DC Nursing Colleges & Licensure
Nursing Colleges Search
When you click on a sponsoring school or program, or fill out a form to request information from a sponsoring school, we may earn a commission. View our advertising disclosure for more details.
“Aspiring nurses must demonstrate a robust commitment to lifelong learning, compassion, organization, effective communication, and self-care; when paired with collaborative relationships with peers and mentors, these qualities empower them to excel both academically and professionally.”
D. Renee Winkfield, PhD, Interim Associate Dean & Division of Nursing Chair, College of Nursing & Allied Health Sciences, Howard University
Nurses represent the largest profession in the American healthcare system. There are more than 3.8 million licensed registered nurses in the country, with roughly 3 million of those actively employed in direct patient care roles. Nurses are deeply involved in care coordination, health promotion, and prevention. The health of the nation depends on them.
Going forward, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2025) projects a 5 percent job growth rate for registered nurses between 2024 and 2034, slightly faster than the national average of 3 percent for all occupations, and resulting in an additional 166,100 new jobs. Furthermore, the BLS’s combined grouping of advanced practice registered nurses—nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners—is in even higher demand, with a staggering 35 percent projected growth rate in the coming decade.
Being a nurse in the District of Columbia (DC) means working at the intersection of high-acuity clinical care, public health policy, and persistent health disparities. The capital’s health landscape is shaped by dense population, socioeconomic divides between wards, a high proportion of underserved communities, and proximity to federal and academic health systems. Nurses often perform a multi-faceted role: delivering bedside care while navigating systemic pressures and advocating for patients.
The international nature of the Washington, DC area offers nursing students the opportunity to train amidst a diversity of people and cultures, gaining valuable skills that nurses can later apply in various contexts. Read on to learn about the top undergraduate and graduate nursing programs, salary expectations, and licensing requirements for nursing careers in the District of Columbia.
Featured Online Nursing Programs
Meet the Expert: D. Renee Winkfield, PhD, FNP-BC
Dr. Devora Renee Winkfield serves as interim associate dean and division of nursing chair in the College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences at Howard University’s College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, where she also previously served as interim chair of undergraduate nursing and director of graduate nursing. She has more than two decades of experience in nursing education and leadership, including previous roles as coordinator of the graduate nursing program at Bowie State University and as associate professor and department chair at Washington Adventist University.
A family nurse practitioner by training, Dr. Winkfield has also provided primary care for pediatric and adult populations. She earned her PhD in human services from Capella University and her master’s degree in nursing (family practice) from UCLA. She is an active member of the Association of Oklahoma Nurse Practitioners and other professional nursing organizations, and she continues to champion programs that expand access to care and strengthen nurse education.
NursingColleges.com: What do you wish people knew about nursing in DC?
Dr. Winkfield: Nursing in the District of Columbia is both demanding and rewarding. Nurses serve a highly diverse urban population with complex, often acute health needs, which requires not only advanced clinical expertise but also cultural sensitivity and adaptability.
The nursing landscape is equally diverse, with opportunities in magnet hospitals, federal facilities, and specialized public health roles that reflect the profession’s high standards of education and professionalism. In this dynamic setting, nurses collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, influence public policy, and advocate for vulnerable populations, making them critical drivers of healthcare equity and innovation in the nation’s capital.
NursingColleges.com: Do you have any advice for aspiring nurses?
Dr. Winkfield: Aspiring nurses must demonstrate a robust commitment to lifelong learning, compassion, organization, effective communication, and self-care; when paired with collaborative relationships with peers and mentors, these qualities empower them to excel both academically and professionally.
Accredited Undergraduate Nursing Programs in Washington, DC
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)
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)
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 sixth 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 2024—the latest data available as of November 2025.
Licensed Practical Nurse Salaries
| United States | DC | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 632,430 | 1,170 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $64,150 | $70,530 |
| 10th percentile | $47,960 | $58,500 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $62,340 | $70,420 |
| 90th percentile | $80,510 | $81,410 |
Registered Nurse Salaries
| United States | DC | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 3,282,010 | 9,790 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $98,430 | $109,240 |
| 10th percentile | $66,030 | $81,880 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $93,600 | $104,550 |
| 90th percentile | $135,320 | $135,620 |
Nurse Anesthetist Salaries
| United States | DC | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 50,350 | 170 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $231,700 | $268,330 |
| 10th percentile | $137,230 | $240,686 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $223,210 | $268,330 |
| 90th percentile | >$239,200 per year | $337,716 |
Nurse Midwife Salaries
| United States | DC | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 8,280 | 70 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $128,110 | $116,150 |
| 10th percentile | $74,670 | $89,010 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $120,790 | $106,580 |
| 90th percentile | $177,040 | $145,350 |
Nurse Practitioner Salaries
| United States | DC | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 307,390 | 790 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $132,000 | $137,600 |
| 10th percentile | $97,960 | $101,020 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $129,210 | $131,380 |
| 90th percentile | $169,950 | $171,220 |
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Licensure in DC
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Government of the District of Columbia Board of Nursing | 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 |
|---|---|---|
| DC Health Board of Nursing |
In order to earn a license as an RN in the District of Columbia, 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:
|
|
Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) Licensure in DC
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| DC Health Board of Nursing | 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. There is a renewal fee. |
Nurse Practitioner (NP) Licensure in DC
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| DC Health Board of Nursing | Nurse practitioners are licensed as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) in the District of Columbia. To be eligible for licensure candidate must:
|
|
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. Pay a renewal fee. |
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].
Matt Zbrog
WriterMatt Zbrog is a writer and researcher from Southern California. Since 2018, he’s written extensively about the modern nursing workforce, conducting hundreds of interviews with nurse leaders, nurse educators, and nurse advocates to explore the issues that matter to them most. His Advocates to Know series focuses on nurse practitioners (NPs) who go above and beyond in changing policy and practice in important areas like veteran’s care, human trafficking prevention, and telehealth access. He regularly collaborates with subject matter experts from the American Nurses Association (ANA) and the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) to elevate issues that empower nurses everywhere.