Key Takeaways
- Kennewick and the Tri-Cities area offer accredited ADN, BSN, and RN-to-BSN pathways through Columbia Basin College, Washington State University Tri-Cities, and Heritage University.
- All top programs are approved by the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission and prepare graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam.
- Columbia Basin College is the most affordable entry point, while WSU Tri-Cities offers a research-driven BSN experience.
- Local clinical partnerships with Trios Health, Kadlec Regional Medical Center, and Lourdes Health strengthen job placement prospects.
- Registered nurses in Washington earn among the highest salaries in the nation, with strong demand in the Tri-Cities region.
Why Study Nursing in Kennewick, Washington?
Kennewick, part of the Tri-Cities region alongside Richland and Pasco, is one of Eastern Washington’s fastest-growing healthcare markets. The region is home to major employers such as Kadlec Regional Medical Center, Trios Health, and Lourdes Health Network. These facilities provide robust clinical placement opportunities for nursing students and steady employment demand for new graduates.
Washington State consistently ranks among the top-paying states for registered nurses. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, RNs in Washington earn a mean annual wage exceeding $100,000, significantly higher than the national average. Combined with a lower cost of living compared to Seattle, Kennewick is an attractive option for aspiring nurses.
Top Nursing Programs in Kennewick WA and the Tri-Cities
SchoolDegree OptionsApprox. LengthFormatHighlightsColumbia Basin College (CBC)ADN, LPN-RN, RN-to-BSN (via partnerships)2 years (ADN)On-campus with clinicalsAffordable tuition, strong NCLEX resultsWashington State University Tri-CitiesBSN4 yearsOn-campus + clinicalResearch-focused, university reputationHeritage University (nearby)BSN4 yearsOn-campus/hybridSmall class sizes, holistic admissions
1. Columbia Basin College (CBC)
Location: Pasco, WA (10 minutes from Kennewick)
Accreditation: Approved by the Washington State Nursing Commission
Columbia Basin College is widely considered the most accessible and affordable nursing pathway in the Tri-Cities. Its Associate in Nursing (ADN) program prepares students to sit for the NCLEX-RN and enter the workforce in approximately two years after completing prerequisites.
Why CBC Stands Out
- Competitive tuition rates for Washington residents
- Consistently strong NCLEX pass rates compared to state averages
- Clinical experiences at Kadlec, Lourdes, and Trios Health
- LPN-to-RN bridge option
Graduates can begin working as RNs and later pursue an RN-to-BSN program through partner universities, including online options. This makes CBC ideal for students seeking cost-effective entry into nursing.
2. Washington State University Tri-Cities (WSU)
Location: Richland, WA
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
WSU Tri-Cities offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program designed for students seeking a comprehensive university education. As part of the Washington State University system, this program combines rigorous academics with hands-on clinical training.
Program Highlights
- Direct-entry freshman pathway
- Evidence-based practice and leadership focus
- Access to research resources and simulation labs
- Strong employment connections within the Tri-Cities healthcare system
A BSN is increasingly preferred by hospitals, especially for leadership roles and Magnet-designated facilities. Students planning for long-term advancement, graduate school, or specialization may benefit from this pathway.
3. Heritage University
Location: Toppenish, WA (within commuting distance)
Accreditation: CCNE-accredited BSN program
Heritage University offers a student-centered BSN option with smaller class sizes and a mission-driven approach to healthcare education. The program emphasizes serving diverse and underserved communities across Eastern Washington.
Why Students Choose Heritage
- Personalized faculty mentorship
- Holistic admissions review
- Community-based clinical placements
This option appeals to students who value individualized instruction and community-focused nursing practice.
Admission Requirements for Kennewick Nursing Programs
While each program has its own criteria, most require:
- Completion of prerequisite science courses such as Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, and Chemistry
- Minimum GPA between 2.8 and 3.5 depending on competitiveness
- TEAS or equivalent entrance exam scores
- Background check and immunization verification
BSN programs often require additional general education coursework and may include an interview component. Early application is strongly recommended due to limited clinical seating capacity.
Clinical Training and Local Healthcare Partnerships
One major advantage of studying nursing in Kennewick is proximity to established healthcare providers. Students commonly complete clinical rotations at:
- Kadlec Regional Medical Center
- Trios Health
- Lourdes Health Network
- Local long-term care and outpatient facilities
These partnerships not only strengthen hands-on skills but often lead to job offers upon graduation. Many facilities recruit directly from local nursing programs to address staffing needs.
Tuition and Financial Aid Overview
Tuition varies widely by institution and residency status.
- Community college ADN programs: Typically the most affordable option for Washington residents.
- Public university BSN: Higher tuition but broader academic resources.
- Private university BSN: Highest tuition, often offset by scholarships.
Students should complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study. Washington State also offers workforce-based aid programs for healthcare students, including potential loan repayment for those working in underserved areas.
NCLEX Pass Rates and Program Outcomes
The NCLEX-RN pass rate is one of the most important indicators of program quality. Top programs in the Tri-Cities consistently report pass rates at or above the Washington State average.
When comparing schools, ask for:
- Most recent first-time NCLEX pass percentage
- Program completion rate
- Job placement rate within six months of graduation
High-performing programs typically offer structured exam preparation, simulation-based labs, and faculty advising to maximize licensure success.
Career Outlook for Nurses in Kennewick
The Tri-Cities healthcare sector continues to expand due to population growth and regional medical development. Registered nurses can pursue roles in:
- Acute care hospitals
- Emergency and trauma units
- Outpatient and surgical centers
- Pediatrics and maternal health
- Home health and community clinics
With experience, nurses may transition into leadership, education, informatics, or advanced practice roles. Earning a BSN or higher degree increases long-term salary and flexibility.
How to Choose the Right Nursing Program
When evaluating the best nursing program in Kennewick Washington, consider:
- Your long-term career goals
- Budget and financial aid availability
- Program length and flexibility
- NCLEX performance data
- Commute and clinical placement quality
If cost and speed are top priorities, an ADN at Columbia Basin College may be ideal. If you seek broader advancement opportunities, a BSN from WSU Tri-Cities or Heritage University may offer stronger long-term benefits.
Student Experience and Local Lifestyle
Kennewick offers affordable housing, short commute times, and access to outdoor recreation along the Columbia River. Many nursing students work part-time in healthcare roles such as nursing assistants or medical technicians while completing their degrees.
Smaller class cohorts foster strong peer collaboration, and faculty often maintain direct connections with local healthcare employers, making networking more accessible than in larger metropolitan areas.
Frequently Asked Questions about Nursing Programs in Kennewick, WA
What nursing degrees can you earn in the Kennewick and Tri-Cities area?
You can earn an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) at Columbia Basin College, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees at Washington State University Tri-Cities and Heritage University. CBC also offers LPN-to-RN options and pathways to RN-to-BSN programs through partner schools.
Are Kennewick nursing programs accredited and approved for the NCLEX-RN?
Yes. Columbia Basin College is approved by the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission, and WSU Tri-Cities and Heritage University hold CCNE accreditation. All prepare you to sit for the NCLEX-RN and apply for RN licensure in Washington.
Which Kennewick-area nursing program is most affordable?
For most Washington residents, the ADN program at Columbia Basin College is the lowest-cost entry into nursing. Public university BSN programs, like WSU Tri-Cities, usually cost more but offer broader campus resources, and private options like Heritage may offer scholarships to help with tuition.
Where do nursing students in the Tri-Cities complete clinicals?
You typically complete clinical rotations at Kadlec Regional Medical Center, Trios Health, Lourdes Health, and local long-term care and outpatient sites. These partnerships give you hands-on practice and can lead to job offers after graduation.
How much do registered nurses earn in Washington, and is Kennewick a good place to work?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses in Washington earn a mean annual wage above $100,000, which is higher than the national average. Combined with Kennewick’s lower cost of living compared with Seattle, the Tri-Cities region can be a strong choice for starting your nursing career.
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