Washington offers Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) training through the University of Washington School of Nursing, which provides both primary care and acute care pathways at the doctoral and certificate levels.
All programs are delivered full-time and primarily in-person in Seattle, with clinical placements arranged by the university.
Because of this structured format, Washington nurses often compare UW with online programs that offer more flexibility in pacing and location.
Quick Comparison: Washington PNP Programs
| School | Est. Tuition | Format | Key Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Washington | $98K–$101K (DNP) | Hybrid / In-Person | Primary Care, Acute Care |
| Maryville University | $42K | 100% Online | MSN, DNP, Certificate |
| Walden University | $45K | Online | MSN, DNP, Certificate |
| Rasmussen University | $51K | Online (CBE) | MSN, Certificate |
University of Washington PNP Program Overview
The University of Washington offers four Pediatric Nurse Practitioner pathways:
- DNP – Pediatric Primary Care (PNP-PC)
- DNP – Pediatric Acute Care (PNP-AC)
- Post-Graduate Certificate – PNP-PC
- Post-Graduate Certificate – PNP-AC
All DNP programs are completed over 3 years (9 quarters) on a full-time basis. Year 1 includes a hybrid format, while Years 2 and 3 are primarily in-person with integrated clinical training.
Unlike many programs, UW does not offer a part-time or fully online pathway.
What Makes UW Different
UW stands out from most PNP programs due to its structure and clinical model:
- Clinical placements are fully arranged by the university
- Only PNP-AC program in the WWAMI region (WA, WY, AK, MT, ID)
- #1 ranked public DNP program (U.S. News & World Report)
- Access to the UW Medicine system and regional clinical partners
- Opportunities for both urban and rural clinical training
- More than $2.1 million in DNP scholarships awarded annually
For students who want structured training and do not want to secure their own preceptors, UW offers a level of support that is uncommon in nurse practitioner education.
Choosing a PNP Program in Washington
- Choose the University of Washington if you want a highly structured, full-time program with faculty-arranged clinical placements and access to both primary care and acute care pathways.
- Choose an online program if you need:
- a fully remote format with no campus requirements
- part-time or flexible pacing while working
- a faster or more customizable timeline
Additional Online PNP Programs to Consider
Because UW requires in-person attendance and full-time enrollment, many Washington nurses compare online programs for flexibility.
- Choose Maryville University if you want multiple start dates, no campus visits, and one of the fastest MSN completion timelines available (as short as 20 months). :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
- Choose Walden University if you prefer flexible pacing with structured clinical placement support.
- Choose Rasmussen University if you want a competency-based format that allows you to progress at your own pace with guided practicum coordination.
Before applying, confirm that the program supports clinical placement in Washington and meets state licensure requirements.
PNP Program Availability in Washington
Washington has limited in-state PNP program availability, with all major training concentrated at the University of Washington.
This creates a clear tradeoff:
- strong clinical infrastructure and academic reputation
- limited flexibility in format and scheduling
Because UW is full-time and in-person, many students consider:
- relocating to Seattle
- commuting for on-campus requirements
- enrolling in online programs for greater flexibility
PNP Certificate Programs
| School | Track | Est. Tuition | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Washington | PNP-PC Certificate | $46K–$58K (resident) | 12–15 months |
| University of Washington | PNP-AC Certificate | $46K–$58K (resident) | 12–15 months |
UW certificate programs are designed for APRN-prepared nurses and follow an individualized plan based on prior coursework.
All certificate students must:
- hold an active APRN license
- complete in-person coursework
- participate in faculty-arranged clinical placements
For nurses seeking more flexible certificate options:
Choose Rasmussen University if you want a structured, competency-based certificate with guided clinical coordination.
Choose Maryville University if you prefer a fully online certificate with multiple start dates.