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Make a difference as a registered nurse
Nursing is more than a profession. It’s a calling. Nurses work every day with patients, their families and other health care providers to help individuals lead healthier lives. Nurses are also able to specialize in the care they provide, such as pediatrics, cardiac intensive care, oncology (cancer care) and many others.
The Clackamas Community College Nursing Degree will prepare you to get your registered nurse (RN) license. As a nursing student at CCC, you will get a front-row seat to the exciting innovations happening in nursing care. Classes are led by experienced instructors who are dedicated to bringing lessons to life in interactive and engaging classes. You will also receive hands-on clinical experience to learn, practice and fine-tune the skills you will use every day in your nursing career.
Take the first step in making a difference in the lives of others. Learn more about the associate degree in nursing (RN) at Clackamas Community College.
Please note that the nursing program is a limited-entry program. A limited number of students will be accepted into the program. All potential students must also complete a formal application process.
For detailed description and outcomes for this program, view the course catalog.Required classes for the Nursing (RN) Associate Degree
Nurses make a difference: Join a growing field and change lives
The nursing field offers a remarkably positive career outlook, driven by an impending nursing shortage. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects faster-than-average job growth for registered nurses (RNs).
As a Clackamas Community College nursing graduate, you will be prepared to enter a dynamic profession with diverse work settings. This includes:
- Acute care: Hospitals and intensive care units.
- Sub-acute care: Rehabilitation centers and transitional care facilities.
- Ambulatory care: Outpatient clinics and physician offices.
Continuing education
Many nurses decide to pursue advanced degrees. Sometimes this occurs after a few years in the field. Other students know immediately they want to continue their education beyond becoming a registered nurse. Best of all, many continuing education programs allow students to work as RNs and complete programs at night or on the weekends.
For more information on career opportunities for this program, view the course catalog.Skills for success: What sets our nursing program apart
You will learn many skills as a nursing student that position you for continued success in your career, from quickly and painlessly placing an IV to using effective listening skills to better determine what patients need. You should develop:
- An ethical and professional foundation: Develop a strong foundation in core nursing values, guiding your actions with compassion, integrity and respect for patients and colleagues.
- Self-awareness and growth: Gain self-reflection, self-analysis and self-care, fostering continual learning and personal growth throughout your nursing journey.
- Skills for lifelong learning: Embrace a commitment to lifelong learning, actively seeking and integrating new knowledge to stay at the forefront of evidence-based care.
- Leadership and collaboration: Develop leadership skills to contribute to health care teams, collaborating effectively with doctors, nurses and other professionals.
- Relationship-centered care: Provide compassionate and holistic care, building strong relationships and effective communication with patients and families.
- Critical thinking and evidence-based practices: Sharpen your critical thinking skills to make sound clinical judgments, using the best available evidence to guide patient care.
Our comprehensive curriculum prepares you to excel in a variety of health care settings. Develop the in-demand skills employers seek and make a real difference in the lives of your patients.
For more information on expected outcomes of successfully completing this program, view the course catalog.Investing in your future
Clackamas Community College offers some of the lowest tuition rates in the Portland metro area. Here is a summary of the estimated costs for this program:
Estimated program costs | |
College tuition and fees | $8,340 |
Program course fees* | $4,002 |
Textbooks | *included in course fees |
Extra supplies and materials | ~$400 (2x scrubs, stethoscope, BLS CPR course) |
Total costs | $12,742 |
*Course fees cover the following items: ACEMAPP, criminal background check, drug screening, lab supplies, clinical placement, textbooks
Get help paying for college
Scholarships and grants (free money!) are available for students in this program. For help with financial aid and scholarships, contact the Financial Aid Resource Lab
Applying to the Nursing Degree program
Phase 1: Initial application evaluation
Phase II: Interview and personal statement
Based on Phase I point totals, the top 70-100 applicants will be invited to a panel interview. Phase II scores alone (not a combination of scores from Phases I and II) will determine which applicants receive seat offers and move to Phase III.
Phase III: Post-selection requirements
- Pass a criminal background check from an agency designated by CCC .
- Pass a 10-panel drug screen from a lab designated by CCC.
- Submit proof of current immunizations and current American Heart Association BLS certification for health care providers.
Preparing you for success in nursing
The faculty and staff at Clackamas Community College are dedicated to helping you succeed in your career.
Program completion and pass rates
Our program completion and NCLEX first-time pass rates are above the national average.
| Year | 2015-17 | 2016-18 | 2017-19 | 2018-20 | 2019-21 | 2020-22 | 2021-23 |
| Percent graduated | 86.2% | 86.6% | 88% | 91.6% | 90.9% | 96% | 96% |
| Percent passed NCLEX first time | 100% | 92.3% | 95.45% | 100% | 86.6% | 82.7% | 96.5% |
Our approach to nursing education
As members of the nursing profession, we are committed to equity, inclusivity and advocating for social justice for all people. We focus our teaching and practice on the moral and ethical principles that are the cornerstones of the nursing profession. There is no room for racism or discrimination of any kind in our nursing program; in our profession; in health care; in our country, our neighborhoods, schools or workplaces; or in any dimension of society.
Partners in your education
The Clackamas Community College nursing program is a partner in the Oregon Consortium for Nursing Education (OCNE). OCNE is a coalition of nurse educators and nursing programs across the state. The curriculum in OCNE nursing programs is competency-based and was developed in collaboration with Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) and other community colleges around the state.
The curriculum was created to educate nurses regarding the prevalent health needs of our population, including:
- Health promotion
- Chronic illness management
- Care of the acutely ill
- End-of-life care
As a part of the consortium, the nursing program at Clackamas Community College has joined with 10 other Oregon community college programs and all campuses of OHSU in a unique, unified approach to nursing education. In addition, OCNE schools share the same required preparatory courses and have comparable application processes for students.
Partner universities
Preparing tomorrow's nurses, today
The Nursing Associate of Applied Science program at Clackamas Community College is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000
The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Associates of Applied Science in Nursing program is in Initial Accreditation.
View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program on the on the ACEN website website.
High standards for exceptional care in nursing
Nurses are on the frontlines of health care delivery. Clackamas Community College follows all Oregon Health Authority (OHA) requirements to protect the health and safety of health care providers and the public. Please see below on specific requirements you will have to meet.
Criminal background check
Required notification from Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN):
Applicants to the Clackamas Community College nursing program need to be aware that the OSBN has limits on the eligibility for licensure, as defined in OAR 851-031-0006 (1:a—e). Admittance and successful completion of any nursing program does not guarantee licensure in the state of Oregon. Even with successful passage of the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), licensure may be denied to graduates with certain criminal offenses in the background or to those with a major physical or mental condition that, in OSBN’s determination, could affect the graduate’s ability to practice nursing safely (OAR 851-021-0055 (7: a—c); (8); (9)).
OSBN requires all licensure applicants complete a criminal background check that includes:
- Social Security number (SSN) trace
- State/national criminal background history
- Sex offender registry check
- Office of Inspector General (OIG) and List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE) check
Learn more:
- Oregon Secretary of State Administrative Rules – Board of Nursing
- Oregon State Board of Nursing – How Critical History Affects Your Application
Substance screening
According to the American Nurses Association (ANA), an estimated 6-8% of nurses use alcohol or drugs to the extent it impairs their work performance. The OSBN requires all licensure applicants complete a 10-panel urine drug screen that tests for the following substances:
- Amphetamines (including methamphetamines)
- Barbiturates
- Benzodiazepines
- Cocaine
- Marijuana
- Methadone
- Opiates
- Phencyclidine
Learn more: Oregon State Board of Nursing: Impaired Provider Monitoring
Required health screenings and immunizations
To pass the Oregon State Board of Nursing, all applicants must complete tuberculosis screenings to help protect the health and safety of patients and the community. Screenings include the tuberculosis (TB) Quantiferon Gold Test and T-spot test (IGRA blood test) or chest X-ray. Please note that PPD skin test results are not accepted.
Licensed registered nurses must also have up-to-date vaccines for the following illnesses and diseases:
- COVID-19 - recommended
- Hepatitis B (Hep B) series with titer to confirm immunity
- Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR)
- Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap)
- Varicella
- Influenza (seasonal flu) - recommended
Evidence of immunization requires documented receipt of vaccine or documented immunity via titer or a record from the Oregon ALERT Immunization Information System.
Required certifications
All health care providers, including registered nurses, must complete American Heart Association’s CPR/Basic Life Support (BLS). Training must comply with the American Heart Association standard and remain current throughout the nursing program.
We are in this together
Starting a new adventure can be an exciting time. We also understand that you may have several questions about our nursing program. Here are some of the most common questions we receive.
How competitive is CCC’s program?
Admission to CCC’s nursing program is competitive, with approximately 350+ applicants each year. Points can be earned across various evaluation criteria areas and it is difficult to predict the chances of acceptance in advance. It is important to be as successful as possible in your prerequisite coursework.
Students can apply to the program once they have completed 30 of the 45 required prerequisites. However, we strongly advise applicants complete all 45 prerequisite credits by the end of fall term before applying to the program. Applicants gain additional points for previous health care experience, military service and other areas. Please review the Nursing Advising Guide for details.
How many applicants are selected?
CCC currently accepts 30-36 students to begin the program each fall term. Since 2016, Clackamas Community College’s nursing program has experienced a reduction in admission numbers due to the nationwide nursing faculty shortage. The Oregon Center for Nursing collects statewide data regarding the nursing faculty shortage.
Each admission cycle, the nursing program, in collaboration with the college’s administration, determines the faculty, staffing and resources needed to deliver the excellent nursing education that we have provided throughout the years. We consider the faculty to student ratios, number of faculty available to hire into open positions, ratio of new to experienced nurse educators and clinical placement availability.
What is NursingCAS?
- Use NursingCAS to identify the program and specialization that fits your interest.
- Complete the common sections of the NCAS application beginning in late August. These sections include:
- Desired start date
- Personal information
- Academic history
- Review degree requirements
How soon should I start working on my NursingCAS application?
NursingCAS (NCAS) opens in late August of each year. Be sure to select the application for the correct fall term you are intending to start. You may begin building the common pieces of your NCAS application in late August. This allows you to complete personal information, enter your academic history and review NCAS requirements.
You will not be able to select CCC or view the NCAS application for CCC until Dec. 1. Once the CCC nursing application opens in December, you will be able to view and begin working on your CCC specific requirements in NCAS.
How do I submit official transcripts as part of my NursingCAS application?
CCC only accepts official transcripts from regionally accredited colleges and universities. Submit official transcripts from all colleges attended, including CCC. It is recommended to send transcripts at least two weeks before the deadline. NCAS takes 7-10 business days to post transcripts, and transcripts must be posted prior to the application deadline.
If you are currently enrolled in prerequisite courses, it is strongly recommended to wait until fall term grades have posted before sending your transcript. Students applying who have transcripts from previous colleges (and are no longer taking classes there) should send those transcripts immediately. Do not wait to send your transcripts until you submit your NCAS application. Waiting may extend the time it takes NCAS to process your application and may cause you to miss the application deadline. For a detailed guide on sending transcripts and to check transcript status, please visit the NursingCAS Applicant Help Center.
Applicants with international transcripts will need to go through an additional evaluation process through a member of NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services).
Do I need to have my official transcripts evaluated from other colleges/universities by CCC prior to applying for admission?
No, you do not need to have your college transcripts evaluated by CCC prior to applying to the nursing program. They will be evaluated by us once you are officially admitted into the nursing program.
How will I be notified of my NCAS application status?
All program application correspondence will be sent to the designated email used in your NCAS application. Once accepted to the nursing program, all program-related correspondence (including financial aid, post-selection requirements, etc.) will be sent through your CCC email address. Students are responsible for checking their email regularly and understanding admissions related dates and deadlines.
How can I show proof of my service in the military or AmeriCorps to earn service member points?
Veterans must provide their DD214, member 4 copy. Active military must include a letter from their commanding officer on letterhead from their respective military branch. If you are a current or former national service member and need a service verification letter, log in to the My AmeriCorps Portal. You will see a link for service letters.
All DD214, member 4 copies, and AmeriCorps service letters must be uploaded to the documents section of your NCAS application by the application deadline.
Do I get my nursing license when I graduate from CCC’s nursing program?
When you graduate from the CCC nursing program, you have earned an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (Associate Degree in Nursing or an ADN). Graduates from CCC’s nursing program will apply to sit for the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX-RN). Once graduates successfully pass the NCLEX-RN, they earn an Oregon nursing license.
Do I need to have a Social Security number (SSN) to get my nursing license?
To decrease the chance of fraud in obtaining licenses from individuals who live overseas and do not intend to work in the U.S. or Oregon, Social Security numbers are required (per Oregon Revised Statute 25.785) for all applicants (including renewals). Refusal to provide your SSN will result in denial of licensure/certification, and the denial will be reported to the National Practitioner Databank.
U.S. work visas (H1B, I-766 or other current federal government form authorizing you to work in the United States) will be accepted. If you are attending school on an F1 Visa, provide a copy of the I-94 and I-20 signed by the designated school authority with your application. For more information, contact the OSBN office via email at oregon.bn.info@state.or.us.