The Washington Department of Commerce reports that the state's key industries include life and health sciences. For example, the City of Seattle counts 96,000 jobs in health care. Would-be nurses can consider Washington nursing schools online or on-campus.

Education can be a competitive factor in the job market in Washington. More residents of the Evergreen State hold a bachelor's degree than the U.S. average, according to U.S. Census Bureau data for persons 25 or older in 2009. The population was 6.7 million in 2010, showing faster growth than the national average between 2000 and 2010, with an increase of 14.1 percent compared to the U.S. rate of 9.7 percent.

Earning degrees at nursing schools in Washington

Individuals can begin careers as nurses with options such as these:

• Associate degree in nursing
• Diploma through a nursing program
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing

A BSN usually takes four years, while an associate degree may take two to three years. A diploma program, which is often hospital-administered, typically requires three years. Many nursing classes are taught through community or junior colleges. Another choice for earning a degree is through online nursing schools in Washington.

Careers for graduates of Washington nursing schools online

The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment growth for nurses as the U.S. population ages and turnover occurs within the profession. The BLS reports that Washington RNs earned a mean annual wage of $73,680, as of May 2010, which was higher than the figure of $67,720 for RNs nationwide. Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses in the state took home a yearly mean salary of $45,400 in 2010.

The City of Seattle lists health care as a growing economic sector. Collaboration among professionals across disciplines has resulted in new research into bioinformatics, where databases are used for biological research, and health informatics, which applies technology to the management of health care data. Washington has a strong presence in health care, so earning a nursing degree fits right into the state's economy.