# 2026 Washington Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs

**Author:** NP Degrees Editorial Team
**Published:** July 1, 2026
**Updated:** July 1, 2026

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Washington offers one of the strongest nurse practitioner education landscapes in the Pacific Northwest. The state's diverse healthcare system provides clinical training opportunities in major metropolitan areas including Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, Vancouver, and the Tri-Cities, as well as in rural, tribal, and medically underserved communities throughout the state.  
  
 This guide explores Washington NP programs, specialty options, and key considerations to help prospective students identify a pathway that aligns with their professional goals and interests. 
  
 ## **Featured NP Programs in Washington**  
  
 Washington offers a diverse selection of nurse practitioner education programs through public and private universities.  
  
 
**University of Washington** 
Nursing School[School of Nursing] (https://nursing.uw.edu/) 
Selected ProgramsDoctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse-Midwifery, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner–Acute Care, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner–Primary Care, Population Health & Systems Leadership, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
NP SpecializationsThe DNP program offers APRN tracks in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP, Family NP, Pediatric NP (Acute Care and Primary Care), Psychiatric Mental Health NP, and Nurse-Midwifery.
Clinical Placement SupportThe School of Nursing manages and arranges clinical placements for DNP students, a feature highlighted as distinguishing the program from many other DNP programs.
Program Format & LengthThe DNP program is a full-time, in-person program completed over nine quarters. Curriculum requirements vary by specialty track.
Rankings & Financial SupportThe School of Nursing is ranked the No. 1 public university offering a DNP degree by U.S. News & World Report (2026). The school awarded 180 DNP scholarships totaling $2.1 million during the 2024–25 academic year.
AccreditationThe Doctor of Nursing Practice program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
OverviewThe University of Washington's Doctor of Nursing Practice program combines advanced specialty preparation with leadership and evidence-based practice training. Students can choose from multiple nurse practitioner and nurse-midwifery tracks while benefiting from faculty mentorship and university-managed clinical placements. The full-time, nine-quarter program emphasizes translating research into practice and preparing graduates for leadership roles across healthcare settings.
About the SchoolThe University of Washington is a public research university located in Seattle, Washington. Its School of Nursing is consistently ranked among the nation's leading nursing schools and has offered DNP education since launching the first DNP program on the West Coast in 2008.
 
  
 
**Washington State University** 
Nursing School[College of Nursing] (https://nursing.wsu.edu/) 
Selected ProgramsDNP: Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Post-Master’s General; Master of Nursing; Graduate Certificates
DNP TracksThe DNP offers Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Post-Master’s General tracks.
Learning FormatMost graduate coursework is online. Graduate nursing programs are offered across WSU’s Spokane, Tri-Cities, and Vancouver campuses, with class sessions delivered through two-way interactive videoconferencing.
Graduate OptionsGraduate pathways include the DNP, Master of Nursing, PhD in Nursing, and graduate certificates in areas such as nurse education, public health, and nursing leadership.
Tuition SupportWSU participates in the Western Regional Graduate Program, allowing eligible residents of 16 western states and territories to pay in-state tuition for full-time PhD, DNP, or Master of Nursing–Population Health study.
AccreditationWSU’s BSN, MN, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
OverviewWashington State University’s College of Nursing offers graduate nursing options for students pursuing advanced practice, leadership, research, population health, and specialized certificate study. Its DNP program includes Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Post-Master’s General tracks, with most graduate coursework delivered online and class sessions supported across multiple campuses through interactive videoconferencing.
About the SchoolWashington State University is a public land-grant university with nursing programs offered through campuses in Spokane, Tri-Cities, and Vancouver.
 
  
 
**Seattle University** 
Nursing School[College of Nursing & Health Sciences] (https://www.seattleu.edu/nursing-health-sciences/nursing/) 
Selected ProgramsDoctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Certified Nurse Midwifery, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, Advanced Practice Nursing Immersion to DNP, Post-Graduate Certificates
DNP Areas of StudyDNP options include Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP, Certified Nurse Midwifery, Family NP, Psychiatric Mental Health NP, and Women’s Health NP.
Entry OptionsThe DNP program is available to nurses with bachelor’s degrees, and the Advanced Practice Nursing Immersion option allows college graduates with no healthcare background to enter the DNP pathway.
Clinical & Simulation ResourcesThe College uses a 20,000-square-foot Clinical Performance Lab located near campus at Swedish Cherry Hill Medical Center, and partners with hundreds of Seattle-area healthcare agencies and clinical facilities.
Advising & SupportGraduate students are assigned a faculty academic advisor for program guidance and support.
AccreditationThe baccalaureate, DNP, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
OverviewSeattle University’s College of Nursing & Health Sciences offers DNP and post-graduate certificate options for students seeking advanced nursing roles. Its DNP pathways include several NP specialties, certified nurse-midwifery, and an Advanced Practice Nursing Immersion route for non-nurses. Students benefit from faculty advising, Seattle-area clinical partnerships, and simulation-based learning through the Clinical Performance Lab.
About the SchoolSeattle University is a private Jesuit university in Seattle, Washington. Its nursing programs emphasize whole-person education, health equity, and preparing nurses and nurse practitioners to serve communities locally and globally.
 
  
 
**Gonzaga University** 
Nursing School[School of Health Sciences – Department of Nursing] (https://www.gonzaga.edu/school-of-health-sciences/departments/nursing) 
Selected ProgramsMSN–Family Nurse Practitioner, MSN–Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (Post-Baccalaureate), Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (Post-Master’s), Online RN-to-MSN, Online Second Master’s Degree, MSN–Nursing Leadership in Healthcare
Learning FormatGonzaga’s graduate nursing programs are delivered online and have more than 30 years of experience providing distance education.
Clinical FacultyAll nurse practitioner faculty continue to actively practice in healthcare, providing students exposure to current healthcare policy issues, industry trends, and real-world clinical challenges.
MSN Nurse Practitioner TracksMSN options include Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentrations. NP tracks require 47 credits, include 660 clinical hours, and have an average completion time of nine semesters.
Program OutcomesMSN outcomes emphasize leadership and advocacy, ethical decision-making, interprofessional collaboration, evidence-based practice, and preparation for AANP or ANCC certification examinations.
AccreditationGonzaga University is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). The BSN, MSN, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
OverviewGonzaga University offers online MSN and DNP pathways for nurses seeking advanced practice and leadership roles. Nurse practitioner students can pursue Family Nurse Practitioner or Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner tracks, supported by experienced faculty who maintain active clinical practices. The programs emphasize evidence-based care, leadership development, ethical practice, and interprofessional collaboration while leveraging Gonzaga’s long history of distance nursing education.
About the SchoolGonzaga University is a private Jesuit university located in Spokane, Washington. The university is known for its Jesuit, Catholic, and humanistic educational philosophy, which emphasizes service, leadership, and care for others.
 
  
 
**Pacific Lutheran University** 
Nursing School[School of Nursing] (https://www.plu.edu/nursing/) 
Selected ProgramsDoctor of Nursing Practice (Family Nurse Practitioner), Doctor of Nursing Practice (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner), BSN to DNP, MSN to DNP, MSN-APRN to DNP
DNP SpecialtiesThe DNP program offers two advanced practice specialty tracks: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).
Pathways & FlexibilityStudents may enter through BSN-to-DNP, MSN-to-DNP, or MSN-APRN-to-DNP pathways. The program offers full-time and part-time study options, hybrid course delivery, and individualized plans of study based on prior academic preparation.
Focus & OutcomesThe DNP curriculum prepares nurses to assume leadership roles and to design, advocate for, and implement research-driven improvements in patient care and healthcare systems.
Learning EnvironmentGraduate nursing education emphasizes collaboration with faculty, clinical preceptors, advanced nursing practice preparation, and leadership development.
AccreditationThe baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs at Pacific Lutheran University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
OverviewPacific Lutheran University’s School of Nursing offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice program with Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specialty options. Designed for working nurses, the program provides flexible pathways for BSN-, MSN-, and APRN-prepared students, with full-time or part-time study, hybrid coursework, and individualized plans of study. The curriculum emphasizes advanced practice, leadership, and the application of research to improve patient and system-level outcomes.
About the SchoolPacific Lutheran University is a private university located in Tacoma, Washington. Affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, PLU is known for its emphasis on service, leadership, and preparing graduates to make positive contributions in their communities and professions.
 
  
 ## **Washington NP Program Directory**  
  
 
**Institution** **Pathway Options** **Selected Specializations** **NP Certificates** 
**Gonzaga University** 
Spokane, WARN to Master’s, Master’s, Bachelor’s to DNP, Master’s to DNPFamily Nurse Practitioner Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse PractitionerY
**Pacific Lutheran University** 
Tacoma, WAEntry-Level Master’s, Master’s, Bachelor’s to DNP, Master’s to DNPFamily Nurse Practitioner Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse PractitionerY
**Seattle University** 
Seattle, WABachelor’s to DNP, Master’s to DNPAdult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Family Nurse Practitioner Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Women's Health Nurse PractitionerY
**University of Washington** 
Seattle, WAMaster’s, Bachelor’s to DNPAdult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse PractitionerAdult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Family Nurse Practitioner Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse PractitionerY
**Washington State University** 
Spokane, WAMaster’s, Bachelor’s to DNP, Master’s to DNPFamily Nurse Practitioner Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
 
  
 ## **How to Choose an NP Program in Washington**  
  
 Washington offers one of the strongest nurse practitioner education landscapes in the Pacific Northwest, with programs spanning public research universities, private institutions, and healthcare-focused graduate schools. Students can choose from MSN, BSN-to-DNP, post-master's DNP, and certificate pathways across a wide variety of specialties. As you compare programs, focus on specialty availability, learning format, clinical placement support, and how each pathway aligns with your long-term career goals. 
  
 ### **Match your specialization to your goals**  
  
 Washington schools collectively offer nearly every major NP specialty. The University of Washington provides DNP tracks in Family, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, Pediatric Acute Care, Pediatric Primary Care, Psychiatric Mental Health, and Nurse-Midwifery. Seattle University offers Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, Family, Psychiatric Mental Health, Women's Health, and Certified Nurse Midwifery pathways, while Washington State University focuses on Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner preparation. Gonzaga University offers online MSN tracks in Family and Psychiatric Mental Health practice, and Pacific Lutheran University provides DNP pathways in Family and Psychiatric Mental Health specialties. Students comparing Washington schools with other[ best nurse practitioner programs] (https://npdegrees.org/degrees/best-online-np-programs/)  should prioritize programs that align with their preferred patient population, certification goals, and long-term practice interests. 
  
 ### **Consider how the program is delivered**  
  
 Washington schools offer a variety of flexible learning models. Washington State University delivers most graduate coursework online with interactive videoconferencing across multiple campuses. Gonzaga University has more than three decades of experience providing online graduate nursing education, while Pacific Lutheran University offers hybrid coursework with both full-time and part-time options. Seattle University combines classroom learning with simulation and extensive clinical experiences, and the University of Washington's DNP is a full-time, in-person program that emphasizes immersive clinical preparation. Students exploring the broader[ nurse practitioner career path] (https://npdegrees.org/careers/how-to-become-a-np/)  should compare online flexibility, campus requirements, residency expectations, and clinical scheduling before selecting a program. 
  
 ### **Think about your geographic context**  
  
 Washington's geography creates distinctly different clinical opportunities depending on where students study. Seattle offers access to major academic medical centers and specialty healthcare organizations through the University of Washington and Seattle University. Eastern Washington students may benefit from programs at Gonzaga University and Washington State University, while Pacific Lutheran University serves the Tacoma region. Many schools also emphasize healthcare access for rural, tribal, and underserved communities, preparing graduates for practice throughout Washington rather than only in metropolitan areas. 
  
 ### **Look at program pathways and long-term flexibility**  
  
 Washington programs provide multiple educational entry points for nurses at different stages of their careers. Pacific Lutheran University offers BSN-to-DNP, MSN-to-DNP, and MSN-APRN-to-DNP pathways with individualized plans of study. Seattle University admits both bachelor's-prepared nurses and non-nursing college graduates through its Advanced Practice Nursing Immersion pathway. Washington State University combines DNP, Master of Nursing, PhD, and graduate certificate options, while Gonzaga offers online MSN, post-baccalaureate DNP, post-master's DNP, RN-to-MSN, and second master's pathways. Before selecting a program, students should review the[ nurse practitioner accreditation guide] (https://npdegrees.org/accreditation/nurse-practitioner-guide/)  and confirm that the curriculum aligns with Washington[ nurse practitioner licensure] (https://npdegrees.org/licensure/nurse-practitioner/)  requirements and national certification standards. 
  
 ### **Evaluate clinical placement support and experiential learning**  
  
 Clinical support varies considerably across Washington schools. The University of Washington manages and arranges clinical placements for all DNP students, a feature that distinguishes it from many NP programs nationally. Seattle University partners with hundreds of Seattle-area healthcare agencies and provides access to a 20,000-square-foot Clinical Performance Lab near Swedish Cherry Hill Medical Center. Gonzaga's NP faculty continue active clinical practice while mentoring students, and Pacific Lutheran emphasizes close collaboration between faculty and clinical preceptors through individualized plans of study. Before enrolling, students should ask whether clinical placements are coordinated by the school, whether students must identify preceptors independently, what simulation resources are available, and whether travel may be required for specialty clinical experiences. 
  
 ## **Finding Clinical Placements and Preceptors in Washington**  
  
 Washington offers NP students access to one of the most diverse clinical training environments in the Pacific Northwest. Clinical experiences may take place in nationally recognized academic medical centers, integrated health systems, community hospitals, behavioral health organizations, federally qualified health centers, tribal health clinics, rural hospitals, and specialty practices serving urban, suburban, and medically underserved communities. 
  
 ### **Major Clinical Training Environments**  
  
 Several Washington nursing schools emphasize strong clinical partnerships, simulation resources, and structured experiential learning. 
    
- **University of Washington**  manages and arranges clinical placements for DNP students, giving learners access to a broad network of healthcare organizations throughout the state.    
- **Seattle University**  partners with hundreds of Seattle-area healthcare agencies and supports learning through its 20,000-square-foot Clinical Performance Lab near Swedish Cherry Hill Medical Center.    
- **Washington State University**  delivers graduate education across multiple campuses while supporting clinical experiences throughout eastern and central Washington.    
- **Gonzaga University**  combines online NP education with faculty who remain active clinicians, helping connect coursework with current practice.    
- **Pacific Lutheran University**  emphasizes close collaboration among faculty, clinical preceptors, and students while supporting individualized clinical plans.    
 Students may complete clinical experiences within healthcare organizations such as: 
    
- UW Medicine    
- MultiCare Health System    
- Providence Swedish    
- Virginia Mason Franciscan Health    
- Kaiser Permanente Washington    
- PeaceHealth    
- Seattle Children's    
- EvergreenHealth    
- Community Health Centers    
- Tribal health clinics    
- Rural critical access hospitals throughout Washington    
 ### **How Geography Can Affect Placements**  
  
 Washington's diverse regions offer different types of clinical experiences. 
  
 Students in: 
    
- Seattle    
- Tacoma    
- Spokane    
- Vancouver    
- Bellevue    
  
  
 may have access to: 
    
- academic medical centers    
- specialty hospitals    
- pediatric and behavioral health services    
- large integrated healthcare systems    
- multidisciplinary specialty practices    
  
  
 Students in eastern, central, and rural Washington may encounter: 
    
- broader primary care responsibilities    
- rural and frontier healthcare settings    
- tribal health clinics    
- agricultural and migrant health populations    
- greater exposure to healthcare access challenges in underserved communities    
  
  
 Washington's emphasis on rural and tribal health gives many NP students opportunities to work with patient populations that may not be available in larger metropolitan healthcare systems. 
  
 ### **Online and Hybrid Program Considerations**  
  
 Washington offers numerous online and hybrid graduate nursing pathways, but NP clinical education remains an in-person requirement. 
  
 Before enrolling, students should ask: 
    
- whether the school coordinates clinical placements    
- if students are responsible for identifying preceptors    
- whether clinical experiences can be completed near home    
- what travel may be required for specialty rotations    
- whether campus immersions or residency experiences are required    
  
  
 These questions can be especially important for students enrolled in distance-accessible programs such as those offered by Washington State University, Gonzaga University, and Pacific Lutheran University. 
  
 ### **Program-Specific Placement Models**  
  
 Clinical support varies across Washington institutions. 
    
- **University of Washington**  distinguishes itself by arranging clinical placements for DNP students.    
- **Seattle University**  combines extensive regional healthcare partnerships with advanced simulation training.    
- **Washington State University**  supports students across multiple campuses through interactive learning technologies and regional clinical opportunities.    
- **Gonzaga University**  integrates mentorship from actively practicing NP faculty into clinical preparation.    
- **Pacific Lutheran University**  develops individualized plans of study supported by faculty and clinical preceptors.    
  
  
 Before enrolling, students should ask detailed questions about placement responsibilities, travel expectations, simulation resources, specialty-specific clinical opportunities, and preceptor support. 
  
 ### **Professional Networking Resources**  
  
 Washington has a strong network of professional organizations that can help NP students identify mentors, preceptors, and future employment opportunities. 
    
- [**Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA)** ] (https://www.wsna.org/)  — The state's largest professional nursing organization, offering advocacy, continuing education, leadership development, and networking.    
- [**APRNs of Washington State** ] (https://auws.enpnetwork.com/)  — A dedicated organization representing Washington APRNs through legislative advocacy, conferences, professional education, and networking opportunities.    
- [**Washington Association for Community Health** ] (https://www.wacommunityhealth.org/)  — A valuable resource for students interested in federally qualified health centers, community clinics, and primary care.    
- [**Washington Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Network** ] (https://ahecwa.org/)  — Supports healthcare workforce development and helps expand clinical training opportunities in rural and underserved communities.    
- [**Washington State Office of Rural Health** ] (https://doh.wa.gov/public-health-provider-resources/rural-health)  — Provides information about rural healthcare initiatives, workforce programs, and practice opportunities throughout the state.    
- **Major health systems**  including [UW Medicine] (https://www.uwmedicine.org/) , [MultiCare Health System] (https://www.multicare.org/) , [Providence Swedish] (https://www.providence.org/lp/swedish) , and [Kaiser Permanente Washington] (https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/washington/)  frequently partner with nursing schools and offer clinical education, residency opportunities, and professional networking.    
  
  
 Washington's strong emphasis on health equity, rural healthcare, and tribal health means students who engage with these organizations often develop valuable professional connections that support future clinical placements, mentorship, and career advancement. 
  
 ## **NP Programs in Washington FAQ**  
  
 ### **Do NP programs in Washington require the GRE?**  
  
 GRE requirements vary by institution and degree pathway. Many Washington nursing programs no longer require the GRE for MSN or DNP applicants, particularly for experienced registered nurses, but admissions requirements differ by school. Students should always verify current requirements directly with the institution they plan to attend. 
  
 ### **Can I complete an NP program online in Washington?**  
  
 Yes. Washington offers several online and hybrid NP pathways. Washington State University delivers most graduate coursework online with interactive videoconferencing across multiple campuses, Gonzaga University has more than 30 years of experience providing online graduate nursing education, and Pacific Lutheran University offers hybrid DNP pathways. Some programs, such as the University of Washington's DNP, are primarily in-person. Regardless of format, all NP students must complete supervised clinical experiences in person. 
  
 ### **How difficult is it to find a clinical preceptor in Washington?**  
  
 Preceptor availability depends on your specialty, location, and school. Some institutions provide substantial support. For example, the University of Washington manages and arranges clinical placements for DNP students, while Seattle University maintains partnerships with hundreds of healthcare agencies throughout the Seattle area. Students should ask whether clinical placements are coordinated by the school, whether they are responsible for securing preceptors, and what support is available if placement challenges arise. 
  
 ### **What NP specialties are available in Washington?**  
  
 Washington schools offer a broad range of specialties, including Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, Psychiatric Mental Health, Pediatric Primary Care, Pediatric Acute Care, Women's Health, and Nurse-Midwifery pathways. Some schools also offer post-graduate certificates, leadership-focused doctoral programs, and multiple entry pathways for nurses with different educational backgrounds. Specialty availability varies by institution and degree level. 
  
 ### **Can nurse practitioners practice independently in Washington?**  
  
 Yes. Washington is a [full practice state] (https://www.aanp.org/advocacy/state/state-practice-environment) . Nurse practitioners may evaluate patients, diagnose conditions, order and interpret diagnostic tests, prescribe medications, and manage treatment independently under state law. APRNs must still meet Washington licensing, national certification, and prescriptive authority requirements before practicing. Students should review current state regulations before graduation, as licensure requirements and practice laws can change over time.