Nursing is a dynamic and essential discipline within the healthcare sector, focused on the care and well-being of individuals across various stages of life. At its core, nursing is rooted in compassion, ethics, and a commitment to patient-centered care. Nurses play a critical role in promoting health, preventing illness, and providing holistic care to patients, which encompasses physical, emotional, and social dimensions.
The discipline is characterized by its emphasis on evidence-based practice, where nurses utilize current research and clinical guidelines to inform their care decisions. This scientific foundation supports the delivery of safe and effective care, ensuring that nurses are equipped to respond to the complex needs of patients.
Collaboration is a key aspect of nursing, as professionals work closely with physicians, therapists, and other healthcare providers to develop comprehensive care plans. This interdisciplinary approach fosters an environment where patient outcomes can be optimized through shared knowledge and resources.
Nursing also encompasses a commitment to advocacy, with nurses often serving as the voice for patients’ needs and preferences. This advocacy extends to public health initiatives and community education, where nurses engage in efforts to improve overall health and well-being at the population level.
The profession is continuously evolving, influenced by advancements in technology, changes in healthcare policy, and emerging health challenges. As such, lifelong learning and professional development are integral to nursing, allowing practitioners to stay current and responsive to the evolving landscape of healthcare.
After completing this program, you'll be able to...
Breaking Ground on Your Pathway
Plan Your Courses
Meet with our counselors to customize this plan just for you.
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Total Program Credits:
NOTE: All students must recieve a minimum 2.5 GPA in all support courses
Program Courses
NOTE: You must apply and be accepted into the program before taking the following courses
Completion of the required support courses does not ensure admission into the Licensed Practical Nursing program.
Students must complete all required support courses with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 with a minimum of 2.5 GPA in each course. Only required support courses will be considered in the calculation of the GPA. If any course is repeated, the highest grade will be used. The ampersand in each course subject indicates these are generally transferrable courses within Washington state 4-year institutions.
Required support courses include:
- BIOL& 160: General Biology with Lab2 (5 credits)
- BIOL& 241: Human Anatomy and Physiology I1 & 2 (5 credits)
- BIOL& 242: Human Anatomy with Physiology II1 & 2 (5 credits)
- ENGL& 101: English Composition (5 credits)3
- PSYCH& 100: General Psychology (5 credits)1
- Math& 146: Introduction to Statistics (5 credits)2 & 3
- 1Following course grades will be utilized in the competitive scoring process
- 2Course must have been completed within the last ten (10) years
- 3This course may be in progress when applying to the PN program
Once students have confirmed with a counselor that they have successfully satisfied the program requirements, they must apply to the program. Please see the Special Application Requirements page for more information.
Estimated costs for completing this program
Estimated costs for completing this program
| Cost Type |
WA Resident |
Non-Resident |
International |
| Total Costs |
$ |
$ |
$ |
Costs for completing a degree or certificate can vary. For more information about costs, visit our How Much Does it Cost? page.
Effective December 2, 2025, this nursing program is a candidate for initial accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. This candidacy status expires in Spring 2028.
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000
www.acenursing.org/search-programs?status=Candidate
Note: Upon granting of initial accreditation by the ACEN Board of Commissioners, the effective date of initial accreditation is the date on which the nursing program was approved by the ACEN as a candidate program that concluded in the Board of Commissioners granting initial accreditation.
The Practical Nursing program is working toward obtaining full approval from the Washington State Board of Nursing (WABON).
| Year |
Completion Rate Completed in 4 Quarters (100% of Nursing Program Length) |
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate |
| 2025 |
75% |
100% |
NCLEX-PN pass rates and completion rates are for the Practical Nursing Certificate
Spokane Community College’s Practical Nursing curriculum meets the requirements for Washington State’s Board of Nursing, preparing students to sit for the NCLEX-PN.
Students may apply to the Practical Nursing program after completing the required support courses. If applicants are not currently students at Spokane Community College, they must apply for admission.
Please read the following information carefully so you fully understand what is required to apply for enrollment in the SCC Licensed Practical Nursing program. Please reach out to the Licensed Practical Nurse program director or counseling with questions.
Documenting your work, volunteer and military experience can help you earn extra points. You'll be asked to complete and upload the general employment form and/or the volunteer verification form (if applicable). If you're planning to submit healthcare employment documentation, complete and upload the healthcare employment form. With this form, you must also upload a copy of your health license(s) or certificate(s), issued by the Department of Health or other state/federal agencies, showing both the issue and expiration dates.
Admission to the Practical Nursing program is competitive. When applying, indicate if you are applying to the SCC Main Campus in Spokane or the SCC Colville Center.
- Colville Location
- Winter Cohort: Applications open July 22 and close September 15.
- SCC Main Campus in Spokane:
- Winter Cohort: Applications open July 22 and close September 15.
- Summer Cohort: Applications open January 15 and close March 1.
You may submit your application while completing ENGL& 101 and MATH& 146. However, before you can be admitted to the program, all required support courses must be completed with a minimum 2.5 GPA.
If you have previously applied to Practical Nursing or another competitive healthcare program using our online portal, login to your existing account.
All those accepted into the PN program are required to meet clinical requirements. These requirements are linked below and will be further outlined in a letter sent to students accepted into the program.
The two (2) main components are below:
- Provide documentation of selected immunizations and present an American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR card. This will occur prior to registering for PN courses.
- Have a clear background check. This will occur when acquiring your clinical onboarding account during the program.
This program is best suited for:
- Students who would like to enter the workforce more quickly than completing a full Registered Nurse program.
- Students who might want to become an RN after spending time in the workforce.
- Students who can commit as a full-time student.
- If this sounds like you, please visit our Contact Us page and reach out to a counselor for more information.
Details
- Three quarters of required support courses before applying to the Practical Nurse portion of the program.
- Competitive entry to start the program in quarter four (after three quarters of support courses complete).
- The entire program from start to finish, including support courses, requires a total of seven quarters.
- Requires students to commit to attending clinical hours off campus at various times and locations. These hours are required and may fall outside of a standard class schedule.
- Background checks and vaccination records are required for clinicals.
- The estimated costs to attend can be found on our What to Expect to Pay page
- Students will sit for the NCLEX-PN upon successful program completion.
Resources Links
If you are interested in learning more about regulatory knowledge in the field of Nursing, please click on the button below for the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. This resource provides information about licensure and exams.
Disclaimer: NCSBN gathers this information from a variety of sources. Although NCSBN has made every effort to provide complete, accurate, and up-to-date information, NCSBN makes no warranties, express or implied, or representations as to the accuracy or reliability of this information. The information is fluid and evolving. Spokane Community College and NCSBN assume no liability or responsibility for any errors or omissions in the information contained in this resource.
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Note: Spokane Community College does not assume any responsibility for the contents of the external and independent sites linked here.
Practical Nursing Application Process
If I was on the former waitlist, do I need to complete a new application?
- Yes, all students must complete a new application to be considered in the competitive scoring process. This includes resubmission of all supporting documents such as transcripts, work and volunteer forms, and military forms if applicable.
What are the application deadlines?
- Deadlines for application are posted on the SCC Practical Nursing website. Unless otherwise posted, application deadlines are firm and applications received outside of the dates identified will not be accepted.
Is there a cost to apply?
- There is no cost to apply.
How and when will I be notified?
- Once decisions have been made, students will be notified through an automated system. If accepted, the student will be asked to confirm their spot by a specified date. If the student fails to confirm their spot by the designated date, the student will be moved to the declined category. If a student is waitlisted, they should continue to monitor their email for updates on whether they have been moved to the accepted category.
If I am not accepted, do I need to reapply?
- Yes, all students must complete a new application to be considered in the competitive scoring process. This includes resubmission of all supporting documents such as transcripts, work and volunteer forms, and military forms if applicable.
How many times can I reapply?
- There is no limit to how many times a student can apply.
How many times can I retake support courses for more points?
- Students can retake support courses multiple times but should consult with financial aid if utilizing aid for payment of courses.
How many times can I apply to take nursing core courses?
- Students have two attempts in the practical nursing program. Once two attempts have been made, the student is no longer eligible to reapply unless granted a special circumstance.
If I am accepted and have a life circumstance that prevents me from enrolling in the program, may I defer my acceptance to the next admission cycle?
- No, if a student is accepted and declines the spot, the spot will not be held for the next admission cycle.
Can I defer if I am accepted?
- Unless for Miliary obligations, students cannot defer their acceptance to another quarter. Special circumstances may be considered but are not guaranteed.
Competitive Scoring Process
How is the application scored and ranked?
- Please see the competitive scoring process document posted on the SCC Practical Nursing Website.
- If a student is missing a document, submits an incorrect document, or submits an incomplete document, the student forfeits those points. For example, if a student submits an incorrect or unsigned work experience form, the student will not be awarded points for work experience. If a student fails to submit a transcript that includes a required support course, the application will be declined.
Will I still be competitive if I do not have a 4.0 in all my classes?
- The competitive admission process awards points for grades, general work experience, healthcare work experience, military service, volunteer experience, and coursework completed through CCS colleges.
Healthcare Experience
How is healthcare experience defined?
- Healthcare experience is considered if the employing organization defines itself as a healthcare organization and includes hands-on patient experience such as Certified Nursing Assistant, Registered Nursing Assistant, Home Health Aide, Medical Assistant, Physio/Occupational Therapy Assistant, Phlebotomist, Medical Laboratory Assistant, EMT, Paramedic, or Respiratory Therapist.
- Students must submit proof of licensure/certification for healthcare experience to be considered.
- Students must submit the healthcare experience form, and it must be signed by a supervisor or human resource representative.
General Education
What if I took general education courses more than 10 years ago?
- Math and science courses must be taken within 10 years to be considered in the application process.
What if I retake a general education course?
- If a course is repeated, the highest grade will be used in the scoring process.
Other Questions
How does attending the Practical Nursing Program affect my work and personal schedule?
- SCC Practical Nursing program is fast-paced, rigorous, and requires commitment for students’ time and resources. Timelines and schedules vary each quarter. The program does not accommodate student requests for theory, lab, or clinical groups. Students should be prepared to make personal and professional adjustments to fulfill clinical and other learning schedules each quarter.
Do I need immunizations to attend the SCC Practical Nursing Program.
- Students are required to meet clinical onboarding requirements for the clinical facility in which they are assigned. Non-immunized students may be refused placement in healthcare settings, making completion of course objective impossible. Healthcare facilities reserve the right to change requirements and to have different requirements for students than they require for their employees. Students will be asked to provide proof of immunity prior to the start of the quarter. Deadlines are determined by the Clinical Placement Manager and are firm deadlines.
Colville and Spokane Cohorts
If I apply to a specific cohort location, can I switch locations part-way through the program?
- No, students must remain in their specified cohort for the entirety of the program.
If I am in the Colville cohort, will I need to travel to Spokane at times?
- Yes, Colville cohort students may be asked to travel to Spokane 2-3 times per quarter for special/specific learning opportunities.