If you’re a registered nurse, you may be ready to further your education and career by earning your doctorate of nursing practice degree. This degree sets you apart from others in your field and recognizes your commitment to excellence, both for your organization and for your patients. After you earn your doctorate of nursing practice, you’ll have many career opportunities. Some nurses who earn their DNP continue to provide direct patient care, either within a healthcare organization or at their own practice. Others go on to become nurse educators, helping future generations of nurses learn the tools of the trade. Some choose to study the latest techniques in nursing by doing research, providing best practices to healthcare organizations and other nurses.
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SEE ALSO: Washington DNP Salary
No matter what career path you want to follow, earning your DNP is the first step. Let’s take a look at some of the schools in Washington best-known for their DNP programs.
1. Gonzaga University, Spokane
Graduates of Gonzaga University’s DNP program graduate ready to affect positive change in the world of healthcare. This online program is a great option for nurses working busy schedules who want to further their education. A part-time option for coursework makes this DNP program especially doable for nontraditional students who have responsibilities outside of work and education.
- Campus: Spokane, Washington
- Type: Private
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $36,000 per year
- Minimum time commitment: Full-time students complete the program in five years, part-time students may take up to seven years
- Online availability: Yes
- Degree requirements: Applicants must have completed their bachelor’s degree and hold an RN license. Students do not necessarily have to have a bachelor’s degree in nursing. For non-BSN applicants, additional coursework may be required compared to students who have their BSN. A phone interview may be required for admission.
- Programs: Two specialties are offered: family nurse practitioner or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner
- School Site: Gonzaga University Post-Baccalaureate DNP
2. Seattle University
Seattle University offers many pathways to a DNP degree, including an option for applicants who do not have a nursing background. This program is not completed online, making it a great fit for nurses who prefer a traditional classroom experience.
- Campus: Seattle, Washington
- Type: Private
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $832 per credit, number of credits required for graduation dependent on applicant’s educational background
- Minimum time commitment: Two and a half to four years, depending on the applicant’s background
- Online availability: No
- Degree requirements: Applicants must have a GPA of at least 3.0, submit two letters of recommendation, and it’s preferred that applicants have at least two years of work experience. Applicants must also submit a letter of intent, and may need to attend an interview as a part of the selection process.
- Programs: Students have the option of a health systems leadership specialty
- School Site: Seattle U College of Nursing – Doctor of Nursing Practice
3. University of Washington, Seattle
The DNP program at the University of Washington provides many options for nurses who are interested in specializing in a certain area of nursing care. This program is only offered on a full-time basis, so it’s essential to make sure you’ll be able to dedicate the necessary time to your studies before applying to this program.
- Campus: Seattle, Washington
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: Approximately $29,000 per year
- Minimum time commitment: 3 years
- Online availability: No
- Degree requirements: Applicants must be in the process of completing or have a completed bachelor’s or master’s degree, with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Applicants must have completed at least one course in basic/ inferential statistics. Students must have an RN license by the first day of class.
- Programs: Several specialties are offered, including adult gerontology clinical nurse specialist, adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner, nurse-midwifery, family nurse practitioner, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, perinatal clinical nurse specialist, pediatric clinical nurse specialist, community health nursing, pediatric nurse practitioner
- School Site: University of Washington School of Nursing – DNP Family Nurse Practitioner
4. Washington State University
In Washington state, family nurse practitioners are legally permitted to run their own health care practices. Graduates of the Washington State University DNP program are set up for success in managing their own businesses while providing state of the art care to their patients.
- Campus: Spokane, Washington
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: Approximately $32,142 per year for in-state students, $49,164 per year for out-of-state students
- Minimum time commitment: Three to four years for full-time students, four to five years for part-time students
- Online availability: Yes
- Degree requirements: Applicants must have a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in nursing, must have an RN license, and it’s preferred to have at least one year of nursing experience. Applicants must submit three letters of reference, written answers to interview questions, and may be asked to participate in a phone or in-person interview.
- Programs: Several specialties are offered, including population health, family nurse practitioner, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner
- School Site: Washington State University DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
5. Seattle Pacific University
Seattle Pacific University provides students with the knowledge they need to become leaders in both providing patient care and in creating change within healthcare systems. The program emphasizes leadership and organizational knowledge, along with the importance of advocating for quality healthcare in underserved communities.
- Campus: Seattle, Washington
- Type: Private
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $35,000 per year
- Minimum time commitment: Three to four years for most students
- Online availability: No
- Degree requirements: Applicants must have earned or be in the processing of earning their bachelor’s or master’s degree in nursing, have at least one year of nursing experience prior to the start of the school year, have an active RN license, and have a GPA of at least 3.0.
- Programs: Students may specialize in adult/ gerontology nursing or family nursing
- School Site: Seattle Pacific Doctor of Nursing Practice (Nursing Pathways)