Washington DC Nursing Schools
As the capital of the United States, Washington D.C. is a great place to begin your nursing education and career. While working as a nurse in this area, you can be among the first to know about new nursing legislature, see how nursing laws affect your practice, and contribute to the strengthening of the country’s health care field. There are numerous benefits to pursuing a career as a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse in Washington DC. Contact the D.C. nursing schools listed in the featured school box to learn more, or find programs that meet your needs using the quick search “Find Schools Near You” box.
One of the benefits of working in this region is the dedication to health care. Legislators are attempting to end the nursing shortage, and many of those efforts begin in Washington D.C. Recently, CareFirst invested $1 million in efforts to fix the nursing shortage in the Washington D.C. area. When you graduate, this may give you the chance to consider many employment opportunities and find a job that really suits you.
WHBL reports on a recently-introduced bill that may increase nursing education standards and availability across the country. This may lead to a higher-quality education for you in Washington D.C. and put you in a position to explore your career options after graduation.
As a working nurse or nursing student, you may be able to take advantage of professional growth opportunities in this area, as Washington D.C. has a fairly tight-knit nursing community. The District of Columbia Nurses Association supports nursing professionals with continuing education opportunities, information on legislature, and opportunities to network with other nursing professionals.
Nursing Education in District Of Columbia
The courses you take and the amount of time you spend in school are largely dependent on which nursing degree you decide to earn. An LPN degree, which prepares you to work as a licensed practical nurse underneath registered nurses and doctors, generally takes about one year of full-time study. Earning an associate’s degree in nursing requires two years of work and a bachelor’s degree takes four years. Some courses are the same across all three degree options.
No matter which degree you choose, you can plan on developing a strong set of practical skills, a thorough understanding of nursing theory and law, and the ability to communicate effectively with patients and other health care professionals. It’s likely that your curriculum may include courses like Foundations of Health Assessment, Nursing Practice and Clinical Reasoning, Pharmacology, Pathophysiological Approach, and Patient Safety & Health Care Quality.
Throughout the duration of your program, you may spend much of your time in practical care settings. These experiences allow you to apply your classroom lessons to the workforce, build connections with local employers, and learn how to work with real patients. You can plan on spending several hundred hours in a variety of clinical settings.
You may find that going into an in-demand field like nursing gives you the chance to apply for many types of scholarships and grants. After you’ve been accepted to an LPN or RN program, check out your school’s financial aid programs, as many scholarships are school-specific. Depending on which school you decide to attend, you may be able to apply for grants like the Joanne and William Conway Nursing Scholarship. Scholarships available through the American Association of Colleges of Nursing include the Geraldine “Polly” Bednash Scholarship and the Hurst Reviews Nursing Scholarship.
Nursing Schools in Washington DC
As the nation’s capital, Washington DC is a promising place for new nurses of all levels. Whether you want to take your nursing career to the next level or take the first step in this field, you may get the training you need at the best nursing schools in Washington DC.
Washington DC LPN Programs
- Admissions requirements: Proof of residency, high school diploma or GED, physical exam and proof of vaccinations, and background check
- Credit hour range: 30 to 39 credits
- Online degree options: Not offered at this level, as you must meet substantial clinical requirements
- Licensing exams: NCLEX-PN
Although Washington DC is small in size, it has a huge population. As a result, there are many nursing schools in DC area that offer licensed practical nursing education. Most degrees can be finished in less than one year, leading to a diploma or certificate. While your scope of practice is more limited than that of a registered nurse, you can still do quite a bit. For that reason, clinical experience is mandatory.
BSN Programs in Washington DC
- Admissions requirements: Proof of residency, high school diploma or GED, physical exam and proof of vaccinations, and background check
- Credit hour range: 120 to 140 credits
- Online degree options: Not offered, although some schools have blended programs that let you finish some of your coursework online
- Licensing exams: NCLEX-RN
Perhaps the most common options at nursing schools in Washington DC is the BSN. Baccalaureate nursing programs prepare students for a range of nursing positions, opening you up to options in specialized healthcare fields. All in all, a BSN requires four years of study. Plan on earning approximately 60 credits in general education classes and 60 credits in nursing courses.
Washington DC MSN Schools
- Admissions requirements: Washington DC nursing license and Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree
- Credit hour range: 30 to 63 credits
- Online degree options: Offered in some areas of study and at some schools
- Licensing exams: Determined by each national certification agency
Washington DC nursing schools offer a variety of graduate programs. Those interested in clinical care may become nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, or nurse practitioners. If you’d rather go into an administrative role, consider nurse administration, nurse leadership, or nurse informatics. You may be able to graduate in three years as a full-time student.
DNP and PhD Nursing Programs in Washington DC
- Admissions requirements: Washington DC nursing license and Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree
- Credit hour range: Between 70 and 85 credits
- Online degree options: Unavailable at most schools, since students must meet clinical, teaching, and research requirements
- Licensing exams: Determined by each national certification agency
At a handful of nursing schools in DC, you can pursue a DNP or PhD. Both options require an average of five years of study.
Use this opportunity to discover how you can become a nurse. With our list of DC nursing schools, contact programs that fit your needs.
Nursing Colleges in Washington DC with Nursing Bridge Programs
As healthcare laws have changed, demand for nursing professionals has grown. Because of this, many nursing schools near Washington DC have broadened their degree options with bridge programs. Bridge programs may be tailored to working LPNs, working RNs, or students with non-nursing Bachelor’s degrees.
Several nursing programs in DC were created with nursing professionals in mind. Perhaps you want to upgrade your license after working as an LPN for several years, or maybe you want to turn your ADN into a BSN. LPN to RN programs are generally less than one year, allowing you to meet course requirements while handling work obligations. The average LPN to BSN program is 24 to 30 months. If you have an Associate’s degree in nursing, you may move up to a BSN in 18 to 24 months.
Not all nurses start out as nurses; in fact, many study something else entirely. If this describes you and you have a non-nursing Bachelor’s degree, look into Washington DC accelerated BSN programs. Depending on the school you select, you could graduate in just 12 months. Most programs forbid students from outside employment, due to the intense demands of the degree. Plan on spending most of your time in clinical settings.
Tips for Choosing the Top Nursing Schools in Washington DC
What are you looking for in a nursing school? You want the full experience of a nursing degree, which means lots of clinical experience and building connections with other students. Take some time to learn about nursing schools near you instead of rushing into a decision. This ensures that you can make an informed decision that is beneficial for your future. It’s recommended that you follow up with each school that sends you information. Try writing a list of questions that can help you narrow down your list of potential schools.
Questions to Ask Nursing Programs in Washington DC
- What is the NCLEX pass rate? Does the school offer any review options, such as courses or study groups?
- What percentage of students works in the field of nursing within six months of graduation?
- How many clinical rotations do students complete? Where do students go to get their clinical hours?
- Does the school offer financial aid?
- What specialized training options are provided to students who want to work in a specific part of healthcare?
- Is the school accredited? If so, is it accredited by the ACEN, CCNE, or another agency?
- Is the school approved by the District of Columbia Board of Nursing as a nursing education provider?
2018 Career Outlook for Nursing Professions
The more you learn about nursing, the more of a difference you may be able to make. Getting experience with different populations and healthcare needs may help you find a specialty that you are truly passionate about. Washington DC is also an excellent place for nursing research. In a recent study that came out of a Washington DC nursing research facility, researchers found that primary care nurse practitioners rarely prescribe opioids appropriately for pain needs (Pain Medicine News, 2017).
With a licensed practical nursing certificate or diploma, you may seek LPN certification and begin working. Job openings for LPNs may swell 16% between 2014 and 2024 (O*Net, 2017). The average salary for a Washington DC licensed practical nurse is $55,200 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2017).
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing is a popular way to get into one of the most in-demand nursing roles. Demand for RNs may jump 11% through 2024 (O*Net, 2017). The average annual salary for a Washington DC registered nurse is $80,500 (BLS, 2017).
With an advanced nurse practitioner degree, you may go into primary or acute care as a nurse practitioner. Washington DC NPs bring in an average of $105,480 per year (BLS, 2017). A 27% increase in job openings is anticipated by 2024 (O*Net, 2017).
It’s time to discover which nursing schools in Washington DC may get you closer to your ideal career. Check out our list and request information from nursing schools to start comparing your options.
Are you ready to take the first step in your nursing career? Learn more about your options by contacting Washington D.C. nursing schools today, directly from our site.
