Nurses working in Washington had considerably higher annual mean incomes than the national average. Registered Nurses in Washington made $86,170 in 2019 while Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses earned $57,940. These figures have been obtained from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Should I Become a Nurse in Washington?
If you want to become a nurse in Washington, you need to consider a few factors. Read the guide below to get all the details about the profession and how you can become a nurse.
| Education Required | Different for RNs and LPNs |
| License/Certification | Required |
| Experience/Training | Not compulsory |
| Key Skills/Qualities | Strong Nerves, Physical Fitness, Patience, etc. |
| Annual Mean Salary (2019) – National | $77,460 (Registered Nurses)
$48,500 (Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses) |
| Job Outlook (2018-28) | 12% (Registered Nurses)
11% (Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses) |
| Annual Mean Salary (2019) – Washington | $86,170 (Registered Nurses)
$57,940 (Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses) |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics
Career Outlook
The job outlook for nurses is very positive. As per the estimates by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Registered Nurses will experience a 12% job growth between 2018 and 2028. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses will enjoy employment growth of 11%.
Steps to Become a Nurse in Washington
You have to complete the following steps to become a nurse in Washington.
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- Complete the Necessary Education
The first step is to meet the educational requirements to start your journey. If you plan on becoming a Registered Nurse (RN), you will have to complete a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. A postsecondary nondegree award will suffice if you want to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).
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- Pass the NCLEX
All nurses in the United States will need to pass the NCLEX to become eligible to apply for a license. RNs have to pass the NCLEX-RN test while LPNs need to pass the NCLEX-PN test.
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- Clear Background Check and Get a License
After passing the NCLEX, you will have to apply to the relevant board or authority of the state to get your license. You will have to clear a few steps here too like submitting fingerprints and clearing a background check. Once everything is clear, you will get your license.
How long Does It Take to Become a Nurse in Washington?
The duration depends on the type of nurse you want to become. It will take you between 4 to 6 years to complete all the requirements and get a license in case you want to become a Registered Nurse. It will take you 1 to 2 years to become a Licensed Practical Nurse.
What Are the Requirements for Becoming a Nurse in Washington?
The requirements to become a nurse in Washington are:
- Meet the minimum educational requirements at least.
- Clear the licensing exam, NCLEX
- Clear Background screening
- Get your license
How Much Does a Nurse Earn in Washington?
As per the most recent records of the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Registered Nurses in Washington earned $86,170 in annual mean income. $57,940 was the annual mean income of Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses working in Washington in 2019. Both figures are considerably higher than their respective national averages.
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