Washington State University  Tri-Cities Nursing Programs

Washington State University  Tri-Cities offers nursing education pathways for students at different points in their careers, from those preparing for initial licensure to registered nurses pursuing advanced practice, leadership, or doctoral study. The right path depends on your current education, licensure status, career goals, and preferred format. This profile reflects publicly reported program offerings, and details should be confirmed directly with the school before applying.

Reported Nursing Programs

Based on our research, Washington State University  Tri-Cities offers or has offered the following nursing programs:

• Bachelor’s
• Bachelor’s to DNP
• Entry-Level Master’s
• Master’s
• Master’s to DNP
• RN to Bachelor’s
• RN to Master’s

About These Programs

Here is what each of Washington State University  Tri-Cities’s reported programs typically involves.

Bachelor’s. A traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing, or BSN, is a four year undergraduate degree. It prepares students with no prior nursing background for initial RN licensure through classroom coursework and supervised clinical hours.

Graduates typically become eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN. Learn more in our Nursing Degree Types guide or our How to Become an RN guide. In general, graduates pursue entry-level RN roles in hospitals, clinics, or specialty care settings.

Bachelor’s to DNP. A BSN to DNP pathway takes a bachelor’s-prepared nurse directly to a Doctor of Nursing Practice. This is a clinical, not research, doctoral degree increasingly used as the terminal credential for advanced practice roles.

Compare doctoral options in our DNP vs. PhD guide. Graduates typically pursue the highest level of clinical practice in a specialty, or healthcare leadership roles.

Entry-Level Master’s. A Direct-Entry or Entry-Level MSN is designed for students without a nursing background. It allows them to move straight into a master’s level nursing career, without stopping to earn a separate bachelor’s degree first.

Learn more in our Nursing Degree Types guide. Graduates enter the profession already positioned for graduate-level roles or further advanced practice study.

Master’s. A Master of Science in Nursing, or MSN, is the traditional graduate nursing degree. It serves as the foundation for most advanced practice roles, as well as nursing education, administration, and informatics tracks.

See our Nursing Degree Types guide for a full breakdown of MSN specializations. Graduates commonly move into advanced practice, education, or leadership roles depending on their specialization.

Master’s to DNP. A Post-Master’s DNP is for nurses who already hold an MSN and want to add a Doctor of Nursing Practice. This typically leads to the highest level of clinical practice in their specialty.

Compare doctoral options in our DNP vs. PhD guide. Graduates often move into senior clinical, executive, or systems-leadership roles.

RN to Bachelor’s. An RN to BSN bridge program is built for nurses who already hold an RN license, typically through an associate degree or diploma program. These programs let nurses complete a bachelor’s degree while continuing to work, often part time or online.

See our RN-to-BSN Guide for more detail. Graduates often find expanded eligibility for leadership or specialized hospital roles that increasingly prefer a BSN.

RN to Master’s. An RN to MSN bridge is for RNs without a bachelor’s degree who want to go directly to a master’s degree. Some programs award a BSN along the way, while others build bachelor’s-level coursework into the master’s curriculum.

Read our full RN-to-MSN Guide. Graduates often pursue the same advanced practice, leadership, or education roles as traditional MSN graduates.

Understanding Accreditation and State Approval

Nursing programs can carry two related but distinct types of quality assurance. Institutional accreditation covers the college or university as a whole, confirmed by an accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Programmatic nursing accreditation is separate, most commonly granted by the CCNE or the ACEN.

A school can hold institutional accreditation without its nursing program holding programmatic accreditation, so it is worth checking both. Most states also require state board of nursing approval for pre-licensure programs, which is a separate regulatory requirement.

Because accreditation and approval status can change over time, verify current status using the official directories below rather than relying only on a school’s own marketing materials.

What the Application Process Generally Looks Like

Every school’s specific requirements differ, but nursing program applications commonly follow a similar shape. Entry-level programs typically require transcripts, prerequisite coursework, a minimum GPA, and sometimes an entrance exam.

Bridge and RN-completion programs generally require proof of an active, unencumbered license in addition to transcripts. Graduate and doctoral programs typically add a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and relevant clinical experience for advanced practice tracks.

These requirements vary by program and can change from year to year. Always confirm the exact, current requirements directly with the school before applying.

Verifying Your State’s Licensure Requirements

Nursing licensure is regulated separately by each state, not just by the school or the accreditor. If you plan to become licensed or practice in Washington, or in any other state, confirm that your intended program meets that state’s specific requirements before enrolling.

You can find contact information for any state’s board of nursing through the NCSBN’s official member directory. This is the most reliable way to reach the correct regulatory body for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if a nursing program is properly accredited?
Search the official CCNE or ACEN directories directly, rather than relying on a school’s own claims. These directories confirm current accreditation status, the exact programs covered, and the accreditation dates.

What is the difference between institutional and programmatic accreditation?
Institutional accreditation applies to the college or university as a whole. Programmatic accreditation is specific to the nursing program itself, and a school can have one without the other.

Do I need to already hold a nursing license to apply to a bridge program?
Yes. Bridge programs like RN-to-BSN or LPN-to-BSN are specifically built for students who already hold an active nursing license, and they give credit for that existing education and experience.

What career paths are available with a Master of Science in Nursing?
An MSN can lead toward advanced practice roles, nursing education, administration, or informatics, depending on the specialization chosen.

What is the difference between a DNP and a PhD in Nursing?
A DNP is a clinical doctorate focused on advanced practice. A PhD is a research-focused academic doctorate, typically aimed at research or university teaching careers.

Can nursing licensure requirements affect which program I should choose?
Yes. Licensure is regulated separately by each state, so a program that works well for one student may not meet requirements in another state. Always verify state-specific requirements before enrolling.

Where can I find current tuition and admission deadline information?
These details change frequently and are best confirmed directly on the school’s official website, linked above, rather than through a directory like this one.

Questions to Ask Before Applying

• Is this program approved for students who live in my state?
• Does it meet the requirements for the license or certification I am pursuing?
• What prerequisites are required before I can apply?
• Are university admission and nursing program admission separate processes here?
• What is the total cost, including tuition, fees, clinical, and lab expenses?
• Where and when are clinical hours completed?
• Can I work while enrolled, given the program’s format and workload?
• What accreditation and state board approvals apply to this specific program?

Learn More

Tuition and Financial Aid. Visit Washington State University  Tri-Cities’s official website, linked above, for current tuition rates, fees, and financial aid options.

Admission Requirements and Deadlines. Contact Washington State University  Tri-Cities directly or check their official website for current admission requirements and deadlines, since these change by term and by program.

Verify Accreditation. Search the official CCNE Accreditation Directory to independently confirm current nursing program accreditation status.

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This profile is based on research into publicly reported information and may not reflect the most current offerings. Program availability, admission requirements, accreditation status, and costs can change. Always confirm current details directly with the school before applying.