1. How long is the OCCC nursing program? The program is designed to be completed in two years. However, there are a number of prerequisites that must be completed before admission and a number of general education courses required for the Associate of Applied Science in Nursing. The program is very competitive and by completing most of the general educations courses before applying will assist the candidate in this process. Math and science courses must be completed within seven years of application to the Nursing Program. See Point Sheet attached to the application for the year that you are applying.
2.  If I have all the general education classes completed can I complete the program more quickly? The six quarters of nursing courses can not be combined. The nursing courses at each level must be completed with a grade of “C” or higher before a student can take the nursing course at the next level. Each course is only offered once per year.
3.  What degree will I earn? Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing (ADN).
4.  Can I become a LPN after the first year? Yes, you may choose to apply to the Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN) to take the National Council Licensure Examination-Practical Nurse (NCLEX-PN) after successfully completing the first year of our program. When you pass, you will be licensed as an LPN and can function in that role during your employment while you continue the second year of the program.
5. Will I be a RN when I graduate? No, graduation from our program entitles you to apply to the Oregon State Board of Nursing to take the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse), which is a standardized exam that the Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN) uses to determine whether or not a candidate is prepared for entry-level nursing practice. When a graduate nursing student passes the NCLEX-RN, OSBN will issue a license to practice as a registered nurse, as long as you have met all the other requirements.
6. What’s the difference in course work between a two-year and a four-year RN program? In a four-year (Bachelor of Science, or BS) degree program, there are many more credits (approximately 128) required for graduation. These are usually split fairly evenly between liberal arts and sciences (prerequisites for entry into the nursing courses) and the nursing curriculum itself. Because of the longer time frame and the higher credit requirements, students in these programs pursue subjects (both nursing and non-nursing) with greater depth and breadth than in two-year (Associate Degree, or ADN) programs. BS programs also include more information about community (public health) nursing, nursing research, and health care management than ADN programs.
7. Can I still get into the Nursing Program if I have a Criminal Record? Certain criminal violations will prevent you from becoming a licensed nurse in the State of Oregon. For a list of violations or more information contact the Oregon State Board of Nursing at 971-673-0685 or the Nursing Department at 541-867-8548. Candidates should also review the Potentially Disqualifying Crimes through the Department of Human Services
8. What jobs can I get when I graduate? New graduates from ADN programs are hired by hospitals, nursing homes, physicians’ offices, and many other agencies throughout Oregon. Some specialty areas of a hospital, such as Intensive Care or the Emergency Department, may require more general experience first. This is also the case with some types of community agencies. However, new graduates have been hired directly into areas such as the operating room and maternal-child where they received additional on-the-job training.
9.  Do I need extra training to specialize? You will receive specialized on-the-job training in most types of jobs. However, advanced practice roles such as nurse anesthetist, nurse educator, nurse practitioner, and nurse midwife require more years of education beyond the basic nursing degree.
10.  What are starting salaries for graduates of the nursing program? That depends some on where you go to work, since nurses’ salaries vary by region and also by type of employer. However, you can expect an annual starting salary as a full-time RN of approximately $37,000-$48,000. In addition, most full-time and even many part-time positions include very favorable benefits packages.
11.  Where in Lincoln County will the nursing program classes be offered? The theory portion of nursing classes will be offered primarily in Newport. Clinical experiences will be county-wide. In the second year of the Nursing Program, students will be required to travel to Corvallis for clinical experience.
12.  What clinical sites are used? We have many clinical partners throughout Lincoln County. Our clinical sites include both Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital and Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital, Newport Rehabilitation and Specialty Services, Confederated Tribes of Siletz Community Health Center, Lincoln County Public Health Department, Lincoln County Correctional Facility, Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center, Angell Job Corp, Fresenius Dialysis Center and various private ambulatory care settings. We will also be utilizing high-fidelity simulation labs at the OCCC Campus for augmentation of clinical experience.
13.  Can I choose my clinical sites? No, clinical sites are assigned by faculty throughout the program based on the learning needs of students. All students must be prepared to provide their own transportation to any clinical site during any given quarter of study. During the final quarter of the nursing program, students will be doing a senior experience with an RN in a facility. Students are asked to fill out a questionnaire indicating their preferences for clinical placement and consideration is given to the students’ choices whenever possible.
14.  Is the Nursing Program considered a full-time program? Yes, the nursing course/work load is considered full-time and most terms are 12-13 credits. However, the final term of the Nursing Program is 10 credits and it will affect your financial aide as you need at least 12 credits to be considered full-time with Federal Financial Aide.
15.  How many hours can I work and still do well in the Nursing Program? That varies on the student’s academic ability and time for study. We recommend that you study two to three hours a week for every credit hour for which you are enrolled. Most students are able to be successful in the program only if working less than half-time while in clinical courses. Full-time work is possible and perhaps desirable during the summer between the first and second year of the program.
16.  What is the first step in applying to the Nursing Program? Read through the entire application on the OCCC website. It provides all the necessary forms and information on the due date and then meet with an academic advisor.
17.  How many students apply to the Nursing Program? It will vary from year to year. There are always more applicants than spaces available. We typically receive between 45-70 qualified applicants per year.
18.  How many students are accepted to the Nursing Program? We typically accept 20 beginning students each spring into the ADN program for the following September.
19. Do I need to be a NA to apply for the nursing program? No, but experience in the health care field is invaluable in understanding the role of the nurse. Oregon Coast Community College offers both NA Level 1 and NA Level 2 courses.
20.  How do I find out what the prerequisites are for the Nursing Program? See the application information located on the website.
21.  I started a nursing program at another college. Can I enter your program mid-stream? It depends on availability of space and the transferability of the courses you have already completed. When applying to the program you must submit course syllabi and course outlines for every nursing course completed. You must also obtain a letter from the Director of Nursing of the previous program describing your performance in the classroom and clinical environment. Contact the Nursing Department for more information.
22.  Are there tips for applying to the Nursing Program?
    • Meet with an academic advisor.
    •  Do not wait until the final days of the application period to begin accumulating necessary documents.
    • Have transfer credits evaluated by the Student Services prior to starting application process.
    • Incomplete applications will not be processed.
    • It is the sole responsibility of the applicant to verify completeness of the application and receipt of all required documentation before the application deadline.
    • Request copies of all transcripts and include with the application.
    • Be sure to keep the Nursing Department informed of any changes in address, email, phone or name.
23.  Are there scholarships available for nursing students? Yes! Please contact the financial advisor in Student Services for more information, or visit the OCCC Foundation
24.  If I am not accepted, can I reapply? Yes, you may. It would be helpful to check with the nursing department or student services to learn how to improve your chances for acceptance the following year. You will need to fill out a new application each year you apply.
25. How do I contact the Nursing Program if I have more questions? Contact the Administrative Assistant, at 541-867-8548.