Washington offers many ways to begin and grow a nursing career. Whether you’re starting out as a nursing assistant or aiming for advanced practice, there are flexible training options to fit your goals and life circumstances.

Entry-Level Pathways
The journey often begins with Certified Nursing Assistant training, available through colleges, hospitals, and care facilities. For those already working in health care, bridge programs allow Home Care Aides and Medical Assistants to transition into CNA roles with shorter courses. CNAs can also pursue a Medication Assistant Certificate, adding skills to administer certain medications.

Nursing Degrees
From there, students can advance into nursing degrees. Options include becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse, earning an Associate Degree in Nursing, or completing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Bridge programs make it possible for LPNs and ADNs to continue on to Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs, opening doors to registered nurse licensure and broader career opportunities.

Advanced Nursing
For those seeking leadership or specialized practice, graduate programs such as MSN, DNP, or PhD provide advanced training in areas like public health, research, and policy. Nurses can also pursue roles as Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners, specializing in pediatrics, geriatrics, psychiatric care, and more.

Learn More
For details, visit the Washington State Nursing Assistant Education.

On that page, look under General Nursing Assistant Information to find a downloadable PDF with complete details about training requirements and career pathways.

Disclaimer: This information is adapted from the Washington State Board of Nursing. For the most current requirements, please refer directly to their website.