LPN to RN Programs in Washington (2026)

Three accredited paths from LPN to Registered Nurse in Washington: the fastest LPN-to-ADN bridge, the long-term LPN-to-BSN, and an Accelerated BSNfor LPNs who already hold a bachelor's. Compare side-by-side on tuition, length, format, and outcomes — pick the best match for your goals and budget.

+$40K
Avg RN Salary Increase
9
LPN, ADN & BSN Programs

ADN Programs in Washington

Associate Degree in Nursing programs — the most common outcome of an LPN-to-RN bridge. 1 program available in Washington.

Free info packetsNo obligationAccredited programs only

Sort by
Showing 1 of 1 program

Sponsored · Disclosure

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) options in WA — compare partner programs accepting applications now.

Excelsior University logo
ADNOnline

Excelsior University

ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing)

$14,560 total24 mo program58% grad rate

See all nursing programs in Washington

LPN-to-BSN Programs in Washington

Skip the ADN-then-RN-to-BSN detour. These accredited BSN programs accept LPNs into a 2–3 year pre-licensure bachelor's track — the best long-term value when Washington hospital systems prefer BSN-prepared nurses at hire. 8 traditional BSN programs in our directory below the sponsored matches.

Free info packetsNo obligationAccredited programs only

More programs
Western Governors University logo

Western Governors University

WGU's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Pre-Licensure) program prepares you for a successful nursing career. This 100% online program requires 124 credits and can be completed in about 36 months, provi…

BSNOnlineCCNEEst. $35,700 total92% NCLEX
Aspen University logo

Aspen University

Aspen University’s BSN — Pre-Licensure program offers a pathway for students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. This 120-credit program is fully online and can be completed in 36 months, makin…

BSNOnlineCCNEEst. $28,800 total
National University logo

National University

National University's BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) program is a comprehensive pre-licensure pathway that prepares you for a successful nursing career. Offered entirely online, this 120-credit…

BSNOnlineCCNEEst. $45,000 total
Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences logo

Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences

BSN (Pre-Licensure Online). Online format.

BSNOnlineCCNEEst. $52,000 total91% NCLEX
University of Washington logo

University of Washington

The Traditional BSN program at the University of Washington is a 48-month, on-campus degree designed for those seeking a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. With a total of 120 credits, this program offe…

BSNOn CampusCCNEEst. $60,000 total
Excelsior University logo

Excelsior University

The BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) completion program at Excelsior University is available 100% online, allowing you to earn your degree on your schedule. This 120-credit program can be finishe…

BSNOnlineACENEst. $30,000 total
Southern New Hampshire University logo

Southern New Hampshire University

SNHU's BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) program is a comprehensive online degree designed for those starting their nursing journey. This 120-credit program takes approximately 48 months to comple…

BSNOnlineACENEst. $50,400 total
American Public University System logo

American Public University System

The BSN program offers a comprehensive curriculum for individuals pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Delivered entirely online, this 36-month program requires 120 credits, allowing you to bal…

BSNOnlineCCNEEst. $27,000 total

Accelerated BSN (ABSN) Programs in Washington

The fastest path to a BSN if you already hold a bachelor's degree in another field — typically 12–20 months full-time. Many programs award advanced standing for your LPN clinical experience, lowering tuition and shortening the timeline further.

Free info packetsNo obligationAccredited programs only

Compare all fastest nursing programs in Washington

Match Me to the Best LPN-to-RN Program in Washington

Advancing to RN in Washington can mean +$40K/year. We'll match you to the 9+ LPN, ADN, and BSN options that best fit your budget, schedule, and timeline — enter your zip code to start.

Among the LPN and ADN programs shown for Washington in our sample, 89% are fully online, 0% hybrid, and 11% on-campus (first-page results from our directory).

Why Advance from LPN to RN in Washington?

The LPN-to-RN bridge is one of the most financially efficient moves in nursing. LPNs already have clinical experience and foundational medical knowledge — bridge programs build on that foundation rather than starting from scratch, cutting the time to RN licensure in half compared to a pre-licensure ADN program.

In Washington, registered nurses earn an average of $99,710 per year — roughly $39,980 more than the national LPN median. With Washington nursing job growth projected at 8.5% through 2032, the demand for RNs — and the salary premium they command — will only grow.

Washington is not a Nurse Licensure Compact state. After earning your RN license in Washington, you'll need to apply for licensure by endorsement to practice in other states. Consider this if you plan to relocate or work travel contracts.

Beyond pay, RN licensure expands your scope of practice to include comprehensive patient assessments, IV therapy, care plan development, and greater clinical autonomy. It also opens the door to specialty certifications, charge-nurse roles, and graduate programs (MSN, DNP) that can lead to advanced practice salaries exceeding $120,000.

Pick Your Best-Fit LPN-to-RN Pathway in Washington

The right program depends on three things: how fast you need to be earning an RN wage, whether Washingtonhospital systems you want to work for prefer a BSN, and whether you already hold a bachelor's degree in another field. Use the value-prop summary below to narrow your shortlist before comparing listings.

Best Value

LPN → ADN

  • Duration: 12–18 months
  • Cost: Lowest — community college tuition typical
  • Outcome: Associate Degree + NCLEX-RN eligibility
  • Best for: LPNs who want to start earning RN wages as fast and cheaply as possible

Most nurses later complete an online RN-to-BSN while working.

Best Career

LPN → BSN

  • Duration: 2–3 years
  • Cost: Mid–high (offset by employer tuition aid)
  • Outcome: Bachelor of Science in Nursing + NCLEX-RN eligibility
  • Best for: LPNs targeting Magnet hospitals, charge/leadership roles, or grad school in Washington

Preferred (and increasingly required) for Washington acute-care hires.

Fastest to BSN

Accelerated BSN (ABSN)

  • Duration: 12–20 months full-time
  • Cost: Higher tuition — but you finish a BSN in a year+
  • Outcome: BSN + NCLEX-RN eligibility
  • Best for: LPNs who already hold a non-nursing bachelor's degree

Many ABSN programs award LPN-credit advanced standing — ask each admissions office.

Admission Tips for LPN-to-RN Applicants in Washington

Current, Active LPN License

Most programs require an active, unencumbered LPN license in Washington at time of enrollment. Verify your license is in good standing with the Washington Board of Nursing before applying.

Prerequisite Science Courses

Anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and chemistry are commonly required. Check each program's prerequisites before applying — completing them at a community college while working as an LPN is a common strategy.

Work Experience

Most programs prefer 1+ year of clinical LPN experience. Some require it. Highlight diverse clinical settings (hospital, long-term care, home health) in your application.

Credit Evaluation

Request a credit evaluation from each program's admissions office to understand exactly how much of your LPN coursework transfers. This directly affects total cost.

How do I go from LPN to RN in Washington?
To advance from LPN to RN in Washington, enroll in an LPN-to-RN bridge program at an accredited nursing school. These programs typically award credit for your LPN coursework and take 12 to 18 months to complete. At graduation you sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. The Washington Board of Nursing (https://www.doh.wa.gov/LicensesPermitsandCertificates/NursingCommission) issues RN licenses and can confirm current requirements.
How long does LPN to RN take in Washington?
Most LPN-to-RN bridge programs available in Washington take 12 to 18 months full-time. Part-time enrollment extends the timeline to 18–24 months. Programs that award a direct-entry BSN at completion may take longer than those that award an ADN.
How much more do RNs earn than LPNs in Washington?
Registered nurses in Washington earn an average of $99,710 per year (BLS May 2023). The national median for licensed practical nurses is $59,730 — a difference of roughly $39,980 per year. Most LPN-to-RN programs pay for themselves within the first year of RN practice based on that salary increase alone.
Do LPN credits transfer in Washington?
Most LPN-to-RN programs accept 15 to 30 LPN credits through advanced standing or articulation agreements. The exact number depends on the program and your LPN coursework. Some schools require a validation exam or skills assessment before awarding credit. Ask each program's admissions office for a transfer credit evaluation before applying.
What is the difference between LPN-to-ADN, LPN-to-BSN, and Accelerated BSN in Washington?
LPN-to-ADN bridge programs (typically 12–18 months) award an Associate Degree in Nursing and NCLEX-RN eligibility — best value and fastest route to RN licensure. LPN-to-BSN programs take 2–3 years but award a bachelor's degree, which many Washington hospital systems prefer for direct-care positions and which is required for graduate nursing programs. Accelerated BSN (ABSN) programs (12–20 months) are aimed at LPNs who already hold a non-nursing bachelor's degree — fastest path to a BSN, but tuition runs higher. Many nurses complete the ADN first to start earning RN wages sooner, then finish an online RN-to-BSN while working.
Can I do an Accelerated BSN (ABSN) as an LPN in Washington?
Yes — if you already hold a bachelor's degree in any field. ABSN programs in Washington typically run 12–20 months full-time and many award advanced-standing credit for your LPN clinical work, which can shorten the timeline and reduce tuition. If you do not yet have a bachelor's, an LPN-to-BSN or LPN-to-ADN program is the right starting point.
Is Washington in the Nurse Licensure Compact?
No, Washington is not a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state. After earning your RN license in Washington, you will need to apply for licensure by endorsement to practice in other states.

Washington RN License Information

Renewal Cycle

2 years

CE Hours Required

8 hours

NLC Compact Member

No

Source: Washington Board of Nursing

Free Program Matching

Get Matched with Accredited Nursing Programs

Tell us your zip code and program preference, and we’ll connect you with top nursing schools that match your goals — tuition budget, schedule, and location.

Takes 30 seconds — completely freeCompare tuition, accreditation, and program lengthNo spam — only programs that fit your criteria

Find Programs Near You

Enter your details to see matching programs.

Free. No obligation. No spam.

We collect anonymous, aggregate analytics by default to help us improve the site — no cookies are set and you are not personally identified. Click Accept All to enable cookie-based analytics for more accurate measurement. See our Privacy Policy for details. You can change your choice anytime via Cookie Preferences in the footer.