Nurse Practitioner Programs in Washington
Nurse practitioners (NPs) are key players in the delivery of high-quality patient care. In Washington, NPs are in high demand. Learn more about the top NP programs in Washington, including how to choose a program, salary potential, and how to become an NP in WA state.
Accredited ARNP Programs in Washington State
Beginning in 2025, a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) could be the minimum requirement for NPs. As a result, the following table focuses only on accredited DNP programs.
Currently, six schools in Washington run DNP programs with accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
| School | Tuition | Program Format | Program Duration | Required Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gonzaga University | $1,140/credit | Online | 2-5 years* | 28-78** |
| Pacific Lutheran University | $1,194/semester credit hour | Campus-based | 2-5 years* | 80 |
| Seattle Pacific University | $899/credit | Campus-based | 2-4+ years* | 48-100** |
| Seattle University | $944/credit | Campus-based | 3-4 years* | 108-176** |
| University of Washington | $982/credit | Hybrid | 3 years | 93 |
| Washington State University | $1,180/credit | Hybrid | 3-4 years* | 34-74** |
**Depending on the program
Featured Online NP Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Gonzaga University
City: Spokane
Gonzaga offers four MSN programs and two DNP programs, one post-bachelor’s and one post-master’s DNP. Each of the CCNE-accredited DNP programs features online courses, a minimum of 1,000 hours of practicum experience, and a final DNP project.
The programs also include campus immersions — two for the post-master’s DNP and at least eight for the post-bachelor’s DNP. Post-bachelor’s students can choose between family nurse practitioner and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner tracks.
- All NP Degree Types Offered: MSN-NP, 2nd MSN-NP, PB-DNP, PM-DNP
- 2 Tracks Available: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
Pacific Lutheran University
City: Parkland
Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) offers CCNE-accredited DNP pathways for bachelor’s and master’s graduates and advanced registered nurse practitioners (ARPN). Additionally, PLU offers specialty areas within each pathway, such as family nurse practitioner and nurse executive.
The post-bachelor’s DNP curriculum includes a final scholarly project plus 1,080 clinical hours, including 600 hours in a specialty area. All DNP programs offer part-time and full-time study options, along with rolling admissions.
- All NP Degree Types Offered: PB-DNP, PM-DNP, MSN-ARNP-DNP
- 4 Tracks Available: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), Nurse Executive (DNP/MBA)
Seattle Pacific University
City: Seattle
Seattle Pacific University (SPU) runs CCNE-accredited post-bachelor’s and post-master’s DNP programs with adult gerontology and family specializations. Classes run once per week and feature a reflective portfolio, scholarly project, and a practicum of over 1,000 clinical hours.
As an SPU nursing student, you can access the sprawling 4,500-sq.ft. nursing clinical learning lab and its many simulated exam rooms and tables.
- All NP Degree Types Offered: PB-DNP, PM-DNP
- 3 Tracks Available: Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Seattle University
City: Seattle
Seattle University has post-bachelor’s and post-master’s DNP programs, as well as the advanced practice nursing immersion program for students with no healthcare background. Each of the CCNE-accredited DNP programs offers several specialty track options, along with full-time and part-time study schedules.
You complete about 150 hours of clinical experiences each quarter, plus the hands-on training at the school’s clinical performance lab.
- All NP Degree Types Offered: PB-DNP, PM-DNP
- 4 Tracks Available: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care (AG-ACNP), Family Nurse-Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (FNP or AGNP), Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), Advanced Practice Nursing Immersion (APNI)
University of Washington
City: Seattle
The University of Washington (UW) features six DNP programs and tracks for both bachelor’s and master’s graduates. The CCNE-accredited programs run full-time in a hybrid format, with up to 50% of online classes and one on-campus day required per week.
Each of UW’s DNP programs includes practice doctorate projects, clinical skills labs, and clinical practicums and immersions. Upon graduating, you qualify to sit for the national examinations in your chosen specialization.
- All NP Degree Types Offered: PB-DNP, PM-DNP
- 6 Tracks Available: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP), Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGNP), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Acute Care (PNP-AC), Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care (PNP-PC), Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
Washington State University
City: Pullman
Washington State University (WSU) offers three DNP tracks to accommodate bachelor’s and master’s graduates. The CCNE-accredited programs start in the fall and feature a hybrid delivery, with some classes running synchronously online. Some classes meet in person 1-5 times each semester, and you can attend classes at one of four WSU campuses.
The DNP programs require you to complete more than 1,000 hours of practicum experience, and you conclude your studies with a final DNP project.
- All NP Degree Types Offered: PB-DNP, PM-DNP
- 4 Tracks Available: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), General
How to Become a Nurse Practitioner in Washington
To become a nurse practitioner in Washington, you must be a licensed registered nurse and complete graduate nursing programs. The Washington State Board of Nursing (WSBON) offers clear guidelines for those seeking nursing licensure.
RN Requirements
To practice as an RN, you must complete an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) and pass the NCLEX licensing exam.
Once you pass the NCLEX, you fulfill all Washington licensure requirements, including completing an online application and submitting verification of your education.
If you attended an in-state nursing program, the school will send a certification of completion (COC) to the WSBON, followed by submitting official transcripts. If you attended school in another state, request your official transcripts be sent to the WSBON.
NP Requirements
To become a nurse practitioner in Washington, you must earn an MSN or DNP from an accredited program. You must then submit an online application and proof that you have successfully passed the national nurse practitioner certification exam.
With an up-to-date Washington RN license, you can apply for prescriptive authority, which requires proof of 30 hours of advanced pharmacology in the last two years.
Starting in 2025, a DNP may be the minimum educational requirement to become an NP. While state licensing boards have yet to update regulations as of June 2024, the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs has reaffirmed its commitment to making DNPs the standard for NPs by 2025.
NP Salary and Career Outlook in Washington
One of the fastest-growing professions in the country, nurse practitioners enjoy a particularly promising outlook in Washington. The Washington Center for Nursing projects over 1,400 annual NP openings between 2021 and 2026 and nearly 1,800 annual NP openings between 2026 and 2031 in the state.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Washington employs more than 4,500 nurse practitioners and pays a mean annual wage of $145,400, the third-highest of any state and considerably higher than the national average of $128,490.
Median Annual NP Salary by Location
Washington
$141,040
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue
$145,430
How Much Do DNP Programs Cost in Washington?
Tuition prices for a DNP program can vary depending on your degree and track choice. For the programs on this list, total tuition costs range from $31,920 to $166,144. In Washington, the median tuition cost for doctoral health programs is $39,000, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
Median Tuition Cost of Doctoral-Level Health Programs
Washington
$39,000
U.S.
$29,231
Featured Online NP Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nurse Practitioner Programs in Washington
The application fee for a nurse practitioner license in Washington is $130. You must also verify your license, which costs an additional $25.
Explore More College Resources
Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs of 2024
Nurse practitioners save lives and help people while pulling six-figure salaries. If that sounds like a good deal, check out these top online NP programs to begin your nursing career.
Updated October 8, 2024
How to Become a Nurse Practitioner
Learn more about the path to becoming a nurse practitioner.
by Joelle Y. Jean, FNP-C, BSN, RN
Updated April 2, 2024
Best Online DNP Programs
Discover the best online doctoral programs in nursing. Learn about the educational and professional pathways available to DNP students.
Updated January 12, 2024
View the most relevant schools for your interests and compare them by tuition, programs, acceptance rate, and other factors important to finding your college home.