Top LPN Programs in Washington
Washington LPN Schools, License Requirements, Salary, and Job Outlook
The city aims at improving the health of its inhabitants through global research, collaboration, and training. The mission is to safeguard the public health and well-being by assuring safe and quality care. There are more than twenty colleges that train the students in the practical nursing programs in Washington.
LPNs are healthcare professionals who work under the guidance of RNs or senior doctors. In some selected states, LPNs are allowed to assist in surgeries and may administer the prescribed medicines. These professionals participate actively in team discussions where the aim is to deliver the best to the patient.
There is no need of having any medical experience while applying for an LPN. The aspirant must have completed high school and attained 18 years of age. Also, s/he must not be involved in any illegal practice and should have no criminal record. There are various factors that need to be considered before selecting an LPN school. The LPN program should be approved by the Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission (NCQAC). Washington Nurse Aide Registry maintains the list of all the licensed practical nurses in the state. To earn a good status, the LPN program should have an NCLEX-PN pass rate of 80%. We are providing you a list of 23 LPN schools in Washington that provide quality education in the state.
1
Rank
Wenatchee Valley College
Type of Course:Certificate
The college serves the educational and cultural needs of the society. Along with this, it provides liberal arts, high-quality transfer, and continuing education for students belonging to diverse cultural background. It is built on a 5-acre land. Wenatchee Valley College was established in 1939 by the funds raised by 51 local citizens.
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
100.00 %
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Address:
1300 Fifth Street, Wenatchee, WA 98801
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Contact Number:
+1.509.682.6800
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Type of Course:
Certificate
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2
Rank
Skagit Valley College
Type of Course:Certificate
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
100.00 %
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Address:
2405 East College Way, Mount Vernon, WA 98273
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Contact Number:
+1.360.416.7600
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Type of Course:
Certificate
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3
Rank
Everett Community College
Type of Course:Certificate
Everett Community College is accredited by the Northwestern Commission on Colleges and Universities. The college has been successfully running since past 70 years and has educated many students who have grown up to become area’s civic and social leaders and top businessmen. The college educates more than 19,000 students every year. It is one of the 34 colleges that are governed by the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges.
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
100.00 %
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Address:
2000 Tower Street, Everett, WA 98201-1390
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Contact Number:
+1.425.388.9100
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Type of Course:
Certificate
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4
Rank
Columbia Basin College
Type of Course:Certificate
The college is located at two locations- Richmond and Pasco. The college was established in 1955 to equip the students with valuable knowledge and fulfill the needs of Benton and Franklin Counties. The college has an expertise group of faculties and staff that enhance the abilities of the students and strengthen their skills to face the present world competition.
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
100.00 %
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Address:
2600 North 20th Avenue, Pasco, WA 99301
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Contact Number:
+1.509.547.0511
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Type of Course:
Certificate
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5
Rank
Centralia College
Type of Course:Certificate
High-quality staff and a well-experienced faculty counsel the students and support them in their chosen careers. The college is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. It was established in 1925 and is spread over an area of more than 30 acres.
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
100.00 %
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Address:
600 Centralia College Boulevard, Centralia, WA 98531
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Contact Number:
+1.360.736.9391
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Type of Course:
Certificate
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6
Rank
Big Bend Community College
Type of Course:11 Months Program
The college aims at delivering lifelong learning by achieving excellence in teaching and community engagement. The activities organized by the college helps improve the technical and career proficiency of the students and prepare them to face the challenges of the real work settings. The school is counted among top nursing schools in Washington and has 100% NCLEX-PN pass rate.
-
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
100.00 %
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Address:
7662 Chanute Street North East, Moses Lake, WA 98837
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Contact Number:
+1.509.793.2222
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Type of Course:
11 Months Program
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7
Rank
Walla Walla Community College
Type of Course:Certificate
Back in 1967 when the college was started, it had only 857 students, but now, the institute has grown huge with more than 10,000 students. The college is a hub of quality education and inspires all the students to analyze their real potential and achieve the goals. The college lays equal importance to the theory classes as well as hands-on practice so that the students can compete in the highly challenging industry.
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
99.42 %
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Address:
500 Tausick Way, Walla Walla, WA 99362
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Contact Number:
+1.509.522.2500
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Type of Course:
Certificate
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8
Rank
North Seattle Community College
Type of Course:Certificate
North Seattle Community College has a committed and talented faculty whose main aim is to deliver the outstanding education to the students. The college ensures that the student’s true potential is recognized and developed that helps them advance in the career. There are more than 100 courses provided by the college, and all of them are transferable.
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
98.65 %
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Address:
9600 College Way North, Seattle, WA 98103
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Contact Number:
+1.206.934.3600
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Type of Course:
Certificate
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9
Rank
Yakima Valley Community College
Type of Course:Certificate
Yakima Valley Community College is committed to providing full-time technical, academic, and professional education. The college was founded in 1928 and holds a good reputation of offering quality education. Apart from nursing, the college also offers programs in community services, professional and technical education, lower division arts and sciences, and adult basic education.
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
98.42 %
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Address:
South 16th Avenue & Nob Hill Boulevard, Yakima, WA 98902
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Contact Number:
+1.509.574.4600
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Type of Course:
Certificate
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10
Rank
Spokane Community College
Type of Course:Certificate
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
98.31 %
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Address:
1810 North Greene Street, Spokane, WA 99217-5399
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Contact Number:
+1.509.533.7000
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Type of Course:
Certificate
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11
Rank
Lake Washington Institute of Technology
Type of Course:Certificate
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
98.07 %
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Address:
11605 132nd Avenue North East, Kirkland, WA 98034
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Contact Number:
+1.425.739.8100
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Type of Course:
Certificate
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12
Rank
South Puget Sound Community College
Type of Course:Certificate
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
97.00 %
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Address:
2011 Mottman Road South West, Olympia, WA 98512
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Contact Number:
+1.360.596.5200
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Type of Course:
Certificate
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13
Rank
Grays Harbor College
Type of Course:Certificate
Grays Harbor College has been accredited by the Northwestern Commission on Colleges and Universities. The infrastructure of the college is a visual delight, built across a land of 120 acres. It offers various learning programs, suiting to the students belonging from all walks of life.
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
96.25 %
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Address:
1620 Edward P Smith Drive, Aberdeen, WA 98520
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Contact Number:
+1.360.532.9020
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Type of Course:
Certificate
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14
Rank
Olympic College
Type of Course:Certificate
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
96.08 %
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Address:
1600 Chester Avenue, Bremerton, WA 98337
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Contact Number:
+1.360.792.6050
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15
Rank
Bellingham Technical College
Type of Course:Degree
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
95.57 %
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Address:
3028 Lindbergh Avenue, Bellingham, WA 98225
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Contact Number:
+1.360.752.7000
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16
Rank
Green River Community College
Type of Course:Associate Degree
The students come here from all around the world to increase their knowledge base and enhance their skills. The college has been fulfilling the expectations of the community and students from the past 50 years. It has its campuses located in Kent, Auburn, and Enumclaw. Green River Community College is spread across a vast land of 180 acres. The students can choose from a variety of career and technical education, transfer degrees and continuing community and education classes. The college is one of a kind with features like solid student services, strong academics, and a diverse and lively campus.
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
94.76 %
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Address:
12401 South East 320th Street, Auburn, WA 98092-3622
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Contact Number:
+1.253.833.9111
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Type of Course:
Associate Degree
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17
Rank
Lower Columbia College
Type of Course:Certificate
The college was established in 1934 by the name Lower Columbia Junior College. It works in a close association with the community and local organizations to serve the society. Lower Columbia College sets a high standard of education and hones the skills of students belonging to all walks of life. The strength of the college lies in small classes, friendly and supportive environment, and dedicated teachers.
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
89.94 %
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Address:
1600 Maple Street, Longview, WA 98632
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Contact Number:
+1.360.442.2311
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Type of Course:
Certificate
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18
Rank
Bates Technical College
Type of Course:Degree
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
89.28 %
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Address:
1101 South Yakima Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98405
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Contact Number:
+1.253.680.7000
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19
Rank
Skagit Valley– Whidbey
Type of Course:Certificate
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
88.55 %
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Address:
1900 SE Pioneer Way, Oak Harbor, WA 98277
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Contact Number:
+1.360.675.6656
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Type of Course:
Certificate
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20
Rank
Clover Park Technical College
Type of Course:Certificate
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
84.23 %
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Address:
4500 Steilacoom Boulevard South West, Lakewood, WA 98499-4004
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Contact Number:
+1.253.589.5800
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Type of Course:
Certificate
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21
Rank
South Seattle Community College
Type of Course:Certificate
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
80.10 %
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Address:
6000 16th Avenue South West, Seattle, WA 98106
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Contact Number:
+1.206.934.5300
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Type of Course:
Certificate
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22
Rank
Renton Technical College
Type of Course:Certificate
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
80.00 %
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Address:
3000 North East 4th Street, Renton, WA 98056
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Contact Number:
+1.425.235.2352
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Type of Course:
Certificate
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23
Rank
Heritage University
Type of Course:Degree
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
76.10 %
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Address:
3240 Fort Road, Toppenish, WA 98948
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Contact Number:
+1.509.865.8500
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Licensure Requirements
All those students who desire to become an LPN should get enrolled in an LPN course. The candidates must perform at least 60 hours of coursework (including theoretical and practical sessions). After pursuing the LPN course from an accredited nursing school in Washington, the students are required to pass a licensure test to get the license and start practicing as a practical nurse.
License by Exam for Students Educated in the United States
- If you have completed your graduation in nursing from Washington, request the director of your LPN program to send an electronic certification of completion to the office of Washington Board of Nursing so that you can become eligible to appear for the NCLEX-PN exam.
If you have completed your graduation in nursing from another jurisdiction or state of the U.S., send the out-of-state Nursing Program Certification of completion form (which comes with the application packet) to the director of your nursing program and request him/her to fill it and return to the Nursing Commission.
- Request your nursing school to submit your transcripts with degree listed to the Nursing Commission.
- For the sake of background check, submit fingerprints (if you have an out-of-state address listed on the application) which should be obtained on the fingerprint card issued by the Department of Health.
- After sending the application, register with Pearson Vue (https://home.pearsonvue.com). Pearson Vue will send you ATT (Authorization to Test) via email, through which you can schedule the exam.
Once you clear the NCLEX-PN exam, your license will be issued, and you’ll get a one-time paper license via the mail after 8-10 days of its issuance. You will receive a temporary practice permit until the permanent license is issued.
Click here to download the Licensed Practical Nurse by Examination Application Packet.
License by Exam for Students Educated Outside the United States
If you hold a license in another U.S. state or jurisdiction, fill the LPN Endorsement Application.
- Request your nursing school to submit your transcripts with degree listed to the Nursing Commission.
- If you have completed your graduation in nursing out of the U.S. except for the Virgin Islands, Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, Australia, United Kingdom, Guam, New Zealand, Ireland, and Canada (except Quebec), you are required to give and clear an English Proficiency Test- either International English Language Testing System (IELTS- a total score of 6.5 with a score of 6.0 in speaking, writing, reading, and listening) or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL- total score of 79 with a speaking score of 26).
- Complete the PVR (Personal Vocational Relationship Course) which is a 15-hour self-directed course and costs $150.
- Once your application is approved by the Nursing Commission, register with Pearson Vue to take the licensure exam.
- For the sake of background check, submit fingerprints (if you have an out-of-state address listed on the application) which should be obtained on the fingerprint card issued by the Department of Health.
LPN License by Endorsement
- Visit www.nursys.com and follow the instructions to verify the license. If the original state of license is not a part of NURSYS, submit the NON-NURSYS verification form to the Board of Nursing of the original state. Request them to complete the form and send it back to the office of Washington Nursing Board.
- Request your state board of nursing or school of nursing to send transcripts to the office of Washington Nursing Board if your original state of license cannot verify your nursing education on NURSYS or NON-NURSYS license verification form.
- Complete the requirements of English Proficiency Exam and Background Check as mentioned in the above section.
- Submit the proof of your active/current LPN license along with your application.
- Clear the NCLEX-PN exam if you have completed your education in nursing outside the U.S.
The Licensed Practical Nurse by Endorsement Application Packet can be downloaded by clicking the below-given link:
http://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/Pubs/669224.pdf
Washington Nursing License Renewal
The LPN license earned after qualifying the NCLEX-PN test remains valid for a time period of two years. After which, it gets expired. The renewal reminders are mailed by the board to the candidates 90 days before the expiration date. In case the candidates do not get the notice 4 weeks prior to the expiration date, the candidate must contact the board at [email protected] or can make a call at 360-236-4703.
The renewal application must be received by the board till midnight of the expiration date. Otherwise, it would be considered late, and an additional late fee would be charged. Following are the renewal fee (non-refundable) charged in different cases
- LPN license renewal: $96
- LPN late renewal penalty (this is the additional fee): $50
- LPN inactive license renewal: $61
- LPN expired license re-issuance (This fee plus renewal fee and late renewal fee): $70
- LPN expired inactive license re-issuance (this fee along with the inactive renewal fee, if late): $40
- LPN inactive late renewal penalty(this fee along with the inactive renewal fee if late): $30
Continuing Education Requirements for LPN License Renewal
- Licensed Practical Nurses must have documents indicating at least 45 clock hours of CE (continuing education) and 531 hours of active practice within a 3-year cycle. The first renewal cycle begins after initial licensure on your first birthday.
- Attest every 3 years to confirm you have fulfilled the continuing education and practice requirements.
Methods of License Renewal
Town Center 2
111 Israel Road S.E.
Tumwater, WA 98501
The license can be verified between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Verification fees can be paid via credit or debit cards (MasterCard and VISA), money order, check, and cash.
- Via Mail- You can renew your license through mail by providing your current mailing address, credential number, name, renewal payment, and other requisite documents to the licensing unit.
Contact Information Change
If you want to change your email, fax number, phone number, and address, download the form by clicking the below given link:
https://fortress.wa.gov/doh/opinio/s?s=NursingCommissionCICF%20
The completely filled form can be emailed to the Department of Health or can be faxed or mailed to:
Washington State Department of Health
Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission
P.O. Box 47864
Olympia WA 98504-7864
Fax 360-236-4738
Reactivation of the LPN License
If the license is in the inactive state, the candidate can get it back to the active status by following the instructions given below.
A. If the license is inactive for less than 3 years or more than 3 years but you have an active license in any other state:
- The candidate should provide an evidence of 45 hours of continuing nursing education and 531 hours of active nursing practice in the last 3 years.
- The nurse should also pay the left over renewal fee to get the license back in the active status before his/her next birthday.
- If the candidate is unable to complete the above requirements, s/he must complete the continuing competency attestation that suggests the nurses to complete 15 continuing education hours and 177 active nursing practice hours within a period of one year from the date of reactivation and submit it with the payment.
- The candidate should submit an application if the license has been expired for more than 3 years.
B. If the candidate does not have an active license in any other state, and it has been inactive for more than three years:
- The nurses should complete the application and submit it with a fee. After that, the candidate must check the box in front of the application next to limited education authorization if there is a need for a refresher course.
- The candidates must complete a refresher program approved by the Commission.
- Once the Commission reviews your application, it sends a limited education authorization that is an approval to complete the clinical portion of the refresher program. When the candidate completes the refresher program, and the Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission receives the completion letter of the course from the director, it issues a valid license. The refresher program should meet all the demands of the continuing competency.
C. If the license is expired
(i) For less than a year:
- In this case; the candidate is not required to complete and submit the application. S/he must pay the renewal and the late fee to the board before the next birthday.
- The candidates should also complete a continuing competency attestation for 45 continuing education hours and 531 active nursing practice hours in the past renewal cycles of three years.
- If continuing competency is not pending, then the candidate must complete the hours indicated above before the end of the current cycle.
(ii) The license has expired for more than one year but less than three years, and the candidate has an active license in any other state:
- Submit the application along with the requisite fee.
- Submit late fee as well as renewal fee to activate your license until your next birthday.
- Provide a proof of 45 hours of CE and 531 hours of nursing practice in the past 3 years.
- If you do not meet the above requirements, complete and sign the continuing competency attestation indicating that you will complete 15 continuing education hours and 177 active nursing practice hours within a year from the date of reactivation of license and submit it with the fee.
(iii) If the candidate does not possess a valid license in any of the states and the license is in the expired status for more than three years:
The candidates should meet all the conditions that are mentioned in section B.
The application packet for reactivation of inactive/expired license can be downloaded by visiting the following link:
http://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/Pubs/669213.pdf
Average Annual Salary of Licensed Practical Nurses in Washington
As per the information provided by indeed.com, the average salary of LPNs in the state was $53,000 (as of 11 Dec, 2016). According to the reports of Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual mean income of these professionals was $49,980, whereas their mean hourly wage was $24.03 (as of May 2015).
Average Annual Salary of LPNs in Different Cities of Washington
| Name of the City |
Salary |
| Auburn |
$48,306 |
| Bellingham |
$46,263 |
| Federal Way |
$48,306 |
| Kent |
$47,335 |
| Olympia |
$46,634 |
| Lakewood |
$48,306 |
| Seattle |
$49,058 |
| Yakima |
$46,760 |
| Tacoma |
$48,306 |
| Renton |
$48,584 |
| Bremerton |
$48,982 |
| Everett |
$48,311 |
| Bellevue |
$49,058 |
| Kennewick |
$44,808 |
| Marysville |
$48,311 |
| Richland |
$43,213 |
| Spokane |
$44,768 |
| Vancouver |
$45,151 |
| Pasco |
$42,401 |
| Lacey |
$46,634 |
Information Source: Salary.com
As per the data provided by salary.com, LPNs received the highest pay ($48,982) in the city of Bremerton, whereas they received the least ($42,401) in Pasco (as of Nov 30, 2016).
Various Job Titles for LPNs with Average Annual Salaries
| Job Title |
Salary |
| Long-Term Care LPN |
$28,000 |
| Renal Dialysis Nurse |
$54,000 |
| LPN Ambulatory |
$35,000 |
| Nurse RN LPN |
$51,000 |
| CNA Medical Surgical |
$28,000 |
| Nar Nursing Assistant Hope |
$26,000 |
| Clinical Nurse LPN |
$39,000 |
| LPN Primary Care |
$48,000 |
| Patient Care Technician Student |
$18,000 |
| Medical Assistant Family Practice |
$30,000 |
| Correctional Prison Facility LPN |
$24,000 |
| LPN Cma Rma |
$32,000 |
| LPN Long-Term Care |
$34,000 |
| LPN LVN |
$42,000 |
| Psychiatric Nurse |
$59,000 |
Information Source: indeed.com
According to the above information, Patient Care Technician Students received the least salary (i.e., $18,000) as compared to the other professions associated with the practical nursing. On the other hand, Psychiatric Nurses earned the maximum (i.e., $59,000).
Job Outlook for Licensed Practical Nurses in Washington
LPNs hold a bright prospect ahead with the vacancies mounting up in the near future. Along with job satisfaction, the career offers a decent salary to these professionals. They can get employment at schools, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, hospitals, private clinics, and other healthcare services.
