Washington LPN Programs

Browse our list of state approved LPN certification programs

The most popular place to take an LPN training course is at a community college. Washington has a number of different junior colleges to choose from. There are also Licensed Practical Nursing programs available through online colleges; some of these programs might be accepted by the state, but they lack the hands-on training that a community college program provides. The hands-on clinical practice is essential because it will be challenged on the NCLEX-PN exam, which is why it should be incorporated into any good LPN training program.

Some community colleges in Washington have education pre-requisites that must be completed before enrolling in an LPN program. An example of pre-requisite courses might include: Intro to Chemistry, Anatomy & Physiology I & II, Microbiology, Developmental Psychology, and English Composition. The actual Licensed Practical Nursing program is 4 quarters are requires 78 credits for completion. After successfully graduating, the practical nurse candidate will need to pass the NCLEX-PN examination to receive their license from the state of Washington.

Licensed Practical Nurses are in high demand throughout Washington state and future job growth is expected to continue growing for at least the next eight years. Practical nurses typically work at hospitals, nursing homes, long-term care centers, clinics, and in private home-care settings. Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse in Washington will position the individual to take advantage of current and future opportunities in the health care field.

Many Licensed Practical nurses in Washington work 40 hours a week. Hours and shifts may vary depending on the place of employment. Some hospital shifts might be 12 hours long for 3 days straight, while a shift at a doctor’s office might be 8 hours long for a 5-day stretch. Licensed Practical Nurses receive above average salaries for the level of education required for entry into the profession. Nursing homes and long-term care facilities tend to pay the highest wages. Currently the average annual salary for an LPN in Washington is about $44,000.

List of LPN Programs in Washington (WA)

Washington LPN Schools

Our directory lists all Washington schools that currently offer approved practical nursing programs. The Washington state board of nursing is the regulatory organization in charge of approving LPN education programs. To gain approval, educational institutions must demonstrate to the board of nursing that their program sufficiently prepares students with the knowledge and skills expected of a licensed practical nurse. The on-going approval of a program depends largely upon their graduation rates and the NCLEX pass rates of their graduates. If a program starts to produce poor results in either of these two categories they can quickly lose their state approval or be placed on probationary approval status until their results improve.

Required LPN Classes in Washington

The specific course work required in practical nursing programs can differ from institution to institution. However, there are some subjects that are almost always included in most programs. Typical LPN classes include Anatomy & Physiology, Basic Nursing Skills, Nutrition, Math for Nurses, Psychology and Pharmacology. Topics covered within these subjects prepare students with the knowledge base required to perform the work of a licensed practical nurse.

How to Become an LPN in Washington

Start the process by researching available education programs to find one that suits your schedule and preferences. The next step is to enroll and complete an LPN training program that is approved by the Washington Board of Nursing. Most LPN programs take roughly one year to finish. Upon successful completion of all course requirements you are eligible to challenge the NCLEX-PN exam. After passing the test you can register with the state of Washington as a licensed practical nurse and begin searching for employment.

Taking the NCLEX-PN Exam in Washington

When it comes time to challenge the practical nursing license exam it is advisable to prepare for the exam with a self-study program or classroom prep course. Knowing what to expect on the actual test and completing practice questions can increase your chances of passing. When you feel ready to take the test, apply for your practical nursing license with the Washington state board of nursing and register with Pearson VUE. There is a $200 fee required in order to register for the exam. The next step is to wait until you receive confirmation of your Authorization to Test (ATT). Once you receive your ATT you can schedule your NCLEX exam with Pearson VUE at a nearby testing center.

LPN Quick Reference Links

Washington Board of Nursing
National Council of State Boards of Nursing
Pearson VUE – Official NCLEX Testing Provider
LPN/LVN Career Outlook – US Dept of Labor
Licensed Practical Nurse Wiki
National Association for Practical Nurse Education & Service (NAPNES)
National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses