10 Best ADN Programs in Washington – (2-Year RN Programs)


Written By: Pattie Trumble, MPP, MPH (Introduction), and Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org (School Profiles)

Can ADN programs in Washington State help you achieve success as a professional RN? Yes! Most associate degrees in nursing in the Evergreen State take two years or less to complete, so you can land a job at a hospital, ambulatory care clinic, or physician’s practice more quickly than colleagues pursuing four-year nursing programs. In Washington State, as a registered nurse with an associate degree in nursing, you can earn $101,670 a year. Healthcare employers will appreciate your skills: Job opportunities for ADN-educated RNs in the Evergreen State are expected to rise by more than 16 percent over the next decade. For more information about the 10 best ADN programs in Washington State, check out the guide below.


What Are The Best ADN Programs In Washington (Online And Campus)?

Based on our Ranking Methodology, the following are the 10 best nursing schools for ADN programs in Washington. You can complete most of these programs in 2 years.


1. Big Bend Community College - Moses Lake


Program Details: Big Bend Community College’s associated degree in nursing is one of the best ADN programs in Washington. The ADN program prepares graduates for competent patient care in a variety of healthcare settings. The program offers a well-rounded education by combining classroom lectures with skills lab and clinical training.

This ADN program in Washington includes key nursing topics such as nursing fundamentals, pharmacology, microbiology, ethics & policy in healthcare, general psychology, and psychosocial issues in healthcare. Upon graduation, you’ll be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam.


Admission Requirements: Big Bend Community College’s ADN program is open to high school students who have a GPA of at least 2.5. In addition, applicants must be prepared to submit their TEAS score and official transcripts.


Why Choose This Program

• Big Bend Community College’s ADN program maintains strong connections with industry healthcare partners where students obtain excellent clinical training.
• Big Bend Community College’s ADN students can seamlessly transfer to a BSN program at some of the leading four-year schools. The transfer options include Eastern Washington University, Central Washington University, and Washington State University
• Big Bend Community College offers several scholarships and financial aid opportunities.


2. Bellingham Technical College - Bellingham


Program Details: Bellingham Technical College’s ADN program is an excellent stepping stone to a thriving healthcare career. The program comprises 60 credits in core courses. The program also includes general education credits, some of which can be transferred from your previous education.

The ADN coursework teaches you topics such as nursing fundamentals, pharmacology, and advanced nursing concepts. Upon graduation, you’ll be fully prepared to provide competent care to diverse patient populations.


Admission Requirements: If you want to apply for Bellingham Technical College’s ADN program, you must fulfill the admission checklist. The program requires applicants to have a high school diploma or GED. Further, submission of official transcripts and completion of pre-requisite courses is required. The prerequisites include courses in English, microbiology, psychology, and chemistry.


Why Choose This Program

• Another one of the best 2-year nursing programs in Washington, Bellingham Technical College’s ADN program is taught by an excellent faculty that is highly qualified and experienced.
• Bellingham Technical College’s ADN program is the largest nursing program, producing competent registered nurses since 1954.
• Bellingham Technical College’s ADN program reports a 100% job placement rate.


3. Skagit Valley College - Mount Vernon


Program Details: If you want to complete your nurse training from one of the reputable ADN programs in Washington, then Skagit Valley College’s associate degree program is an excellent choice. The program builds on your skills in communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

The program emphasizes evidence-based care and prepares you for the care of individuals across the lifespan. The coursework includes courses in basic and advanced nursing concepts. You complete thoughtfully designed didactic and clinical courses that offer you a broad learning experience. On a full-time basis, you can complete this program within two years.


Admission Requirements: This ADN program in Washington is open to someone who has a high school diploma or GED. In addition, a GPA of at least 2.5 is required. The program’s admission checklist also includes a TEAS score and completion of prerequisites with a minimum grade of C.


Why Choose This Program

• Skagit Valley College’s ADN program provides real-world learning opportunities in diverse healthcare settings.
• Skagit Valley College’s ADN is an affordable option. Compared to most other 2-year nursing programs in Washington, here you’ll be able to save some tuition dollars.
• Skagit Valley College’s ADN program is offered in small-sized classes where personalized attention is allowed.


4. Whatcom Community College - Bellingham


Program Details: Whatcom Community College’s associate degree program is designed to make you a licensed registered nurse in Washington. This 2-year nursing program in Washington equips you with the skills and knowledge to perform competent nursing care. Graduates are compassionate caregivers who use their clinical judgment to enhance patient outcomes.

The coursework comprises 75 credits in didactic and clinical courses. The courses teach you about various topics such as pharmacology, nutrition, ethics & policy, and psychosocial issues in healthcare. You also learn about basic and advanced concepts in nursing.


Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission, potential applicants must have a high school diploma or GED. The program also requires the completion of pre-requisite courses such as biology, anatomy, physiology, and chemistry. In addition, successful completion of the TEAS score is required.


Why Choose This Program

• Whatcom Community College’s ADN program reports an excellent graduation rate, indicating an overall satisfying learning experience. In addition, the program reports an excellent pass rate on the NCLEX-RN exam and a job placement rate of more than 90%.
• Whatcom Community College offers a community college tuition rate, making its ADN program a rather affordable option.
• Whatcom Community College’s ADN program offers a supportive learning environment where students receive personalized attention and an engaging learning experience.


5. Tacoma Community College - Tacoma


Program Details: Tacoma Community College’s ADN program produces high-quality nurses who provide patient-centric care. Leading to the NCLEX-RN exam, the program takes three years to complete. The program includes core nursing courses and optional courses.

The nursing courses strengthen your core knowledge in topics such as health & illness, pharmacology, ethics & policy, health promotion, disease prevention, and nutrition.


Admission Requirements: Tacoma Community College’s program offers a holistic admission process, reviewing every aspect of your application. This ADN program in Washington also requires applicants to complete prerequisites such as chemistry, human anatomy & physiology, lifespan psychology, and general microbiology. Also, a TEAS score must be submitted along with an application.


Why Choose This Program

• As one of the best ADN programs in Washington, Tacoma Community College’s ADN graduates are in demand among local healthcare employers.
• Tacoma Community College’s ADN comes at an affordable tuition cost. Moreover, the program offers generous financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
• Tacoma Community College’s ADN program is taught by an experienced and dedicated faculty who are committed to helping you achieve a positive academic and professional outcome.


6. Olympic College - Bremerton


Program Details: With a history of more than 75 years, Olympic College has prepared graduates for in-demand professional careers. The college’s ADN program, just like its other several offerings, is high quality and career-oriented. Leading to the NCLEX-RN exam, the program combines general education courses with nursing theoretical and practical training.

The 75-credit ADN coursework includes topics such as professional role development, physical assessment, nursing foundations, nursing ethics, med-surgical nursing, pediatric nursing care, and nursing leadership & management.


Admission Requirements: To apply for this 2-year nursing program in Washington, you must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. To qualify, your GPA must be at least 2.5. To complete your application, you must be prepared to submit your transcripts and TEAS scores.


Why Choose This Program

• Olympic College’s ADN graduates report a consistently high pass rate on the NCLEX-RN exam.
• Olympic College’s ADN program is taught in a close-knit environment where the faculty provides you with one-on-one attention.
• Olympic College’s ADN students study in a modern facility that is equipped with the latest cutting-edge technology.


7. Lower Columbia College - Longview


Program Details: Lower Columbia College offers another one of the well-known ADN programs in Washington. The program started in 1971 and since then the program has prepared several graduates for a rewarding career as a registered nurse. The curriculum focuses on skills such as communication, critical thinking, quantitative reasoning, and teamwork.

The program covers several topics such as nutrition, pharmacology, ethics & policy in healthcare, psychosocial Issues, pharmacology, and nursing concepts in health and illness. You also take classes in med-surgical nursing and nursing leadership & management.


Admission Requirements: To qualify for Lower Columbia College’s ADN program, you must have a high school diploma or GED and a minimum GPA of 2.8. This 2-year nursing program in Washington also requires you to complete support courses with a grade of C or better. Applicants also enhance their odds of admission if they have any healthcare experience. The program’s selective admission process also gives brownie points to military service and proficiency in another language apart from English.


Why Choose This Program

• Lower Columbia College’s ADN program can be seamlessly transferred to several four-year institutions in Washington.
• Lower Columbia College’s ADN program graduates not only report an excellent graduation rate, but they also pass the NCLEX-RN exam with an above-average pass rate. In addition, they also report getting jobs after obtaining their RN licensure.
• Lower Columbia College’s ADN program offers diverse clinical experiences at its clinical affiliates. Students not only practice in different types of work settings but also gain hands-on experience in a variety of nursing specialties.


8. Walla Walla Community College - Walla Walla


Program Details: If you desire to become a caregiver, then Walla Walla Community College’s ADN program provides you with excellent training to become a registered nurse. The program leads to the NCLEX-RN exam and takes two years to complete.

The ADN coursework is comprehensive, requiring you to complete 70 credits in general education and nursing courses. Some of the topics you learn include the fundamentals of nursing, ethics & policy in healthcare, psychosocial issues in healthcare, and basic and advanced concepts in nursing.


Admission Requirements: To be considered for this 2-year nursing program in Washington, you must have a high school diploma or GED. The program also requires applicants to have a TEAS score and all their official transcripts.


Why Choose This Program

• Walla Walla Community College’s ADN program students are provided with exceptional practice experiences in its advanced simulation lab. The college is proudly the first community college in the state to have an Anatomage. The experience allows students to learn about anatomy and practice skills on a 3-D platform.
• Walla Walla Community College’s ADN program is not only affordable but also offers several financial aid and scholarship opportunities. It is good to know that more than 52% of students receive some sort of financial assistance.
• Walla Walla Community College’s ADN program provides a seamless transfer to some of the well-known four-year colleges in Washington.


9. Clark College - Vancouver


Program Details: Clark College’s ADN program prepares you for varied roles in the nursing field. The well-designed curriculum produces competent registered nurses who are proficient in holistic nursing care.

The ADN program in Washington includes core nursing courses and clinical experiences. The coursework includes topics such as the foundation of nursing, lifespan assessment concepts, family-centered nursing, med-surgical nursing, and nutrition in healthcare. Upon completion of the program, you’ll be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam.


Admission Requirements: If you are keen on applying for Clark College’s ADN program, you must foremost have a high school diploma or GED. The program also requires applicants to have completed prerequisite courses in psychology, humanities, and Math before starting the program. Being one of the best 2-year nursing programs in Washington, the program’s admission is selective, accepting only a limited number of students.


Why Choose This Program

• Clark College’s ADN students practice clinical skills at a state-of-the-art simulation lab that replicates a real-world clinical setting.
• Clark College’s ADN program is taught by an experienced expert who bring their professional insights to the ADN classroom.
• Clark College’s ADN program is designed to provide a seamless transfer to several four-year institutions in the state.


10. Spokane Community College - Spokane


Program Details: Whether you want to enter a fulfilling healthcare career or desire a stable job, at Spokane Community College, you’ll be groomed to achieve your professional goals. By offering one of the most reputable 2-year nursing programs in Washington, the college prepares you with the skills and knowledge to become a competent registered nurse.

Established in 1970, the Spokane Community College’s ADN program provides excellent theoretical and practice training. Covering topics such as nursing concepts, pharmacology, health assessment, and health promotion & disease prevention, the well-rounded curriculum opens doors to several job roles. Graduates are also fully prepared to take the NCLEX-RN exam.


Admission Requirements: To gain admission into this ADN program in Washington, you must foremost be 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. Also, your GPA must be at least 2.5. You must also complete the pre-requisite courses. Other factors that can enhance your chances of admission into this competitive program include healthcare experience and military service.


Why Choose This Program

• Spokane Community College’s ADN program is student-centered and emphasizes skills such as critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and holistic care.
• Spokane Community College’s ADN provides students with learning opportunities in a variety of healthcare settings.
• Established Spokane Community College’s ADN students concurrently practice theoretical skills in the simulation lab. The simultaneous application of knowledge not only strengthens it but also provides students with solid clinical practice.


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