1. How long is the OCCC nursing program?
    • The program is designed to be completed in two years. However, many prerequisites must be completed before admission. These prerequisites include a number of general education courses required for the Associate of Applied Science in Nursing. The program is very competitive and completing most of the general education courses before applying will assist the candidate in this process.
  2. If I have all the general education classes completed, can I complete the program more quickly?
    • The six quarters of nursing courses cannot 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. Is there a time limit on math and science courses?
    • No – we do not impose time limits on the math or science courses. We believe that this practice reduces barriers that may exist regarding applying for the nursing program.
  4. What degree will I earn upon completion of the AAs Program?
    • Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing (ADN).
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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 more credits required for graduation. These are usually split between liberal arts and sciences 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.
  8. 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. You may also review this website: https://www.oregon.gov/osbn/Pages/criminal-history.aspx
  9. 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 but also do hire new graduate RNs.
  10. 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 and additional nursing degrees.
  11. What are starting salaries for graduates of the nursing program?
    • That depends on where you go to work, since nurses’ salaries vary by region and also by type of employer. Most full-time and even many part-time positions include very favorable benefits packages.
  12. Where in Lincoln County will the nursing program classes be offered?
    • The theory portion of nursing classes are offered at our Newport and Lincoln City campuses. Clinical experiences are primarily held in Lincoln County, however there may be situations in which you would need to travel out of county.
  13. 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, Avamere 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, Samaritan Evergreen Hospice Signature Home Health & Hospice, and various private ambulatory care settings. We will also be utilizing high-fidelity simulation labs at the OCCC Campus for augmentation of clinical experience.
  14. Can I choose my clinical sites?
    • No, clinical sites are assigned by faculty throughout the program based on the learning needs of students and clinical availability. 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 Capstone experience with an RN. This experience is a total of 165 hours. Students will complete a survey indicating their preferences for their Capstone placement and consideration is given to the students’ choices whenever possible with no guarantees.
  15. 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. 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.
  16. How many hours can I work and still do well in the Nursing Program?
    • That varies based 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 the nursing program. Full-time work is possible and perhaps desirable during the summer between the first and second year of the program.
  17. What is the first step in applying to the Nursing Program?
    • Read through the entire application and all available information on the OCCC website. It will provide all the necessary forms and information on the due dates. It is also important that you meet with the Student Success Coach assigned to Nursing & Allied Health. You can find contact information for the Student Success Coaches here: https://oregoncoast.edu/advising/
  18. 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 60-100 qualified applicants per year.
  19. How many students are accepted to the Nursing Program?
    • We typically accept between 40-50 beginning students each spring into the ADN program for the following September. The number of LPN-RN students accepted vry greatly based on a variety of factors.
  20. Do I need to be a Nursing Assistant (NA) to apply for the nursing program?
    • No, but experience in the health care field is invaluable in understanding the role of the nurse.
  21. How do I find out what the prerequisites are for the Nursing Program?
  22. I started a nursing program at another college. Can I enter your program mid-stream?
    • It depends on availability of space, the transferability of the courses you have already completed and other factors. Please reach out to Dr. Crystal Bowman, the Dean of Nursing & Allied Health to discuss a potential transfer. Her email is bowman@oregoncoast.edu
  23. Are there scholarships available for nursing students?
  24. If I am not accepted, can I reapply?
    • Yes, you may. It would be helpful to check with the nursing department or your Student Success Coach 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?