HECC Approves Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) for Oregon Community Colleges, Including OCCC

Oregon Coast Community College (OCCC) is pleased to announce that the Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) has officially approved the College’s application to offer a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. The decision, made during the HECC’s February 13, 2025, meeting, marks a major milestone for OCCC and five other Oregon community colleges participating in the consortium-based program. The new BSN Program, however, requires approval by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) prior to launch. OCCC and other colleges in its consortium plan to apply to NWCCU for this approval in February.

In an official letter to OCCC President Marshall Mease Roache, HECC Director Donna Lewelling confirmed the approval, stating:

“On February 13, 2025, the Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) reviewed and approved the application for a Bachelor Science: Nursing degree at Oregon Coast Community College. The U.S. Department of Education classification for this program is 51.3801 – Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.”

The approval follows years of collaborative effort between HECC, the Oregon Community College Association, and the consortium of six participating community colleges: Central Oregon Community College, Chemeketa Community College, Klamath Community College, Linn-Benton Community College, Treasure Valley Community College, and Oregon Coast Community College.

Expanding Nursing Education in Oregon

This new BSN program is designed specifically for registered nurses (RNs) who have already earned an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree. By allowing these professionals to complete their BSN with just 60 additional credits, the program offers a local, affordable, and flexible pathway to career advancement.

“This approval is a game-changer for our students and our region,” said Dr. Crystal Bowman, Dean of Nursing & Allied Health at OCCC. “It allows local nurses to continue their education without leaving the community, making it more accessible and affordable while strengthening the healthcare workforce in Lincoln County and beyond.”

Addressing Workforce and Equity Needs

The BSN program will help meet Oregon’s growing demand for highly trained nurses while addressing key equity and workforce concerns:

• Increased Access to Education: Many RN graduates from community colleges currently pursue BSN degrees through costly out-of-state or online programs. A local BSN option provides a more affordable and accessible alternative.
• Advancing Careers & Earning Potential: A BSN opens doors to higher-paying leadership roles, specialized nursing positions, and advanced degree pathways, including nurse education and management.
• Strengthening the Nursing Pipeline: The program supports the long-term development of nurse educators, which is essential for expanding Oregon’s overall nursing workforce.
• Keeping Nurses in Rural Communities: By allowing students to complete their degree while working, the program helps retain skilled nurses in local hospitals and clinics, reducing healthcare shortages in rural areas.

Next Steps & Program Launch

The HECC approval is a critical step, but final NWCCU accreditation and implementation efforts are still underway. The BSN program is expected to launch in Fall 2026, with each participating college offering seven seats per year, for a total of 42 students annually across the consortium. The program will primarily be delivered online, allowing working nurses to balance their education with professional and personal commitments.

“We are grateful to the HECC for their support and look forward to working with NWCCU as we seek their program approval,” said OCCC President Marshall Mease Roache. “This initiative will expand opportunities for our students while strengthening Oregon’s healthcare system for years to come.”

For more information about OCCC’s nursing programs and the upcoming BSN opportunity, please contact Dr. Crystal Bowman, Dean of Nursing & Allied Health at crystal.bowman@oregoncoast.edu.