6 Best MSN Programs in Washington – 2026
Written By: Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA
Healthcare employers in Washington State love working with RNs with nursing master’s degrees. In ten years, there will be 45 percent more jobs for MSN-educated nurses in the Evergreen State than there are today! That’s because MSN programs in Washington State can bequeath the knowledge and skills necessary to become a community health nurse, a nurse practitioner, an informaticist, a population health expert, a nurse educator, or a nurse executive. Many of the Evergreen State’s MSN tracks are offered in flexible formats with online and part-time options to accommodate the needs of working students. You’ll average $141,700 a year with an MSN in Washington State. Learn more by reading our guide to the 6 best MSN programs in Washington State.
WHAT ARE THE BEST MSN PROGRAMS IN WASHINGTON (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2026?
Based on our Ranking Methodology, listed below are the 6 Best Master of Science in Nursing Programs in Washington (Online & Campus) for 2026.1. University of Washington Tacoma - Tacoma
Programs Offered: MSN
MSN Program Details: If you are a Registered Nurse seeking a graduate nursing program that promotes ethical leadership and aspires to advance health equity and optimize patient and population health, the Master of Science in Nursing program at the University of Washington Tacoma is an excellent option. The program is one of the best MSN programs in Washington.
The program admits students in the autumn quarter and takes five quarters to complete. The first class of each quarter is held in person on campus. All other classes follow a synchronous schedule and meet via Zoom. Classes are typically held on Tuesday afternoons and evenings.
The 47-credit curriculum features classes such as The Science & Art of Leading & Managing in Healthcare, Biopsychosocial Interventions for Advanced Nursing Practice, and Informatics, Quality, & Safety. The final two quarters include two practicum courses through which students complete a total of 180 clinical hours.
MSN Admission Requirements: Admission to the MSN program at the University of Washington Tacoma is competitive. You must be accepted by both the UW Graduate School and the School of Nursing and Healthcare Leadership.
To be considered for admission, you must have a baccalaureate degree in nursing from an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited program and have a current, unrestricted Washington state RN license. You are required to submit transcripts from all post-secondary institutions you attended and have a minimum GPA of 3.0 for the last 90 graded quarter credits or 60 semester credits. You must have proof of completing a three-credit basic course in descriptive and inferential statistics with an average of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. Additionally, you must provide a Statement of Goals and a current resume.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• As a student in the MSN program at the University of Washington Tacoma, you will have excellent student support. Each MSN student has two advisors: a faculty advisor who helps you plan for academic success, connects you with resources, and explores professional interests, and an academic advisor who is your main contact for program planning.• At the University of Washington Tacoma, you may submit a practicum interest survey to assist the Clinical Placement Manager and practicum faculty in collaborating to establish clinical placements and identify preceptors. With their guidance, you can feel confident that your practicums will add the value and experiences you need to prepare you for advanced nursing roles.
• The University of Washington Tacoma School of Nursing & Healthcare Leadership offers a variety of scholarships for MSN students. Financial aid advisors are available to assist you by identifying all available financial aid resources and completing appropriate forms/applications.
2. Washington State University - Spokane
Programs Offered: MSN
MSN Specialties Offered: Clinical Systems Leadership and Nurse Educator
MSN Program Details: If you are a baccalaureate-prepared RN ready to advance your nursing career and specialize as a Nurse Educator or in Clinical Systems Leadership, the MSN program in Washington at WSU could be the perfect fit. The program is a one-year pathway that admits new students each fall.
The program features a hybrid learning format, which makes it an attractive choice for working professionals. This learning modality combines online, distance-based learning for didactic courses and in-person clinical experiences for practicum courses. There are no campus visits required.
The Clinical Systems Leadership pathway prepares you for advanced leadership roles in a variety of healthcare settings at the systems level. The program requires 30 credits for completion. You will complete practicum experiences throughout the program and a Capstone Project at the culmination of the program.
The Nurse Educator pathway is designed to prepare you with the advanced competencies in nursing education and leadership. This MSN pathway also features a 30-credit curriculum plan. In this program, you will study Nursing Education: Curriculum Design, Assessment & Evaluation, Teaching & Learning, and Information Management for Clinical Practice.
MSN Admission Requirements: Washington State University utilizes NursingCAS to review and process applications for its MSN program. To be considered for admission, you must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and a current, unrestricted RN license in Washington or be eligible for licensure in Washington. You are required to submit a current professional curriculum vitae or resume, letters of recommendation, an admission essay, and official transcripts from all colleges and universities. A minimum BSN grade point average of 3.0 is required.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• Clinical practicums are a vital component of any MSN program, as they allow students to experience real-world patient care under the supervision of highly-qualified preceptors and educators. At Washington State University, you will participate in direct and indirect patient care. As a nursing educator, one of the things I like about this program is the diversity of opportunities afforded to students. For instance, direct care clinicals include opportunities in areas such as wound care, hospice care, diabetes education, palliative care, patient and family education, or community-based care.• If you want to pursue an MSN degree but worry about the cost, Washington State University has options! Students have opportunities to apply for scholarships and other forms of financial aid, which could offset the cost of the program. College of Nursing Scholarships, WSU Scholarships, and the Nurse Faculty Loan Program are a few options that financial aid advisors will review with you.
• Washington State University’s MSN program is led by dedicated, experienced faculty who come from diverse backgrounds and professional settings. As a student in this program, you will develop the ability to apply advanced nursing knowledge that transforms patient, family, and population health outcomes.
3. Pacific Lutheran University - Tacoma
Programs Offered: MSN
MSN Specialties Offered: Clinical Nurse Leader and Certified Nurse Educator
MSN Program Details: Pacific Lutheran University is home to another outstanding MSN program in Washington. The program offers two pathways: the Entry-Level MSN for individuals with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree who wish to transition to a nursing career, and the BSN-to-MSN pathway for registered nurses with a baccalaureate degree in nursing.
The Entry-Level MSN program features a 93-credit curriculum that takes 27 months to complete. This program begins in the summer semester. The first part of this program is the pre-licensure component, which consists of 56 credits of coursework and a minimum of 600 clinical hours. The pre-licensure portion requires full-time on-campus attendance Monday through Friday, with additional practicum hours. After completing the pre-licensure curriculum and obtaining your Washington State RN license, you will transition to the post-licensure portion of the program, choosing one of two pathways to specialize: Clinical Nurse Leader and Certified Nurse Educator. The post-licensure period consists of an additional 37 credits and 500 clinical hours.
The BSN-to-MSN program admits students in the fall annually. The program is campus-based, requiring in-person attendance for didactic instruction as well as face-to-face clinical practicum assignments. The post-baccalaureate MSN pathway takes 12 months. The program is comprised of 37 credits and 500 clinical hours.
MSN Admission Requirements: The MSN program at Pacific Lutheran University accepts applications from candidates with a BSN from a nationally accredited institution, a current, unencumbered Washington State or Multi-State RN license, and direct care experience as a registered nurse. All candidates are required to submit transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities, a Personal Statement, two letters of recommendation, and a professional resume. A cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 is required, as well as proof of completion of a college-level Descriptive and Inferential Statistics course with a grade of “B” or better.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• Pacific Lutheran University consistently receives high student satisfaction scores, which is a great indication that this is a good program through which to pursue your degree. Current and former students report high satisfaction regarding key points, including quality clinical opportunities, flexible scheduling, faculty support, and a solid curriculum plan.• The Pacific Lutheran University School of Nursing has a long history of providing high-quality nursing education. The nursing program boasts a broad alumni network, with many graduates serving and leading in key nursing roles not only in Washington and the Pacific Northwest but also nationally.
• The MSN program at Pacific Lutheran University is led by excellent faculty who are committed to clinical competence, teaching excellence, and scholarly inquiry. Each faculty member holds advanced nursing degrees and certifications, including nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, nurse midwifery, community health nursing, family and community nursing, and gerontology.
4. Gonzaga University - Spokane
Programs Offered: MSN
MSN Specialties Offered: Nursing Leadership in Healthcare, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
MSN Program Details: If you are a Registered Nurse interested in earning a master’s degree and becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner or a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Gonzaga University has some of the best online MSN programs in Washington to choose from. The program admits new students each fall and takes nine semesters or three years to complete.
The program features flexible online courses complemented by on-campus immersions and in-person clinical practicum experiences. Both the FNP and PMHNP pathways feature 47-credit curriculum plans that include 660 clinical hours. The Family Nurse Practitioner pathway requires attendance at six on-campus immersions, while the Psychiatric Mental Health NP pathway requires attendance at five.
MSN Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the MSN program, you must have completed a bachelor’s degree in nursing from a regionally and nationally accredited institution (ACEN, CCNE, CNEA, or NLNAC) and have an active, unrestricted RN license. You need to complete an online application and submit a Statement of Purpose, a current resume or professional CV, two letters of recommendation, and official transcripts from all colleges and universities you previously attended.
If you have an RN license and a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, you may still be eligible for admission. However, you may need to take up to five foundational nursing courses before transitioning to graduate-level coursework.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• Gonzaga University has a long history of educating leaders with a Jesuit-based educational concept. The university was founded in 1887 and pursues its mission of preparing advanced practice nurses with the ability to treat patients, families, and populations by implementing a holistic approach to care.• One of the things I love most about nursing is that there is always room for growth and advancement, especially for those who choose to pursue higher academic goals and achievements. Gonzaga University believes in the power of education and its impact on patient and organizational outcomes. The MSN program is a perfect pathway to prepare you for doctoral study. In fact, many graduates of the MSN program later complete the school’s Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program.
• Gonzaga University’s MSN program is ranked among the best in the nation. The program experienced a rise in rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, which is an awesome reflection of the school’s commitment to excellence in health science education.
5. Western Washington University - Bellingham
Programs Offered: MSN
MSN Specialties Offered: Nursing Education and Nursing Leadership & Administration
MSN Program Details: Another top MSN program in Washington is offered at Western Washington University. At WWU, baccalaureate -prepared RNs can earn a Master of Science in Nursing and specialize in either Nursing Education or Nursing Leadership & Administration. Admission occurs in the fall semester every other year in even years. The program is full-time and takes two years or six quarters to complete, excluding summers.
The MSN program offers asynchronous online coursework and on-site practice hours in your home area, making it an excellent option if you need flexibility with scheduling. Both MSN pathways feature a 48-credit curriculum. The plan of study includes foundational courses shared by both concentrations as well as specialty-specific courses and practicum experiences. Some of the core classes in the program include Health Systems Assessment for Health Equity, Partnerships for Health Equity, Sustainability, & Advocacy, and Systems of Power in Healthcare.
The Nursing Education pathway requires 150 practice experience hours, and the Nursing Leadership and Administration pathway includes 180 practice hours. You will have opportunities to collaborate with experienced preceptors across many settings, including public health, primary care, palliative care, tribal health, rural health, acute care, and nursing education.
MSN Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the MSN program at Western Washington University, you must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from an accredited college or university and have an active, unencumbered Washington state Registered Nurse license. Candidates must submit two references, a resume or curriculum vitae, answer short essay questions, and provide official transcripts from all institutions where college-level coursework was completed.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• While distance-based learning formats are an excellent option for busy professionals, graduate nursing programs can be challenging. Finding a program that offers good student support is crucial for success. As a nurse educator, one thing I encourage you to consider is class size. For instance, at Western Washington University, MSN cohorts are limited to 15 students. This low faculty-to-student ratio means easier access to instructors who can offer individual attention as you progress through the program.• Practicum experiences are an essential part of an MSN program. One of the things I find appealing about the program at Western Washington University is that practicum experiences are arranged by program faculty. When faculty are responsible for identifying clinical sites and preceptors, you can have confidence that your clinical experiences prepare you with the skills you need to take on a new role in nursing.
• Graduates of the MSN program at Western Washington University have excellent job placement rates. Most graduates report being employed in their chosen role within three to six months of completing the program. A few examples of graduates’ jobs include Director of Nursing, Nurse Manager, Case Manager, Healthcare Administrator, Healthcare Consultant, and Quality Improvement Specialist.
6. University of Washington Bothell - Bothell
Programs Offered: RN-to-MN and MSN
RN-to-MN Program Details: If you are an RN with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and you want to earn a graduate nursing degree, the RN-to-MN program at the University of Washington Bothell is a great program option. This MSN program in Washington recognizes experience and knowledge you may have gained through professional, personal, and academic experiences outside the classroom.
Experienced Registered Nurses who have a baccalaureate degree in a specialty other than nursing can demonstrate competency equivalent to a BSN by writing a petition for two competency areas, Population Health or Leadership, or by completing equivalent BSN coursework. A minimum of 50 credits and 500 clinical hours are required to earn the MN degree. Additionally, you will complete a Master of Nursing Capstone.
RN-to-MN Admission Requirements: Admission consideration for the RN-to-MN program is extended to RNs who have a current, unrestricted license to practice and who also hold a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing. In addition to completing an application for admission, you are required to submit a Statement of Purpose, a current resume, and two letters of recommendation. Also, you need to provide official transcripts from all colleges or universities you previously attended, reflecting a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA or 3.0 average for the last 60 credits of coursework. Your transcripts should also show completion of a statistics course, including descriptive and inferential statistics, with a 2.0 (“C”) or better grade.
MSN Program Details: The Master of Science in Nursing pathway at the University of Washington Bothell admits new cohorts each fall semester. Students have the option to attend full-time and complete the program in two years, part-time and graduate in four years, or combine the part-time and full-time schedules to complete the program in three years.
This MSN program in Washington features a hybrid learning format. Online asynchronous coursework offers flexible scheduling, while only five in-person classes per quarter provide face-to-face instruction with faculty. The program’s curriculum consists of 50 total credits, including 35 core credits and 15 elective credits. You will take classes, including Disparity & Social Justice in Healthcare, Ethics & Policy in Advanced Nursing Practice, and Advanced Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, & Health Assessment. Additionally, a minimum of 500 clinical hours is required.
MSN Admission Requirements: Candidates for the MSN program must have earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing or have an in-process BSN from a nursing program accredited by the ACEN, CNE, or NLN, and have an active, unrestricted RN license in the State of Washington. To apply, you must complete a UW Graduate School application and provide a current resume, two letters of recommendation, a Statement of Purpose, and transcripts from all colleges or universities you previously attended. Transcripts should show proof of having a 3.0 average, either cumulative or for the last 60 credits of attempted coursework, and completion of a basic descriptive and inferential statistics course.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• The Master of Science in Nursing program at the University of Washington Bothell is highly rated. It is consistently ranked among the best, not only in the state, but in the nation by reputable sources, including U.S. News & World Report.• The MSN program at the University of Washington Bothell has a high completion rate, which is a great indicator of student satisfaction and a positive reflection on the program’s strength.
• The University of Washington Bothell School of Nursing is known for preparing students who make a significant impact on nursing and healthcare. Its reputation is such that many graduate students are not first-time UWB students but those whose initial experience in undergraduate nursing programs was so impactful that they choose to earn their MSN at the school, as well.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits MSN 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 Schools Offer Accredited MSN Programs In Washington?
| 6 |
3. What Is The Average MSN Salary In Washington?
| Hourly | $68.13 |
| Weekly | $2,725 |
| Monthly | $11,810 |
| Annual | $141,700 |
4. On Average, How Much Do Entry-Level MSN Graduates Make In Washington?
| Hourly | $50.12 |
| Weekly | $2,005 |
| Monthly | $8,690 |
| Annual | $104,250 |
5. On Average, How Much Do Experienced MSN Graduates Make In Washington?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $56.71 | $2,268 | $9,830 | $117,960 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $66.94 | $2,678 | $11,600 | $139,240 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $74.55 | $2,982 | $12,920 | $155,070 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $89.09 | $3,564 | $15,440 | $185,310 |
6. What Is The Average MSN Salary In Washington By Metro?
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Bellingham | $65.00 | $2,600 | $11,270 | $135,200 |
| Bremerton-Silverdale | $67.74 | $2,709 | $11,740 | $140,890 |
| Kennewick-Richland | $66.98 | $2,679 | $11,610 | $139,310 |
| Longview | $63.65 | $2,546 | $11,030 | $132,400 |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes | $64.63 | $2,585 | $11,200 | $134,430 |
| Olympia-Tumwater | $67.22 | $2,689 | $11,650 | $139,820 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue | $70.36 | $2,814 | $12,200 | $146,350 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley | $64.07 | $2,563 | $11,110 | $133,270 |
| Walla Walla | $59.52 | $2,381 | $10,320 | $123,810 |
| Wenatchee | $65.38 | $2,615 | $11,330 | $135,980 |
| Yakima | $59.94 | $2,398 | $10,390 | $124,680 |
7. Average MSN Salary In Washington VS. Average Salaries Of Other Closely Related Occupations In Washington
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Dentist | $216,280 | -$74,580 | -34.48% |
| Podiatrist | $191,870 | -$50,170 | -26.15% |
| Radiation Therapist | $155,820 | -$14,120 | -9.06% |
| Physician Assistant | $152,800 | -$11,100 | -7.26% |
| Pharmacist | $148,550 | -$6,850 | -4.61% |
| Optometrist | $143,750 | -$2,050 | -1.43% |
| Nurse With MSN | $141,700 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Veterinarian | $140,510 | +$1,190 | +0.85% |
| Dental Hygienist | $123,510 | +$18,190 | +14.73% |
| Audiologist | $108,330 | +$33,370 | +30.80% |
| Occupational Therapist | $101,780 | +$39,920 | +39.22% |
| Physical Therapist | $101,480 | +$40,220 | +39.63% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $99,550 | +$42,150 | +42.34% |
| Chiropractor | $96,390 | +$45,310 | +47.01% |
Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a nurse and allied health instructor with over 20 years of clinical experience. Her work history includes clinical experience in pediatrics, mental health, addiction and behavioral disorders, geriatrics, wound management, and communicable disease. Darby has worked in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health and hospice agencies. Darby also has experience as a nursing and allied health educator at both community college and university levels. Her love for nursing and nursing education led to her becoming a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach.
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