Overview
Nursing provides a challenging, respected, versatile and rewarding career in health care. Nurses work in a variety of settings – from homes to hospitals, corporations to clinics, schools to ships, classrooms to courtrooms, rehabilitation to research, travel to trauma, and with all ages, from newborns to seniors. Employment in nursing is expected to increase 16% in the next few years. Nurses are vital in promoting health, wellness, and optimizing the quality of life in the community. Additional benefits in a career in nursing include job security, competitive salaries, and potential for advancement. Degree options include Associate in pre-nursing, Associate in Nursing (with direct transfer options), Nursing Assistant Certificate of Completion, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and more, view all degree options in the "Degree Options" below.
Programs Offered
Nursing - Associate in Pre-Nursing
Associate in Pre-Nursing - Direct Transfer Agreement (APN-DTA/MRP)
Program Map(s) for this program
Nursing - LPN2RN Campus Based Opt-in Option
Associate in Nursing - Direct Transfer Agreement (AN-DTA/MRP)
Program Map(s) for this program
Nursing - LPN2RN eLearning
Associate in Nursing - Direct Transfer Agreement (AN-DTA/MRP)
Program Map(s) for this program
Nursing - Registered Nurse
Associate in Nursing - Direct Transfer Agreement (AN-DTA/MRP)
Program Map(s) for this program
Nursing - RN to BSN
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Nursing Assistant
Certificate of Completion (COC)
Program Map(s) for this program
Not a current LCC student?
If you are new to LCC, please first apply to LCC, then contact the One-Stop Center for assistance with the new student steps. You may need to schedule an advising appointment with a Health Care Specialist/Education Planner to develop your individualized education plan.
Apply to a Nursing Program
- For information about registering for the Nursing Assistant Program contact Bev Ylen (Health Care Coordinator). There is no application process for this program.
- The associate in pre-nursing direct transfer agreement (APN-DTA/MRP) degree prepares students for transfer to a four-year prelicensure bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program. This degree does not directly lead to eligibility for RN licensure or require admission to the LCC Nursing Programs.
- Students applying for the prelicensure RN associate in nursing direct transfer (AN-DTA/MRP) program options:
- Application cycle 1 (traditional and LPN-entry options) opens April 15 and closes June 30.
- Application cycle 2 (traditional option only) opens August 15 and closes October 31.
- View dates and deadlines for the Bachelor of Science Nursing Program (BSN).
You can take prerequisites and support classes anytime.
Submit a transcript evaluation request: Transcript requests must be submitted on time! Below are dates and additional information on transcript evaluation requests.
Completing the Application
All applications must be completed via our online forms by the closing dates (listed above). All required information must be included for the application to be considered. View applications below:
If you have questions regarding your nursing program application, please contact Bev Ylen (Healthcare Programs Coordinator).
Once your AN-DTA/MRP application is processed, you will be contacted by email to schedule your admission exams. If you need accommodations for testing, contact Disability and Access Services. No testing is required for admission to the RN to BSN program.
Please contact our pre-nursing advisors for information on nursing programs and additional advising assistance: prenursing@lowercolumbia.edu.
Transcript Evaluation Requests
All transcripts from all institutions from which the applicant intends to transfer credits must be submitted by the due date to be considered for that application cycle. Transcript evaluations completed at LCC are good indefinitely.
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Cycle 1 transcript evaluation requests are due May 15
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Cycle 2 transcript evaluation requests are due September 15
Applicants who took all of their prerequisite courses at LCC do not need to request a transcript evaluation.
Admission Testing
- TEAS testing must be completed by November 14
Language Proficiency Testing
- Avant STAMP 4S testing (for languages other than English) must be completed by November 14
Application Cycle Dates & Deadlines
Registered Nurse Program
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Application cycle 1 is now closed for Fall 2024 admission (will open April 15, 2025).
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Application cycle 2 opens August 15, 2024 for Winter 2025 and Spring 2025 admission (closes October 31, 2024).
- Notification of selection for cycle 2 will occur by November 25.
LPN2RN Campus-Based and eLearning Program Options
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Application cycle is now closed for Fall 2024, Winter 2025, and Spring 2025 admission (will open April 15, 2025).
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
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Application cycle is currently CLOSED for Fall 2024 (will open in January, 2025).
- For information on Nursing Program Admission Exams go to our Testing Center page.
- See the program Degree Requirements for admission prerequisites.
- Applicants will be notified by email of their admission status.
- Final admission is pending transcript evaluation.
For more information contact: Bev Ylen (Healthcare Programs Coordinator) or at (360) 442-2860.
For advising, contact: prenursing@lowercolumbia.edu.
Nursing Assistant
No prerequisite courses are required. Student must be at least 16 years of age and meet clinical agency requirements. View clinical requirements in the dropdown below "admission requirements".
All Registered Nurse (RN) Program Options
To be eligible for admission consideration, the applicant must have:
- Current certification as a nursing assistant (NA-C) in Washington or Oregon (traditional entry option only)
- Completion of Required Support Courses with a grade of C (2.0) or above and a minimum 2.8 cumulative grade point for required support courses
- Minimum test scores on the required nursing admission exam: Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS)
- Reading: 69%
- Math: 63.3%
- Science: 45.8%
- English: 60%
Additional Requirements for Licensed Practical Nurse to Registered Nurse (LPN2RN) Program Options
- Graduated from a state board of nursing approved practical nurse (PN) program.
- Current unencumbered practical nurse licensure (LPN) in Washington, Oregon, or multi-state license (MSL).
- Achieve a minimum score of 58% correct on the Kaplan Fundamentals Exam.
- This exam is 70 questions administered over 102 minutes, replacing the now retired Transitions Exam. To prepare for this exam, it is recommended to review any NCLEX-PN preparation guide.
- Please note that Kaplan Transitions Exam scores from previous application cycles cannot be used for the current admission cycle.
Additional Requirements for Registered Nurse (LPN2RN) eLearning
- Worked a minimum of 1,000 hours as an LPN in the last three years.
For additional Nursing Admission Exam information and resources, please visit the LCC Testing Center's Nursing Program Admission Exam Page.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Current and unencumbered RN licensure in Washington State (or a multistate RN license) is required to begin classes in the BSN program. Learn more about BSN application information, including admission requirements on the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) page.
If there are more qualifying students than seats available during a single application cycle, eligible candidates will be ranked based on selective admission points. Points will be awarded as follows:
- Healthcare Work Experience:
- 2 points for 500 hours of documented work experience in the last two years as a NA-C or in a healthcare position that requires certification as a nursing assistant (NA-C).
- 1 point for 500 hours of documented work experience in the last two years in healthcare positions not requiring certification as a nursing assistant (examples: medic, corpsman, medical assistant, medical reception, medical records, pharmacy technician, and others).
- International Student: 1 point for LCC students studying under an F1 or M1 student visa.
- Military Service: 1 point is awarded to those who are currently serving in any branch of U.S. military or are veterans of any branch of U.S. military with an honorable discharge.
- Residing in LCC Service District: 1 point for current LCC students or applicants residing in Cowlitz or Wahkiakum Counties. Consideration will also be given to applicants residing in Rainier, OR, and surrounding areas.
- Multilingual: 1 point for proficiency in a language other than English. No verification (testing) is needed for applicants who are proficient in utilization of English as well as their native (first) language. For applicants who would like to verify by exam that they are proficient in a language other than English, the Avant STAMP 4S is available to take remotely through the LCC Testing Center.
- Support Courses: 1 point each (4 points maximum) for successful completion of co-requisite support courses completed prior to nursing program admission with a grade of C or better.
Important Note: Points cannot be received for both healthcare work experience and international student status.
Tie-Breaking Process
Traditional
- To select for admission when a tie exists among qualified applicants after points are applied, cumulative GPA for required pre-requisite courses will be utilized (highest cumulative GPA selected first, etc.).
- To select for admission when a tie exists among qualified applicants after the above points are applied and cumulative GPA is utilized, the highest submitted composite TEAS score which falls within the permissible testing window (i.e., 2 years prior to application closing date) will be utilized (highest composite TEAS score selected first, etc.).
LPN (applications for both options scored together)
- To select for admission when a tie exists among qualified applicants after points are applied, composite TEAS score + Kaplan Fundamentals scores which fall within the permissible testing window (i.e., 2 years prior to application closing date) will be utilized (highest combined score will be selected first, etc.).
- To select for admission when a tie exists among qualified applicants after the above points are applied and composite TEAS score + Kaplan Fundamentals score, cumulative GPA for required pre-requisite courses will be utilized (highest cumulative GPA selected first, etc.).
Nursing Assistant
This quarter-long hybrid certificate program has a total of 20 seats open each quarter (summer, fall, winter, spring). To be placed in this program contact Bev Ylen (Healthcare Programs Coordinator). Registration is open until all seats are filled.
Nursing - Registered Nurse
The traditional entry, campus-based program option is offered over 6 quarters. Applications are accepted twice yearly (August and November) for a total of approximately 72 openings: 24 students begin each fall, winter, and spring quarter.
View information sheet for this option.
Nursing - LPN2RN Campus Based Opt-in Option
The LPN-entry, campus-based program option is offered over 3 quarters. Students enter the traditional program during the 4th quarter. This option has a minimum of 4 openings each fall, winter, and spring quarter, with selection occurring during August each year.
View information sheets for LPN-entry points:
Nursing - LPN2RN eLearning
The LPN-entry, eLearning program option is a hybrid option offered over 4 quarters, including summer. Approximately 60 students are selected each August for this program option that begins each September. Please note that summer clinical courses require in-person attendance (June through August).
View information sheet for this option.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
The hybrid post-licensure program offers part-time and full-time options. Up to 30 students are selected each spring for a summer or fall program start. For full information and details about this program please view the Bachelor of Science in Nursing page.
Nursing Assistant Program
No prerequisite courses.
Registered Nurse (RN) Program Option
The following courses, with credits as designated, must be completed or in process to apply. Each of these courses must be completed with a grade of C (2.0) or higher, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8, before admission to the Nursing Program.
| Course # | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL& 101 | English Composition | 5 credits |
| MATH& 146 | Introduction to Statistics | 5 credits |
| PSYC& 100 | General Psychology | 5 credits |
| PSYC& 200 | Lifespan Psychology | 5 credits |
| BIOL& 160 | General Biology w/Lab | 5 credits |
| BIOL& 241 | Anatomy and Physiology I | 5 credits |
| BIOL& 242 | Anatomy and Physiology II | 5 credits |
| BIOL& 260 | Microbiology | 5 credits |
| CHEM& 121 | Intro to Chemistry | 5 credits |
Additional Required Support Courses
The additional required support courses listed below may be taken before or after program admission. A grade of C (2.0) or higher is required.
| Course # | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NUTR& 101 | Nutrition | 5 credits |
| ENGL& 102 OR CMST& 220 |
English Composition II Public Speaking |
5 credits |
| Humanities courses (see Distribution List) | From Humanities Distribution List | 10 credits |
| DIV course (see Diversity List) | It is recommended that the course used to fulfill this requirement appears on both the Humanities Distribution List and the Diversity List; course must be 4 credits or more. | 4 or more credits |
Nursing Success
Students entering the LPN2RN campus-based program option will be required to complete NURS 209 (Nursing Success) before beginning their first clinical course. Each student will be enrolled in this 2-credit course, which is offered prior to the beginning of each fall, winter, and spring quarter. NURS 209 includes orientation to LCC Nursing Program policies and clinical requirements, provides review of selected nursing skills and care planning, and provides time in the clinical setting with a member of the faculty prior to joining the entry cohort.
Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN) Program
Learn more about BSN prerequisites on the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) page.
Course Equivalencies
Due to the volume of applicants, official transcripts from other colleges will be evaluated by the LCC registrar only for applicants who qualify for admission, or if a student is currently enrolled at LCC.
In addition to Tuition & Fees, the following is a brief overview of required student expenses. For a full detailed cost list please see the Nursing Program Cost page.
Nursing Assistant Program
- Criminal background check $70
- TB skin or blood test or chest X-ray (cost varies)
- Current American Heart Association Healthcare Provider BLS CPR certification $100
- Clinical Requirements
- Additional Costs for employment
- Certification skills testing $100
- Written/oral testing $55
- WA initial certification $88
The LCC Nursing Programs support equitable access to resources needed to determine eligibility for admission. There may be funding available if cost is a barrier to application. Please email prenursing@lowercolumbia.edu for information about potential options for financial assistance with admission testing or nursing assistant certification costs.
RN AN-DTA/MRP Program Options
- Criminal Background Check $70
- Urine drug screening $46
- Nursing Admission Testing $120
- ACEMAPP $50/year
- Uniforms & Accessories $350
- Books: approximately $4,006 for the Traditional RN program option, and approximately $3,460 for the LPN2RN program option (including prerequisite and support courses)
- First Aid Certification $37 (traditional entry only)
- American Heart Association Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) certification $100
- Liability Insurance $15/year
- Proof of immunizations (costs vary)
- Clinical Requirements
- Additional Costs for Employment
- NCLEX-RN: $200
- WA RN License Application Fee: $138
RN to BSN Program
- Criminal Background Check $70
- Urine drug screening $46
- ACEMAPP $50/year
- Uniforms & Accessories $50
- Books $1,345
- American Heart Association Healthcare Provider BLS certification $100
- Liability Insurance $15/year
- Proof of immunizations (costs vary)
- Clinical Requirements
Background Check and Drug Screen
Following admission to a nursing program, students must pass both a comprehensive criminal background check and urine drug screen. The drug screen must be taken no more than 60 days before beginning the program. Because LCC must comply with health care agency requirements, a positive finding in a background check or drug screen may exclude the student from enrolling in or completing a nursing program. Some crimes disqualify a person from providing client care temporarily or indefinitely. Clinical agencies retain the right to refuse placement to students with a history of certain offenses. For additional information, see the Department of Social & Health Services (DSHS) Secretary's List of Disqualifying Crimes.
The drug screen is not a required prerequisite for the Nursing Assistant COC program.
Background clearance includes the state of Washington and all other states and counties the student has lived in for the past seven years.
Vaccinations
Nursing Assistant Program
While vaccinations are not required at this time for our Nursing Assistant program, the clinical agencies our programs work with highly recommend the following:
- Staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccination and boosters per current CDC guidance.
- Vaccinations against hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, and varicella.
For nursing assistant students planning to pursue admission to a nursing program, please review the clinical requirements for the nursing programs below.
AN-DTA/MRP and BSN Program Options
Please Note: As healthcare providers have a duty to protect those under their care, vaccination against several communicable diseases, including COVID-19, is a requirement
for students admitted to a healthcare program at LCC.
Students must also provide documentation of selected immunizations, show a Social Security card, present a current First Aid card (traditional entry RN option only) and Healthcare Provider CPR card (American Heart Association) prior to registering for nursing courses. Expenses incurred are the responsibility of the student. Admission to the nursing program is contingent upon compliance with all clinical requirements prior to beginning cohort courses (those courses restricted to students who are admitted to the program). Students will be asked to attest to the intent of clinical compliance prior to being registered for cohort courses.
Current CDC guidance to Stay Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines. Please contact the Nursing & Allied Health Programs office for current information
about medical or religious COVID-19 vaccine exemptions and clinical placement.
The Lower Columbia College Nursing and Medical Assisting Programs endorse the Americans with Disabilities Act and in accordance with LCC's Non Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policies, reasonable accommodations may be provided for a student with a disability.
In order to be admitted and to progress in either program, students must be able to meet essential functions with or without accommodation.
Disability and Access Services (DAS) assists qualified students with disabilities by providing accommodations and equal access to academic programs and activities. For detailed information see Disability and Access Services Home.
To be eligible for services, students must have a disability defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and Section 504 Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and request to be accommodated. Under the ADA and Section 504, a person has a disability if he/she has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities (e.g. walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, standing, breathing, learning, and working).
Disability and Access Services provides academic accommodations to otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities, who without these accommodations would not be provided equal access, unless these would alter the fundamental requirements of the course or program.
In order to fully evaluate requests for academic accommodations, the DAS Office in most cases, needs documentation of your disability. These guidelines will help you and your professional understand what is needed. incomplete documentation may delay the beginning of service or could cause conditional services to stop.
It is the student's responsibility to provide needed documentation. See Disability-Documentation Guidelines for detailed information.
If a student is denied their request for accommodations, students can appeal to Disability and Access Services which will be explained in a letter to the student. To complete the program or to continue in the program, the student must be able to perform all essential functional abilities either with or without accommodation.
For an appointment with Disability and Access Services contact the Entry Center at (360) 442-2311, Disability and Access Services at (360) 442-2340, or see Disability and Access Services.
Functional abilities relate to the behavioral components of student competence. They are abilities identified by the Nursing Program and Medical Assisting Program as essential for safe patient care and are used as a guide in determining reasonable accommodations.
See Essential Functional Abilities - excerpt from Nursing and Medical Assisting Handbook
Nursing Assistant Certificate
Lower Columbia College offers a 7-credit Nursing Assistant Certificate of Completion (COC) approved by the Washington State Board of Nursing (WABON). The program consists of 107 hours over one academic quarter, including 35 hours of classroom instruction in a hybrid format, 32 hours of face-to-face skills lab instruction, and 40 hours of directly supervised client care in a clinical setting.
The COC provides the content and experiences for students to achieve mastery of the state-defined competencies required to assist in giving basic nursing care to residents/clients under the supervision of a licensed nurse.
For information regarding the process of applying for and taking the Nursing Assistant Certification exam in Washington State, visit the WABON's Nursing Assistant Certification (NAC) Exam page. State skills evaluation is completed in the final week of the program at LCC with program faculty. Candidates then register for their written/oral Nurse Aide Assessment Program exam through Credentia in preparation for certification with the Washington State Department of Health. For certification in a state other than Washington, candidates must seek reciprocity after being certified in Washington. Reciprocity requirements vary by state.
Eligibility for Registered Nurse Licensure by State
In accordance with U.S. Department of Education Regulation 34 CFR 668.43 (a) (5) (v), the Lower Columbia College associate in nursing - direct transfer agreement - major ready program (AN-DTA/MRP) degree meets the requirements for single-state or multi-state RN licensure in Washington state, which is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).
The following are additional NLC states where graduates may take the NCLEX-RN and apply for their RN multistate license (MSL) with the board of nursing (BON) in their primary state of residence (PSOR): Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania (partially implemented), Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Please note that MSL applicants may only have one PSOR and may not apply for temporary permits in multiple states.
The Lower Columbia College AN-DTA/MRP degree also meets all educational requirements for RN licensure in the following non-compact states: Alaska*, California, Connecticut, District of Columbia*, Hawaii*, Illinois*, Massachusetts*, Michigan*, Minnesota*, Nevada, New York, and Oregon (determined by review of each state’s board of nursing requirements available publicly as of July 2024). Each state BON determines candidate eligibility for licensure on an individual basis. The information presented here is subject to change and does not guarantee that graduates of the Lower Columbia College AN-DTA/MRP degree meet the requirements in states outside of Washington. The candidate will be responsible for obtaining documentation from the LCC Nursing Programs that may be required for licensure. * Indicates states where there is pending legislation to become part of the NLC.
The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) has resources that may be helpful, including links to every Nursing Practice Act.
Program Reports
To read about the mission, philosophy, and graduate end-of-program student learning outcomes for the LCC Nursing Program, visit our Mission and Graduate Outcomes page.
Program outcomes indicate how the program is meeting expected benchmarks, such as the rate at which our graduates pass the NCLEX-RN®, complete the program within the expected timeframe, and get jobs in nursing once they are licensed. The nursing program faculty and staff are committed to student success, as well as contributing to quality and safe patient care in the Lower Columbia region. We invite you to read more about our Program Outcomes and Student Achievement Data.
Interested in the Nursing Programs' applicant statistics? View the Nursing Programs Admission Data page.
Our Approval and Accreditation
The Nursing Assistant Certificate of Completion and Registered Nurse AN-DTA/MRP degree programs at Lower Columbia College are approved by the Washington State Board of Nursing.
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program has initial approval from the Washington State Board of Nursing.
The Registered Nurse AN-DTA/MRP degree program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.
The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the associate degree nursing program (April 2023): Continuing Accreditation with next site visit in fall 2030.
View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question? View our Frequently Asked Questions page, or get in touch below!