Recent data provided by the Washington Department of Health indicates that nurse staffing issues in the state may not be due to a shortage; it may be a retention issue.
Studies have found that 27% of RNs have left the workforce, and turnover rates have risen significantly in recent years. In one survey, nurses identified multiple reasons for leaving their jobs; lack of good management and leadership was in the top five.
While these problems require complex solutions, improving management and leadership skills can be beneficial to creating a more welcoming and less stressful working environment. Nurses who are dedicated to the profession or wish to be a part of the solution may consider pursuing terminal degrees to put them in positions where they can elicit real change. Many DNP programs offer specialty courses in management and leadership, preparing graduates to develop solutions to these and other challenges.
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DNP Programs in Washington
Washington State does not offer many DNP programs, but it does have a variety, so there is something for everyone. Requirements vary by program. Below, we detail the various programs in the state to help you find the one that suits your needs.
The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing require DNP programs to include 1,000 post-BSN clinical hours. This total includes any hours accrued after completing a BSN, so any hours obtained while completing an MSN degree can count toward this total. The clinical hours listed in the summaries below include the number of credits each DNP program has built into the curriculum to help satisfy this 1,000-hour requirement.
Washington BSN to DNP Programs
There is one BSN to DNP program in Washington at the University of Washington, and it’s a unique program that was the first of its kind.
University of Washington
- Seattle, Washington
- Campus
Modality: On campus
Credit Hours: 93
Clinical Hours: 1,000
Tuition: $11,239/quarter per quarter + fees for residents; $16,038/quarter + fees for non-residents
Program Overview:
The BSN to DNP Population Health and Systems Leadership at the University of Washington is a three-year program designed for post-BSN students. When it launched in 2008, this program was the first of its kind in the Northwest. This track prepares students to drive policy change and develop high-impact solutions to health problems across various communities. This is an in-person program; while on campus, students gain hands-on experience and knowledge in the school’s state-of-the-art simulation center. This program may also accept nurses who have already completed an MSN with a curriculum based on a gap analysis.
Washington MSN to DNP Programs
There are two MSN to DNP programs in Washington for nurses who wish to have some on-campus experience.
Washington State University
- Spokane, Washington
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid
Credit Hours: 33
Clinical Hours: 480
Tuition: $917 per credit + fees for residents; $1,690 per credit + fees for non-residents
Program Overview:
The MSN to DNP program at WSU is a generalist DNP option for nurses who are already practicing as nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, or nurse midwives. It can be completed in either five or eight semesters or about 18 months or 30 months. Most instruction is provided online, but this is considered a hybrid option, so students will be required to come to campus for some classes. This program is offered on four of WSU’s campuses (Spokane, Tri-Cities, Vancouver, and Yakima), so students can choose the campus that is the right fit for them.
Seattle University
- Seattle, Washington
- Campus
Modality: On campus
Credit Hours: 48
Clinical Hours: 500
Tuition: $944 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
Seattle University offers a variety of DNP options for nurse practitioners and an MSN to DNP Health Systems Leader option. This track is 48 credits over 11 quarters. Students can take classes full-time and complete the program in two years or part-time and complete it in four years.
Online DNP Programs in Washington
At Gonzaga University, the MSN to DNP program is primarily online, which can make it a good choice for those who plan to continue working while completing their DNP.
Washington Online MSN to DNP Programs
This MSN to DNP program in Washington State is primarily online with two on-campus immersions.
Gonzaga University
- Spokane, Washington
- Online + Campus
Modality: Online with 2 on-campus immersions
Credit Hours: 28 to 34
Clinical Hours: 340
Tuition: $1,170 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
The MSN to DNP program at Gonzaga University is primarily online with two on-campus immersions. The first is at the beginning of the program, and the second is for an orientation to the required DNP project. Students must complete a minimum of 340 practicum hours working on their DNP project, and additional hours are available for those who need to meet the 1,000-hour minimum. Full-time students can complete the program in two years.
Shortest/Accelerated DNP Programs in Washington
The lengths of these programs vary depending on entry points and other factors. If you’re looking for the shortest programs to complete your degree as soon as possible, consider the programs below.
Shortest BSN to DNP Programs
There is only one BSN to DNP program in Washington, the BSN to DNP Population Health and Systems Leadership at the University of Washington. This program takes three years to complete.
Shortest MSN to DNP Programs
For those who have already completed an MSN, the shortest program is the MSN to DNP at Washington State University, which takes 18 months for students attending full-time.
Best DNP Programs in Washington
It’s difficult to say which is the best DNP program in the state. While there are only four programs, they are all very different. For nurses looking to specialize, consider the University of Washington’s BSN to DNP Population Health and Systems Leadership or the MSN to DNP Health Systems Leader at Seattle University. For more general programs, consider the MSN to DNP options at Washington State University or Gonzaga University.
Cheapest DNP Programs in Washington
The total cost of these programs can be difficult to determine because each school has its own fees and cost structure. When looking at cost per credit, the most affordable options are Washington State University at $917 per credit and Seattle University at $944 per credit.