Washington's Employment Security Department projects registered nurse openings will outpace licensed practical nurse growth through 2030, and hospital systems from Spokane to Tacoma are already advertising RN-only floor positions that LPNs cannot fill without a bridge credential. For working LPNs, the fastest legal route to that RN license runs through a bridge program, typically one year for an associate degree track, longer for a direct BSN.
The ranking below orders Washington's bridge programs by first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate, using completion rate and accreditation status to break ties.
Cost, seat availability, and clinical scheduling still separate a workable plan from a stalled one, and those constraints vary sharply by campus.
Top Washington LPN to RN Programs by NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
Washington's LPN to RN and LPN to BSN bridges are ordered below by the first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates their graduates have posted in recent state reporting. Each card covers the details that actually decide a bridge choice: cost, schedule, and how the program admits working practical nurses. Where graduation or retention figures come up, they describe the whole college and not the nursing program alone.
How we ranked these
- Institutional graduation rates
- Completion and retention trends
- First-time NCLEX-RN pass rates
- Accreditation and state approval
- Access for working LPNs
- IPEDS institutional survey data from NCES covering graduation rates, student-faculty ratios and net price — nces.ed.gov
- NCLEX first-time pass rates published by the state boards of nursing — ncsbn.org
- College Scorecard graduate earnings — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Internal program database
- Independent editorial research
Centralia College
Centralia College runs a single LPN to RN transition pathway, and it is built for speed: licensed practical nurses who clear the entrance requirements join the two-year RN cohort as second-year students instead of starting over. The Associate in Applied Science-Transfer spans 72 units, with clinical placements running at hospitals and facilities across Centralia, Chehalis, and Olympia. Cohorts are deliberately small, so applicants should expect real competition for seats. Instruction is campus based, and clinical shifts can begin before dawn, which suits LPNs who already work early rotations.
- Associate in Applied Science-Transfer, 72 units
- Active LPNs enter as second-year students
- Around 24 students admitted each year
- 97% licensure pass rate reported by the college
- Accredited by the National League for Nursing CNEA
- Clinical placements in Centralia, Chehalis, and Olympia
- 96% employment reported at six months
- Coursework delivered through Canvas
LPN/LVN to RN, Associates — On-Campus
Green River College
Green River College offers one of the state's more direct LPN to BSN bridges, letting working practical nurses move from LPN to baccalaureate-prepared RN in one program rather than stacking an associate degree and a separate completion degree. The 90-credit curriculum blends classroom teaching, campus lab practice, and community clinical experiences, with full-time and part-time tracks and two start points each year. A simulation lab with high-fidelity manikins gives students room to practice high-stakes scenarios before they reach patients. The college reports a perfect licensure pass rate for its full-time track.
- 90-credit LPN to BSN bridge, campus based
- $28,000 total program tuition
- Full-time track finishes in two years
- Part-time track spreads across three years
- Fall and winter start dates
- 100% licensure pass rate reported for the full-time track
- Simulation lab with high-fidelity manikins
- Military benefits accepted
LPN to BSN Program, Associates — On-Campus
Bellingham Technical College
Bellingham Technical College has educated nurses since 1954 and runs the largest nursing program in its region, with an LPN-RN bridge that slots licensed practical nurses into the second year of the associate degree. The concept-based curriculum covers six quarters, and the resulting DTA/MRP credential is built to transfer cleanly into Washington RN-to-BSN programs afterward. Preceptor-guided clinicals take place in acute care hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and hospice settings across Whatcom County, and graduates are hired heavily by local employers. The program reports a 100% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for 2024.
- ACEN accredited and state approved
- $12,600 total program tuition, $268 per credit
- 47 credit hours across six quarters
- Concept-based curriculum with capstone
- Preceptor-guided clinicals in acute care, skilled nursing, and hospice
- DTA/MRP framework transfers into Washington RN-to-BSN programs
- Largest nursing program in the region, teaching since 1954
- 100% first-time NCLEX pass rate reported for 2024
LPN-RN Nursing Program, Associates — On-Campus
Skagit Valley College
Skagit Valley College gives Washington LPNs several entry points into registered nursing: a full-time AAS that starts LPNs in the second quarter of RN coursework, a part-time path spread across six quarters with summer, and a separate advanced placement option on Whidbey Island. All routes are ACEN accredited, and the DTA/MRP structure is engineered so credits carry into Washington BSN programs without loss. Clinical practicums run in medical-surgical, obstetric, pediatric, and complex care settings. It is a strong choice for LPNs in the north Puget Sound area who want a clear in-state ladder from PN to RN to BSN.
- ACEN accredited Associate in Applied Science
- Full-time option completes in four to five quarters
- 99 total credit hours
- LPNs enter during the second quarter of RN coursework
- Part-time schedule spreads over six quarters, including summer
- Prerequisites in biology, chemistry, English, and math
- Requires a current Washington LPN license
- Credits build toward a Bachelor of Applied Science
- Advanced placement track for PN program graduates
- Covers the second year of the RN curriculum
- Offered at the Whidbey Island campus
- Leads to an ATA credential
- Prepares students for the NCLEX-RN
Registered Nursing, AAS (LPN to RN), Associates — On-Campus
Advanced Placement (LPN) Registered Nursing, ATA, Associates — On-Campus
Wenatchee Valley College
Wenatchee Valley College built its LPN to BSN track for nurses who cannot relocate or leave the workforce: instruction is largely hybrid, with online theory and periodic campus sessions for simulation and skills. The 90-credit curriculum covers pathophysiology, pharmacology, health assessment, leadership, and community health, and closes with a capstone project. Students start in spring and complete six quarters, with clinical rotations arranged in the surrounding region. It is one of the few baccalaureate LPN pathways on the east side of the Cascades.
- 90 credit hours over six quarters
- Hybrid format mixing campus sessions and online theory
- Starts in spring
- $50 application fee
- 2.5 GPA minimum plus prerequisite coursework
- Capstone project required
- Coursework in pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment
- Clinical requirements include CPR card, drug screen, and immunizations
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (LPN to BSN), Associates — Hybrid
Olympic College
Olympic College covers both rungs of the ladder: an ACEN-accredited LPN to RN transition into the associate degree program, and a CCNE-accredited BSN with a dedicated Veterans and Licensed Practical Nurse pathway for LPNs who want the baccalaureate from the start. The ADN transition takes four quarters plus a bridging course and admits a small group each spring, so planning around the August application deadline matters. Instruction blends lecture, simulation lab, and clinical rotations in hospitals, long-term care, home health, and community agencies. The BSN pathway adds coursework in clinical reasoning, analytics, leadership, and population health.
- ACEN accredited and state approved
- 90 total credit hours, four quarters plus a transition course
- Spring start with an August 31 application deadline
- Entrance exam and Accuplacer reading test required
- Requires a current Washington LPN license
- Associate in Technical Arts degree awarded
- Clinical rotations plus simulation lab practice
- CCNE accredited Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Veterans and Licensed Practical Nurse to BSN pathway
- A separate RN to BSN pathway is also offered
- Focus on clinical reasoning, analytics, and leadership
- Coursework in population health and policy
- Portfolio required for graduation
Transition to Associate Degree Nursing (LPN to RN) — On-Campus
Bachelor of Science in Nursing, VL-BSN Pathway — Hybrid
Pacific Lutheran University
Pacific Lutheran University offers a CCNE-accredited LPN to BSN for practical nurses who want to earn the bachelor's degree inside one continuous program. The 128-credit curriculum threads four clinical practicums through assessment, pathophysiology, pharmacology, chronic and complex care, mental health, leadership, and health policy, drawing on a network of close to 100 clinical partner agencies around Tacoma. Cohorts begin in fall or spring, with a priority deadline in February and a final deadline in May. Graduates qualify to sit for the NCLEX-RN in all 50 states.
- CCNE accredited BSN, 128 total credit hours
- Two start dates each year, fall and spring
- 3.0 GPA minimum with prerequisite coursework
- 64 semester hours of nursing coursework
- Four clinical practicums with simulation and lab work
- Nearly 100 clinical partner agencies around Tacoma
- Priority deadline February 1, final deadline May 1
- Graduates qualify for NCLEX-RN in all 50 states
L.P.N. to B.S.N., Bachelor's — On-Campus
Tacoma Community College
Tacoma Community College compresses the bridge into a single year: licensed practical nurses enter at level three of the Associate in Nursing program and finish four consecutive quarters, with prior learning credit recognized for first-year nursing coursework. The degree follows the DTA/MRP framework, so graduates who pass the NCLEX-RN can transfer into Washington BSN programs as seniors. Admission runs through a weighted lottery rather than a first-come queue, and military service earns bonus points. It is a full-time, campus-based option in the South Sound with one winter start each year.
- ACEN accredited, one-year full-time bridge
- Four-quarter sequence that starts in winter
- DTA/MRP degree transfers to Washington BSN programs
- LPNs enter at level three with prior learning credit
- 2.5 GPA minimum; prerequisites require a B or higher
- Weighted lottery admission with military service points
- Requires an active Washington LPN license
LPN to RN Associate in Nursing (DTA/MRP) — On-Campus
Saint Martin's University
Saint Martin's University delivers an LPN to BSN in about two years, with one day of in-person class each week, one clinical day, and the rest of the coursework online. Students receive 15 credits for their LPN experience, then work through pathophysiology, pharmacology, population health, nursing leadership, and research before a capstone. Clinical placements are arranged with hospitals and community agencies across the South Puget Sound. Small cohorts and a schedule built around shift work make it workable for LPNs who intend to keep practicing while they study.
- CCNE accredited BSN completed in about two years
- 120 total credit hours; 15 awarded for LPN experience
- One in-person class day plus one clinical day each week
- 3.0 GPA minimum, including prerequisite sciences
- 92% licensure pass rate reported by the university
- Clinicals in South Puget Sound hospitals and community sites
- $3.5 million invested in nursing labs and scholarships
- Named a Nursing College of Distinction for 2026-27
Nursing LPN to BSN, Associates — Hybrid
Highline College
Highline College runs a small, tightly focused LPN to RN bridge: 91 credits, 15 of them transferred in from the LPN program, and only eight to ten students admitted each quarter. Instruction is full time and face to face, covering complex care, critical care, leadership, and transition to practice, with preceptorship and community practicums rounding out the clinical hours. There are three entry points each year, but the 3.0 requirement in every prerequisite keeps the applicant pool competitive. It is a straightforward campus option for LPNs in the Seattle-Tacoma corridor.
- 91 credit hours, 15 transferred from the LPN program
- Full-time, face-to-face instruction only
- Three start dates: fall, winter, and spring
- Only 8 to 10 students selected per quarter
- 3.0 GPA required in each prerequisite course
- Requires an active Washington LPN license
- Coursework in complex care, critical care, and leadership
- National background checks required for clinical placements
Registered Nursing - LPN to RN, AAS, Associates — On-Campus
LPN to ADN vs LPN to BSN: Which Bridge Path Fits Your Career Goals?
Washington LPNs weighing bridge options face a pivotal choice: finish faster with an ADN or invest more time for a BSN. The good news is you do not have to decide forever right now. Thanks to the statewide Associate in Nursing DTA/MRP agreement, ADN graduates can transfer up to 90 quarter credits (plus 45 credits for passing the NCLEX-RN) into a public university BSN program, entering with senior standing. Several community colleges also maintain formal partnerships with institutions like Western Governors University and University of Washington Bothell, creating a clear ADN-to-BSN pipeline.
Side-by-Side Program Comparison Table
The table below consolidates key details for every ranked Washington LPN to RN and LPN to BSN bridge program, including tuition, format, and accreditation where available. The approximate average net price column reflects an institution-wide estimate drawn from federal data, not a program-specific figure. Accreditation bodies shown are based on published program materials; where a program has not confirmed its accrediting body, the field is marked accordingly.
| School | Program | Degree | Format | Tuition (In-State) | Tuition (Out-of-State) | Approx. Avg. Net Price (Institution-Wide) | Program Length | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green River College | LPN to BSN | BSN | Campus | $4,711 | $5,263 | $13,803 | 2 years (90 credits) | NLN CNEA |
| Bellingham Technical College | LPN to RN | ADN | Campus | $4,431 | $5,809 | $5,997 | 47 credits | ACEN |
| Skagit Valley College | Nursing AAS (LPN to RN) | ADN | Campus | $5,400 | $7,410 | $6,064 | 4 to 5 quarters (99 credits) | Not confirmed |
| Columbia Basin College | LPN to BSN | BSN | Hybrid | $6,555 | $8,668 | $8,317 | 7 academic quarters | CCNE |
| Olympic College | Transition to ADN (LPN to RN) | ADN | Campus | $4,472 | $9,740 | $7,172 | 4 quarters plus one course (90 credits) | ACEN |
| Wenatchee Valley College | LPN to BSN | BSN | Hybrid | $4,552 | $5,054 | $9,722 | 6 quarters | Not confirmed |
| Tacoma Community College | LPN to RN Associate in Nursing (DTA/MRP) | ADN | Campus | $5,507 | $11,646 | $8,376 | 1 year (4 quarters) | ACEN |
| Lower Columbia College | LPN Entry Nursing Program | ADN | Campus | $4,626 | $6,003 | $7,630 | 3 quarters | ACEN |
| Saint Martin's University | Nursing LPN to BSN | BSN | Hybrid | $45,510 | $45,510 | $28,119 | 2 years | CCNE |
| Pierce College | LPN to RN | ADN | Campus | $5,418 | $5,976 | $10,222 | 3 quarters (full-time) or 5 quarters (part-time) | ACEN |
| Shoreline Community College | LPN to RN Advanced Placement Option AAS-T | ADN | Campus | $5,115 | $7,905 | $8,585 | Up to 6 quarters | Not confirmed |
Washington by City
Explore other Washington related topics
Related Articles
Admission Requirements Across Washington LPN-to-RN Programs
Washington's LPN-to-RN bridge programs share a common baseline: an active, unencumbered LPN license, a competitive GPA in prerequisite coursework, and (in most cases) a standardized entrance exam. Beyond that baseline, the details diverge enough that careful planning matters. Most programs cluster their minimum GPA between 2.5 and 3.0, and the majority ask for at least 1,000 hours of recent LPN practice. The table below breaks down what each school requires so you can gauge where you already qualify and where you may need to fill gaps.
| School | Min GPA | LPN Experience Required | Entrance Exam | Key Prerequisites | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pierce College | 3.0 (B) or better in each prerequisite | Active WA LPN license required; specific hour minimum not published | Designated entrance test (specific exam not published) | ENGL& 101, PSYC& 200, BIOL& 241, BIOL& 242, CHEM& 121, BIOL& 260, MATH& 146 | Sept. through Oct. 5, 2026 (full-time LPN-to-RN cohort) |
| Edmonds College | 2.5 cumulative in PN coursework | Minimum 12 months as an LPN | Holistic review; no published TEAS cut score for LPN-to-RN track | 65 credits including BIOL& 160 or 211, BIOL& 241 or 231, BIOL& 242 or 232, BIOL& 260, CHEM& 121, ENGL& 101, MATH& 146, NUTR& 101, PSYC& 100, PSYC& 200, Communications (5 cr.), Humanities (10 cr.) | March 20, 2026 (Fall 2026 cohort) |
| Lower Columbia College | 2.8 cumulative in support courses (C or higher in each) | 1,000 hours of LPN practice within the last five years | ATI TEAS (Reading 69%, Math 63.3%, Science 45.8%, English 60%) plus Kaplan Fundamentals NGN (minimum 58%) | ENGL& 101, MATH 210, PSYC& 100, PSYC& 200, BIOL& 160, BIOL& 241, BIOL& 242, BIOL& 260, CHEM& 121, NUTR& 101 | June 30, 2026 |
| Olympic College | 2.0 in each prerequisite | Active WA LPN license required; hour minimum not published | Next Generation Accuplacer Reading Comprehension (minimum score 260) | ENGL& 101, CHEM& 121 (or CHEM& 141/151 and 142/152), PSYC& 100 or 102, BIOL& 241, BIOL& 242, BIOL& 260, NURSE 151, NURSE 152 | August 31 (priority deadline) |
| Shoreline Community College | 2.0 in all prerequisite courses | At least one year as a licensed LPN | NLN-PAX Pre-Nursing Exam (composite score of 103 or higher, 50th percentile) | All Nursing Program prerequisites; science courses have no time limit for LPN-to-RN applicants | Three windows each year: Jan. 15 to Apr. 3, Aug. 15 to Oct. 3, Nov. 15 to Jan. 10 |
| Skagit Valley College | 3.0 cumulative in science prerequisites and 3.0 cumulative in all nursing prerequisites | Active WA LPN license required; hour minimum not published | ATI TEAS at Proficient level or higher (minimum 58.7% overall; Reading 69%, Math 63.3%, Science 45.8%, English 60%) | BIOL& 211 or 160, BIOL& 241, BIOL& 242, CHEM& 121, BIOL& 260, NUTR& 101 | Not published in available materials |
| Bellingham Technical College | 3.0 (B) in core prerequisites; 2.0 (C) in additional courses | 1,000 hours of LPN practice within the last five years | ATI TEAS historically required at Proficient level in all four areas; however, BTC announced TEAS is no longer required for its nursing programs as of April 2023 | ENGL& 101 or 102, MATH& 146, PSYC& 200, BIOL& 241, BIOL& 242, CHEM& 121 or 161, BIOL& 260 | January through July (rolling window) |
Online, Hybrid, and Campus-Based LPN-to-RN Options in Washington
Washington LPNs considering an RN bridge have three broad delivery formats: online, hybrid, and campus-based. Online tracks suit nurses who need maximum control over study hours because they can watch lectures and complete discussion posts around rotating shifts. The tradeoff is that they require reliable internet access and strong time management; clinical rotations are still completed in person at approved Washington facilities.
Students who want more structure without being tied to a campus every week often look at Hybrid LPN Programs. These tracks move foundational theory online while scheduling skills labs, simulations, and clinical hours in a face-to-face setting, which helps reinforce assessment, medication administration, and care planning skills.
Before choosing a bridge format, it helps to start with the strongest entry point. This guide’s Best LPN Programs in Washington list can help you compare prelicensure options by location and NCLEX-PN performance, but the same geographic and scheduling factors carry into RN-level study.
At the RN level, limit your shortlist to Accredited LPN and RN Programs so your bridge coursework transfers cleanly and your eventual NCLEX-RN eligibility is not put at risk by a school with weak state board recognition.
Because Washington has both urban and rural training sites, the schools below are sorted using the same LVN/LPN Programs Ranking Methodology applied across PracticalNursing.org, with emphasis on NCLEX-RN pass rates, completion patterns, and support for working LPNs.
Campus-based programs remain the most structured option for learners who want predictable face time with faculty, while online and hybrid tracks reduce commuting pressure. In every format, verify that the program’s clinical placement coordinator can secure sites within a reasonable drive from your home, because Washington’s healthcare employers often draw new RNs from the same regional facilities where students train.
Tuition, Financial Aid, and ROI for Washington LPN-to-RN Graduates
Bridging from LPN to RN in Washington is one of the clearest financial upgrades in healthcare. The math is straightforward: you invest one to two years of tuition and clinical hours in exchange for a licensure change that raises your wage floor for the rest of your career.
What the Wage Jump Actually Looks Like
The Bureau of Labor Statistics pegs the May 2025 median wage for registered nurses in Washington at roughly $124,200 per year, or about $58.55 an hour1, based on OEWS Wage Synthesis for Washington State data. In the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue metro, the RN median climbs higher, near $128,260. For those working as a licensed practical nurse, the most recent clearly labeled statewide figure comes from BLS OEWS May 2022 data, which put the Washington LPN mean at about $69,950 a year.2 A more current WA-specific LPN median is not published in the same series, so treat any LPN-to-RN wage gap estimate as directional, but the delta is real and consistently favors bridging.
Tuition Ranges Across Washington Programs
Community college bridges dominate the state and keep sticker prices modest. In-state tuition at the public programs profiled above generally lands between roughly $4,400 and $6,600 per year, with total program costs at schools like Bellingham Technical College and Green River College reported near $12,600 and $28,000 respectively. Private options, such as Saint Martin's LPN to BSN, run substantially higher at roughly $45,000 per year before aid.
A note on affordability figures you may see quoted: institution-wide average net price is a rough approximation of what a typical undergraduate pays after grants. It is not a guaranteed cost for your specific nursing cohort, and your actual bill will depend on residency, credit load, and aid package.
Washington-Specific Financial Aid
- Washington College Grant (WCG): The state's flagship need-based award, with amounts scaled to income, family size, tuition, and enrollment intensity. Award rules for second-degree and bridge students vary, so confirm eligibility with your program's financial aid office.
- Workforce development funding: Many Washington community colleges administer worker retraining and workforce grants that healthcare workers upgrading credentials may qualify for.
- Employer tuition assistance: Major Washington health systems, including Providence, MultiCare, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, and UW Medicine, commonly offer tuition reimbursement or forgivable loans for LPNs pursuing RN licensure. Terms and service commitments vary by employer.
What Washington LPNs Gain by Earning an RN License
The financial case for completing an LPN to RN bridge program in Washington is hard to ignore. Across the state, registered nurses earn significantly more than licensed practical nurses, and the gap widens in high-cost metro areas. The median figures below show what that credential upgrade is worth in annual salary.
LPN to RN Licensure Requirements in Washington
Becoming an RN in Washington after an LPN to RN bridge program means completing an approved nursing program, applying for licensure through the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission (WABON), passing the NCLEX-RN, and clearing a fingerprint background check. Washington licenses renew annually on your birthday,4 which makes renewal planning fairly predictable.
NCLEX-RN Application and Background Check
Start by applying to WABON for RN licensure by examination. The application fee is $138.1 You also register with Pearson VUE and pay the $200 NCLEX-RN exam fee.1 After WABON verifies your nursing education, Pearson VUE sends your Authorization to Test, and you can schedule the exam. A fingerprint background check is required.2 The background fee is roughly $50, though the final amount can vary by vendor.2 Once you pass, the timeline for license issuance depends on how quickly WABON and the background check vendor complete their review.
Renewal, Practice Hours, and Continuing Education
Washington requires annual RN license renewal. To keep an active license, you generally need 96 hours of active nursing practice in the 12 months before renewal and 8 hours of continuing nursing education in the same period.2 At least 2 of those 8 CE hours must cover health equity.5 Washington nursing rules also list a 6-hour suicide assessment, treatment, and management training requirement.6 The single-state renewal fee is $138.3 Some renewal totals include a $16 HEAL-WA surcharge and an $8 Washington Center for Nursing surcharge, so the amount you pay can be higher than the base fee.1
Compact Status and Endorsement
As of 2026, Washington offers both single-state and multistate RN licenses; the single-state renewal fee is $138 and the multistate renewal fee is $158.3 Because multistate authority is available, choose the license type based on where you intend to practice. For nurses already licensed in another state, Washington accepts RN licensure by endorsement. Endorsement uses the same $138 application fee and a background check.1 LPNs moving to Washington from another state should confirm their LPN/LVN Reciprocity and endorsement requirements with WABON before starting a bridge program, because your ability to work as an LPN while enrolled may affect your class schedule and finances.
How to Move From ADN to BSN After Your Bridge Program
Completing an LPN-to-ADN bridge program is a major milestone, but many Washington employers now prefer or require a BSN. The good news: Direct Transfer Agreement and Major Related Program (DTA-MRP) pathways make the transition smoother than starting over. Here is a practical timeline for going from ADN graduate to BSN-prepared RN.
