Your Guide to the Best Online RN to BSN Programs in WA

Inside Online RN to BSN Programs in Washington State

Washington State is rated the best state in the country for nurses, and you can make a promising career even better through an RN to BSN program. Online RN to BSN programs in Washington State prioritize flexibility for working nurses. While some have face-to-face clinical requirements, others are entirely online and asynchronous. Hybrid programs include a combination of on-campus and online classes, and some programs offer flexible start and course completion dates as well. If you have your RN license, you likely qualify for an online RN to BSN program, and you will want one that is affordable, has strong academics, and offers robust student support services. The schools spotlighted below provide a great starting place to find the best RN to BSN option for you.

FAQs for Washington State RN to BSN Online Students

Most students in your shoes have the same questions. They want to know program length, cost, and financial aid availability for RN to BSN programs, as well as the benefits of earning a BSN. They also want information on the process and how to find a quality program. Each of these topics are covered in detail below.

What additional nursing skills and knowledge will I gain in an RN to BSN program in Washington State?

While the specific curriculum in on-campus and online RN to BSN programs in Washington differs among schools, each trains students to serve as patient advocates, so they can work in every aspect of healthcare and evaluate patients’ conditions, provide treatment and medication, and advise patients on aftercare related to injuries and illnesses. Nurses also collaborate with doctors and other health professionals, so each Washington-based online RN to BSN program prepares them to assist in diagnostic testing, analysis of test results, and patient care plans. While providing a similar nursing foundation, each school has a unique emphasis, such as cultural and social issues and community-based care, to help build a strong nursing resume and get an employer’s attention.

How long does it take to complete an RN to BSN program in Washington State, how much does it cost, and is it worth it?

If enrolled full-time, you can complete your RN to BSN program in Washington State in nine months to a year. Part-time students spend about two years. The cost of on-campus and online RN to BSN programs in Washington State varies by program and location with full- or part-time enrollment also having an impact. In general, private education costs more than public education, and in-state tuition costs less than out-of-state tuition. Since more than 88% of employers prefer BSN program graduates over nurses with an associate degree or diploma, the time and cost for completing your BSN is definitely worth it.

Can I get financial aid to help pay for my RN to BSN program in Washington State?

No matter which Washington state RN to BSN program you choose, expect the school to treat your degree program as a traditional undergraduate degree. This means you can apply for financial aid like any student. If you’ve already worked as an RN, you might qualify for employer payment contributions, Pell grants, state grants, and Stafford loans. Also look for scholarships specifically for nurses and national nursing scholarships and grants and find out what scholarships your school offers. Some schools even offer exemptions for at least part of their nursing tuition, so check the details before determining which is the best value.

How do I go from being an RN to a BSN in Washington State?

Once you have an ADN or nursing diploma along with a Washington State nursing license, which you should already have if you’re a practicing RN in the state, or a multistate nursing license, you can enroll in an RN to BSN program in Washington State. Some programs accept students provisionally if they are nearing completion of these requirements. While each program has a unique focus and approach, they each include high-level nursing courses and either a practicum or research project to cement skills. After you complete your RN to BSN program, you will be considered a BSN and can start leveling up in position and pay.

What should I look for in a quality RN to BSN program in Washington State?

Your ideal RN to BSN program in Washington should provide flexibility to fit your schedule, which means understanding its balance of on-campus and online offerings. Make sure the school and program are accredited, have high NCLEX-RN pass rates, is affordable, and has high retention, graduation, and employment rates. Also make sure the program offers the program pace that works for you since quality won’t matter if you can’t effectively balance your coursework with other life commitments. Quality programs also offer accessible student services and job placement assistance in addition to a program emphasis that gives you essential experience guided by professional nursing instructors.

Salary & Career Comparison: RN vs. BSN

Washington State needs nurses, and completing an RN to BSN program in Washington State prepares nurses for a job market projected to grow 6% by 2031. The state currently has 65,030 nurses and low projected competition for jobs. After completing an RN to BSN program in Washington State, earnings depend on location and specialization. Expect to earn more in larger cities like Seattle and Bellevue and a bit less in smaller towns like Bellingham. On average, RNs in Washington State earn $111,030 per year.

Though salary data doesn’t differentiate between RNs with and without BSNs, BSN-educated nurses typically make more money because they can qualify for specialized fields, advanced practice roles, and leadership/management roles. Examples of roles usually only available to nurses with BSNs include charge nurse, clinical nurse specialist, nurse educator, and public health nurse. BSN nurses can also work in the public sector as consultants. RNs without BSNs still have plenty of opportunities available to them (e.g., staff nurse, occupational health nurse, and consulting) and make good money, though many inpatient and outpatient healthcare settings now prioritize hiring RNs with BSNs. Be sure to do your research and consider all the variables before deciding the right path for you.