Key Takeaways
- Vancouver, Washington offers multiple accredited pathways to become a Registered Nurse including ADN, BSN, and RN-to-BSN programs.
- Top local options include Clark College, Washington State University Vancouver, Sumner College, and nearby Lower Columbia College.
- All reputable programs are approved by the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission.
- Clark County healthcare employers such as PeaceHealth and Legacy Health provide strong local clinical training opportunities.
- Comparing NCLEX pass rates, tuition costs, and degree flexibility is essential when choosing the best program.
Why Vancouver, WA Is a Strong Place to Launch a Nursing Career
Vancouver, Washington sits within the Portland metropolitan healthcare corridor, giving nursing students access to major hospitals, specialty clinics, long-term care facilities, and community health organizations. Major employers in the area include PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center, Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente, and The Vancouver Clinic.
According to state workforce projections, Washington continues to experience strong demand for Registered Nurses due to population growth and retirements. Graduates from Vancouver-based programs are well positioned for employment locally and across the state.
When evaluating the best nursing programs in Vancouver Washington, prioritize:
- Accreditation and state approval
- NCLEX-RN pass rates
- Clinical partnerships
- Tuition and financial aid
- Degree mobility and transfer pathways
Comparison of the Best Nursing Programs in Vancouver Washington
SchoolDegree OptionsProgram LengthFormatHighlightsClark CollegeADN (Associate Degree in Nursing)2 Years (after prerequisites)On-campusEstablished reputation, strong local hospital partnershipsWashington State University VancouverBSN, RN-to-BSN2–4 YearsHybrid / On-campusPublic research university, leadership-focused curriculumSumner CollegeADN16–24 MonthsHybridAccelerated pace, career-focused modelLower Columbia College (Longview)ADN2 YearsOn-campusAffordable tuition, transfer-friendly
Detailed Breakdown of Top Nursing Schools
Clark College Nursing Program
Clark College is one of the most recognized nursing schools in Southwest Washington. Its Associate Degree in Nursing prepares students for the NCLEX-RN and immediate entry into practice.
Why it stands out:
- Longstanding approval by Washington State Nursing Commission
- Consistent clinical placements at PeaceHealth and Legacy facilities
- Strong student support and skills lab training
Graduates are eligible for RN licensure and can later transition to a BSN program through university transfer agreements, including with WSU Vancouver.
Washington State University Vancouver
WSU Vancouver offers both a traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing and an RN-to-BSN pathway for licensed RNs seeking advancement.
Best for: Students who want long-term career mobility, leadership roles, or graduate school preparation.
The BSN curriculum emphasizes research, evidence-based practice, public health, and healthcare systems leadership. Many regional healthcare employers prefer or require BSN-prepared nurses, particularly in hospital systems pursuing Magnet Recognition.
Sumner College Vancouver Campus
Sumner College provides a streamlined Associate Degree in Nursing focused on practical career readiness. The hybrid format blends online instruction with hands-on clinical rotations.
Advantages:
- Accelerated timeline
- Evening options for some coursework
- Career services support
This option is often attractive to career changers seeking a private institution with flexible scheduling.
Lower Columbia College
Located in Longview, about 40 minutes from Vancouver, Lower Columbia College offers an affordable ADN program with strong transfer articulation agreements.
Many Clark County residents choose LCC for its cost-effectiveness and community-focused setting.
Understanding Accreditation and State Approval
Every nursing program you consider must be approved by the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission. This ensures graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN.
Additionally, look for national accreditation from bodies such as:
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Choosing an accredited program protects your eligibility for licensure, graduate school, and federal financial aid.
Admission Requirements and Application Timeline
While specific criteria vary, most Vancouver-area nursing programs require:
- Completion of prerequisite sciences such as Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, and Chemistry
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 to 3.0+
- TEAS entrance exam scores
- Background check and immunization clearance
Application Tip: Many programs use competitive, point-based admissions. Strong grades in science prerequisites significantly improve acceptance chances.
Typical timeline:
- Fall: Complete prerequisites
- Winter: Take TEAS exam
- Spring: Submit application
- Late Summer or Fall: Begin nursing cohort
Tuition and Financial Aid Options
Costs vary widely between public and private institutions.
- Public colleges (Clark, LCC): Generally lower tuition for Washington residents
- Public universities (WSU Vancouver): Higher than community colleges but broader degree scope
- Private colleges (Sumner): Typically higher tuition, shorter completion timeline
Financial aid options include:
- FAFSA and federal grants
- Washington State Need Grant
- Healthcare employer tuition reimbursement
- Workforce retraining funds
Some Clark County healthcare systems offer educational partnerships and sign-on bonuses for new graduates.
Clinical Training Opportunities in Vancouver
One of the major advantages of studying nursing in Vancouver is access to diverse clinical environments, including:
- PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center
- Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center
- Kaiser Permanente clinics
- Long-term care and rehabilitation centers
- Community health and public health agencies
Clinical rotations expose students to medical-surgical nursing, maternity, pediatrics, psychiatric care, and community health. Strong local partnerships increase job placement potential after graduation.
Choosing the Right Program for Your Career Goals
The best nursing program in Vancouver Washington depends on your goals:
- Fastest entry into the workforce: ADN at Clark College or Sumner College
- Long-term advancement: BSN at WSU Vancouver
- Budget-focused pathway: Community college ADN followed by RN-to-BSN
- Career changer flexibility: Hybrid or accelerated options
Ask each program these critical questions before applying:
- What is the most recent NCLEX pass rate?
- What percentage of graduates secure employment within six months?
- How are clinical placements assigned?
- What academic support resources are available?
Carefully comparing these factors will help ensure you choose a program that matches your financial situation, learning style, and professional aspirations.
Frequently Asked Questions about Nursing Programs in Vancouver, Washington
What are the main nursing degree options in Vancouver, WA?
In Vancouver, WA, you can earn an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), a traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), or an RN-to-BSN if you are already a licensed RN. Clark College, Sumner College, Lower Columbia College, and Washington State University Vancouver cover these options.
How long does it take to become an RN in Vancouver, Washington?
Most ADN programs take about two years after you finish prerequisites, while a BSN can take three to four years total. Some hybrid and accelerated programs, like Sumner College’s ADN, can be completed in about 16–24 months.
Which nursing schools in Vancouver, WA are accredited and state approved?
You should confirm that any program you choose is approved by the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission and accredited by ACEN or CCNE. Clark College, WSU Vancouver, Sumner College, and Lower Columbia College all maintain state approval and institutional accreditation; always check their current nursing accreditation status before you apply.
What clinical opportunities will you have as a nursing student in Vancouver, WA?
You can complete clinical rotations at local hospitals and clinics, including PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center, Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente sites, long-term care centers, and community health agencies. These settings let you practice medical-surgical, maternity, pediatric, psychiatric, and community health nursing skills.
How do you choose between an ADN and a BSN program in Vancouver?
If you want the fastest route to RN licensure and lower upfront costs, an ADN at a community college may fit you well. If you plan to move into leadership, public health, or graduate study, a BSN at WSU Vancouver or an ADN-to-RN-to-BSN pathway can give you more long-term flexibility.
What admission requirements should you expect for Vancouver nursing programs?
Most programs ask you to complete science prerequisites like Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, and Chemistry, meet a minimum GPA (often 2.5–3.0 or higher), take the TEAS exam, and pass a background check and immunization review. Admission is usually competitive and point based, so strong science grades help your chances.
.svg)
