Washington State has 39 nursing programs that are approved by the Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission (NCQAC - WA State's board of nursing). Program expansion in recent years has been substantial: graduates of RN programs have nearly doubled since 2001. However, prospects for further expansion are limited due to the current economic crisis and shortages of faculty and clinical sites.
You have various options to develop your career as a nurse. Which path you choose will depend on a combination of factors, including your location (or ability to relocate), which career you are planning (see Roles in Nursing), your financial means, acceptance into a nursing program, and many others.
