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 you covered. We rank programs to help you find the right fit for your career goals. Our list focuses on quality, flexibility, and support for working nurses. Start advancing your nursing career today with a program that suits your needs. Check out our rankings to make an informed choice. 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 RN to BSN program at the University of Washington Bothell offers registered nurses a strategic pathway to advance their nursing career. Designed for working professionals, this hybrid program allows students to complete their Bachelor of Science in Nursing in just one year full-time or two years part-time. With multiple start dates and locations, the program provides flexibility while maintaining high academic standards, boasting an impressive 90% graduation rate. Students benefit from project-based learning, diverse perspectives, and opportunities to develop leadership skills in the healthcare field.
- 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
Washington State University
Pullman, WA - Public 4-Year - wsu.edu
Bachelor's - RN-BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
Washington State University's RN-BSN program offers registered nurses a flexible, comprehensive pathway to advance their nursing career. Designed for working professionals, this 30-credit online program can be completed in just one year. Students benefit from a curriculum that emphasizes leadership, evidence-based practice, and population health, preparing them for expanded roles in healthcare. With a focus on professional development, the program replaces traditional clinical hours with innovative community and population health projects. Tuition ranges from $582.20 to $956.67 per credit for residents and non-residents, respectively, with total program costs estimated around $17,466-$28,700. Admission requires an unencumbered RN license, 3.0 GPA, and completion of prerequisite courses.
- 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
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 offers registered nurses a streamlined pathway to complete their bachelor's degree. Designed for working professionals, this hybrid program allows flexible learning with face-to-face and online classes. Nurses gain advanced professional competencies essential for complex healthcare environments, with 48 upper-division credits that build upon existing nursing knowledge. The nationally accredited program prepares students for potential graduate studies and meets rigorous professional nursing standards, enabling career advancement and deeper healthcare understanding.
- 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
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's RN-BSN program empowers working nurses to advance their professional skills and academic credentials. Designed for registered nurses with associate degrees or diplomas, this flexible hybrid program supports career growth and leadership development. Students enhance critical thinking, communication, and advocacy skills while exploring diverse healthcare contexts. The curriculum builds upon existing nursing knowledge, preparing graduates for expanded professional roles and opportunities in modern healthcare settings.
- Hybrid learning schedule
- Part-time and full-time options
- Professional skill development
- Builds on existing nursing experience
- Supports leadership skill enhancement
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 offers a dynamic RN to BSN program designed for working nurses seeking career advancement. Completed in as little as one year, this hybrid program allows students to attend class just one night per week while balancing professional and academic commitments. The program provides comprehensive nursing education with courses covering research, leadership, health policy, and community health. Students benefit from flexible start dates, affordable tuition, and opportunities for meaningful community-based capstone projects. Scholarships are available through various nursing organizations, making this an accessible pathway for registered nurses to elevate their credentials and professional potential.
- 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
Bellevue, WA 98007
(425) 564-2167
Bellingham, WA
Western Washington University
Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 650-6631
Bremerton, WA
Olympic College
Bremerton, WA 98337-1699
(360) 394-2749
Lacey, WA
Saint Martin's University
Lacey, WA 98503-7500
(360) 412-6129
Spokane, WA
Washington State University
Spokane, WA 99202
(509) 324-7332
Wenatchee, WA
Wenatchee Valley College
Wenatchee, WA 98801
(509) 682-6800
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