🌲 Washington LPN to RN Programs 2026

Your Complete Guide to Bridge Programs, Salary Comparison, ROI Analysis & Career Advancement in Washington State

⚡ Quick Facts: Washington LPN to RN

💰 Washington LPN vs RN Salary Comparison 2026

Washington offers some of the highest nursing salaries in the United States, making it an excellent state to advance your nursing career from LPN to RN. Let's break down the numbers and see why this transition makes tremendous financial sense.

Statewide Average Salaries

Credential Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Wage Entry-Level Experienced
LPN $70,380 $33.84 $55,000-$62,000 $75,000-$85,000
RN (ADN/BSN) $106,950 $51.42 $85,000-$95,000 $110,000-$135,000
Difference +$36,570 +$17.58/hour 52% increase
💡 Quick ROI Analysis: With typical ADN program costs of $12,000-$18,000, most Washington nurses recoup their investment in 3-7 months after graduation. Your lifetime earnings increase by more than $1.46 million over a 40-year career.

Regional Salary Breakdown Across Washington

Metro Area LPN Salary RN Salary Annual Increase
Seattle Metro $75,000-$88,000 $110,000-$128,000 +$35,000-$40,000
Bellevue / Eastside $72,000-$85,000 $108,000-$125,000 +$36,000-$40,000
Tacoma $68,000-$78,000 $100,000-$115,000 +$32,000-$37,000
Spokane $62,000-$72,000 $92,000-$108,000 +$30,000-$36,000
Vancouver (Portland Metro) $66,000-$76,000 $98,000-$115,000 +$32,000-$39,000
Everett $70,000-$82,000 $102,000-$118,000 +$32,000-$36,000
Bellingham $65,000-$75,000 $96,000-$110,000 +$31,000-$35,000
Yakima / Tri-Cities $58,000-$68,000 $88,000-$102,000 +$30,000-$34,000

Long-Term Earnings Potential

Let's examine the cumulative financial impact of advancing from LPN to RN in Washington:

🎯 Travel Nursing Premium: Washington-based travel RNs can earn $1,900-$2,600 per week ($98,800-$135,200 annually) with housing stipends and benefits. This represents a 40-50% premium over staff positions.

Salary Data Sources

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🎓 Top 7 Accredited Washington LPN to RN Programs

Washington offers numerous high-quality LPN-to-RN bridge programs through community colleges and technical colleges. All programs listed are approved by the Washington State Board of Nursing and prepare you for the NCLEX-RN exam.

1. Olympic College – LPN to ADN Bridge

Location: Bremerton, WA

Program Type: LPN to ADN

Duration: 4 quarters (12 months) plus 1 transition course

Format: Hybrid (online + in-person clinicals)

Estimated Cost: $12,000-$15,000

Website: www.olympic.edu

Highlights: Designed specifically for working LPNs; flexible scheduling; NCLEX-RN pass rate 88-91%; strong clinical partnerships in Kitsap County.

2. Clover Park Technical College – LPN-RN Transition Program

Location: Lakewood, WA (near Tacoma)

Program Type: LPN to ADN

Duration: 3-4 quarters (12-15 months)

Format: Hybrid with evening/weekend options

Estimated Cost: $11,000-$14,000

Website: www.cptc.edu

Highlights: Working-nurse friendly schedule; accepts multiple entry points per year; excellent clinical placements at MultiCare and CHI Franciscan facilities.

3. Bellingham Technical College – Nursing (LPN to RN)

Location: Bellingham, WA

Program Type: LPN to ADN

Duration: 15-18 months

Format: Hybrid (online coursework + lab/clinical)

Estimated Cost: $13,000-$16,000

Website: www.btc.edu

Highlights: Small cohort sizes; personalized advising; partnerships with PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center; online info sessions offered.

4. Pierce College – Nursing LPN to ADN Bridge

Location: Puyallup & Lakewood, WA

Program Type: LPN to ADN

Duration: 12-18 months

Format: Hybrid (mix of online and in-person)

Estimated Cost: $12,500-$16,000

Website: www.pierce.ctc.edu

Highlights: Two campus options for flexibility; strong support services; excellent NCLEX pass rates; clinical rotations at major South Sound hospitals.

5. Shoreline Community College – LPN to RN Bridge

Location: Shoreline, WA (north of Seattle)

Program Type: LPN to ADN (AAS-T)

Duration: 12-15 months

Format: Hybrid

Estimated Cost: $14,000-$17,000

Website: www.shoreline.edu

Highlights: Transfer-friendly AAS-T degree; close to Seattle Metro job market; strong clinical partnerships with UW Medicine and Swedish Medical Center.

6. Walla Walla Community College – Bridge: LPN to RN

Location: Walla Walla, WA

Program Type: LPN to ADN Bridge

Duration: 12-15 months

Format: Hybrid with evening options

Estimated Cost: $10,000-$13,000

Website: www.wsco.edu

Highlights: Affordable tuition; designed for working nurses currently enrolled in PN program or licensed LPNs; excellent support services; rural healthcare focus.

7. Green River College – BSN Program (LPN Pathway)

Location: Auburn, WA

Program Type: LPN to BSN (via partnership with University of Washington Tacoma)

Duration: 2-3 years

Format: Hybrid

Estimated Cost: $22,000-$28,000

Website: www.greenriver.edu

Highlights: Direct BSN pathway for LPNs seeking bachelor's degree; strong articulation with UW Tacoma; excellent for career advancement and leadership roles.

Additional Washington Nursing Program Resources

💡 Pro Tip: Washington community college tuition is among the most affordable in the nation, especially for in-state residents. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement programs that can cover 50-100% of program costs.

📋 Admission Requirements for Washington LPN to RN Programs

While specific requirements vary by institution, most Washington LPN-to-RN bridge programs share similar admission criteria. Here's what you need to prepare:

General Prerequisites

Entrance Exam: TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills)

Additional Requirements

Application Materials

Application Timeline

Most Washington LPN-to-RN programs admit students once or twice per year. Typical timelines include:

⚠️ Important Note: Washington nursing programs are competitive. Early application submission, strong TEAS scores (75%+), high prerequisite GPAs (3.3+), and relevant healthcare experience significantly improve admission chances.

💵 Financial Aid and Scholarships for Washington Nursing Students

Washington offers numerous financial aid options to help LPNs afford their RN education. Here are the top funding sources:

Federal Financial Aid

Washington State Financial Aid Programs

Nursing-Specific Scholarships in Washington

Employer Tuition Assistance Programs

Many Washington healthcare employers offer tuition reimbursement for LPNs pursuing RN credentials:

Veterans Benefits

Additional Funding Resources

💡 Financial Aid Strategy: Most successful nursing students combine multiple funding sources: federal Pell Grant ($7,395), Washington College Grant (up to full tuition at community colleges), employer tuition assistance ($5,000-$10,000), and nursing scholarships ($1,000-$5,000). This combination can cover 100% of costs.

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📈 Washington RN Job Market and Career Outlook

Washington's nursing job market is exceptionally strong, with high demand for RNs across all regions and specialties. Here's what you need to know about career opportunities as a Washington RN:

Job Market Statistics

Major Washington Healthcare Employers

Employer Locations RN Salary Range Tuition Benefits
UW Medicine / Harborview Seattle, Eastside $95,000-$132,000 Up to $10,000/year
Swedish Health Services Seattle Metro $92,000-$128,000 Up to $8,000/year
Providence Health & Services Statewide $88,000-$125,000 Up to $7,500/year
MultiCare Health System Tacoma, Spokane $85,000-$118,000 Up to $7,000/year
PeaceHealth Bellingham, Vancouver $86,000-$115,000 Up to $6,500/year
Virginia Mason Franciscan Health Seattle, Tacoma $90,000-$122,000 Up to $8,000/year
Overlake Medical Center Bellevue $94,000-$128,000 Up to $7,500/year
Kaiser Permanente Washington Seattle, Renton $92,000-$126,000 Up to $9,000/year

High-Demand RN Specialties in Washington

Advanced Practice Opportunities (Post-BSN)

Washington RNs with BSN degrees can pursue advanced roles such as:

Travel Nursing in Washington

🌲 Washington Nursing Excellence: Washington is recognized nationally for high nursing standards, competitive wages, progressive healthcare policies, and excellent quality of life. The state's eNLC membership means your Washington RN license is valid in 40+ states, providing unmatched flexibility for travel nursing and relocation.

🎯 Washington RN Licensing and NCLEX-RN Preparation

After completing your LPN-to-RN program, you must pass the NCLEX-RN examination to obtain your Washington RN license. Here's everything you need to know:

Washington RN Licensure Process

  1. Graduate from an approved nursing program (LPN-to-ADN or LPN-to-BSN)
  2. Apply for licensure with the Washington State Department of Health - Nursing Commission
  3. Complete background check (Washington State Patrol and FBI fingerprinting)
  4. Register for NCLEX-RN through Pearson VUE
  5. Pass the NCLEX-RN exam
  6. Receive your RN license from Washington State Board of Nursing

NCLEX-RN Exam Overview

Washington NCLEX-RN Pass Rates

NCLEX-RN Preparation Resources

Tips for NCLEX Success

Washington RN License Requirements

💡 eNLC Benefit: Your Washington RN license is a "multistate license" valid in all eNLC states (40+ and growing). This opens up travel nursing opportunities and remote telehealth positions across the nation without obtaining additional licenses.

🌟 Why Washington is Exceptional for RN Careers

Washington stands out as one of the best states in the nation for registered nurses. Here's why advancing from LPN to RN in Washington is a smart career move:

Top Reasons to Become an RN in Washington

1. Among Highest RN Salaries Nationally

2. Outstanding Quality of Life

3. Strong Nursing Education Infrastructure

4. eNLC Multistate License

5. Comprehensive Healthcare Systems

6. Progressive Healthcare Policies

7. Career Advancement Opportunities

8. Generous Employer Benefits

🏔️ Washington Advantage: With no state income tax, high RN salaries, excellent benefits, eNLC license portability, and outstanding quality of life, Washington offers one of the best combinations of income, career opportunities, and lifestyle in the United States. The ROI for advancing from LPN to RN is exceptionally fast (3-7 months), making Washington an ideal state to elevate your nursing career.

💼 Washington LPN to RN Return on Investment (ROI) Analysis

Let's break down the exact financial return you can expect from investing in your Washington LPN-to-RN education:

Investment Required

Cost Category Typical Range Average
ADN Tuition & Fees $10,000-$18,000 $14,000
Books & Supplies $1,000-$2,000 $1,500
NCLEX Prep Course $200-$600 $400
NCLEX Exam Fee $200 $200
Licensing & Background $200-$300 $250
Total Investment $11,600-$21,100 $16,350

Annual Return

Break-Even Timeline

In practical terms: If you graduate in June and start your RN position in July, you will have recouped your entire educational investment by January of the following year.

Long-Term Financial Gains

Time Period Cumulative Additional Earnings Net Gain (After Investment)
Year 1 $36,570 $20,220
Year 2 $73,140 $56,790
Year 5 $182,850 $166,500
Year 10 $365,700 $349,350
Year 20 $731,400 $715,050
40-Year Career $1,462,800 $1,446,450

Note: This analysis assumes constant salaries and does not account for raises, promotions, inflation, or career advancement to specialized/advanced roles. In reality, RNs typically see faster salary growth than LPNs, making the actual ROI even higher.

Additional Financial Benefits

🎯 Bottom Line: The LPN-to-RN transition in Washington offers one of the fastest ROIs in all of higher education. With break-even in 6.5 months and lifetime earnings gains of $1.4+ million, this investment pays for itself many times over. Additionally, Washington's lack of state income tax means you keep more of your increased salary compared to other high-paying states.

Maximizing Your ROI

Here are strategies to improve your ROI even further:

  1. Apply for scholarships and grants to reduce out-of-pocket costs (many Washington students graduate with zero debt)
  2. Use employer tuition assistance if available ($3,000-$10,000/year can cover most/all costs)
  3. Continue working as LPN during school (part-time or PRN) to maintain income
  4. Complete prerequisites at community college for lowest cost per credit
  5. Choose an ADN program first, then complete RN-to-BSN online with employer tuition support
  6. Negotiate new RN salary and sign-on bonus (many Washington hospitals offer $5,000-$15,000 sign-on bonuses for new RN grads)

🚀 Next Steps: Your Path from Washington LPN to RN

Ready to take the next step in your nursing career? Here's your action plan to transition from LPN to RN in Washington:

Immediate Actions (This Month)

  1. Research Programs:
    • Review the 7 top programs listed in this guide
    • Visit program websites and download admission requirements
    • Check application deadlines for your target start date
    • Attend virtual or in-person information sessions
  2. Assess Prerequisites:
    • Request transcripts from all previously attended colleges
    • Compare your completed coursework to program prerequisites
    • Identify any missing prerequisites you need to complete
  3. Talk to Your Employer:
    • Ask HR about tuition assistance programs and eligibility
    • Inquire about flexible scheduling options during school
    • Ask if your facility has partnerships with local nursing programs
  4. Connect with Current Students/Graduates:
    • Reach out to nurses on LinkedIn who attended your target programs
    • Ask about their experience, workload, and advice
    • Join Washington nursing student groups on Facebook

Short-Term Actions (Next 3-6 Months)

  1. Complete Missing Prerequisites:
    • Enroll in any remaining prerequisite courses
    • Aim for A grades (3.5+ GPA) to strengthen your application
    • Many prerequisites can be taken online through Washington community colleges
  2. Prepare for and Take the TEAS Exam:
    • Purchase ATI TEAS study materials (book or online package)
    • Take practice tests to identify weak areas
    • Study 1-2 hours daily for 4-6 weeks before exam
    • Register for TEAS at www.atitesting.com/teas
    • Aim for 75%+ score for competitive applications
  3. Apply for Financial Aid:
    • Complete FAFSA at studentaid.gov/fafsa
    • Research and apply for nursing-specific scholarships
    • Apply for Washington State financial aid programs
    • Check employer tuition assistance deadlines
  4. Gather Application Materials:
    • Request official transcripts (order early; processing can take weeks)
    • Secure 2-3 letters of recommendation from supervisors, instructors, or colleagues
    • Write personal statement/essay (have others review and provide feedback)
    • Update resume with recent healthcare experience
    • Verify your LPN license is active and in good standing

Application Phase (6-12 Months Before Program Start)

  1. Submit Applications:
    • Apply to 2-4 programs to maximize acceptance chances
    • Submit applications well before deadlines (early submission often advantageous)
    • Double-check that all required materials are included
    • Pay application fees
  2. Complete Background Checks & Health Requirements:
    • Complete criminal background check (WSP and FBI fingerprinting)
    • Get drug screening done if required
    • Update immunizations (MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, Tdap, flu, COVID-19)
    • Get TB test (PPD or chest X-ray)
    • Obtain BLS CPR certification (American Heart Association)
    • Complete health exam and obtain proof of health insurance
  3. Attend Interviews (if required):
    • Prepare answers to common nursing interview questions
    • Dress professionally
    • Bring copies of your resume and questions for the program

Pre-Program Phase (After Acceptance)

  1. Accept Offer and Register:
    • Accept your offer promptly
    • Pay enrollment deposit
    • Register for classes and attend orientation
  2. Financial Planning:
    • Finalize financial aid and scholarship awards
    • Create budget for tuition, books, and living expenses during school
    • Discuss work schedule with employer if continuing to work
  3. Academic Preparation:
    • Review anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology basics
    • Familiarize yourself with medical terminology
    • Set up study space and organize time management strategies

During Program

Post-Graduation

  1. Register for NCLEX-RN through Pearson VUE immediately after graduation
  2. Intensive NCLEX Review: 6-8 weeks of focused study (75-100 questions/day)
  3. Pass NCLEX-RN and receive your Washington RN license
  4. Apply for RN Positions:
    • Update resume with new credentials
    • Apply to residency programs and new graduate positions
    • Leverage your LPN network and current employer connections
    • Negotiate salary and sign-on bonuses ($5,000-$15,000 common in WA)
✅ Success Checklist: Breaking this journey into manageable steps makes the LPN-to-RN transition achievable. Most successful Washington bridge students emphasize: early planning, strong prerequisite performance (3.5+ GPA), high TEAS scores (75%+), compelling personal statements, and securing financial aid early. You've got this! 🌲
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📞 Washington State Board of Nursing Contact Information

For questions about licensure, program approval, or nursing regulations in Washington, contact the Washington State Nursing Commission: