Healthcare Pathway

Associate in Nursing

Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA)/Major Related Program(MRP)

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:

  • Analytical Reasoning
  • Effective Communication
  • Information Literacy
  • Multicultural Awareness
  • Social Responsibility

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 to self, each other, the program, and the community:

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

Program Costs

Total Estimated Cost: $11,000 to $12,500 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 - $1,500 / year
  • Textbooks - $700
  • 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

Year of Admission Program Completion Rate (at 100%) Program Completion Rate (at 150%)
2018 94% 94%
2019 94% 94%
2020 91% 91%
2021 90% 97%
2022 85%  
Three-Year Average 89% 94%

NCLEX-RN First Attempt Pass Rate

 

Grad Year SPSCC Pass Rate National Pass Rate
2019 92.59% 85.17%
2020 78.79% 82.8%
2021 85.71% 78.78%
2022 89.29% 77.91%
2023 100% 87.75%

Job Placement Rate

Grad Year Employed as RN within 6-12 months of graduation
2018 100% reported
2019 100%
2020 100%
2021 100%
2022 100%
2023 100%

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 vaccination and at least two of the three doses of Hepatitis B three dose series, or one of the two doses of  HepB SAb two dose series, 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 (American Heart Association - 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 here.

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 technical standards/essential skills to progress through the program. Please review the Essential Standards document which identifies the functionals abilities that have been determined to be necessary in the provision of safe, effective, and professional nursing care.  These Essential Standards are reflected in the Washington Administrative Code (WAC), the Washington State Board of Nursing (WABON), Nurse Scope of Practice, and the SPSCC Nursing Student Handbook.

Student HandbookCurrent 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 Board of Nursing (WABON).

Quarter Plan

Search Schedule

Quarter 1

Students have several options for their starting point. Some students may start in our Transition Studies programs: Adult Basic Education, ESL, High School+, and Basic Computer Skills.

Quarter 2

CCS101 3cr Pathways to Success
Cultivates the mind-set and skills necessary for students to become confident, reflective, self-directing, and successful learners.

MATH092 5cr Mathematical Reasoning
Introduces operations with rational numbers, applications, problem solving skills, expressions, solving linear equations, and graphing linear relationships.
Choose One

ENGL090 5cr Integrated Reading and Writing I
Introduces students to college-level reading and writing. Focuses on reading strategies, critical thinking, and writing unified paragraphs. ENGL 090 classes are combined with ENGL 095 classes, and students who demonstrate ENGL 095 proficiency may earn ENGL 095 credit. Prerequisite: Appropriate placement or an �S� in ABE 054, ABE 055, ESL 065, ESL 066, IE 065, or IE 066.
-OR-
ENGL095 5cr Integrated Reading and Writing II
Prepares students for entry into college-level writing courses. Focuses on reading analytically, thinking critically, and writing coherent, well-supported texts. Prerequisite: Appropriate placement based on Reading & English CPT scores or transition test.
 


 

Quarter 3

CMATH146 7cr Clippers Introduction to Statistics
Gives students the opportunity to complete MATH& 146 in one quarter with prerequisite support, as needed. Covers basic probability and descriptive and inferential statistics. Students will earn credit for either MATH 095 and MATH 096 or MATH 096 and MATH& 146 at the conclusion of the course. CLIPPERS courses combine the prerequisite courses with the college-level course and are taught with a focus on video-based instruction. . Fees: $12.00 Natural Applied Science Course Fee

BIOL&160 5cr General Biology W/Lab
Introduces foundational biological concepts including cell structure and function, metabolism, genetics, biotechnology, biological diversity, evolution, and ecology. Preparatory for further studies including BIOL& 211 and BIOL& 241. Prerequisite: None. Fees: $35.00 Natural Science Lab Fee; $12.00 Natural and Applied Sciences Course Fee
Choose One

ENGL098 5cr Transitional English Composition
Introduces strategies and techniques writers use to convey ideas and participate in multiple discourse communities. Focuses on both the process and product of composing. English 098 classes are combined with English 101 classes, and students who demonstrate English 101 proficiency may earn ENGL& 101 credit. Prerequisite: Appropriate placement OR a 'C' or better in ENGL 095. Fees: $12.00 Humanities/Communications Course Fee
-OR-
ENGL&101 5cr English Composition I
Develops strategies and techniques writers use to convey ideas and participate in multiple discourse communities. Focuses on both the process and product of composing. Fees: $12.00 Humanities/Communications Course Fee

Quarter 4

CHEM&121 5cr Introduction to Chemistry
Introduces fundamentals of chemistry for those interested in nursing/allied health and those pursuing a non-science degree. Study of the classification, composition, calculations, and properties (both chemical and physical) of matter at the macroscopic, atomic and subatomic levels. Includes measurements and conversions, atomic structure, chemical bonding, chemical reactions, molar stoichiometry, and acid/base chemistry. Fees: $35.00 Natural Science Lab Fee; $12.00 Natural Applied Science Course Fee


PSYC&100 5cr General Psychology
Introduces the science of psychology and the application of psychological concepts as they relate to everyday life. Fees: $12.00 Social Science/Business Course Fee

Choose One Humanities Course (5cr)


CMST&220 5cr Public Speaking
Introduces oral communication theory and public speaking/listening practice as applied to a variety of settings and audiences. Students will learn to verbally inform and persuade an audience using a variety of speech types. Prerequisite: None. Fees: $12.00 Humanities/Communications Course Fee
-OR-
CMST&210 5cr Interpersonal Communication: Diversity
Focuses on understanding and developing interpersonal communication skills needed to build and maintain healthy one-on-one relationships in both personal and professional contexts. Examines how diverse communication styles can impact relationships. Prerequisite: None. Fees: $12.00 Humanities/Communications Course Fee
-OR-
CMST240 5cr Intercultural Communication: Diversity (RETIRED)
Introduces intercultural communication theories and concepts with applications. Explores the communication processes when people enter new cultural context or interact with people who have different cultural identities. Fees: $12.00 Humanities/Communications Course Fee

Quarter 5

BIOL&241 5cr Human A & P 1
Introduces study of the structure and function of the human body. Topics include cellular organization, metabolism, histology, integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems. Fees: $35.00 Natural Science Lab Fee; $12.00 Natural and Applied Sciences Course Fee

PSYC&200 5cr Lifespan Psychology
Studies the development and changes in human behavior from conception to death with focus on biological, cultural, and social influences. Fees: $12.00 Social Science/Business Course Fee

NUTR&101 5cr Nutrition
Surveys the nutritional needs for individuals ranging from infants to adults. Emphasis is placed on the basic principles of nutrition. Particularly suitable for health occupation students. Prior high school chemistry or biology course or equivalent strongly recommended. Prerequisite: None. Fees: $12.00 Natural Applied Science Course Fee

Quarter 6

BIOL&242 5cr Human A & P 2
Continues study of structure and function of the human body from BIOL& 241. Topics include endocrine, reproductive, cardiovascular, respiratory, lymphatic, urinary (including fluid and electrolytes), and digestive systems. Fees: $35.00 Natural Science Lab Fee; $12.00 Natural and Applied Sciences Course Fee

BIOL&260 5cr Microbiology
Explores advanced biological topics relevant to microbiology, including pathogens and disease processes. Fees: $35.00 Natural Science Lab Fee; $12.00 Natural and Applied Sciences Course Fee
Choose One Communications Course (5cr)

ENGL&102 5cr Composition II
Develops reading, writing and critical thinking skills at the advanced level. Teaches how to write academic papers by conducting research; analyzing, evaluating and constructing arguments; documenting sources and using appropriate writing conventions. Fees: $12.00 Humanities/Communications Course Fee
-OR-
CMST&210 5cr Interpersonal Communication: Diversity
Focuses on understanding and developing interpersonal communication skills needed to build and maintain healthy one-on-one relationships in both personal and professional contexts. Examines how diverse communication styles can impact relationships. Prerequisite: None. Fees: $12.00 Humanities/Communications Course Fee
-OR-
CMST&220 5cr Public Speaking
Introduces oral communication theory and public speaking/listening practice as applied to a variety of settings and audiences. Students will learn to verbally inform and persuade an audience using a variety of speech types. Prerequisite: None. Fees: $12.00 Humanities/Communications Course Fee
-OR-
CMST240 5cr Intercultural Communication: Diversity (RETIRED)
Introduces intercultural communication theories and concepts with applications. Explores the communication processes when people enter new cultural context or interact with people who have different cultural identities. Fees: $12.00 Humanities/Communications Course Fee

Quarter 7

NURS111 3cr Integrated Nursing Care I
Introduces concepts and theories utilized in the art and science of the nursing role. Emphasizes health promotion, maintenance, restoration, and evidence-based nursing care for individuals, families, and communities across the lifespan. Fees: $95.00 PA Fee- Record Management; $550.00 Digital Learning Resources Fee

NURS112 3cr Integrated Nursing Care & Assessment I-Lab
Applies the theory from Integrated Nursing Care I in a lab setting. Includes a focus on assessments of clients across the lifespan, formulating nursing diagnoses, and documentation related to selected alterations. Fees: $75.00 NA Lab Fee

NURS140 2cr Integrated Nursing Care & Assessment I-Clini/Sim
Applies the theory from Integrated Nursing Care I in a clinical or simulation setting. Includes a focus on assessments of clients across the lifespan, formulating nursing diagnoses, and documentation related to selected alterations. Fees: $90.00 PA Fee- Record Management; $50.00 Nursing Simulation Course Fee

PHIL235 2cr Ethics and Policy in Health Care I: Diversity
Explores values, ethics, legal decision-making frameworks, and policies used to support the well-being of people and groups within the context of the healthcare professions. This course fulfills a requirement for the nursing program and is available only to nursing program students. Fees: $20.00 Student MalPractice Insurance Fee
Choose One Humanities Course (Or Any Language Course) (5cr)

HUM121 5cr Multicultural America: Diversity
Explores the history, cultures, and contributions of race and ethnic groups in the United States and the complex notion of an 'American' identity. Analyzes the impacts of power, privilege, and socialization on our understanding of race and ethnicity. Fees: $12.00 Humanities/Communications Course Fee
-OR-
HUM140 5cr World Religions
Explores the major global traditions of religious thinking, belief, practice, and community. Identifies the historical development and cultural diversity of religious expression in both the West and the East. Explores the impacts of modernity on religious practice and expression. Fees: $12.00 Humanities/Communications Course Fee
-OR-
PHIL102 5cr Ethics
Studies historical and recent views on such issues as the nature of good and evil, right and wrong, justice, rights, the rational grounds for moral responsibility and moral decision making, and the objectivity of moral values. Addresses both traditional and contemporary moral problems. Fees: $12.00 Humanities/Communications Course Fee

Quarter 8

NURS121 5cr Integrated Nursing Care II - Theory
Continues the study of concepts and theories utilized in the art and science of the nursing role. Students learn theory of health promotion, maintenance, restoration, and evidence-based nursing care for individuals, families, and communities across the lifespan. Fees: $550.00 Digital Learning Resources

NURS122 2cr Integrated Nursing Care & Assessment II-Lab
Applies the theory from Integrated Nursing Care II in a lab setting. Includes competencies necessary to meet the needs of individuals throughout the lifespan in a safe, legal, and ethical manner. Fees: $75.00 NA Lab Fee

NURS141 3cr Integrated Nursing Care & Assessment II Clinical/Simulation
Applies the theory from Integrated Nursing Care II in a clinical or simulation setting. Includes competencies necessary to meet the needs of individuals throughout the lifespan in a safe, legal, and ethical manner. Fees: $50.00 Nursing Simulation Course Fee

NURS113 2cr Pharmacology
Identifies basic principles of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, calculations of drug dosages, and medication administration related to nursing care. Provides an overview of drug classifications and legal implications related to pharmacology for nurses. Prerequisite: Successful completion of 1st quarter courses and successful completion or concurrent enrollment in NURS 121, 122, 141.

Quarter 9

NURS131 5cr Integrated Nursing Care III - Theory
Continues the study of concepts and theories utilized in the art and science of the nursing role, students learn to apply health promotion, maintenance, restoration, and evidence-based nursing care for individuals, families and communities across the lifespan. Fees: $550.00 Digital Learning Resources

NURS132 2cr Integrated Nursing Care & Assessment III-Lab
Applies theory from Integrated Nursing Care III. Includes competencies necessary to meet the needs of individuals, families, and groups in a safe, legal, and ethical manner using the nursing process. Fees: $75.00 NA Lab Fee

NURS142 3cr Integrated Nursing Care & Assessment III Clinical/Simulation
Applies theory from Integrated Nursing Care III in a clinical or simulation setting. Includes competencies necessary to meet the needs of individuals, families, and groups in a safe, legal, and ethical manner using the nursing process. Fees: $50.00 Nursing Simulation Course Fee

PSYC235 2cr Psychosocial Issues in Health Care I
Examines determinants of health and illness including social, psychological, environmental, spiritual, and cultural dimensions across the lifespan and within the context of health care. This course fulfills a requirement for the nursing program and is available only to nursing program students. Prerequisite: Successful completion of 2nd quarter nursing courses and concurrent enrollment in NURS 131, 132, and 142.

Quarter 10

NURS211 4cr Integrated Nursing Care IV - Theory
Continues the study of concepts and theories utilized in the art and science of the nursing role. Students learn to apply health promotion, maintenance, restoration, and evidence-based nursing care for individuals, families, and communities across the lifespan. Fees: $400.00 Digital Learning Resources

NURS212 2cr Integrated Nursing Care & Assessment IV-Lab
Applies theory from Integrated Nursing Care IV. Analyzes and manages collaborative care to clients who are experiencing complications. Fees: $75.00 NA Lab Fee

NURS240 3cr Integrated Nursing Care & Assessment IV-Clinical/Simulation
Applies theory from Integrated Nursing Care IV in a clinical or simulation setting. Analyzes and manages collaborative care to clients who are experiencing complications. Fees: $90.00 PA Fee- Record Management; $50.00 Nursing Simulation Course Fee

PSYC236 3cr Psychosocial Issues in Health Care II
Emphasizes psychosocial nursing and interpersonal therapeutics for assessment, intervention, and health promotion with individuals, families, and groups. Second in a series of two courses. This course fulfills a requirement for the nursing program and is available only to nursing program students. Fees: $20.00 Student MalPractice Insurance Fee

Quarter 11

NURS221 4cr Integrated Nursing Care V-Theory
Continues the study of concepts and theories utilized in the art and science of the nursing role. Students learn to apply health promotion, maintenance, restoration, and evidence-based nursing care for individuals, families, and communities across the lifespan. Fees: $400.00 Digital Learning Resources

NURS222 2cr Integrated Nursing Care & Assessment V-Lab
Applies theory from Integrated Nursing Care V. Analyzes collaborative care to clients who are experiencing complications. Fees: $75.00 NA Lab Fee

NURS241 3cr Integrated Nursing Care & Assessment V-Clinical/Simulation
Applies theory from Integrated Nursing Care V in a clinical or simulation setting. Analyzes collaborative care to clients who are experiencing complications. Fees: $50.00 Nursing Simulation Course

PHIL236 3cr Ethics and Policy in Health Care II: Diversity
Explores values, ethics, and legal decision-making frameworks and policies used to support the well-being of people and groups within the context of the healthcare professions. Second in a series of two courses. This course fulfills a requirement for the nursing program and is available only to nursing program students. Prerequisite: Successful completion of 4th quarter nursing courses and current enrollment in NURS 221, 222, and 241.

Quarter 12

NURS231 4cr Nursing Transition Into Practice
Evaluates current health care trends and professional issues within the context of nursing practice. Emphasizes mastery, synthesis, and application of care of individuals, groups, families, and communities. Fees: $400.00 Digital Learning Resources

NURS232 6cr Preceptorship
Facilitates synthesis of cognitive and affective skills acquired in the Nursing program through a supervised clinical practice with a preceptor in selected health care agency. Fees: $20.00 Nursing - Last Quarter Course Fee

NURS233 2cr Capstone Project
Integrates knowledge of nursing research, leadership and management, nursing theories, and nursing process. Students create and implement professional development that will include a research project with a scholarly presentation. Prerequisite: Successful completion of 5th quarter coursework and concurrent enrollment in NURS 231 and 232.

Revision Date:
Monday, May 1 2023