ACNP Programs in Washington (Online & Campus) – 2026
Written By: Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA
Are you a Washington State nurse who's known for staying cool when the going gets tough and the stakes are high? Then you may be a perfect candidate for one of the ACNP programs in Washington State. Acute care nurse practitioners work with critically ill and injured patients in practice settings like hospital emergency rooms and intensive care units. The average salary for an ACNP in the Evergreen State is $148,940 a year. This is a career track with a future; in 10 years, the state is going to need 45 percent more acute care NPs than are working today. Learn more with our guide to the best ACNP programs in Washington State.
FOLLOWING ARE THE ACNP PROGRAMS IN WASHINGTON (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2026
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the campus-based and online ACNP programs in Washington.)
1. University of Washington - Seattle
Programs Offered: DNP and Post-Graduate Certificate
DNP Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Acute Care
Post Graduate Certificate Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Acute Care
Both the Adult-Gerontology and Pediatric ACNP programs are full-time, in-person programs that take nine quarters to complete. New cohorts are admitted to the DNP program each fall.
In the DNP program, you will study evidence-based care, quality improvement, and systems leadership. The curriculum blends advanced specialty training in your chosen concentration and emphasizes preparing you to translate research into practice.
The DNP program begins with a shared first-year core curriculum, regardless of your chosen specialty. During this first year, you will develop a strong foundation in leadership and advanced practice before moving into specialized concentration-specific coursework and clinicals. The Adult-Gerontology and Pediatric ACNP pathways feature 94- and 95-credit curriculum plans, respectively. All students complete at least 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical hours.
DNP Admission Requirements: If you wish to apply to the DNP program at the University of Washington, you need a bachelor's degree in nursing (or be in the process of earning a BSN) and have an active, unencumbered Washington state RN license before the program starts. You are required to complete and submit an online application. You must also provide a resume, answers to four admission essay questions, three letters of recommendation, and transcripts from all colleges or universities you previously attended. An interview with program faculty may be required.
Post Graduate Certificate Program Details: Having already earned a graduate degree does not mean you have to stop learning and growing in your career. At the University of Washington, if you are an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse with a master's or doctorate in nursing and you want to earn a second certification as a Pediatric or Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, the Post-Graduate Certificate program is an excellent option.
The PGC program offers a strategic pathway to expand your scope of practice and expertise. Both the Adult-Gerontology and Pediatric ACNP Post-Graduate Certificate pathways are full-time. They can be completed in 12 to 15 months, depending on the number of credits and clinical hours you need. This program admits students three times each year in the winter, spring, and autumn quarters. Core courses require weekly in-person classroom attendance. Once a GAP analysis is complete, an individualized study plan, including clinical placements, will be prepared for you through collaboration with your faculty advisor.
Post Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the Post-Graduate Certificate program, you must hold either a Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice degree and have an active RN license and APRN license. You must complete an admission application and submit supporting documentation, including official transcripts from all post-secondary schools, a current resume, three letters of professional recommendation, and a Statement of Purpose.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• As you prepare to further your degree by becoming an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, it is crucial to find a program known for success. As a nurse educator, I encourage potential students to research several schools before committing to one. Look for schools with high rankings from reputable sources. For example, the University of Washington is ranked the #1 Public University Offering a DNP in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.• Graduate nursing programs, like the ACNP program in Washington at UW, are demanding. One of the most critical aspects of these programs is the clinical component. Many schools require DNP students to secure their own clinical sites and preceptors. However, at the University of Washington, clinicals are pre-arranged for you. You will have a broad range of clinical experiences with qualified preceptors vetted by the school to ensure the best learning outcomes.
• If earning an advanced degree or certificate and becoming an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner is your dream, but you worry about the cost of obtaining one, the University of Washington is an excellent choice. The school offers several financial assistance options. In fact, in the 2024-2025 school year, the school awarded 180 DNP scholarships totaling $2.1 million! A financial aid advisor can help guide you through the process of applying for scholarships, grants, and other financial assistance options.
• The ACNP programs at the University of Washington boast excellent graduate success rates. From high performance on national certification exams to excellent job placement rates, graduates leave the program highly qualified and confidently prepared to pursue roles as Acute Care Nurse Practitioners.
2. Seattle University - Seattle
Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP, Advanced Practice Nursing Immersion, and Post-Master's Certificate
BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Advanced Practice Nursing Immersion Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master's Certificate Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
The program features a 110- to 112-credit curriculum comprising core, advanced practice, and doctoral coursework. In this program, you will have extensive experiential learning opportunities through clinical rotations and hands-on training. All DNP students complete at least 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical hours. You will complete at least 600 direct patient care clinical hours relevant to your chosen specialty and at least 400 DNP Project hours.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the BSN-to-DNP ACNP program at the University of Washington, you need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited nursing program and an active, unrestricted RN license. You are required to submit a completed graduate application, a professional resume, two letters of recommendation, a Letter of Intent, and transcripts from all post-secondary schools you attended. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 is required for all post-secondary coursework. Select applicants are required to interview with program faculty.
Advanced Practice Nursing Immersion Program Details: The Advanced Practice Nursing Immersion Program is designed for individuals pursuing nursing as a second degree or career change. The program is a direct-entry option built upon a practice-based curriculum that takes four years to complete. The in-person format gives you the benefit of learning with a cohort of peers and having easy access to faculty and staff.
In your first year, you will focus on pre-licensure coursework and prepare for the NCLEX-RN. Upon completion of the immersion year, you will earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and apply to sit for the licensure exam. The remaining three years consist of specialty and DNP coursework. The program requires 163-177 credits.
Also, during the first year of the program, you will complete 600 pre-licensure program clinical hours. Once you complete the immersion year and transition to the DNP curriculum, you will complete an additional 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical hours (600 advanced practice clinical hours and 400 DNP Project Hours).
Advanced Practice Nursing Immersion Admission Requirements: All applicants for the Advanced Practice Nursing Immersion program must first meet the college's general admission requirements. APNI candidates must have a four-year, non-nursing baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution. You need to complete a Grade Application for Admission and submit a professional resume, two letters of recommendation, a Letter of Intent, and official transcripts reflecting a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. You must also meet the general requirements for the APNI prerequisite courses.
Post-Master's Certificate Program Details: If you have a master's degree in nursing, you can earn a Post-Master's Certificate and become certified as an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner in just 18 months. This ACNP program in Washington is designed to prepare you to provide care to adults experiencing unstable and acute health conditions. The program accepts applications on a space-available basis until all available class spaces are filled.
The program is an excellent option for working professionals, requiring on-campus coursework once per month in a three-day block, occurring Friday through Sunday. The program requires the completion of 41 credit hours. You will study in classes, including Management of Chronic Conditions in the Acute Care Setting, Advanced Inpatient & Critical Care Pharmacology, and Management of Critical or Unstable Conditions During Altered States of Health. The curriculum includes four practicum courses totalling over 600 clinical hours.
Post-Master's Certificate Admission Requirements: The Post-Master's Certificate program is open to candidates who hold a current certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner or Primary Care Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner. You need a Master of Science in Nursing from a CCNE- or NLNAC-accredited nursing program. You must provide two letters of reference, a resume specifying your academic and work experience, transcripts from all post-secondary schools you attended, and a Statement of Professional and Personal Goals. Candidates with two years of work experience are preferred.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• In addition to classroom instruction and clinical experiences, the ACNP programs at Seattle University include learning opportunities in the school's simulation labs. Simulated learning experiences allow you to participate in Objective Structured Clinical Examinations to practice clinical decision-making in a controlled environment.• At Seattle University, the ACNP programs are taught by clinicians who are also experts in nursing education. Their dual experience in clinical nursing and education ensures the curriculum and your learning experiences are designed for optimal learning, promoting your success in the program and beyond.
• Graduates of the ACNP programs in Washington at Seattle University have an excellent record of high performance on national certification exams. According to the school, nearly 100% of graduates pass the exam on their first attempt.
• Clinical experiences are an integral part of any ACNP program. At Seattle University, you will have diverse opportunities to provide care in various settings, from urban hospitals to rural communities.
HOW MUCH DO ACNP GRADUATES MAKE IN WASHINGTON?
WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF ACNP PROGRAMS IN WASHINGTON EXPECT?
| Hourly | $52.68 |
| Weekly | $2,107 |
| Monthly | $9,130 |
| Annual | $109,580 |
HOW MUCH CAN GRADUATES OF ACNP PROGRAMS IN WASHINGTON EARN WITH EXPERIENCE?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Entry-Level | $52.68 | $2,107 | $9,130 | $109,580 |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $59.61 | $2,384 | $10,330 | $123,980 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $70.37 | $2,815 | $12,200 | $146,360 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $78.36 | $3,134 | $13,580 | $162,990 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $93.64 | $3,746 | $16,230 | $194,770 |
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE ACNP SALARY IN WASHINGTON?
| Hourly | $71.61 |
| Weekly | $2,864 |
| Monthly | $12,410 |
| Annual | $148,940 |
HOW MUCH DO ACNPS EARN IN THE VARIOUS METROS OF WASHINGTON?
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Bellingham | $68.32 | $2,733 | $11,840 | $142,110 |
| Bremerton-Silverdale | $71.20 | $2,848 | $12,340 | $148,090 |
| Kennewick-Richland | $70.40 | $2,816 | $12,200 | $146,430 |
| Longview | $66.91 | $2,676 | $11,600 | $139,170 |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes | $67.93 | $2,717 | $11,780 | $141,300 |
| Olympia-Tumwater | $70.65 | $2,826 | $12,250 | $146,960 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue | $73.96 | $2,958 | $12,820 | $153,830 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley | $67.35 | $2,694 | $11,670 | $140,080 |
| Walla Walla | $62.56 | $2,503 | $10,840 | $130,130 |
| Wenatchee | $68.72 | $2,749 | $11,910 | $142,930 |
| Yakima | $63.01 | $2,520 | $10,920 | $131,060 |
ACNP SALARY IN WASHINGTON VS. OTHER SALARIES
ACNP SALARY IN WASHINGTON VS. ACNP SALARY IN THE NATION
| Average Washington ACNP Annual Salary | Average National ACNP Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| $148,940 | $131,620 | +$17,320 | +13.16% |
ACNP SALARY IN WASHINGTON VS. ACNP SALARIES IN OTHER STATES
| State | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| California | $165,480 | -$16,540 | -10.00% |
| Nevada | $152,290 | -$3,350 | -2.20% |
| Washington | $148,940 | $0 | 0.00% |
| New Jersey | $148,560 | +$380 | +0.26% |
| Oregon | $148,480 | +$460 | +0.31% |
| Massachusetts | $147,520 | +$1,420 | +0.96% |
| New York | $146,310 | +$2,630 | +1.80% |
| Connecticut | $140,320 | +$8,620 | +6.14% |
| New Mexico | $140,100 | +$8,840 | +6.31% |
| Minnesota | $138,300 | +$10,640 | +7.69% |
| District of Columbia | $138,130 | +$10,810 | +7.83% |
| Rhode Island | $136,710 | +$12,230 | +8.95% |
| Hawaii | $135,840 | +$13,100 | +9.64% |
| Arizona | $135,790 | +$13,150 | +9.68% |
| Delaware | $134,300 | +$14,640 | +10.90% |
| Iowa | $134,010 | +$14,930 | +11.14% |
| New Hampshire | $133,920 | +$15,020 | +11.22% |
| Texas | $133,180 | +$15,760 | +11.83% |
| Wisconsin | $131,460 | +$17,480 | +13.30% |
| Maryland | $131,110 | +$17,830 | +13.60% |
| Utah | $130,930 | +$18,010 | +13.76% |
| North Dakota | $130,870 | +$18,070 | +13.81% |
| Pennsylvania | $130,550 | +$18,390 | +14.09% |
| Illinois | $129,990 | +$18,950 | +14.58% |
| Alaska | $129,240 | +$19,700 | +15.24% |
| Vermont | $129,170 | +$19,770 | +15.31% |
| Montana | $127,680 | +$21,260 | +16.65% |
| Idaho | $127,580 | +$21,360 | +16.74% |
| Oklahoma | $127,360 | +$21,580 | +16.94% |
| Wyoming | $126,570 | +$22,370 | +17.67% |
| Indiana | $126,320 | +$22,620 | +17.91% |
| Maine | $125,930 | +$23,010 | +18.27% |
| Ohio | $125,860 | +$23,080 | +18.34% |
| Colorado | $124,960 | +$23,980 | +19.19% |
| Nebraska | $124,640 | +$24,300 | +19.50% |
| North Carolina | $124,550 | +$24,390 | +19.58% |
| Georgia | $124,100 | +$24,840 | +20.02% |
| South Dakota | $123,930 | +$25,010 | +20.18% |
| Virginia | $123,810 | +$25,130 | +20.30% |
| Michigan | $123,620 | +$25,320 | +20.48% |
| Florida | $122,630 | +$26,310 | +21.45% |
| Kansas | $122,180 | +$26,760 | +21.90% |
| Louisiana | $121,560 | +$27,380 | +22.52% |
| Mississippi | $120,350 | +$28,590 | +23.76% |
| South Carolina | $119,790 | +$29,150 | +24.33% |
| Missouri | $119,520 | +$29,420 | +24.62% |
| West Virginia | $116,210 | +$32,730 | +28.16% |
| Arkansas | $116,170 | +$32,770 | +28.21% |
| Kentucky | $113,060 | +$35,880 | +31.74% |
| Alabama | $112,700 | +$36,240 | +32.16% |
| Tennessee | $106,250 | +$42,690 | +40.18% |
ACNP SALARY IN WASHINGTON VS. OTHER NURSE SALARIES IN WASHINGTON
| Type of Nurse | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Nurse Anesthetist | $246,350 | -$97,410 | -39.54% |
| Acute Care Nurse Practitioner | $148,940 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Nurse Midwife | $130,990 | +$17,950 | +13.70% |
| Registered Nurse | $111,030 | +$37,910 | +34.14% |
| Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Post-secondary | $85,320 | +$63,620 | +74.57% |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse | $75,410 | +$73,530 | +97.51% |
| Nursing Assistant | $46,430 | +$102,510 | +220.78% |
ACNP SALARY IN WASHINGTON VS. SALARIES OF OTHER CLOSELY RELATED OCCUPATIONS IN WASHINGTON
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Dentist | $216,280 | -$67,340 | -31.14% |
| Podiatrist | $191,870 | -$42,930 | -22.37% |
| Radiation Therapist | $155,820 | -$6,880 | -4.42% |
| Physician Assistant | $152,800 | -$3,860 | -2.53% |
| Acute Care Nurse Practitioner | $148,940 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Pharmacist | $148,550 | +$390 | +0.26% |
| Optometrist | $143,750 | +$5,190 | +3.61% |
| Veterinarian | $140,510 | +$8,430 | +6.00% |
| Dental Hygienist | $123,510 | +$25,430 | +20.59% |
| Audiologist | $108,330 | +$40,610 | +37.49% |
| Occupational Therapist | $101,780 | +$47,160 | +46.34% |
| Physical Therapist | $101,480 | +$47,460 | +46.77% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $99,550 | +$49,390 | +49.61% |
| Chiropractor | $96,390 | +$52,550 | +54.52% |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits ACNP Programs In Washington?
| S.No. | Accrediting Agency |
| 1 | Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
| 2 | Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
2. How Many Accredited ACNP Schools Are There In Washington?
| 2 |
3. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Hour In Washington?
| $71.61 |
4. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Week In Washington?
| $2,864 |
5. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Month In Washington?
| $12,410 |
6. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Year In Washington?
| $148,940 |
7. What Is The Job Outlook For ACNPs In Washington?
| 10-Year Job Outlook (2020-2030) |
| +45.06% |
Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a nurse and Allied Health educator with over twenty years of experience. She has assisted in developing curriculum for nursing programs and has instructed students at both community college and university levels. Because of her love of nursing education, Darby became a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach and assists nursing graduates across the United States who are preparing to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
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