As part of cost-cutting measures, Washington State University is closing its College of Nursing campus in Yakima, and moving 28 students to Richland and Spokane to complete their programs.

Those affected will finish their undergraduate and graduate nursing education at WSU’s other campuses, ensuring they can complete their degrees without interruption.

“This difficult decision reflects our commitment to strengthening the region’s nursing workforce while being responsible stewards of limited resources,” said Anne Mason, interim dean for the college, in a statement. “By focusing our efforts, we are safeguarding the long-term excellence of WSU’s nursing program, the largest producer of registered nurses in Washington.”

How many Yakima students or instructors are expected to move to WSU Tri-Cities is not known. A WSU Tri-Cities spokeswoman referred questions to the College of Nursing. Messages to the college were not returned.

More than 50 nursing students are accepted into the college’s programs in the Tri-Cities each year. Multiple programs are available, including two undergraduate degrees – BSN, RN-BSN, and several graduate level degrees including Doctor of Nursing Practice-family nurse practitioner, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and population health nurse. 

The college’s nursing facilities are in central Richland, adjacent to the Kadlec Healthplex. Those teaching facilities received expanded simulation capabilities with a brand-new series of mock exam rooms in the fall of 2025.

The consolidation of the nursing program follows budget reductions made to the college last year due to reduced federal and state funding to WSU.  

Gov. Bob Ferguson has proposed an additional cut of $11.1 million, or about 3.2% of WSU’s budget, in the current legislative session. The proposal also would dramatically increase WSU’s self-insurance premium, relying on about $7 million in tuition revenue that does not exist to cover nearly half of the increase.

“WSU has already cut its budget every year for the last four years, reducing annual spending by $52 million,” said WSU Director of State Relations Chris Mulick during committee testimony on the governor’s proposed operating budget in late January.

At the same time, the college is trying to do its part to address a nationwide shortage of nurses. College officials said they will continue to work with health care providers in the Yakima Valley to place nursing students for rotations and address workforce needs.

“We are making important decisions to protect the academic programs that train Washington’s future nurses – professionals essential to the health of our state,” said Chris Riley-Tillman, provost and executive vice president, in a statement. “We remain committed to the core academic mission of WSU Health Sciences. By investing in the areas that most directly support the workforce outcomes of our academic programs and the community impacts of the research and programs we deliver, we are positioning Washington for better health and a bright future.”