
Washington LPN to RN/BSN Programs
Tucked atop the Pacific Northwest, Washington state places a high emphasis on skilled nurses in the workforce. Many LPNs in the state are choosing to enroll in LPN to RN bridge programs in order to advance their careers and enter the world of registered nursing. RNs enjoy better career prospects, more challenging duties, and higher paychecks. RNs in Washington earn an average of $29,380 more annually than LPNs in the state do, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Want more details on the LPN to RN educational pathway? Learn about taking and passing the NCLEX-RN exam and check out the Washington State Board of Nursing for information on licensing, education, and available organizations and associations for registered nurses in the state.
2025 Best LPN to RN Programs in Washington
Looking to advance your nursing career in Washington? PracticalNursing.org has ranked the best LPN to RN programs in the state. These programs help licensed practical nurses become registered nurses. They offer flexible schedules and support for working students. Our rankings focus on quality, affordability, and student success. Find the right program to meet your goals. Learn more about how we rank programs at https://practicalnursing.org/rankings-methodology/.
Walla Walla University
College Place, WA - Private 4-year - wallawalla.edu
Associate - L.P.N. to B.S.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Walla Walla University's L.P.N. to B.S. Nursing Entry program is tailored for Licensed Practical Nurses aiming to elevate their qualifications to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. This campus-based program is ideal for working professionals, offering a blend of flexible scheduling and rigorous academic standards, including a 3.0 GPA prerequisite. Located in Portland, it emphasizes the validation of prior learning through standardized exams and requires clinical experience, making it a robust option for nurses seeking career advancement without redundant coursework.
- Portland campus program
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- 85+ transferable credits
- Unrestricted LPN license
- Advanced standing possible
- Clinical experience required
- Standardized exam validation
Bachelor's - L.P.N. to B.S. Entry
Campus Based - Visit Website
The L.P.N. to B.S. Entry program at Walla Walla University provides a direct route for LPNs to achieve a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, focusing on leveraging existing clinical skills for academic credit. With a requirement of 85+ transferable credits and a 3.0 GPA, this Portland-based program stands out for its potential to award up to 16 nursing credits for prior experience. It's designed for those looking to fast-track their education, incorporating a standardized exam to assess and validate nursing knowledge, ensuring a comprehensive and efficient pathway to a BSN.
- Portland campus location
- 3.0 GPA required
- 85+ transferable credits
- Unrestricted LPN license
- 16 potential nursing credits
- Standardized exam validation
- Comprehensive prerequisite requirements
Saint Martin's University
Lacey, WA - Private 4-year - stmartin.edu
Bachelor's - Nursing LPN to BSN
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Saint Martin's University provides an LPN to BSN program tailored for licensed practical nurses aiming to elevate their nursing qualifications. This hybrid program spans two years, offering flexibility for working professionals with weekly classes and clinical practicums. It stands out for granting 15 credits towards the BSN for LPN licensure, fostering a quicker transition to RN status. With a focus on hands-on learning, students engage in community-based clinical experiences, supported by a cohort model. The program prides itself on a high NCLEX pass rate of 92%, CCNE accreditation, and a requirement of a 3.0 GPA for admission, alongside scholarship opportunities.
- Two-year BSN completion program
- Hybrid learning model
- One day weekly classes
- 15 credits from LPN license
- 92% NCLEX pass rate
- CCNE accredited program
- Cohort model support
- Clinical experiences in community
- 3.0 GPA admission requirement
- Scholarships available
Wenatchee Valley College
Wenatchee, WA - Public 4-Year - wvc.edu
Bachelor's - LPN to BSN
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Wenatchee Valley College offers an LPN to BSN program designed for licensed practical nurses seeking to elevate their qualifications to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. This hybrid program efficiently blends online learning with essential on-campus sessions, catering to working professionals. Over a span of two years and 90 credits, the curriculum is meticulously crafted to cover advanced nursing practices, patient care strategies, and leadership skills. Unique features include a cap on class sizes to 15 students, ensuring personalized attention, and a structured 6-quarter timeline for completion. The program also boasts comprehensive NCLEX-RN preparation and hands-on clinical experiences across Washington, preparing graduates for the complexities of modern healthcare environments.
- Hybrid learning format
- 90 credit total program
- 6 quarter completion timeline
- 15 student maximum class size
- NCLEX-RN preparation
- 75 nursing core credits
- Clinical experiences in Washington
Columbia Basin College
Pasco, WA - Public 4-Year - columbiabasin.edu
Associate - LPN to BSN
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Columbia Basin College's LPN to BSN hybrid program is tailored for LPNs seeking to elevate their nursing credentials while maintaining employment. Over 7 academic quarters, students engage in online coursework complemented by weekend clinicals, leveraging advanced simulation labs for hands-on learning. The program stands out for its holistic admissions, small cohort sizes of 16, and the option to earn up to 35 NCLEX credits. Designed with the working nurse in mind, it offers a balanced curriculum that prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN and diverse nursing careers, all at a competitive cost.
- Online and weekend classes
- 7 academic quarters long
- 16 students per cohort
- State-of-the-art simulation labs
- 35 NCLEX credits available
- Holistic admissions process
- Prepares for RN licensure
- One of 5 LPN to BSN programs statewide
Bachelor's - LPN to BSN
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
At Columbia Basin College, the LPN to BSN program merges online learning with weekend clinicals over 7 quarters, ideal for LPNs aiming for RN licensure without pausing their careers. This program distinguishes itself with state-of-the-art simulation labs, a holistic admissions approach, and the flexibility to complete prerequisites while working. With only 16 students admitted each year, it ensures personalized attention. Graduates are well-prepared for the NCLEX-RN, equipped with critical thinking skills and patient-centered care knowledge, opening doors to advanced nursing roles and further education opportunities.
- 7 quarter hybrid nursing program
- Online classes, weekend clinicals
- One of 5 LPN to BSN programs statewide
- 16 students admitted annually
- State-of-the-art simulation labs
- NCLEX exam credit option
- Holistic admissions process
- Multiple prerequisite options
- Clinical experiences at local facilities
Grays Harbor College
Aberdeen, WA - Public 4-Year - ghc.edu
Associate - Transition from LPN to ADN
Campus Based - Visit Website
Grays Harbor College's Transition from LPN to ADN program is tailored for licensed practical nurses aiming to elevate their nursing career to the next level. This campus-based program seamlessly integrates LPNs into the associate degree nursing curriculum, emphasizing critical areas such as the nursing process, sterile procedures, and safe medication administration. With a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical clinical hours, students are thoroughly prepared for the demands of the ADN program. Prospective students must have graduated from an approved practical nursing program, hold a current Washington State LPN license, and possess recent clinical experience. This program stands out for its focus on intravenous therapeutics and medication safety, offering a solid foundation for LPNs transitioning to RN roles.
- Campus-based program.
- 2.00 course credits.
- Includes clinical hours.
- Focus on nursing process.
- Sterile procedures training.
- Medication administration safety.
- Intravenous therapeutics instruction.
- Requires LPN license.
- Recent clinical practice needed.
- Facilitates ADN program entry.
List of 2025 LPN to RN or LPN to BSN Programs in WA
Below is the 2025 best comprehensive list of LPN to RN programs in Washington. Some of these programs may be a ADN or BSN degree, please visit the school's website for program details.
Aberdeen, WA
Grays Harbor College
- Associate - Transition from LPN to ADN
Campus Based - Website
- Campus-based program.
- 2.00 course credits.
- Includes clinical hours.
- Focus on nursing process.
- Sterile procedures training.
- Medication administration safety.
- Intravenous therapeutics instruction.
- Requires LPN license.
Auburn, WA
Green River College
- Associate - LPN to BSN Program
Campus Based - Website
- 2-year full-time program
- 90 total credit program
- 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate
- 32-student cohort size
- State-of-the-art simulation lab
- Selective admissions process
- Fall quarter start date
- Approximately $23,000 total cost
- Bachelor's - LPN to BSN Program
Campus Based - Website
- 2-year full-time program
- 90 total credits
- 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate
- State-of-the-art simulation lab
- Approximately $23,000 total cost
- Selective admissions process
- 32-student cohort size
- In-person learning format
Bellingham, WA
Bellingham Technical College
- Associate - LPN-RN Nursing Program
Campus Based - Website
- Nationally accredited nursing program
- DTA/MRP associate degree
- Total program credits: 47
- 93% NCLEX first-time pass rate
- 91% graduate job placement rate
- Face-to-face clinical and classroom instruction
- Pathway to BSN completion
- Total tuition around $13,200
Bremerton, WA
Olympic College
- Associate - Transition to Associate Degree Nursing (LPN to RN)
Campus Based - Website
- Four-quarter specialized nursing curriculum
- Prepares LPNs for RN licensure
- Accredited nursing program
- Comprehensive clinical training
- Requires prerequisite science courses
- NCLEX-RN exam preparation
- Diverse healthcare career opportunities
- Professional role development focus
College Place, WA
Walla Walla University
- Associate - L.P.N. to B.S.
Campus Based - Website
- Portland campus program
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- 85+ transferable credits
- Unrestricted LPN license
- Advanced standing possible
- Clinical experience required
- Standardized exam validation
- Bachelor's - L.P.N. to B.S. Entry
Campus Based - Website
- Portland campus location
- 3.0 GPA required
- 85+ transferable credits
- Unrestricted LPN license
- 16 potential nursing credits
- Standardized exam validation
- Comprehensive prerequisite requirements
Lacey, WA
Saint Martin's University
- Bachelor's - Nursing LPN to BSN
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Two-year BSN completion program
- Hybrid learning model
- One day weekly classes
- 15 credits from LPN license
- 92% NCLEX pass rate
- CCNE accredited program
- Cohort model support
- Clinical experiences in community
Lakewood, WA
Clover Park Technical College
- Associate - LPN-RN Transition Program
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Part-time evening/weekend program
- Five-quarter Associate Degree
- 42 nursing credits required
- Clinical experiences included
- NCLEX-RN exam preparation
- Pre-accreditation status NLN
- High employability rates
- Flexible learning environment
Pierce College District
- Associate - LPN to RN
Campus Based - Website
- Four nursing program options
- Full-time and part-time tracks
- NCLEX-RN exam preparation
- Transfer to four-year universities
- Mandatory COVID-19 vaccination
Longview, WA
Lower Columbia College
- Associate - LPN-entry, campus-based program option
Campus Based - Website
- 3-quarter campus-based program
- For licensed practical nurses
- Multiple quarterly entry options
- Competitive admission process
- Direct transfer degree option
- Clinical skills training included
- Prepare for RN licensure exam
- Associate - LPN-entry, eLearning program option
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid campus and eLearning options
- Multiple program entry pathways
- Multi-state RN licensure preparation
- Minimum 1,000 LPN work hours required
- ACEN accredited program
- Competitive admission process
- Focuses on critical nursing skills
Mount Vernon, WA
Skagit Valley College
- Associate - RN Advanced Entry AAS Degree
Campus Based - Website
- Advanced entry for LPNs
- 99 total credits
- Full-time program
- NCLEX-RN preparation
- Flexible placement options
Pasco, WA
Columbia Basin College
- Associate - LPN to BSN
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Online and weekend classes
- 7 academic quarters long
- 16 students per cohort
- State-of-the-art simulation labs
- 35 NCLEX credits available
- Holistic admissions process
- Prepares for RN licensure
- One of 5 LPN to BSN programs statewide
- Bachelor's - LPN to BSN
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 7 quarter hybrid nursing program
- Online classes, weekend clinicals
- One of 5 LPN to BSN programs statewide
- 16 students admitted annually
- State-of-the-art simulation labs
- NCLEX exam credit option
- Holistic admissions process
- Multiple prerequisite options
Shoreline, WA
Shoreline Community College
- Associate - LPN to RN Advanced Placement Option AAS-T
Campus Based - Website
- 110-credit AAS-T program
- Advanced placement for LPNs
- On-campus clinical training
- Flexible start quarters
- Pathway to BSN programs
- Good employment outlook
- Multiple career opportunities
- Varied healthcare sector options
Tacoma, WA
Tacoma Community College
- Associate - LPN to RN Associate in Nursing (DTA/MRP)
Campus Based - Website
- Full-time, one-year program
- Accredited by ACEN
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
- Winter quarter admission
- Requires active LPN license
- Advanced clinical training
- Comprehensive prerequisites required
- Weighted lottery admission process
Wenatchee, WA
Wenatchee Valley College
- Bachelor's - LPN to BSN
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid learning format
- 90 credit total program
- 6 quarter completion timeline
- 15 student maximum class size
- NCLEX-RN preparation
- 75 nursing core credits
- Clinical experiences in Washington
Washington LPN vs RN Salary Comparison By Area
The table below compares the annual salary of a licensed practical nurse (LPN) to a registered nurse (RN), along with the percent increase that can be expected. The data was retrieved from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for LPNs and RNs in Washington.
On average an RN in Washington earns $56,032, which is 16% more than the national average for registered nurses ($48,109).
City/Area | Avg LPN Salary | Avg RN Salary | % Diff |
---|---|---|---|
Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue - WA | $58,530 | $85,840 | 46.7% |
Spokane, Spokane Valley - WA | $53,150 | $79,200 | 49.0% |
Kennewick, Richland - WA | $54,020 | $78,120 | 44.6% |
Olympia, Tumwater - WA | $54,180 | $76,600 | 41.4% |
Yakima - WA | $52,490 | $76,130 | 45.0% |
Bremerton, Silverdale - WA | $53,980 | $82,070 | 52.0% |
Wenatchee - WA | $47,580 | $80,650 | 69.5% |
Mount Vernon, Anacortes - WA | $45,540 | $81,070 | 78.0% |
Longview - WA | $51,170 | $68,300 | 33.5% |
Bellingham - WA | $48,700 | $58,410 | 19.9% |
Walla Walla - WA | $53,120 | $71,080 | 33.8% |
Table data taken from 2018 BLS https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291141.htm & https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292061.htm