About 80,615 RNs were licensed in Washington as of 2010, according to the Washington Center for Nursing. Graduations from associate programs in Washington increased by 48 percent between 2001 and 2005, while graduations from baccalaureate programs increased by 50 percent as reported by the Washington State Nursing Association. The prestigious Future of Nursing Report recommends that the percentage of nurses with BSN degrees increase to 80 percent by 2020.
Yet, nurses have a long way to go when it comes to meeting that goal. Nationally, BSN graduates have held steady at about 36-37 percent over the past few years while associate degree nurses remain at 60 percent of new RNs, according to an Institute of Medicine report. Are you thinking about taking the next step from RN to BSN? Washington has more than half a dozen accredited RN to BSN programs to help you meet your goal.
Focus On:
- WGU Washington. (Seattle). This online distance learning program pairs students with mentors for guidance through clinical experience in community health service settings such as public health departments or clinics. Degrees are awarded based on completing assessments demonstrating mastery of given competencies. Program completion is generally three years of part-time study.
- Washington State University College of Nursing. (Spokane). Participation is available through a traditional campus-based program and a live or archived television online/distance format. Mentors assist students with clinical courses close to their homes. Admission is possible in the spring, summer, and fall semesters.
- Seattle Pacific University. (Seattle). SPU offers a part-time program that takes eight quarters to complete. Students attend classes one evening per week. Classes may be held in Bellevue, Seattle, Tacoma, and other locations. Portions of classes are online, and independent study opportunities are offered. SPU partners with Group Health Cooperative and Valley Medical Center.
