Oregon Coast Community College opens applications for signature programs

Aquarium Science & Nursing Programs welcoming applications

Oregon Coast Community College (OCCC) is now accepting applications for its renowned Aquarium Science (AQS) and Nursing programs.

Aspiring marine science professionals have until March 14, 2025, to apply for this unique educational opportunity while future nurses face a March 31, 2025 application deadline.

Aquarium Science

Offered exclusively at OCCC, the Aquarium Science Program is one of only a few of its kind in the nation. It prepares students for rewarding careers in marine animal husbandry, life support system design, and aquatics management. Available as a one-year certificate or a two-year associate degree, the program equips students with practical, hands-on skills sought by leading employers in the field.

“What makes this program stand out is its real-world applicability,” said Larry Boles, AQS Program Director. “Our graduates are not only highly skilled but are also making a meaningful impact in marine science institutions across the globe.”

A distinctive feature of the Aquarium Science Program is its appeal to students with advanced educational backgrounds. Many certificate-program enrollees already hold bachelor’s degrees in disciplines such as marine biology or zoology, adding to the diversity and depth of the learning environment.

Program Highlights:

• Specialized Curriculum: Courses emphasize animal care, aquatic system design, and operational management.
• Hands-On Training: Students gain practical experience in cutting-edge labs and facilities.
• Successful Alumni Network: Graduates have gone on to work at prestigious zoos, aquariums, and marine facilities around the world.

Prospective students are encouraged to visit oregoncoast.edu/aquarium-science-program for detailed application instructions, program prerequisites, and information on financial aid. Take the first step toward a vibrant career in marine science—apply now and join the growing community of professionals shaping the future of aquatic animal care.

Nursing

Lincoln County needs quality healthcare workers, and OCCC is answering the call. The Nursing & Allied Health department has opened its Nursing Program applications for Fall 2025 and is seeking students to apply for these competitive limited entry programs

Applications are now open for the two-year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing – the OCCC Nursing Class of 2027 – and the one-year LPN-to-RN program.

The nursing program has formed strong partnerships and employment opportunities with Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital, Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital, Lincoln County Jail, Lincoln County Health and Human Services, Lincoln County Mental Health, Samaritan Evergreen Hospice, Signature Home Health, and the Siletz Clinic.

The Nursing and Allied Health department is committed to increasing the healthcare pipeline for students who wish to work in healthcare by forming a strong healthcare infrastructure that has the capacity to care for all Lincoln County residents and visitors. Nursing is an excellent career choice that is fulfilling, well-paying, and in-demand. It provides stability and the opportunity to care for others while giving back to the community.

“Nurses are consistently recognized as being the backbone of the healthcare system, providing front-line care, emotional support, education, and advocacy for patients,” said Dr. Crystal Bowman, Dean of Nursing and Allied Health at OCCC. “As healthcare continues to evolve — driven by technological advancements, shifting patient demographics, and new models of care — the role of nurses becomes even more essential. To respond to the need for nurses in our community, and in the state of Oregon, we are focused on increasing enrollment and look forward to accepting full cohorts of nursing students in the Fall of 2025.”

Additional Programs

Not every student has visions of caring for patients – whether they be people, or fish. Fortunately, those are just a couple of the careers our students are preparing for every day. If marketing or accounting or finance is where you want to be, OCCC’s robust business program can get you there. Then, there’s the College’s early childhood education certificate program, and its growing welding programs. Or, if you intend to become a teacher in Lincoln County’s schools, our Teach at the Beach program, in partnership with Western Oregon University and Oregon State University, is the way to go. Many students choose OCCC to earn a two-year transfer degree at OCCC when they’re not sure what their major will ultimately be; you’ll find OCCC grads all over, including studying computer science at OSU, and anthropology at the University of Oregon, to name just a couple schools where you’ll find our 2024 graduates starting their winter term this month as juniors, with less than two years until they complete their four-year degrees.

Learn more and discover the full range of degree and certificate programs available at Oregon Coast Community College at oregoncoast.edu. Follow OCCC on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, @occcsharks. You can also join the OCCC Community on LinkedIn. Or, call the College at 541-867-8501.