LPN Programs in Washington [2023 Guide]
Like many other states across the US, Washington is expected to experience a shortage of qualified nurses by 2025. In terms of LPN counts, the state will be short 1,200 nurses. Although this is a concern for health care professionals and leaders, as well as Washington residents, it could mean promising opportunities for those looking to work as a practical nurse in the state.
Those who are ready to take the first step towards this challenging yet rewarding career can use the following guide to get more information on LPN programs in Washington, licensing requirements for employment, and state salary outlook.
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Top 5 LPN Programs in Washington
Bellingham Technical College
Bellingham, WA- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$2,688
- Out-of-state$3,184
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled2,325
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment34%
- AccreditationYes
Wenatchee Valley College
- Wenatchee, WA
- 4 year
- Campus
- In-State$3,636
- Out-of-state$4,078
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled3,352
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment32%
- AccreditationYes
Green River College
- Auburn, WA
- 4 year
- Campus
- In-State$3,635
- Out-of-state$4,078
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled8,435
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment41%
- AccreditationYes
Bates Technical College
- Tacoma, WA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,237
- Out-of-state$14,627
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate67%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled4,377
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment17%
- AccreditationYes
Olympic College
- Bremerton, WA
- 4 year
- Campus
- In-State$3,635
- Out-of-state$4,116
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled6,278
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment44%
- AccreditationYes
Licensure Requirements for Washington LPNs
LPNs must be licensed in order to practice. Each state has its own requirements; it is very important to understand these requirements before applying for licensure. Here’s what aspiring nurses can expect in Washington state.
Basic Eligibility
Education & Training Requirements
Graduating from an approved LPN program takes less than two years and as little as one, depending on the school. Graduates who have completed the program should ask their school to send an electronic certificate of completion to the Washington State Department of Health Nursing Commission.
Additional Requirements for Licensure
Unlike many other states, Washington does not honor the Nurse Compact Licensure Agreement. This means that a license to practice as an LPN in Washington is good only in that state and does not allow for practice privileges in other states.
Renewal
Washington State LPNs must renew their license every year. Every three years, the nurse must attest to accomplishing the following:
LPNs must pay $96.00 to renew their license each year. There is an additional $50.00 charge for a late renewal. Renewals may be submitted online, by mail or in person. There is a $2.00 convenience fee for renewing online.
Salary for LPNs in Washington
LPNs in Washington can look forward to a good living wage, as evidence by the charts below, which compare not only wages within the state and metro areas, but against the national averages as well.
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[Chart]
| Type | Washington | National |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Wage (25th percentile) | $42,800 | $35,780 |
| Annual Wage (Median) | $48,020 | $42,490 |
| Annual Wage (75th percentile) | $55,840 | $49,450 |
Top Paying Metropolitan Areas
Annual Wage (25th percentile)Annual Wage (Median)Annual Wage (75th percentile)Seattle-Bellevue-EverettMetropolitan DivisionSeattle-Tacoma-BellevueTacoma
[Chart]
| Year | Annual Wage (25th percentile) | Annual Wage (Median) | Annual Wage (75th percentile) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Bellevue-Everett Metropolitan Division | $46,290 | $53,270 | $59,910 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue | $44,620 | $51,230 | $58,160 |
| Tacoma Metropolitan Division | $43,180 | $47,490 | $53,540 |
| Southwestern Washington nonmetropolitan area | $41,470 | $46,890 | $54,210 |
| Olympia | $42,150 | $46,440 | $53,660 |
Washington LPN Employment Trends
The need for LPNs in Washington is expected to be strong, growing 16.8% between 2012 and 2022, according to Projections Central. This amounts to an increase of about 1,400 jobs over that time period. As an added bonus for graduates of LPN programs in Washington, the 2014 median wage for LPNs in the state was notably higher than in the rest of the United States.
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Top Locations for Employment
| Area | Total Employment (2014) |
|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue | 4,080 |
| Seattle-Bellevue-Everett Metropolitan Division | 2,650 |
| Tacoma Metropolitan Division | 1,420 |
| Spokane | 660 |
| Yakima | 380 |
| Area | Total Employment (2014) |
|---|---|
| Bremerton-Silverdale | 370 |
| Bellingham | 330 |
| Olympia | 290 |
| Southwestern Washington nonmetropolitan area | 230 |
| Kennewick-Pasco-Richland | 180 |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2014 Employment of LPNs in Washington 8,750 10,210 Average Annual Openings 380
Source: Projections Central
Resources for LPNs in Washington
NWone exists to advocate on behalf of nursing leadership at all levels and in all practice areas, in both the private and public sectors.
The only nursing organization dedicated to the interests of student nurses at all levels in the state of Washington.
SNOW represents school nurses and their mission to improve the health and academic success of students.
The Nursing Commission is charged with protecting the public by overseeing the licensing of nurses within the state of Washington.
