Licensed Practical Nurse in Washington
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for WA. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Washington.
Jobs (WA)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a licensed practical nurse in Washington
To become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Washington, candidates must complete a state-approved practical nursing program and pass the NCLEX-PN exam. The licensing body is the Washington State Board of Nursing. LPNs must renew their license annually on their birthday, completing 8 hours of continuing education (including 2 hours on health equity) and 96 hours of active nursing practice. Washington is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, allowing LPNs with a multistate license from another compact state to practice there.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Washington. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Washington requirements
| Licensing body | Washington State Board of Nursing (Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission) |
| State license | Required |
| Education | Completion of a state-approved practical nursing program |
| Exam | NCLEX-PN ($200) |
| Application fee | $69 |
| Renewal | Every 1.0 year |
| Continuing education | 8.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Renewal is annual on the licensee's birthday. A one-time, 6-hour suicide prevention training is required. Two of the 8 annual CE hours must be on health equity. A background check with fingerprinting is required. Washington requires 96 hours of active nursing practice annually. |
Source: Washington State Board of Nursing (Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission)
work_outline Job outlook
AI & tech impact
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
balance Is it worth it?
- check_circleWashington license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk