Nurses face ethical and leadership challenges every day, and while there is no substitute for experience, there is always room for more knowledge. With this in mind, nurses have a right to know that there is no better time to upgrade their academic credentials. The state offers RNs a great opportunity through several university programs to upgrade to an undergraduate degree – the Bachelor of Science in Nursing or BSN. Read on for more information about how to get started.
2025 Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Washington
Looking for the best online RN to BSN programs in Washington? RegisteredNursing.org has ranked the top options to help you advance your nursing career. Our list focuses on quality, flexibility, and affordability. We make it easy to find a program that fits your needs. Whether you're working full-time or balancing other commitments, these programs offer the support you need to succeed. Check out our rankings to find the right fit for you. Learn more about how we rank programs here.
University of Washington-Bothell Campus
Bothell, WA - Public 4-Year - uwb.edu
Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Washington-Bothell Campus offers an RN to BSN program tailored for registered nurses seeking to elevate their professional qualifications. This hybrid program combines online coursework with in-person sessions, catering to the schedules of working nurses. Students can choose between a full-time path to graduate in one year or a part-time route over two years. The program stands out for its high graduation rate of 90%, multiple start dates in January and September, and classes that convene bi-weekly. Accredited by the CCNE, it emphasizes project-based learning and leadership development, preparing graduates for advanced roles in healthcare. Requires ACT/SAT
- Hybrid program with flexible schedule
- Full-time track graduates in 1 year
- 90% yearly graduation rate
- Three program locations available
- Multiple start dates: January/September
- Accredited by CCNE
- Part-time option available
- Classes meet every other week
University of Washington-Tacoma Campus
Tacoma, WA - Public 4-Year - tacoma.uw.edu
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Washington-Tacoma Campus offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN) program tailored for registered nurses seeking to elevate their careers. This hybrid program blends online and in-person learning, providing flexibility for working professionals. It focuses on enhancing critical thinking, leadership, and advocacy skills, preparing nurses for advanced roles in healthcare. With options for part-time and full-time study, the program is designed to accommodate the busy schedules of RNs. The curriculum leverages students' existing nursing knowledge, offering a pathway to professional growth and expanded opportunities in the evolving healthcare landscape.
- Hybrid learning schedule
- Part-time and full-time options
- Professional skill development
- Builds on existing nursing experience
- Supports leadership skill enhancement
Western Washington University
Bellingham, WA - Public 4-Year - wwu.edu
Bachelor's - RN-to-BSN
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Western Washington University's RN-to-BSN program is a hybrid offering that blends online coursework with in-person sessions, catering to the busy schedules of registered nurses seeking to advance their education. This program stands out for its national accreditation and a curriculum that emphasizes the development of advanced professional competencies in nursing. With 48 upper-division credits, it's tailored to build upon the practical experience of RNs, preparing them for leadership roles and further academic pursuits. The flexibility of full-time or part-time study options, coupled with arranged practice experiences, ensures that students can balance their professional and educational commitments effectively.
- Nationally accredited nursing program
- Hybrid learning format
- 48 upper-division credits
- Designed for working RNs
- Full-time or part-time options
- Practice experiences arranged
- Prepares for graduate studies
Washington State University
Pullman, WA - Public 4-Year - wsu.edu
Bachelor's - RN-BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
Washington State University's online RN-BSN program is tailored for registered nurses seeking to elevate their professional standing without sacrificing their current roles. This accelerated, 30-credit curriculum is delivered entirely online, allowing completion in as little as one year. It uniquely substitutes conventional clinical hours with community and population health projects, fostering real-world application of leadership and evidence-based practice skills. Accredited by CCNE, the program is priced between $582.20 and $956.67 per credit, depending on residency, totaling approximately $17,466 to $28,700. Prospective students must hold an unencumbered RN license, maintain a 3.0 GPA, and fulfill prerequisite coursework requirements.
- Fully online, flexible program
- 30 credit program
- Complete in one year
- Designed for working RNs
- Replace traditional clinical hours
- Community health project focus
- Leadership and management preparation
- CCNE accredited program
- Multiple campus options
- Supports career advancement
Saint Martin's University
Lacey, WA - Private 4-year - stmartin.edu
Bachelor's - Nursing RN to BSN
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Saint Martin's University's RN to BSN program stands out for its hybrid format, blending online coursework with in-person classes one night a week, ideal for working nurses. This program, which can be completed in just one year, emphasizes research, leadership, and community health, preparing graduates for advanced roles in nursing. With flexible start dates, affordable tuition, and scholarship opportunities, it's designed to fit the busy schedules of RNs aiming to enhance their careers. The curriculum's focus on practical, community-based projects ensures students gain real-world experience, all while benefiting from small class sizes and personalized attention in a fully accredited program.
- Complete BSN in one year
- Hybrid learning model
- One night per week class
- Affordable tuition
- Fully accredited program
- Flexible program start dates
- Full or part-time options
- Small class sizes
- Multiple scholarship opportunities
- Washington Board of Nursing approval
Fast & Affordable Program Options
One of the best ways you can level up your career as a nurse is by getting a BSN degree. One of the fastest and most affordable ways to do that is to enroll in an RN to BSN degree program. These programs are shorter than a typical BSN degree program because they build on the nurse’s existing experience and training, saving you more money and time in your busy schedule.
Fastest Online RN to BSN Degree Options
As mentioned, RN to BSN degree programs are much shorter than traditional BSN degree programs, often only requiring a year or two of study. How long you actually spend in school depends on the program and how many transfer credits you have. That being said, here are the fastest RN to BSN programs in the state:
School | Degree Name | Length |
Washington State University | Online RN to BSN | 1 Year |
University of Washington | Online RN to BSN | 1 Year |
Learn more about the Fastest RN to BSN Programs.
Do 6-month RN to BSN Programs Exist?
Yes, they do, but they’re somewhat rare, especially in Washington You can definitely expect to find RN to BSN programs under two years in Washington (as demonstrated above) but to be eligible for 6-month RN to BSN degree program, you’ll need to have a large number of transferable credits and you’ll need to locate a school that accepts them.
Affordable Online RN to BSN Options
Apart from the timeliness of an RN to BSN program, many students are particularly happy with the price. Because you will only be required to enroll for a period of one to two years for your BSN, this means that you will likely only be paying around half the cost compared to a traditional BSN program. Keep in mind that your cost may be more or less costly depending on your state residency status and the cost of living and textbooks in the area where you are enrolling. That being said, here are a few of the cheapest RN to BSN programs in Washington.
School | Degree Name | Tuition Cost |
Olympic College | RN to BSN | $61.02 per credit (Resident) $68.96 per credit per credit (Non-Resident) |
Columbia College | Online RN to BSN | $24,806 per year |
Learn more about the most Affordable RN to BSN Degrees.
Admissions Requirements for Accredited RN to BSN Programs
Across the state, nurses must be certain that when they apply to an accredited RN to BSN program they exactly meet the admissions criteria. While institutions do vary, we’ve compiled a list of the most common criteria that a nurse may encounter during the application process.
- Have full admittance to your university
- Be a graduate of a regionally accredited Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) program
- Maintain an active and unencumbered RN license
- Maintain a grade of ‘C’ or better in prerequisite courses
- Submit a completed nursing application – either online or via mail
- Have ready access to a computer and the internet
- Submit a resume and three professional references
Classes & Courses: What is the Curriculum Like?
Accredited by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, Western Washington University has maintained its accreditation continuously since 1921. Nurses who enter the RN to BSN program at WWU can expect to find a hybrid program with online and on-campus courses that resemble the following:
- NURS 432 Community-Based Care for Vulnerable Populations
- NURS 433 Community-Based Care Practice Experience
- NURS 401 Transitions into Professional Nursing Practice
2025 List of RN to BSN Programs in Washington
Take a look at these great RN to BSN programs in Washington by looking at the listings below.
Find RN to BSN Programs By City:
Bellevue, WA
Bellevue College
- Bachelor's - Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid learning format
- Minimal campus time
- CCNE accredited program
- Designed for working nurses
- Requires current RN license
- Minimum 2.0 GPA requirement
- One year clinical experience
- Selective admission program
Bellingham, WA
Western Washington University
- Bachelor's - RN-to-BSN
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Nationally accredited nursing program
- Hybrid learning format
- 48 upper-division credits
- Designed for working RNs
- Full-time or part-time options
- Practice experiences arranged
- Prepares for graduate studies
Bothell, WA
University of Washington-Bothell Campus
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid program with flexible schedule
- Full-time track graduates in 1 year
- 90% yearly graduation rate
- Three program locations available
- Multiple start dates: January/September
- Accredited by CCNE
- Part-time option available
- Classes meet every other week
Bremerton, WA
Olympic College
- Bachelor's - Nursing (RN-BSN)
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid program format
- Designed for working RNs
- Enhances nursing credentials
- Flexible learning pathway
- Professional development opportunity
College Place, WA
Walla Walla University
- Bachelor's - R.N. to B.S. Entry
Campus Based - Website
- Portland campus location
- Requires 3.0 GPA
- 136+ transferable credits
- Advanced standing exam
- Current R.N. license required
- 16 lower division nursing credits
- 32 upper division nursing credits
Lacey, WA
Saint Martin's University
- Bachelor's - Nursing RN to BSN
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Complete BSN in one year
- Hybrid learning model
- One night per week class
- Affordable tuition
- Fully accredited program
- Flexible program start dates
- Full or part-time options
- Small class sizes
Pasco, WA
Columbia Basin College
- Bachelor's - RN-BSN
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid learning format
- Twice yearly cohort starts
- 40 students admitted annually
- 35 NCLEX credits available
- Requires Associate Nursing Degree
- Washington State RN license required
- Accredited by CCNE
- Expands career opportunities
Pullman, WA
Washington State University
- Bachelor's - RN-BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Fully online, flexible program
- 30 credit program
- Complete in one year
- Designed for working RNs
- Replace traditional clinical hours
- Community health project focus
- Leadership and management preparation
- CCNE accredited program
Tacoma, WA
University of Washington-Tacoma Campus
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN)
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid learning schedule
- Part-time and full-time options
- Professional skill development
- Builds on existing nursing experience
- Supports leadership skill enhancement
Wenatchee, WA
Wenatchee Valley College
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 80% online, 20% face-to-face
- One-year full-time program
- Requires current RN license
- Three campus visits per quarter
- CCNE Accredited program