Nursing

At Green River College, we offer flexible pathways into healthcare, whether you're starting a new career or advancing your nursing education. Our healthcare certificate programs can be completed in as little as 3–6 months, while our Practical Nursing and LPN-to-BSN programs offer multiple pathways designed to fit a variety of schedules and life commitments. At Green River, you'll join a supportive community where faculty and staff know you by name, celebrate your successes, and are committed to helping you achieve your goals.

How do I Apply to the Nursing Program?

Start your journey by finding out more information.

Attend Nursing & Healthcare Studies Events. Our monthly Open Houses and workshops are designed to support you at every stage of your healthcare journey.

Review Our Planning Resources:

• Our Planning Guide (PDF) brings together the essential information you need to plan your path, including admission requirements, prerequisites, program costs, application dates, and more.
• Start Your Nursing Journey
• Admission Requirments and Application Dates
• Program Fast Facts
• Financial Assistance Opportunities
• Immunization Requirements 
• Estimated Program Costs
• Disqualifying Convictions and Actions

Apply to an Open Nursing Program:

• Before applying, you'll need an active Green River student email account. If you've recently applied to the College, your email account is typically created within a few days after your application is processed.
• If you completed any prerequisite coursework outside the Washington State community and technical college system, you must have an official transcript evaluation completed and on file with the College before the application deadline. Learn more about the transcript requirement here.
• Please upload a completed LPN Working Hours Verification Form (PDF) with your BSN application)

Apply to the Part-Time BSN (application deadline is September 15 at 4 p.m.)

Apply to the Nurse Assistant Certificate Program

---

Bachelor Degree Options

The LPN to BSN program at Green River provides licensed practical nurses with a streamlined pathway to become registered nurses while earning their Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a 90-credit LPN to BSN program in which students must have current, unencumbered licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse in the state of Washington. 

Length of Program: 195 credits, 6 quarters, 2 years
Location: Main Campus

Explore Sample Pathway Full Details

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Part-Time)

The Part-Time BSN option is designed to better support working students by reducing the quarterly course load while maintaining the same high-quality curriculum and clinical experiences as the full-time program.

Length of Program: 195 credits, 12 quarters, 4 years
Location: Main Campus

Explore Sample Pathway Full Details

 

Associate Options

The Practical Nursing AAS program at Green River equips students with the essential skills and knowledge to become licensed practical nurses.

Associate in Pre-Nursing, APreN-DTA/MRP

The Associate in Pre-Nursing Direct Transfer Agreement/Major Related Program is generally pursued by students who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university at the junior level to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program (BSN).

Length of Program: 90-91 credits, 6 quarters, 2 years

Explore Sample Pathway

Full Details

Practical Nursing, AAS

The full-time LPN program prepares students to deliver safe and efficient nursing care in a variety of healthcare settings. Students attend in-person classes four days a week, gaining hands-on experience and classroom instruction. Graduates are ready to work under the supervision of registered nurses or physicians in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and public health agencies.

Length of Program: 90 credits, 9 months, 3 quarters

Explore Sample Pathway Full Degree Details

Practical Nursing, AAS Part-time (Hybrid Weekdays)

Designed for those balancing work or other responsibilities, the part-time hybrid weekday LPN program prepares students to provide safe, effective nursing care. Students attend in-person classes two weekdays per week, with additional coursework completed online. Practical nurses work under the supervision of registered nurses or physicians in settings such as clinics, long-term care facilities, hospitals, and community health organizations.

Length of Program: 90 credits, 17 months, 6 quarters

Explore Sample Pathway Full Degree Details

Practical Nursing, AAS Part-time (Hybrid Saturdays)

The part-time hybrid Saturday LPN program offers a flexible path for students to become skilled, compassionate practical nurses. In-person classes are held all day on Saturdays, with online learning during the week. Graduates are trained to deliver safe and efficient patient care under the direction of registered nurses or physicians in environments like hospitals, nursing homes, and public health services.

Length of Program: 90 credits, 17 months, 6 quarters

Explore Sample Pathway Full Degree Details

Medical Assistant-Certified (MA-C) to Practical Nursing (PN)

Designed for students who already hold a Washington State MA-C license and are looking to transition into the Practical Nursing program. This streamlined option allows eligible students to receive credit for prior learning, potentially reducing the number of required courses. While the program duration is similar to the traditional LPN pathway, the recognition of prior experience may result in a slightly smaller courseload. Academic and clinical standards remain the same.

View Full Pathway Details

Certificate Options

The nursing certificate programs at Green River allow students to earn a valuable nursing credential in just 3-6 months, providing essential skills and training for a successful entry into the healthcare field.

Nurse Assistant Certificate

The Nursing Assistant Certificate Program is a comprehensive, hands-on training experience designed to prepare individuals for a rewarding career in healthcare as Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs). Students gain the skills needed to provide compassionate, safe, and effective patient care in a variety of healthcare settings. As part of the program, students will also earn their Basic Life Support (BLS) certification, further enhancing their readiness for entry-level healthcare roles.

Length of Program: 15 credits
Apply to Program

Full Details

Career Outlook

Nursing is a great career for students who want to help others and work in health care. There are many types of nursing jobs, and each one plays an important role in caring for people.

Types of Nursing Jobs

There are different kinds of nurses, such as:

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) – helps patients with daily needs like bathing, dressing, and eating.
• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) – gives basic medical care and helps with medicine and patient checkups.
• Registered Nurse (RN) – provides direct care, gives medicine, works with doctors, and helps in hospitals and clinics.
• Nurse Practitioner (NP) – can diagnose illnesses, order tests, and treat patients like a doctor.

Each type of nurse needs a different amount of schooling, but all are important.

Job Opportunities

Nurses are needed everywhere—hospitals, schools, nursing homes, doctor’s offices, and even in people’s homes. Many places are looking for more nurses right now. That means students who graduate from nursing programs usually find jobs quickly.

Job Growth

Nursing is one of the fastest-growing careers. More people need medical care, especially as they get older. This means more nurses will be needed in the future.

Pay and Hours

Nursing pay depends on the type of job and where you live.

• Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs): Typically earn between $36,000 and $45,000 per year.

• Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs): Usually earn $58,000 to $72,000 annually.

• Registered Nurses (RNs): Commonly make $85,000 to $110,000 per year.

• Nurse Practitioners (NPs): Often earn $120,000 to $150,000 or more, depending on specialty and setting.

Many nurses work full-time, and some may work nights, weekends, or holidays, since hospitals are open 24/7.

Room to Grow

Nursing offers many chances to grow. You can start as a CNA and go back to school to become an RN or NP. You can also choose a specialty, like working with children, in surgery, or in emergency rooms.

View the Career and Program Explorer