DC Nursing Colleges, Degrees & Licenses
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Nurses are critical professionals within the healthcare system. In fact, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, nursing is the largest healthcare profession in the United States, with nearly 5.2 million registered nurses (RNs) throughout the country. Of licensed RNs, nearly nine in ten of them work in the nursing field.
RNs are also not only the largest healthcare profession but also make up one of the most significant segments of the US workforce as a whole. Individuals who seek to become nurses are drawn to the profession due to the demand for nurses, the opportunity to help others, reasonable compensation, and a variety of opportunities to advance their careers.
The National Council of State Boards of Nursing recently released its largest, most comprehensive study of the nursing workforce since the emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. Among its compelling findings were the departure of approximately 100,000 nurses due to the pandemic. The study also forecasts a staggering 700,000 nurses are considering leaving the profession by 2027.
This study, which included the participation of nurses in the Washington, DC area, found that higher rates of stress and burnout and increased workloads were all contributing to increased rates of retirement and early career departures. Another contributing factor to workforce attrition has been a substantial increase in violence against healthcare workers since the pandemic began. The number of young nursing professionals departing the profession in recent years is of particular concern. The loss of early career professionals has far-reaching implications for quality nursing care and the transmission of nursing skills knowledge to the next generation of professionals.
Despite the challenges facing the nursing workforce, and the American healthcare system in Washington, DC offers appealing, rigorous nursing academic programs designed to prepare future professionals.
In addition, the international nature of the Washington, DC area offers nursing students the opportunity to train amidst a diversity of people and cultures and thereby gain valuable skills they can later apply in various contexts. Discover DC’s top undergraduate and graduate nursing programs, salary expectations, and licensing requirements for nursing careers in the District of Columbia.
Featured Online Nursing Programs
Accredited Undergraduate Nursing Programs in Washington, DC
The Georgetown University School of Nursing offers a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree. The National League for Nursing recognizes Georgetown’s nursing programs as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education. This traditional four-year program features a highly respected faculty known for their teaching and research experience.
The curriculum features training in the biological, physical, and social sciences and nursing theory. Hands-on learning is also a critical element of the program. The degree requires 850-plus total clinical and lab hours. Students gain tangible experience through community-based organizations and the O’Neill Family Foundation Clinical Simulation Center.
Research is also a major emphasis of Georgetown University’s nursing programs at all degree levels. Students enjoy various opportunities to conduct research by assisting faculty members or independently. Opportunities to present their findings and publish their research may help graduates go on to prestigious graduate programs and, eventually, establish research-oriented careers.
- Duration: Four years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
The Howard University College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences offers an undergraduate nursing degree to a diverse student body. Two main undergraduate program tracks are available: LPN-to-BSN and RN-to-BSN.
Domestic, international, transfer, GED, homeschooled, second-degree, veterans and others are welcome to apply. Application requirements do not typically significantly vary according to student background.
Howard University uses a holistic admission process in which various criteria determine admission. The diverse student body and location in Washington, DC make Howard University a great choice for those wishing to learn among a diverse student body. Graduates are well-positioned to advance to graduate programs and work in various settings.
- Duration: Varies depending on study track and pace of study
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Catholic University of America
The Catholic University of America offers an undergraduate nursing degree program that is especially well suited to those who see nursing as truly a healing profession.
The curriculum of the bachelor’s degree program is founded on the belief that future healthcare workers should have moral integrity and a willingness to care for all living things. The curriculum is designed sequentially, and successful learning in advanced coursework strongly depends on successful completion of earlier coursework.
In addition to its healing emphasis, Catholic University’s nursing program stands out due to the different learning options available to students. Examples of distinctive learning options include the Spanish-language certificate program for healthcare workers and nursing-specific study abroad options in Nicaragua, Ireland, and Australia. Students can also add a minor.
Clinical research opportunities provide additional critical training to ensure graduates are well-prepared to work as skilled nursing professionals in numerous settings. In addition, the school boasts a high first-time pass rate (94 percent) on the National Council Registered Nurse Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
- Duration: Four years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
George Washington University (GWU) offers modern nursing education programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. GWU welcomes students of diverse backgrounds. In addition to an inclusive student body, the program emphasizes research and is well-designed for those seeking to create lasting change in positions focused on health policy and leadership.
Students seeking a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree can choose one of three options. These options are an accelerated BSN program designed to be completed by professionals holding a non-nursing bachelor’s degree in just two years (four consecutive semesters, a veterans BSN for military veterans seeking to apply their military training and experience within the nursing profession, and an online RN-to-BSN program for those who already hold an associate degree in nursing.
The RN-to-BSN track students also benefit from the nursing program’s partnership with GW Hospital. This partnership provides residency, tuition coverage, and job placement resources upon graduation. The nursing curriculum is designed to accommodate nursing professionals who want or need to work while they pursue their studies.
- Duration: Two years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
University of the District of Columbia (Online)
The University of the District of Columbia offers an online RN to BSN program guided by its mission to create highly educated, independent, skilled, and resourceful graduates able to practice in diverse settings in an increasingly multiethnic, technology-driven society. The curriculum, offered within a transformative environment, provides training in evidence-based best practices, leadership skills, the promotion of sustainable healthcare, and independent learning skills.
Program features include tuition fees more affordable than many schools, an online curriculum delivery model, hands-on practicum experiences, small class sizes, diverse training experiences including research opportunities, publication preparation and professional development and networking through participation in national conferences, and a diverse student body featuring a large non-white student body and a statistically high percentage of male nursing students.
- Duration: Four years
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
Trinity Washington University (Online and in-person)
The Trinity Washington University School of Nursing and Health Professions offers two tracks for nursing professionals seeking a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree. These are the RN-to-BSN program and the BSN pre-licensure program. The RN-to-BSN program is a fully online, 120-credit-hour program. The pre-licensure is a 100-credit, in-person program in which students must complete liberal arts coursework before taking nursing-specific courses.
Students benefit from small class sizes, simulation lab settings, and various clinical fieldwork sites throughout the District of Columbia. Graduates may go on to work with patients both in the USA as well as throughout the world. Positions graduates may hold include community health nurse, school nurse, nurse scientist, acute care nurse, and emergency department nurse.
Trinity University also strives to provide an affordable education. Trinity University holds the distinction of offering the lowest tuition rate among private universities in DC. In addition, all full-time undergraduate students are eligible to receive financial aid. Many students ultimately receive grants and scholarships that often cover much of their tuition.
- Duration: Four years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Accredited Graduate Nursing Programs in Washington, DC
Georgetown University offers several master of science in nursing (MSN) degree program options. These programs are designed to train various individuals in the skills and experience necessary to become talented nursing professionals. Students with and without nursing experience will both find compatible programs.
The on-campus master of science entry to nursing program (MS-EN) is a five-semester direct-entry program designed for students with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees. The curriculum features material from the humanities and sciences and, as is typical of most nursing programs, features significant experiential nursing to fulfill prevailing clinical experience requirements typically necessitated by state-level nursing certification and licensing organizations.
Existing nursing professionals may choose from several options. Programs include adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner (AG-ACNP), family nurse practitioner (FNP), nurse-midwifery/women’s health nurse practitioner (NM/WHNP), and a stand-alone women’s health nurse practitioner program.
The exact program duration, coursework, and clinical experience requirements vary somewhat among the programs. Consult the school website for more details on these varied options.
- Duration: 23 to 27 months
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Catholic University of America
Catholic University of America offers a master of science in nursing (MSN) degree program. The program curriculum is designed to accommodate the needs of working nurse professionals. Students may choose one of three specializations. These specializations are family nurse practitioner, pediatric primary care, and dual acute and primary care pediatric. Regardless of specialization, all graduates receive the training necessary to sit for population-specific national certification exams.
The MSN program features a tiered curriculum. All students must complete first-tier (core) coursework. Students develop knowledge within their chosen specialization by completing second-tier (population-specific) coursework. This second-tier coursework consists of clinically focused courses in which students learn the skills needed for population and specialty practice.
Students should carefully research curriculum and certification requirements as the ever-evolving field of medicine means these aspects of the nursing profession can easily change from year to year.
Students seeking to teach nursing eventually can, upon completing the basic MSN degree requirements, complete nine additional credit hours as well as fulfill teaching experience requirements to take then the certification exam necessary to embark on a nursing education career.
- Duration: Two to three years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Howard University (Online)
Howard University’s graduate nursing program is designed for registered nurses who wish to advance their nursing careers. Students choose one of two tracks. These tracks are the family nurse practitioner (FNP) and nurse educator (NE) tracks. Upon completing all requirements, graduates are eligible to sit for their respective certification examinations.
The FNP program curriculum trains nurses in the core competencies necessary for this role. This 46-credit-hour program features a 720-hour clinical training requirement. Clinical workshops cover common primary care procedures such as EKG, suturing, joint and therapeutic injections, skin biopsy, and skin abscess draining. Additional workshops on topics such as substance use (SBIRT and SARET) and HIV-LGBTQ+ care are also available. The FNP track also offers a post-master’s certificate designed to prepare RNs who already have an MSN.
The nurse educator (NE) track is a 39-credit program. This curriculum is offered in academic and clinical settings. Graduates hold the skills needed to work as nurse educators in roles featuring responsibilities including staff development and community education.
- Duration: Two to three years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Ranked by U.S. News & World Report as the eighth best online MSN program in the nation, the George Washington University School of Nursing offers a unique learning experience. The degree program features a curriculum consisting of online courses, in-person training in simulation centers, and a faculty of respected industry leaders. GWU strives to be a healthcare policy leader, thereby improving healthcare and patient outcomes for underserved communities.
Students may choose from eight different MSN tracks. These tracks are adult gerontology acute and primary care nurse practitioner (two tracks), family nurse practitioner, nursing leadership and management, nursing leadership and management combined with a dual MPH degree, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP), an online RN-to-MSN program, and nurse-midwifery.
Prospective students should consult the school website to learn about the differences in curriculum and other requirements that distinguish these programs. Students who wish to advance in formal nursing training can later elect to pursue a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree.
- Duration: Two to three years depending on specialization
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Nursing School Accreditation
Nursing school accreditation is a voluntary but important step programs take to demonstrate that nurses who complete their program have received a quality education. When looking for a nursing program, it is important to ensure that it is accredited by either the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). These organizations ensure that nursing programs meet certain standards and provide students with a quality education.
Nursing professionals seeking to practice in Washington, DC must seek licensure through the Washington, DC Board of Nursing. This board is responsible for the licensure of both registered and practical nurses. It is common for licensure requirements to include passing a criminal background check and also passing the certification exam directly relevant to the particular nursing specialization the individual wishes to practice in.
After obtaining their licenses, nursing professionals maintain their skills through continued education. Continuing education is an important way for nurses to maintain the knowledge and skills necessary to perform their duties and renew their licenses in the future.
How Much Do Nurses Make in DC?
These numbers represent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics from May 2022—the latest data available as of February 2024. Salary data for certified nurse anesthetists is drawn from Salary.com.
Licensed Practical Nurse Salaries
| United States | DC | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 641,240 | 1,090 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $51,850 | $62,010 |
| 10th percentile | $37,150 | $52,000 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $48,070 | $62,540 |
| 90th percentile | $63,790 | $73,350 |
Registered Nurse Salaries
| United States | DC | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 3,047,530 | 11,820 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $82,750 | $98,230 |
| 10th percentile | $59,450 | $66,260 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $77,600 | $98,970 |
| 90th percentile | $120,250 | $135,260 |
Nurse Anesthetist Salaries
| United States | DC | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 46,540 | 170 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $205,770 | $205,210 |
| 10th percentile | $143,870 | $61,200 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $203,090 | $221,430 |
| 90th percentile | >$239,200 per year | >$239,200 per year |
Nurse Midwife Salaries
| United States | DC | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 7,750 | 70 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $114,210 | $96,320 |
| 10th percentile | $61,500 | $65,370 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $112,830 | $84,480 |
| 90th percentile | $166,170 | $140,080 |
Nurse Practitioner Salaries
| United States | DC | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 234,690 | 730 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $118,040 | $131,270 |
| 10th percentile | $79,470 | $105,780 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $120,680 | $125,370 |
| 90th percentile | $163,350 | $138,360 |
Licensed Practical Nurse (RN) Licensure in DC
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
To earn a license as an LPN in the state of Delaware, a candidate must:
|
District of Columbia LPNs must renew their license every two years. The requirements to renew include:
|
Registered Nurse (RN) Licensure in DC
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Government of the District of Columbia Board of Nursing | In order to earn a license as an RN in the state of Delaware, a candidate must:
| District of Columbia RNs must renew their license every two years. The requirements to renew include:
|
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Licensure in DC
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
In the District of Columbia, CNSs are licensed as APRNs, and an individual must meet the following requirements:
|
CNSs applying for renewal in Washington DC must submit documents detailing 24 hours of continuing education requirements, including 15 hours in pharmacology, two hours in Covid vaccinations, two hours in LGBTQ or cultural awareness, and three hours in HIV/AIDS or director’s topics. The fee for a renewal is $313. |
Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) Licensure in DC
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
In the District of Columbia, CNMs are licensed as APRNs, and an individual must meet the following requirements:
|
APRNs renewing their license in Washington DC must submit documents detailing 24 hours of continued education requirements, including 15 hours in pharmacology, two hours in Covid-19 vaccinations, two hours in LGBTQ or cultural awareness, and three hours in HIV/AIDS or director’s topics. The fee for a renewal is $313. |
Nurse Practitioner (NP) Licensure in DC
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
Nurse practitioners are licensed as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) in the District of Columbia. To be eligible for licensure candidate must:
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APRNs in Washington DC must renew their license every two years. To renew, they must submit documents detailing 24 hours of continuing education requirements, including 15 hours in pharmacology, two hours in COVID Vaccinations, two hours in LGBTQ or Cultural Awareness, and three hours in HIV/AIDS or Director’s Topics. The fee for a renewal is $313. |
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CNRA) Licensure in DC
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
In the District of Columbia, CRNAs are licensed as APRNs, and an individual must meet the following requirements:
|
All CRNA license renewals in Washington DC must be completed online. CRNAs must submit documents detailing 24 hours of continuing education requirements, including 15 hours in pharmacology, two hours in Covid vaccinations, two hours in LGBTQ or Cultural Awareness, and three hours in HIV/AIDS or director’s topics. The fee for a renewal is $313. |
Bernd Geels
WriterBernd Geels is a Berlin, Germany-based freelance writer and artist. He holds an undergraduate degree in atmospheric science and two graduate degrees. He completed his most recent graduate degree in international environmental studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in 2011. He is interested in healthcare, climate change, marine conservation, indigenous science and refugee issues. You can reach him directly at [email protected].