular specialty options available at Washington universities include:

School NameSpecialtyCredits Required
Washington State UniversityFamily Nurse Practitioner (DNP)Approx. 69
University of WashingtonPediatric Acute Care NP (DNP)Approx. 93
Seattle UniversityAdult-Gerontology Acute Care NP (DNP)Approx.110-173

Find out more about popular NP specialty programs: Acute Care (ACNP), Adult Gerontology (AGNP), Family (FNP), Pediatric (PNP), Psychiatric (PHMNP), Women’s Health (WHNP).

Educational Routes for Nurse Practitioners – Online & Campus

While the MSN and DNP degree routes are the most common pathways to a nurse practitioner career, they are not your only options. Bridge programs and accelerated degree options are also available to help you get where you need to go. Learn more about your options in Washington below.

MSN Nurse Practitioner Programs

The standard Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Washington generally takes two years to complete, and comes in many specialties. Online and hybrid options are also common. One option in Washington includes:

RN to NP Programs

RN to NP programs are bridge programs typically designed to help those with an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) earn an MSN degree. These can also be called ADN to MSN programs, and they combine BSN and MSN coursework into one intensive curriculum. While these are currently scarce in Washington, national online options are available.

DNP Nurse Practitioner Programs

The DNP is the highest degree level an NP can obtain. Increasingly available online, Washington DNP programs allow students to specialize and take 4-6 years on average to complete. They prepare NPs for careers in academia and research as well as clinical roles. Check out this DNP option in the state:

Post-Master's Certificate NP Programs

Post-Master's Nursing Certificates allow RNs who already have an MSN or higher to enter or switch into a nurse practitioner specialty of choice. While not a standalone degree, these certificate programs are cheap and fast options, often taking one year or less to complete. Consider this option:

Accelerated, Direct & Master’s Entry (MENP/MEPN) to Nursing Practice

Some schools offer Accelerated MSN programs, or direct-entry MSN programs, eligible for students who hold a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing subject. These intensive programs have rigorous curricula, but result in an advanced nursing degree. Consider this Washington option:

General Admissions Requirements

Each school in Washington will have its own version of admissions requirements for NP programs, but they all generally consist of some combination of the following:

  • BSN from an accredited school
  • Transcripts from all colleges attended
  • Minimum grade point average (often 3.0 or above, but varies by school/program)
  • Active, unencumbered RN license
  • Essay or statement of purpose outlining career goals
  • Letters of recommendation (academic or professional)
  • Resume or CV

Washington NP License and Certification Requirements

The Washington State Board of Nursing requires NPs to be licensed as Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners (ARNPs). Licensing requirements include:

  • Graduation from an approved nurse practitioner program and active RN license in Washington
  • Must show a work history of at least 250 hours in within the past 2 years (applies only to applicants reactivating a lapsed license)
  • Personal statement
  • HIV/AIDS training
  • Documentation of current certification

Certification for many of the nurse practitioner specialties are available via examination by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Applicants must have an active RN license and have completed a graduate-level nursing program in an applicable specialty.

Washington State grants full practice authority to nurse practitioners, meaning nurse practitioners are given full authority to practice independently without a collaborative agreement of a supervising physician.

NPs in Washington enjoy full practice authority, meaning that they can practice and prescribe medication independently, without physician supervision. Further information and resources on Washington NPs can be found here.

List of NP Programs in Washington

Pullman, WA

DNP Programs
1815 Wilson Rd
Pullman, WA 99164
(509) 335-3564

Seattle, WA

Spokane, WA

Tacoma, WA

Vancouver, WA

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