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Washington Nursing License
The state of Washington has a developed and organized health care system. It comprises of good professionals, including licensed nurses.
Licensed professional nurses play a huge role in the overall healthcare system. They, in fact, perform a large number of obligations and responsibilities, keeping the heal care system in good standing.
If you want to become a nurse in the state of Washington, then you will certainly need a license to work as a professional nurse. For that, you will need a Washington State nursing license lookup to gain information on the licensing procedure.
Below you can find some interesting facts and tips you need to know before getting started on the Washington nursing license process.
How long does it take to get a Washington state nursing license?
In the state of Washington, the time frame to obtain a nursing license is about three or four weeks.
If you wonder how long it will take you to meet the educational requirements, the answer is two years.
Is Washington State a compact state for nursing?
The Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) is an accord between US states. It makes it possible for licensed nurses to have one license, but practice nursing in other member states.
In 2019, Washington State presented some legislation connected with the NLC. It supposed that the state of Washington could become an NLC member in the future.
As of 2021, Washington State is not a member of the nurse licensure compact. Regardless of this fact, licensed nurses may apply by endorsement, which is a relatively simple process.
How do I get a Washington nursing license?
The Nursing Commission of the Washington State Department of Health is in charge of the licensing procedure. It has defined certain requirements for becoming a licensed nurse. You may see the requirements in the following series of steps.
Become a licensed practical nurse
Step 1: Enroll in a nursing program
If your goal is to become an LPN, then you should enroll in a practical nursing program. In addition, you may also complete pre-licensure requirements in a registered nursing program.
In the state of Washington, there are 23 state-approved practical nursing programs. You can choose the program based on your preference and needs.
In Washington, practical programs have agreements with registered nursing programs. According to these agreements, nursing students will not face unnecessary obstacles if they decide on continuing their education.
Furthermore, most schools have a step program, which includes practical and registered nursing programs at the same school.
Most of the nursing programs guarantee 80% first time pass rate for the NCLEX.
Step 2: Apply for licensure
After completing the educational requirements, you can apply for the nursing license.
The application fee is $85.
Step 3: Take the NCLEX
Every practical nurse must take the NCLEX-PN exam to ensure that he/she is capable of performing nurse duties.
To register for the exam, click here. You should pay $200 for each time you wish to take the exam.
Become a registered nurse
Step 1: Enroll in a nursing program
In similar fashion, future registered nurses (RN) must complete an approved nursing program. The Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission (NCQAC) takes responsibility for nursing program approvals.
The professional nursing programs are available to take at both the associate and baccalaureate levels. You are to decide whether you want an ADN or a BSN.
As a rule, BSN is more preferable to employers as it provides the knowledge and clinical experience necessary to meet the challenges of the health care system.
What comes to the admission to the nursing programs, then you should know that there is shortage of places. Hence, many nursing schools are unable to welcome all skilled students. They, in fact, admit students based on various factors, for example, grade point average.
Step 2: Apply for licensure
Registered nurses must submit their applications after meeting the necessary educational requirements. If you want to apply for your nursing license, click here.
The application fee for a registered nurse license is $120.
Step 3: Take the NCLEX
If you want to become a RN, then you should register for the NCLEX-RN and take it.
Click here to register and schedule an exam.
The NCLEX fee is $200 for each attempt.
Contact Information
Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission
Town Center 2
111 Israel Rd S.E.
Tumwater, WA 98501
Phone: 360-236-4703
Renew your Washington nursing license
In the state of Washington, the nursing license expires every year. You should renew the nursing license 90 days before your birthday.
Click here to renew your nursing license.
Equally important is meeting the requirements for license renewal. For this reason, you should complete 45 hours of continuing education, as well as 531 hours of nurse active practice within three years.
In case you fail to meet the above-mentioned requirements, your nursing license will expire and you will not be able to use it unless you reactivate it.
How do I check Washington nursing credentials?
If you need to check the credentials of a professional nurse in the state of Washington, then you must do a credential search. You may do the search by a credential number, individual or business name.
The given tool will supply you with relevant information and data on the licensed nurse.
The cost of becoming a licensed nurse in the state of Washington
Since your goal is to become a licensed nurse in Washington State, you will need to spend some money on the license.
- RN Application Fee: $120
- LPN Application Fee: $85
- Examination Fee: $200 (for each attempt)
In the same way, you will need, as one may guess, to spend money on obtaining nursing professional education.
In Washington State, practical nursing students may be eligible for general financial aid through the federal government. If you want to educate yourself on the general financial aid information, visit this page.
In similar fashion, registered nurses may also be eligible to apply for financial aid as there are a number of scholarships for students, who cannot afford nursing education.
Nonetheless, even if you have to spend a lot of money on becoming a licensed nurse in Washington, it will totally be worth it. On average, RNs make about $75k a year. Thus, your efforts and struggles will be appreciated when you obtain the license and get a job in the health care system.
