Getting A Washington Nursing License
Washington State Board of Nursing regulations for nursing licensure is clearly laid out for both examination process and by endorsement.
Applying by examination candidates need to complete the application forms, including the fees associated and have ready the following information:
- Certificate of Completion – sent electronically from the school to the state Board
- Official transcripts – mailed by the school nursing directly to the state Board
- Register for NCLEX – successful outcome upon completion
- Fingerprint-based Criminal Background Check
Applying by endorsement candidates are required to submit a completed application, as well as:
- Verification of licensure – either by request for or through NURSYS
- Verification of Education – either official transcripts or through NURSYS
- Proof of Current/Active License
Learn more about WA RN license requirement at the Washington State of Department of Health.
Accelerated Nursing Programs In Washington Dc
At least three universities in Washington, DC offer both accelerated BSN/MSN and direct entry MSN programs. Applicants should review each universityâs requirements before applying to ensure they meet their minimum criteria. These advanced degree programs are available in full or part-time options. Students who can demonstrate they have financial need can apply for aid. Advanced Practice Nurses can earn 30 to 40 percent more than RNs so the educational investment is likely to pay for itself many times over in the future.
Tuition And Costs Of Adn Programs In Washington
Tuition is often one of the main things prospective students worry about when trying to decide on a nursing program. It’s important to remember that tuition is just one portion of what you’ll be paying for. Textbooks, fees, and uniforms are all examples of costs you may incur, and these may or may not be included in the price of your school’s tuition. As an example, the estimated program cost for the 2-year ADN program at Columbia Basin College in Pasco, Washington is around $111 per credit, not including additional fees.
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Grievance/complaint And Appeal Procedures
Students have rights and responsibilities to express concerns regarding faculty-student matters and perceived problems. Students are encouraged to follow the chain of command and seek assistance from faculty members and academic advisors to resolve issues at the lowest level of authority. If the matter cannot be resolved at the level of occurrence, the student is to use the established Grievances Policy. Grade appeals that cannot be resolved at the departmental level go to the Community College Academic Appeals Committee. Complaints of discrimination can be filed with the UDC Office of Human Resources to address affirmative action, equal employment opportunities, disability-handicap-limitation accommodations, racial harassment, and sexual harassment.
Online Nursing Schools In Washington Dc

Nursing schools in Washington DC have been acutely affected by the nursing faculty shortage resulting in hundreds of nursing school applicants being turned away each year due to lack of clinical training space, educators and classroom space. For those registered nurses seeking an advanced education in nursing, online nursing programs in Washington DC have become a popular avenue. Why? Online nursing programs do not waitlist qualified applicants for their RN to BSN, RN to MSN or MSN programs. A registered nurse can complete an advanced degree in a reasonable amount of time without dealing with the nursing faculty shortage and related issues at Washington DC nursing schools. The cost per credit is similar to other District of Columbia nursing schools and the nursing schools featured on this site are CCNE accredited.
For those who are looking into pre-licensure nursing programs, there are various routes depending on your background. To explore some of these pathways as well as learn a bit more about the requirements for licensure as a Registered Nurse in DC check out the article, Becoming a Registered Nurse in DC.
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Nursing Colleges In Washington Dc With Nursing Bridge Programs
As healthcare laws have changed, demand for nursing professionals has grown. Because of this, many nursing schools near Washington DC have broadened their degree options with bridge programs. Bridge programs may be tailored to working LPNs, working RNs, or students with non-nursing Bachelors degrees.
Several nursing programs in DC were created with nursing professionals in mind. Perhaps you want to upgrade your license after working as an LPN for several years, or maybe you want to turn your ADN into a BSN. LPN to RN programs are generally less than one year, allowing you to meet course requirements while handling work obligations. The average LPN to BSN program is 24 to 30 months. If you have an Associates degree in nursing, you may move up to a BSN in 18 to 24 months.
Not all nurses start out as nurses in fact, many study something else entirely. If this describes you and you have a non-nursing Bachelors degree, look into Washington DC accelerated BSN programs. Depending on the school you select, you could graduate in just 12 months. Most programs forbid students from outside employment, due to the intense demands of the degree. Plan on spending most of your time in clinical settings.
How To Get A Licensed Practical Nurse License In Washington Dc
There are approximately 1,820 licensed practical nurses in Washington, D.C., who provide a range of medical care to patients. LPNs work under the supervision and direction of RNs and physicians to perform a range of duties, from taking vital signs and inserting catheters, to assisting with tests and procedures. The Board of Nursing, a division within the D.C. Department of Health, regulates LPN licensure in the capital city. There are several steps one must take to acquire a Washington, D.C., nursing license.
Individuals applying for a Washington, D.C., LPN license must take and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses . This exam evaluates an individual’s knowledge and skills in several areas, including health promotion and maintenance, safe and effective care environment, psychosocial integrity and physiological integrity.
Individuals must have ATT by Pearson Vue to sit for the exam. In order to receive ATT, individuals must register online, pay the testing fee and be approved to take the exam.
Other requirements for becoming an LPN include:
- Undergoing a criminal background check and scheduling an appointment for live scan fingerprinting services
- Submitting an Application for Licensure by Examination for review and processing to the Board of Nursing
- Sending official transcript from the applicant’s school of nursing with the application in a sealed envelope
- Paying applicable fees
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Advantages Of Bsn Programs
Nurses with a Bachelor of Science degree will only continue to be in demand around the Washington, DC area. Many nursing positions at hospitals and outpatient clinics require applicants to have a BSN, so the need for RNs to complete their bachelor’s degree has never been more critical. In addition to providing superior quality of care to patients, RNs with a BSN can earn higher salaries and advance into leadership roles quicker than RNs with an associate’s degree.
Mission Vision And Values
Since its founding in 1903 as the Georgetown University Hospital Training School for Nurses , the school has been committed to situating its work in health care within the broader Catholic, Jesuit mission of the university. Today, the School of Nursing & Health Studies, which houses academic programs in the health sciences, continues that tradition, framing its activities with a Mission, Vision, and Values Statement.
Statement on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice
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How To Get A Registered Nurse License In Washington Dc
The Board of Nursing, a division within the DC Department of Health, is responsible for the licensure and regulation of registered nurses . RNs in Washington, DC, cannot practice without being actively licensed. There are several steps to earning a Washington, DC, RN license, starting with graduating with an associate degree in nursing or a bachelor of science degree in nursing from an accredited program.
After graduating from an accredited nursing program, individuals are required to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses . To sit for the exam, individuals must have Authorization to Test by Pearson Vue, the test administrator. In order to receive ATT, individuals must register online, pay the testing fee and be approved to take the exam.
Other requirements for receiving a Washington, DC, nursing license include:
- Undergoing a criminal background check and scheduling an appointment for live scan fingerprinting services
- Submitting a District of Columbia Board of Nursing Application for licensure by examination for review and processing
- Sending official transcript from the applicant’s school of nursing with the application in a sealed envelope
- Paying applicable fees
District of Columbia RN licenses expire on June 30 of even-numbered years. Renewal notices are mailed three months prior to the expiration date. Individuals must complete 24 contact hours of continuing education prior to renewing their license.
University Of The District Of Columbia
Another one of the best nursing programs in Washington DC is offered by the University of the District of Columbia. The University of DC is the only public university in the nations capital. The school offers career development and Associates, Bachelors, Masters, and Doctoral Degrees. This unique university is comprised of a Community College, traditional university colleges, and a law school.
Through the University of the District of Columbia Community College , students can choose two nursing degree paths to the Associate in Applied Science in Nursing degree. One is for new students, and one is for students who have already received a Practical Nursing Certificate. In addition, the central University of the District of Columbia offers an online RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The program is for working registered nurses. It consists of eleven nursing courses that can be completed in less than 16 months. The RN to BSN program is accredited by The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing .
Degrees: 2 Associate degree, online RN to BSN
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Tuition And Costs Of Msn Programs In Washington
Tuition for MSN programs can vary. For example, the BSN to MSN program at Pacific Lutheran University, located in Tacoma, Washington, costs approximately $35,706 in tuition, along with a $3,795 nursing program fee. Students may be subject to additional mandatory fees.
For NP programs visit:
Washington Dc Nursing Programs And Degrees Guide

Washington DC, the nations capital, is home to some of the countrys most prestigious colleges and universities. The following guide will provide you with important information on the undergraduate and graduate nursing programs offered in the District. The colleges and universities in Washington DC offer students the unique opportunity to earn a bachelors or a masters degree in nursing in one of several areas: family nurse practitioner, clinical research administration, nurse anesthesia, and midwifery. Many online and traditional universities, such as George Washington University, feature online undergraduate and graduate nursing programs that provide convenience and flexibility for students.
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Associates In Nursing Programs
University of the District of Columbia Community College The University of the District of Columbia Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing that emphasizes professional practice across the health continuum. Graduates are prepared to practice in a broad variety of environments, including in health care responses to natural and manmade disasters. Courses in the curriculum include Mental Health Nursing Theory, Clinical Microbiology, and Maternal Newborn Nursing Theory. The majority of nursing courses include lab and/or clinical practicum components. In total, 68 credit hours are required to earn the AASN. UDC Community College also offers an LPN to AASN degree program, while UDCs College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability, and Environmental Sciences offers an RN to bachelor of science in nursing program.
Graduation Requirements For Associate Of Applied Science In Nursing
REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION
Degree Requirements:
AASN Requirements:
AASN Completion of the Program of Study including the course NURS-232C Complex Concepts of Adults II Simulation Lab. Students will be required to pass a comprehensive standardized exit exam at the level with a score predicted of passing the NCLEX-RN at the first sitting. In addition, by the end of the AASN courses, students are required to complete a minimum of 10,000 NCLEX-RN style questions.
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Bsn Programs In Washington Dc
Data has shown that nurses who hold a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing produce greater patient health outcomes. That’s why job seekers will find “BSN Required” on many nursing job openings at major hospitals. For RNs with an associate degree, many colleges offer bridge or accelerated programs so RNs can earn their bachelor’s degree in 24 months or less.
Approximately 5 universities in Washington, DC offer either a traditional BSN or an RN to BSN bridge program. Each program has a different approach to preparing its students to enter the nursing profession so it makes sense to research each school before applying to make sure it’s a good fit.
Masters In Nursing Programs
Georgetown University Georgetown University confers the Master of Science in Nursing in one of five areas: adult gerontology, family nurse practitioner, nurse anesthesia, nurse educator, and nurse-midwifery/womens health nurse practitioner. Degree requirements vary with students completing between 35 and 45 credits depending on the particular concentration. The Nursing Department also features state of the art technology in its ONeill Family Foundation Clinical Simulation Center, which allows graduate students to deal with real-world situations in a supervised environment. Students also complete practicums at clinical facilities within the metro area. Graduate students may be eligible for scholarships offered through the Nursing Department and other local and national organizations.
George Washington University George Washington University offers graduate students the convenience and flexibility of earning a Master of Science in Nursing entirely online. Students can opt for one of six programs leading to the MSN in areas such as adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner, clinical research administration, health care quality, nurse midwifery, family nurse practitioner, and nursing leadership and management. The program allows for full-time and part-time study, and students may be eligible for scholarships to help fund their studies. In addition to online coursework, all graduate students will find and complete clinical rotations at a medical facility in their area.
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Tuition And Costs Of Bsn Programs In Washington
Figuring out the cost of a BSN program can be challenging. Not only will you have to factor in tuition, but also additional fees such as books, uniforms, equipment, and more. At the University of Washington, located in Seattle, quarterly tuition for the BSN program is generally $3,915 for residents, not including any additional costs or fees.
Please Select This Link To Access Renewal Faqs:
In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, all Health Professional Board meetings are currently held virtually. Please check below for Board of Nursing meeting dates.
Board of Nursing is committed to doing our best to continue normal operations and prioritize tasks please understand that responses and actions may be delayed. We are currently processing routine applications within 30- 45 business days, if the application is complete. We appreciate your patience during this unprecedented time.
Licensure Waivers
In response to COVID-19, DC Health has waived all licensure requirements for practitioners who are licensed in good standing in another jurisdiction. You can read more about the waiver process HERE.
Assistance
To file a COMPLAINT select this link.
If you require assistance from the Board of Nursing, please contact the following individuals by email:
Address Change / Name Change
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Exam Information
For updates on how COVID-19 has impacted NCLEX candidate exam schedules and testing, visit Pearson Vue.
Committee on Impaired Nurses
Discipline
Please continue to send all notices of terminations related to practice or abuse to To file a complaint with the Board of Nursing, please select this LINK .
Board of Nursing Meeting
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How To Get An Advanced Practice Registered Nurse License In Washington Dc
An advanced practice registered nurse is an RN who holds a master’s or doctoral degree from an accredited program approved by the Board of Nursing. APRNs in the District of Columbia can be trained in one of four roles: nurse anesthetist, nurse practitioner, nurse midwife or clinical nurse specialist.
To receive initial certification as an advanced practice registered nurse prescriber, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Submit an application form and fee
- Provide evidence of holding a current license to practice as an RN
- Provide evidence of current certification by a national certifying body as a nurse anesthetist, nurse practitioner, nurse midwife or clinical nurse specialist
- Provide evidence of a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing or a related health field
- Provide evidence of passing an examination for advanced practice registered nurse prescribers
- Complete a criminal background check .
Washington, D.C. advanced practice registered nurse licenses expire June 30 of even-numbered years . Twenty-four continuing education hours are required to renew an APRN Washington, DC, nursing license.
This website offers school details to prospective students as an informational resource. The appearance of a school listing on this website should not be interpreted as an endorsement of the school by this site.