How to Become an RN in Washington State: 5 Steps

Are you wondering how to become an RN in Washington State? The Evergreen state offers numerous advantages for nurses, including competitive salaries, prestigious educational institutions, and a great job market. 

If you’re ready to take the leap into nursing, we’ve got your back. This guide will walk you through every step of becoming an RN — from education and licensure to landing your first job.

Fun Facts About Nursing in WA

• Top spots for nurses: The state was named the top place in the nation for nurses by WalletHub.
• Competitive salaries: Washington ranks among the highest-paying states for RNs.
• Strong healthcare network: The state is home to over 100 hospitals, including the renowned University of Washington Medical Center.
• Strong demand: Washington is experiencing a growing demand for RNs, with more than 18,000 positions expected to open annually over the next decade.
• Advancing medical research: The state is at the forefront of medical research, with key advancements in cancer immunotherapy and precision medicine.

What Does an RN in Washington Do?

A big part of learning how to become an RN in Washington State is gaining clarity on what the job entails — will this career align with your goals and lifestyle? Regardless of your specialty, you’ll be responsible for core tasks that are essential to patient care, including the following:

• Conducting patient assessments
• Administering medications and treatments
• Developing and implementing care plans
• Collaborating with physicians, nurse practitioners, and other members of the care team
• Educating patients and families about health conditions and treatments
• Documenting care provided

How Long Does It Take to Become an RN in Washington?

Learning how to become an RN in Washington State isn’t a one-size-fits-all timeline, as it depends on the educational path you choose. Here’s a quick breakdown of your options:

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): Offered at community colleges, this program typically takes 2 years to complete. This pathway is a great fit for those looking to enter the workforce quickly.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): Offered at universities and colleges, this degree takes about 4 years to complete. It’s a great choice for nurses looking for more in-depth education suitable for teaching, research, and leadership roles.
• Accelerated BSN (ABSN): Designed for students holding a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, this program typically takes 12 to 18 months to complete.
• Bridge program: Tailored to individuals with prior medical education, such as paramedics and licensed practical nurses (LPNs), this program is a great option for those looking to advance their careers without starting from scratch. Check out our guide on nursing bridge programs.

How to Become an RN in Washington State: 5 Steps

Excited to dive into your RN career? Here are five essential steps to guide you toward your goal.

Step 1: Complete an Accredited Nursing Program

To get started, you’ll need to graduate from an accredited nursing program — as either an ADN or BSN. During your program, you’ll gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations and didactic coursework that covers everything from nursing theories to pharmacology.

Looking for top-rated RN programs? Washington State offers over 50 programs for you to choose from. Consider your goals, budget, and timeline to determine the best path for you.

Nursing school can be expensive, but there are plenty of ways to help cover the costs. Here are some options to consider:

• Apply for nursing scholarships.
• Seek out loans and grants.
• Find a student nurse job in WA.
• Explore loan repayment programs.
• Research employer tuition assistance.

Step 2: Take the NCLEX-RN Exam

Your journey of figuring out how to become an RN in Washington State isn’t complete without passing the NCLEX — a standardized exam that evaluates everything you learned in nursing school and tests your readiness to provide quality patient care. Here’s how to register for the exam:

• Apply for licensure with the Washington State Board of Nursing. You’ll need to provide proof of your education, such as an electronic certificate of completion (COC), and meet additional requirements like a cleared background check.
• Register for the NCLEX through Pearson VUE and wait to receive your authorization to test (ATT), which will guide you through scheduling the exam. Make sure you register within two weeks of completing your education program to avoid your application being closed. 
• Take the NCLEX, which consists of multiple-choice and other question formats that assess your critical thinking and clinical decision-making skills. The exam includes 85 to 150 questions and can take up to 5 hours.

Don’t be discouraged if you don’t pass the NCLEX the first time — you can retake it. If you fail, you’ll receive a candidate performance report (CPR) to help guide your preparation. The NCSBN policy allows you to retake the exam 45 days after your previous attempt.

Step 3: Get the Washington RN License

With the NCLEX behind you and all documents submitted, the Washington State Board of Nursing will grant your RN license. From there, you can verify your license and launch your new career.

There are two types of licenses you can apply for in Washington — a state-specific license or a multistate license through the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). A multistate license lets you work in over 40 states and is a great option for those interested in travel nursing, remote work, or relocating to other states.

Wondering how much the process costs? The fees vary depending on the license you apply for:

Step 4: Start Your Job Hunt

With your RN license in hand, it’s time to find RN jobs in WA. As the largest employment sector in Washington, the healthcare industry offers diverse opportunities — from bustling hospitals to community clinics and specialized care facilities.

Looking for an adrenaline-fueled acute care role? These hospitals, medical systems, and facilities could be your future workplace:

• UW Medicine
• Virginia Mason Medical Center
• Swedish Health Services
• EvergreenHealth
• PeaceHealth
• Lourdes Health
• Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
• Confluence Health
• MultiCare Health System

Interested in research? Washington is home to many life science organizations, including renowned institutions like Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. If public health is your calling, organizations like the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) lead global health initiatives.

Step 5: Keep Your License Up to Date

Becoming an RN is just the beginning — maintaining your license ensures you can continue practicing in Washington. Here’s what you need to know about nursing license renewals in Washington:

• Your license must be renewed annually.
• You’ll need to complete 8 hours of continuing education, including 2 hours of health equity, and acquire 96 practice hours.
• You’ll need to take a 6-hour suicide assessment, treatment, and management course (a one-time requirement).
• You’ll need to submit an online survey at Nursys.

How Much Do RNs Earn in Washington?

Now that you know how to become a registered nurse in Washington, you might be wondering what kind of salary you can expect. The average salary for RNs in the Evergreen State is $115,740 per year, but that number can fluctuate based on your experience, qualifications, and whether you work in a hospital, clinic, or other healthcare setting.

Looking to maximize your earning potential? Bigger cities often offer higher salaries. Start your job hunt in Washington’s five most populous cities:

• Seattle
• Spokane
• Tacoma
• Vancouver
• Bellevue

Helpful Resources for Washington Nurses

Still curious about how to become an RN in Washington State and advance your career? Check out these valuable resources to guide you:

• Northwest Organization of Nurse Leaders
• Nursing Students of Washington State
• Washington Center for Nursing
• Washington Nurse Practice Act
• Washington State Department of Health
• Washington State Nurses Association

Explore the Latest RN Jobs on IntelyCare

Now that you’ve learned how to become an RN in Washington State, you’re ready to kick-start your RN career. We connect nurses with high-quality opportunities that fuel their passion and suit their lifestyle. Get started on your path to success today.