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Accredited LPN Programs & Colleges in Washington
Green River College, Clover Park Technical College, and other community colleges run LPN programs at affordable tuition. Programs run 12 months with clinical placements at Providence, MultiCare, UW Medicine, and Kaiser Permanente facilities. Union contract protections begin upon employment at unionized facilities.
| School | City | Type | Program Length | Approx. Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clover Park Technical College | Lakewood | Technical College | 12 months | $7,800 |
| Lower Columbia College | Longview | Community College | 12 months | $6,800 |
| Renton Technical College | Renton | Technical College | 12 months | $7,200 |
| Bates Technical College | Tacoma | Technical College | 12 months | $7,400 |
Tuition figures are approximate and reflect in-state rates. Contact each school for current pricing, financial aid, and enrollment deadlines. Always confirm the program is approved by the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission.
Online & Hybrid LPN Programs in Washington
No Washington LPN program is fully online — the Washington State Nursing Commission requires supervised clinical training. Some community colleges offer hybrid coursework components. Western Washington's dense population means clinical sites are accessible without extensive commuting.
Hybrid programs are ideal for working adults, parents, or anyone who needs scheduling flexibility. Typical hybrid programs cover 40–60% of coursework online, with the remainder as on-site clinical hours at approved partner hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and clinics.
For a complete list of online-friendly LPN programs available to Washington residents, visit our dedicated guide:
Requirements to Enroll in a Washington LPN Program
Washington programs use competitive admissions with standard prerequisites. Washington is NOT an NLC compact state — your license works only in Washington. The strong union protections and top-5 salary compensate for the lack of license portability.
- High school diploma or GED equivalent
- Minimum age of 18 (some programs accept students at 17 with parental consent)
- Completed prerequisite courses — typically includes basic math, English, and introductory biology or anatomy & physiology
- Passing score on an entrance exam (TEAS or HESI A2 are most common)
- Criminal background check and drug screening
- Current CPR/BLS certification (American Heart Association)
- Up-to-date immunization records including TB test, Hepatitis B, and flu vaccine
Quick Facts: LPN Licensing in Washington
After completing an approved program, graduates must pass the NCLEX-PN examination and apply for licensure through the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission. Most candidates receive their results within 48 hours of testing.
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LPN Salary & Job Outlook in Washington
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, May 2024 OEWS data), LPNs in Washington earn an average of $79,970 per year ($38.45/hour). This places Washington highest in the nation the national LPN average of $62,340.
Salaries in Washington typically range from $59,800 for entry-level positions to $98,400 for experienced nurses in high-demand specialties or metro areas.
LPN Salary by City in Washington
| City / Metro Area | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Seattle | $82,960 |
| Tacoma | $80,400 |
| Spokane | $74,200 |
| Olympia | $78,800 |
Job Outlook
Employment of LPNs in Washington is projected to grow 4% over the next decade — about as fast as average for all occupations. The state sees approximately 800 annual job openings for LPNs, driven by retirements, career transitions, and growing demand in skilled nursing facilities and home health.
Where LPNs Work in Washington
The majority of LPNs in Washington work in skilled nursing facilities and long-term care, which together employ roughly 35% of the state's practical nurses. Other common employers include hospitals, physician offices, home health agencies, and outpatient care centers. Shift differentials for evenings, nights, and weekends can add $2–$5/hour on top of base pay.
First Job Tips for New LPN Graduates
Landing your first LPN position in Washington is usually straightforward given current demand. Skilled nursing facilities and long-term care centers actively recruit new graduates and often offer sign-on bonuses. Staffing agencies are another option — they can place you quickly and often pay above-average hourly rates. Once you have 6–12 months of experience, you'll qualify for positions in hospitals, clinics, and specialty practices.
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Explore More Nursing & Healthcare Careers in Washington
Whether you're starting out or planning your next credential, these guides can help:
Washington
Washington LPN Scope of Practice — What You Can and Can't Do
Washington LPNs are regulated by the WA Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission (NCQAC). Washington is an NLC state.
You Can Direct Patient Care
- Medication administration (oral, IM, SubQ, topical, rectal, inhaled)
- Focused assessments and ongoing monitoring
- Wound care and dressing changes
- Vital signs and point-of-care testing
- Foley catheter insertion and management
- Tracheostomy care and suctioning
- Contributing to care plans
- Supervising CNAs/UAPs
Conditional IV Therapy
Washington has a notable IV therapy rule — LPNs may initiate IV medications and fluids under RN supervision with appropriate practice and documentation:
- LPNs may initiate IV medications and fluids under the supervision of an RN
- Must have appropriate practice AND annual documented education
- Washington requires annual documentation of continued IV competency — not just a one-time course
- LPNs CANNOT administer blood products, chemotherapy, or manage central lines
You Cannot RN-Only Functions
- Comprehensive assessments
- Creating or modifying care plans
- Blood product or chemotherapy administration
- Central line management
- Triage
- Independent practice
Washington LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs
| School | Format | Timeline | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle Central College | On-campus + clinical | 12–18 months | ADN bridge in Seattle |
| Tacoma Community College | On-campus + clinical | 12–16 months | ADN bridge in Tacoma |
| Excelsior University | 100% Online | Self-paced | Online + local clinicals, no waitlist |
Washington Nursing Commission Contact
- Website: doh.wa.gov — Nursing Commission
- Phone: (360) 236-4700
- Address: 111 Israel Rd SE, Tumwater, WA 98501
Ready for the Next Step?
Bridge from LPN to RN — Expand Your Scope and Your Paycheck
Tired of scope limitations? RNs earn 35–50% more, perform initial assessments, create care plans, start IVs without extra certification, and run triage. Bridge programs let you earn your RN while you keep working.
Explore LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs →