RN Programs in Puyallup, Washington
Get your RN degree in Puyallup, Washington - online & campus-based options available.
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Becoming a Registered Nurse in Puyallup, Washington
Are you considering a rewarding career as a Registered Nurse (RN) in Puyallup, Washington? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about starting your journey, from understanding what an RN does to finding the right local programs and employment opportunities.
Why Become an RN in Puyallup
Puyallup, nestled in the heart of Washington, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and access to metropolitan amenities. With its beautiful parks, such as Bradley Lake Park, and historic downtown area, Puyallup is an ideal place to start your nursing career.
An RN in Puyallup can expect a competitive salary. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for RNs in Washington is around $91,000 per year, with projected job growth of 7% from 2020 to 2030. This growth is driven by an aging population and the increasing need for healthcare services.
For more information about Puyallup, visit the official city website.
Prerequisites for RN Programs
Before enrolling in an RN program, you’ll need to meet several prerequisites:
- A high school diploma or GED
- Minimum age of 18
- Passing scores on entrance exams, such as the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills)
- Background check and immunization records
Typical Program Curriculum
RN programs typically include a mix of classroom instruction and clinical training. Here are some of the courses you can expect:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
- Nursing Ethics
- Clinical Nursing Practice
Clinical training will involve hands-on experience in healthcare settings, allowing you to apply what you’ve learned in real-world scenarios.
RN Training Programs in Puyallup, Washington
If you’re ready to take the next step, here are some local schools offering RN programs in Puyallup:
- Pierce College Puyallup
- Address: 1601 39th Ave SE, Puyallup, WA 98374
- Program: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
- Description: Pierce College offers a comprehensive ADN program designed to prepare students for the NCLEX-RN exam. The program includes classroom instruction, laboratory work, and clinical rotations.
- Learn more about Pierce College’s RN program
- Clover Park Technical College
- Address: 4500 Steilacoom Blvd SW, Lakewood, WA 98499 (approximately 15 miles from Puyallup)
- Program: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
- Description: This program provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to become competent RNs. It includes coursework in various nursing specialties and extensive clinical practice.
- Learn more about Clover Park’s RN program
- Tacoma Community College
- Address: 6501 S 19th St, Tacoma, WA 98466 (approximately 10 miles from Puyallup)
- Program: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
- Description: Tacoma Community College offers a robust ADN program that emphasizes patient-centered care and evidence-based practice. The program prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam and entry-level nursing positions.
- Learn more about Tacoma Community College’s RN program
RN Employment Opportunities in Puyallup
Once you’ve completed your RN training, you’ll find several major healthcare facilities in Puyallup that offer employment opportunities:
- MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital
- Address: 401 15th Ave SE, Puyallup, WA 98372
- Description: A leading healthcare provider in the region, MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital offers a wide range of medical services and has a strong demand for qualified RNs.
- Explore career opportunities at MultiCare
- Puyallup Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
- Address: 516 23rd Ave SE, Puyallup, WA 98372
- Description: This facility provides skilled nursing care, rehabilitation services, and long-term care, making it a great place for RNs to work.
- Learn more about Puyallup Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
- DaVita Puyallup Dialysis
- Address: 220 15th Ave SE, Puyallup, WA 98372
- Description: Specializing in dialysis services, DaVita offers numerous opportunities for RNs to provide specialized care to patients with kidney disease.
- Check out careers at DaVita
RN Certification Requirements
To practice as an RN in Washington, you’ll need to meet the following certification requirements:
- Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam: This national exam is required for all aspiring RNs.
- State Licensure: Apply for licensure through the Washington State Department of Health.
- Continuing Education: Washington requires RNs to complete continuing education units (CEUs) to maintain their license.
Cost and Financial Aid
The cost of RN programs can vary widely. On average, tuition for an ADN program in Puyallup ranges from $6,000 to $15,000. However, many financial aid options are available, including:
- Federal Pell Grants
- Washington State Need Grant
- Scholarships from local healthcare organizations
- Student loans
Be sure to check with the financial aid office at your chosen school for more information on available funding.
Licensure Reciprocity
If you’re an RN moving to Washington from another state, you’ll be pleased to know that Washington participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). This means you can practice in Washington without obtaining additional licensure, provided you hold a multistate license. For more details, visit the Nurse Licensure Compact website.
Get Started Today
Embarking on a career as an RN in Puyallup, Washington, is an exciting and fulfilling journey. With the right education and training, you’ll be well-prepared to make a positive impact in the healthcare field. Contact one of the local schools today to learn more about their RN programs and take the first step toward your new career.
Registered Nurse Degree Info
Which schools offer Puyallup RN Programs?
RN programs (both campus-based & online RN courses) are medical training programs offered by universities, vocational or technical schools, and community or junior colleges. Some hospitals even offer registered nursing training as an RN diploma.
How do I become an licensed RN?
Each state sets its own RN licensure requirements. In order to earn your RN license, you must pass the NCLEX® examination. The NCLEX® is a comprehensive nursing exam that can only be taken by graduates of nursing programs approved by your state's board of nursing.
Do I need to complete an LPN program before I go to college to get an RN Degree?
No you don't need to complete LPN training before you can get your RN license. An accredited RN Associate Degree program takes 2 years. You can earn your RN Diploma in 3 years. (BSN - 4 years, RN to BSN degrees can be 2-3 years).
Are There Free Nursing Schools in Puyallup?
The education necessary to become an RN is valuable, and registered nurses earn excellent money in Washington. However, students can lower the cost of RN school with financial aid. There are numerous grants and nursing school scholarships in Washington. They might not make your RN degree free but it can at least be more affordable.
Contact one of the accredited nursing schools listed here to get information about the financial aid you qualify for. Find out more about online nursing schools in Washington.
RN Job Description
Registered nurses (RNs), regardless of specialty or work setting, treat patients, educate patients and the public about various medical conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients' family members. RNs record patients' medical histories and symptoms, help perform diagnostic tests and analyze results, operate medical machinery, administer treatment and medications, and help with patient follow-up and rehabilitation.
RN Schools Near You & Online Near Puyallup, Washington
Pierce College
- 1601 39th Avenue SE Puyallup, WA 98374
Programs: ADN, CNA, RN
(253) 840-8400
Highline College
- 2400 S. 240th St. Des Moines, WA 98198
Programs: ADN, CNA, Medical Assistant, RN
(206) 878-3710
Peninsula College
- 1502 East Lauridsen Boulevard Port Angeles, WA 98362
Programs: ADN, CNA, RN
(360) 452-9277
Skagit Valley College
- 2405 East College Way Mount Vernon, WA 98273
Programs: ADN, CNA, LPN, RN
(360) 416-7600