Associate in Nursing

You understand the importance of health and peace of mind—whether you're tending to a patient, studying diseases, providing dietary counsel, or documenting important medical information, our Healthcare Pathway will set you on a course to making a difference every day.

This program has prerequisite requirements and a special application process. Learn more on the Nursing Program Admissions page.

Outcomes

Graduates of SPSCC’s Nursing Program are prepared to use their skills in critical thinking and data analysis as well as their understanding of relationships and responsibilities to:

• Demonstrate the ability to assess, diagnose, plan, safely implement, and evaluate nursing plans of care which address the holistic needs of diverse individuals, families, groups, and communities
• Acquire and implement new scientific knowledge and use technology to enhance nursing practice
• Communicate effectively in full partnership to facilitate delivery of care
• Participate ethically and professionally in local and global communities as an entry level nurse

The SPSCC college-wide abilities are embedded into each program:

• Communicate effectively
• Think logically and critically
• Evaluate and process quantitative and symbolic data
• Understand themselves in relation to others in a multicultural world
• Understand ethical responsibilities and consequences

Mission, Vision & Values

Mission: The Nursing Program at South Puget Sound Community College prepares students to engage within the nursing profession, to thrive in the work force, and to further advance their professional knowledge and practice. This is achieved through an emphasis on lifelong learning, integration of technology, and information derived from evidence-based practice. Our students will be supported to be successful within the nursing program at SPSCC and provided opportunities for a seamless transition to their BSN and beyond.

Vision: South Puget Sound Community College’s Nursing Program is recognized as a leader in the South Sound region. Partnership with local stakeholders, innovative curricular design, and inclusion of a diverse student population prepare graduates to address diverse local and global community health and wellness needs.

Graduates will be prepared to pursue further education and to become nurse leaders, innovators, and creative community partners in the continually evolving nursing profession.

Values: The values of the nursing program at South Puget Sound Community College reflect nursing and nursing education:

• Caring
• Compassion
• Accountability
• Empowerment
• Respect
• Effective Communication
• Excellence with Integrity
• Humor and Laughter

Program Costs

Total Estimated Cost: $12,500 to $13,500 for two years in the program.

Dollar values are approximate and subject to change.

• Tuition & Fees $4,000 / year
• SPSCC ADN Application Fee (non-refundable) $25

Program Fees

These fees are an estimated breakdown of what is included in the "Total Estimated Cost" above.

• Health records management, clinical requirements, Digital Learning Resources, Lab & Simulation fees - $1,550 / year
• Textbooks - $2,000
• CPR Class - Cost Varies
• Uniforms, shoes, name tags (watch with second hand, stethoscope, gait belt) - $320
• Private health insurance per quarter - Cost Varies
• Graduation cap & gown (optional) - $25
• School pin (optional) - Cost Varies
• RN WA Single State or Multistate license application - $138/$203
• National licensure examination RN - $200

Program Outcomes

Program Completion Rates

NCLEX-RN First Attempt Pass Rate

Job Placement Rate

Accommodations & Nondiscrimination

Any applicant requiring reasonable accommodations for the application should call SPSCC’s ADA coordinator in the human resources office, 2011 Mottman Rd SW, Olympia WA 98512, (360-596-5360). Students who need disability accommodation should contact Access Services in Building 22, second floor, email access.services@spscc.edu or call 360-596-5306. It is the policy of SPSCC that there will be no discrimination or harassment on the grounds of race, color, sex, marital status, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, or disability in any educational programs, activities, or employment.

Special Program Notes

The Nursing Program is rigorous, and our faculty advises that students work no more than 20 hours per week while in the full-time Nursing Program. All nursing courses must be completed with a “C+” or better to continue in and complete the program.

Immunizations

Once admitted to the Nursing Program, proof of immunizations or immunity to certain diseases must be provided. COVID-19 vaccination and two of the three doses of Hepatitis B must have been received before the start of the nursing program. Information regarding healthcare requirements will be provided with offers of admissions from the Nursing Program. Immunization requirements may change based upon clinical site requirements.

CPR Training

All students must complete a BLS Health Care Provider Card (CPR for Health Care Professionals) before the first day of class. The card must be current at all times to meet clinical agreement requirements.

Background Check & Drug Screening

A criminal history clearance is required by state law RCW 43.43.830 to participate in client care at clinical facilities. Some clinical facilities require national background checks and drug screening as well. Your background check must be cleared in order to continue enrollment in the nursing program. 

Examples of crimes for which an individual will be denied clearance:

• Crimes against another person such as murder, manslaughter, assault, rape, sexual abuse, child abandonment or neglect.
• Conviction for a crime against property such as first degree offenses including burglary, arson, criminal mischief, robbery, or forgery.
• An extensive list can be found at https://apps.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=388-113-0020

New Student Orientation

Students admitted into the program are required to attend orientation that may be held prior to the start of the first quarter. Additional information about the orientation will be provided after acceptance to the program. 

Essential Skills

SPSCC encourages all interested and qualified individuals to apply to the nursing program and does not discriminate or deny admission to students with disabilities. Nursing students must meet the following technical standards/essential skills to progress through the program: 

• Ability to grasp scientific concepts, set up and answer basic math & algebra problems.
• Critical thinking sufficient for clinical judgment.
• Verbal and written communication sufficient to effectively interact with clients, peers, and others, both respectfully and with cultural humility. 
• Ability to move from room to room, maneuver in small spaces, remain on feet for extended periods of time, and lift, up to 40 pounds.
• Gross and fine motor skills sufficient to provide safe and effective nursing care.
• Hearing sufficient to monitor and assess clients, e.g., hear heart and breath sounds and use a telephone.
• Visual acuity and color discrimination sufficient to read fine print, to observe and assess clients, e.g., identify skin tones such as pale, ashen, grey, or bluish.
• Tactile ability sufficient for physical assessment, e.g., palpate peripheral pulses.
• Computer literacy.
• Be able to meet the guidelines established by healthcare organizations during the clinical experiences.  
• Legally be able to obtain a license to practice nursing in State of Washington.

Student Handbook: Current student handbook for SPSCC Nursing Students.

The South Puget Sound Community College Associate Degree Nursing Program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA), located at 2600 Virginia Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, 20032, 202-909-2526.

The South Puget Sound Community College Associate Degree Nursing Program is approved by the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission (NCQAC).