REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION
Applicants must meet general entrance requirements for Pierce College as well as the specific pre-nursing course requirements. Prerequisite courses typically take one to two years depending on the number of credits taken per quarter. Some nursing prerequisite courses may have prerequisites. Check with the college early to plan a specific course of study.

The application deadline for admission to the nursing program is set annually. Check the nursing program website for up-to-date information at www.pierce.ctc.edu/dept/nursing. No waiting list is established. For the traditional ADN program, the admission committee selects students in early spring for a fall start. For the LPN-RN option, the admission committee selects students in late fall for a spring start. Evaluation of a student’s application is based on the following: 1) each prerequisite science course, ENGL& 101 and PSYC& 200 being completed with a 3.0 or higher; 2) other college courses completed for additional points in the application process with a 2.0 or higher; 3) designated tests; 4) one recommendation; 5) essays that are scored according to a faculty established rubric and 5) resume (see nursing program website for more specific details).

Prospective students who have proof of unencumbered Washington State LPN license may apply. A full cohort of LPN-RN students will be accepted each spring quarter. The application process for the LPN-RN option is the same as the process for the traditional ADN student. Please see the nursing advisor for more information.

There are additional courses recommended for students planning to continue their education to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. It is recommended that the applicant make an appointment with an advisor to make sure the planned course of study meets the program’s admission requirements. The pre-nursing advisor’s number is (253) 840-8355.

TRANSFERABILITY
Graduates of the Pierce College Nursing Program who successfully pass the NCLEX examination for RN licensure may apply to the University of Washington Tacoma or St. Martins University to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. An articulation agreement is in place and students who plan to transfer should work closely with their Pierce College advisor to make sure that all requirements are met.

The pre-nursing course requirements apply to other allied health fields or to an associate degree for transfer to a four-year institution should a student change fields or not be accepted into the nursing program.