Become a Nurse in Washington (WA)

Nursing requirements change rapidly. Make sure to confirm licensing requirements with the Washington State Department of Health – Nursing License before applying for licensure. Last updated: 4/3/2020

Education Requirements for Nursing Licenses in Washington
Nursing Licenses in Washington	Master’s Required?
Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM)	Yes
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)	Yes
Nurse Practitioner (NP)	Yes
Registered Nurse (RN)	No
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)	No
Nursing Assistant	No

Washington Nursing Salaries

Washington Nursing Salaries
WA Nurse Career	State-Wide Annual Mean Wage	Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue Annual Mean Wage	Spokane-Spokane Valley Annual Mean Wage	Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA Annual Mean Wage
Licensed Practical Nurse	$57,940	$60,360	$56,320	$54,750
Registered Nurse	$86,170	$90,730	$80,070	$95,420
Nurse Practitioner	$126,920	$124,730	$160,110	$114,280
Nurse Anesthetist	$192,440	$190,730	$189,240	$224,170
Nurse Midwife	$107,810	$114,470	Not Available	$113,030

Careers as a nurse salaries above were retrieved from the Bureau of Labor Statistics – State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates Washington in April 2020.

There are many paths to becoming a nurse in Washington. The one you take will mostly depend on the type of nurse you’d like to become and your current or prospective level of education. The more education, the more opportunities you’ll have to choose where and how you pursue your career in nursing.

In addition to nursing salaries in Washington, you’ll find information on acquiring and maintaining several types of Washington nursing licenses on this page. We’re constantly making updates, but with the speed of change in healthcare, it’s sometimes difficult to stay current. If you have any comments or suggestions for our information on nursing in Washington, please email us at info@nursinglicensemap.com!

Compact State Status

Washington is not a Nursing Licensure Compact state.

Prescriptive Authority in Washington

According to the Revised Code of Washington, Chapter 18, Nurse Practitioners, Certified Nurse Midwives and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists may apply for prescriptive authority of controlled substances under schedule II to V.

Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) in Washington

ARNPs are defined in Washington as nurse practitiooners, certified nurse-midwives, certified registered nurse anesthetists, and clinical nurse specialists.

Education: Graduate degree from advanced nursing education program

Examination: Varies according to prerequisite national certification

Certification Required: National certification varies according to specialty area, but must include active Washington state Registered Nurse license

Experience: Varies according to prerequisite national certification

Fees: $125 Application Fee

Endorsement: Advanced registered nurse practitioners may apply for licensure by endorsement by providing proof of active RN and ARNP license, graduate degree in an advanced nursing education program, national certification, experience as a ARNP, and a completed application with applicable fee.

Renewal: ARNP licenses in Washington expire annually on the nurse’s birthday. ARNPs must provide proof of active certification and 30 contact hours of continuing education during the renewal period.

Learn more on how to become an advanced practice registered nurse.

Registered Nurse (RN) in Washington

Education: Commission-approved nursing education program, which includes seven clock hours of AIDS education

Examination: NCLEX-RN

Fees:

$120 Application Fee
$200 Examination

Endorsement: RNs may apply for licensure by endorsement in Washington with proof of completion of an approved nursing education program, current active RN license in another state, seven hours of AIDS education, and completed application with applicable fee.

Renewal: Registered nurse licenses in Washington expire annually on the nurse’s birthday.

Learn more on how to become a registered nurse.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Washington

Education: Commission-approved nursing education program, which includes seven clock hours of AIDS education

Examination: NCLEX-PN

Fees:

$85 Application Fee
$200 Examination

Endorsement: LPNs may apply for licensure by endorsement in Washington with proof of completion of an approved nursing education program, current active LPN license in another state, seven hours of AIDS education, and completed application with applicable fee.

Renewal: Licensed practical nurse licenses in Washington expire annually on the nurse’s birthday.

Learn more on how to become a licensed practical nurse.

Information on the above nursing careers in Washington was retrieved from the Washington State Department of Health – Nursing License as of April 2020.