LPN Programs in Washington – Schools, Salary, and License Info

LPN Programs in Washington

They say “Everyone is replaceable” – and there’s nothing wrong with that.

Life goes on and new people come into our lives all the time.

In Wisconsin, the previous working population has aged.

Therefore, the need for young and aspiring LPNs is huge.

But Washington is home to many Nursing programs, too.

More than a dozen of them can be found in different areas of the state.

LPN programs can be found in community colleges, vocational schools as well as private colleges throughout the state.

In these schools, the salary is quite satisfactory.

If you happen to work in any of these institutions, your hourly salary will go to $24.03.

The annual salary to $49,980.

All this in total makes $5,950 more money yearly compared to the US national average.

With this huge number of LPN schools in the state, you are probably thinking: How will I ever find the right school for me?

And I empathize with you.

But when it comes to this step, you should look for a school that has approved programs from the state, because from there you will get the license too.

Below I have tried to help you solve this issue, by listing the top-ranked programs in Washington.

I have done this selection based on the NCLEX-PN exam and the first-time pass rates observed during these past years in the state.

So, check the 3 programs by the end of this article.

Details on Washington LPN Schools & Classes

LPNs in Washington have plenty of educational options to look for.

LPN programs there usually take one to years to finish.

But the length of the program mainly depends on how the student wishes to attend it.

Whether he commits a full-time or part-time schedule.

So generally speaking, education shows much of your habits.

But eventually, it shapes you into the best version of yourself!

The typical program content is made of the classroom and clinical learning practices.

However, there are other courses included in it, such as:

  • Nursing Fundamentals
  • Nursing Math / Pharmacology
  • Maternal/Newborn/Reproductive Nursing
  • Pediatrics Nursing
  • General Anatomy & Physiology
  • Lifespan Psychology
  • Medical-Surgical Nursing

Accreditation

An important element to consider when looking for the right LPN school in Washington is accreditation.

Accreditation ensures that a program works at high academic standards.

These standards are regulated from the accrediting body such as the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.

The organization also ensures that the student will prepare for the final NCLEX-PN exam during the classes.

However, there is another organization LPN future students can check-in.

That is the Washington Board of Nursing’s Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission.

You can consult it for more accredited LPN programs in Washington.

Admission Requirements

Applying to a particular LPN program means fulfilling a few conditions in the first place.

Though these conditions differ from the school, the key ones include:

  • Completion of high school or GED program (including transcripts)
  • Cumulative GPA of 2.5 in all relevant coursework including prerequisite courses
  • Completion of all prerequisite courses, such as college-level Math, English I and Basic Physiology & Human Anatomy
  • Standardized test scores, if necessary, such as the ACT or TEAS V exam
  • Personal interview
  • Background check, drug screen and proof of required immunizations
  • Submission of a completed application and associated fees

Tuition and Costs

Sometimes financial factors determine our future.

Whether we have enough of them or not, it does not always depend on us.

But studying will surely cost us a bit of money.

In Washington, every school has its own particular costs, so you need to check them all to see which one you can afford.

Generally, the student has to pay for tuition, mandatory college, course and other necessary materials.

While housing and commuting to classes are also part of the cost.

However, if there are students who cannot afford these payments, schools offer other additional help.

This help includes financial aid, loans, and scholarships.

An example of a school is Edmonds Community College, wherein tuition cost for the LPN program is $7,572.

In this cost fees, books and other expenses are excluded.

Washington LPN Licensing Requirements

Attending an approved program from the state is the first step to become an LPN in Washington.

As soon as you’re done with that, you have to take the NXLEC-PN exam.

This is a test that shows how proficient you are at work.

Soon enough you will get the license.

But to do so, you need to submit a few documents to the Washington Department of Health first.

These documents include:

  • Official transcript from a state-approved nursing program
  • Proof of passing score of the NCLEX exam
  • Submit fingerprints for an FBI background check
  • Complete a personal information statement that includes information about physical and mental health status, lack of impairment due to chemical dependency/substance abuse, felony convictions, disciplinary actions, and other areas
  • Completion of 7 hours of required HIV/AIDS training

LPN license in Washington, just like many things, has an expiration date.

For this reason, a renewal is needed every year.

To make the renewal complete, the LPN needs to include a continuing competency program of 531 practice hours along with 45 continuing education.

They have to be done every three years.

NCLEX Exam Information

For an LPN to get the license in their profession they need to pass the NCLEX-PN exam first.

Previously, the courses taken in the program should have already paved the way for this exam.

However, if the candidates do not feel ready for the exam, they may take a practical NCLEX-PN exam to prepare for it first.

LPN Reciprocity and eNLC

Washington so far is not part of the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact, which means that the rules of the compact do not stand here.

So LPNs who are licensed from another state can apply to get the license here through endorsement.

They can do so by sending proof of their present license.

But they must also ensure they have passed the NCLEX exam as well.

Among the documents, they can also attach:

  • Fingerprints submitted digitally to the state
  • Authorization for release of FBI information for criminal background check

In Washington, not only their population but other foreign applicants can apply for the license inside the state.

In this process, the applicants are asked to send their transcripts for a course by course evaluation.

Along with that, they need to send an evaluation service that is approved from the state, as well as the English proficiency results.

To end with, they need to complete the Personal Vocational Relationship Course online and send fingerprints for the background check if it’s okay as well as the NCLEX exam.

The Best LPN Schools in Washington

In the beginning, I told you that the number of schools is not a problem.

With a dozen LPN schools there, of course, you believe that.

But now you need to find the right one.

So, the only way to help you here is to tell you to look for the top-ranked programs.

After that, you may consider others.

At this point, you need to look for accreditation and program.

That depends on what you look for and how ambitious you are.

If you’re are apt for a bit of advice, I would suggest looking for the best quality program.

School NameAddress
Olympic College1600 Chester Ave, Bremerton, WA 98337
Edmonds Community College20000 68th Ave. W, Lynnwood, WA 98036
Bates Technical College1101 S Yakima Ave, Tacoma, WA 98405

LPN Salaries in Washington

LPN Salaries, just like schools are various.

But the salaries in Washington depend on the place you work in.

Then come other factors, such as work experience, skills, and education.

Basically, the more you have, the more get!

Annual Salary Range:

$47K
$52K
$58K
10%
50%
90%
Annual Salary by Location:
LocationAvg. Annual Salary
Seattle$53,437
Spokane$48,455
Tacoma$52,074
Vancouver$50,923
Bellevue$53,437
Everett$52,265
Federal Way$52,074
Kent$51,970
Yakima$48,346
Bellingham$49,871

Regional Salary in Washington

RegionEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Bellingham, WA150$63,030$30.3$74,900$48,770
Bremerton-Silverdale, WA200$66,500$31.97$76,810$52,590
Kennewick-Richland, WA170$64,550$31.04$76,710$52,000
Longview, WA120$65,270$31.38$78,440$51,130
Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA130$66,420$31.94$79,480$50,630
Olympia-Tumwater, WA310$67,960$32.67$81,040$53,770
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA3,490$73,510$35.34$89,620$60,520
Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA570$65,050$31.27$74,880$50,730
Walla Walla, WA80$64,900$31.2$74,190$51,410
Wenatchee, WA70$60,880$29.27$76,030$49,290
Yakima, WA210$63,720$30.63$76,540$50,290
* Salary information based on the May 2022 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses, OCC Code 29-2061, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

USA LPN Programs by State


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