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.
Spokane Community College Nursing End-of-Program Student Learning Outcomes:
- PROFESSIONALISM: The graduate will manage accountability and integrity while utilizing legal standards and ethical values that govern professional nursing practice.
- COLLABORATION: The graduate will collaborate care with the patient, significant support systems, and other members of the healthcare team to achieve optimal patient and organizational outcomes.
- CLINICAL DECISION MAKING: The graduate will integrate best current evidence-based practice and clinical judgment to ensure patient, staff, and system safety in a variety of healthcare settings.
- CARING: The graduate will create partnerships with the patient as the source of control in providing compassionate care based on respect for the patient’s preferences, values, and needs.
- MANAGEMENT OF CARE: The graduate will structure care based on principles of delegation, supervision, resource management, and information technology for patients in a variety of settings.
Breaking Ground on Your Pathway
Plan Your Courses
Meet with our counselors to customize this plan just for you.
You can also search the quarterly schedule for class days and times.
Prepare for College-level Math
Math placement is required for this program. If your math placement is below MATH& 146, you’ll need to take the following sequence of courses, starting from the level you placed into:
AE 48 → MATH 87 → MATH 88 → MATH& 146
Placement
English placement is not required for this program.
Our ACEN-accredited nursing program prepares you for licensure as a registered nurse in a variety of health care settings. Your training will include nursing courses, hands-on practice in the nursing simulation laboratory, computer-assisted instruction and supervised clinical experiences. As a graduate of the program, you could enter a Bachelor of Science in nursing program as a junior or senior at a four-year university or sit for the NECLEX-RN exam to go straight to work. You can learn more about the program below or in the Nursing Program Handbook.
SCC nursing faculty members believe there are varying levels of nursing practice that provide unique contributions to meet the health care needs of society. The curriculum allows each student to move from one level to the next including advancing to a Bachelor of Science, master's, or doctorate in nursing after graduation if the student desires.
In the nursing classes, the students have both supervised clinical experience and classroom theory. Students study introduction to nursing, medical-surgical nursing including gerontology and pediatrics, prenatal nursing, mental health nursing, and beginning management/leadership concepts. Required clinical rotation hours vary and may include early morning (6:00 AM), evening, and weekend hours one or two days per week.
A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 with a minimum GPA of 2.5 in each support course is required to move to the competitive scoring process. Only the courses required in the first four quarters will be considered in the GPA calculation.
Mission Statement
SCC’s Nursing Program meets community needs by preparing graduates for entry-level practice in a variety of health care settings. The Nursing Program offers quality, student-centered education, emphasizing critical thinking skills, clinical reasoning, patient-centered care, and lifelong learning. Nursing students are provided with the opportunity to succeed in a supported environment that enhances individual and professional growth through academic, personal and professional development. Nursing graduates are well prepared to transfer their nursing degree credits in pursuit of their next step in their educational plan. The nursing program reflects SCC’s Mission in its support of a diverse community of adult learners.
This program is best suited for students who:
- Want to complete their Registered Nursing requirements and leave ready for licensure to enter the workforce after graduation.
- Want to transfer to a four-year institution to complete advanced degrees like a bachelor’s or master’s degree in nursing upon completion of their RN.
- Please visit our Detailed Information page for more information.
Program Map for
Choose program map:
Total Support Courses Credits: 60
Total Program Credits: 75
Support Courses
NOTE: All students must recieve a minimum 2.5 GPA in all support courses
First Quarter
Course ID
Course Title
Credits
BIOL&160
General Biology with Lab
1
5
ENGL&101
English Composition I
5
MATH&146
Introduction to Statistics
1
5
Second Quarter
Course ID
Course Title
Credits
BIOL&241
Human A & P 1
1
5
BIOL&260
Microbiology
1
5
PSYC&100
General Psychology
5
Third Quarter
Course ID
Course Title
Credits
BIOL&242
Human A & P 2
1
5
CHEM&121
Introduction to Chemistry with Lab
6
5
PSYC&200
Lifespan Psychology
5
Fourth Quarter
Course ID
Course Title
Credits
CMST 227
Intercultural Communication
5
ENGL&102
Composition II
5
HUM& 101
Introduction to Humanities
5
5
Program Courses
NOTE: You must apply and be accepted into the program before taking the following courses
First Quarter
Course ID
Course Title
Credits
NURS 101
Foundational Principles in Nursing
3
NURS 102
Application of Foundational Principles in Nursing
5
Second Quarter
Course ID
Course Title
Credits
NURS 104
Nursing Care of Patients Across the Lifespan
3
NURS 105
Application of Nursing Care of Patients Across the Lifespan
5
NURS 106
PSYC 106/Psychosocial Issues in Healthcare I
2
2
NURS 110
Pharmacology in Nursing Practice
2
Third Quarter
Course ID
Course Title
Credits
NURS 113
PSYC 113/Psychosocial Issues in Healthcare II
3
3
NURS 133
Care of the Developing Family
3
NURS 134
Application of Care of the Developing Family
2
NURS 138
Care of the Mental Health Patient
3
NURS 139
Application of Care of the Mental Health Patient
2
Fourth Quarter
Course ID
Course Title
Credits
NURS 181
Nursing Care of the Acute Patient
4
NURS 182
Application of Nursing Care of the Acute Patient
5
NURS 202
PHIL 202/Ethics and Policy in Healthcare I
4
3
Fifth Quarter
Course ID
Course Title
Credits
NURS 205
Nursing Care of the Critically Ill Patient
5
NURS 206
Application of Nursing Care of the Critically Ill Patient
6
NURS 207
PHIL 207/Ethics and Policy in Healthcare II
4
2
Sixth Quarter
Course ID
Course Title
Credits
NURS 208
Capstone Experience in Nursing
6
NURS 209
Leadership Principles in Nursing Care
4
NURS 210
Simulation in Nursing Practices
2
NUTR 251 OR NUTR& 101
Course ID
Course Title
Credits
NUTR 251
Nutrition in Healthcare
5
| 1 |
This required support course must have been completed within the last ten years with a 2.5 grade or higher. Because of the number of applicants for this program, the completion of all required support courses does not ensure the admission into the program at the next available quarter. |
| 2 |
This nursing course is also considered part of the 15 credits required in the Social Sciences discipline. This course is cross-listed with PSYC 106. |
| 3 |
This nursing course is also considered part of the 15 credits required in the Social Sciences discipline. This course is cross-listed with PSYC 113. |
| 4 |
This nursing course is also considered part of the 15 credits required in the Humanities discipline. This course is cross-listed with PHIL 202 and PHIL 207. |
| 5 |
This course may be substituted with other courses from the Humanities distribution area of the AA/DTA (except Philosophy). |
| 6 |
This required support course must have been completed within the last ten years with a 2.5 grade or higher. This course may be substituted with a higher level Chemistry class. |
Completion of the required support courses does not ensure admission into the Nursing DTA-MRP program.
Students must complete all the required courses in quarters one through four prior to starting the nursing program but they may apply to the nursing program after completing 45 credits or the first three quarters.
The courses that must be completed prior to application are: BIOL& 160, CHEM& 121, BIOL& 241, BIOL& 242, BIOL& 260, ENGL& 101, PSYC& 100, PSYC& 200, and MATH& 146. The remaining 15 credits may be taken while your application is considered. Acceptance will be conditional if all required courses are not completed prior to the start of the nursing program.
A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 with a minimum GPA of 2.5 in each support course is required to move to the competitive scoring process. Only the courses required in the first four quarters will be considered in the GPA calculation.
Completion of the associate in nursing DTA/MRP will satisfy requirements for direct transfer with only one additional year of study to complete a licensed Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at four-year institutions in Washington State. Double-check the requirements with schools outside of Washington state to ensure they accept the direct transfer agreement. Students should meet with a counselor or academic advisor at the school they wish to transfer into to ensure there are no additional requirements.
Admissions to the Nursing program are competitive and require a completed application packet including a transcript for all required coursework including additional math, science, and healthcare-related courses. Applicants may include completion of 96 hours volunteerism in healthcare for additional application points. For further information please refer to nursing program admission requirements as they may have changed.
Estimated costs for completing this program
WA Resident
Non-Resident
International
Tuition
$ 15,474
$ 20,272
$ 36,505
Books
$ 1,428
$ 1,428
$ 1,428
Course Fees
$ 448
$ 448
$ 448
Institutional Fees
$ 1,120
$ 1,120
$ 5,324
Supplies and Materials
$ 1,900
$ 1,900
$ 1,900
Total Costs
$ 20,370
$ 25,168
$ 45,605
Costs for completing a degree or certificate can vary. For more information about costs, visit our How Much Does it Cost? page.
Accreditation
Associate in Nursing Direct Transfer Agreement/Major Related Program – Nursing
The Associate Degree Nursing program at Spokane Community College located in Spokane, Washington is accredited by
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
404-975-5000
The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the associate nursing program is Continuing Accreditation.
The Spokane Community College Nursing Program is approved by the Washington State Board of Nursing (WABON).
| Year |
Completion Rate Completed in 6 quarters (100% of Nursing Program length) |
NCLEX Pass Rate |
| 2019 |
77% |
82.5% |
| 2020 |
85% |
96.59% |
| 2021 |
74% |
93.42% |
| 2022 |
67% |
82.76% |
| 2023 |
86% |
97.75% |
| 2024 |
84% |
97.06% |
NCLEX pass rates and completion rates are for the Associate in Nursing DTA/MRP
The Spokane Community College nursing program meets the requirements for licensure in Washington State. The nursing program has not decided that the curriculum meets the requirements for licensure in any other state/jurisdiction. Please check with the state/jurisdiction where you hope to be licensed.
To easily find professional nursing licensure requirements (RN, PN, and APRN programs) by state, please click on the button below and select the states/jurisdictions where you want to know their professional licensure requirements (Resource is from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing):
Disclaimer: NCSBN has gathered 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.
Admission to the nursing program is a competitive admissions process. You will find more information about the requirements and competitive admission process by visiting the Admissions Process links on the Detailed Information tab. For help planning your courses and nursing application process, please contact the Health Sciences counselors in SCC Building 1.
Students must complete all the required courses in quarters one through four on the program map prior to starting the nursing program but they may apply to the nursing program after completing 45 credits or the first three quarters.
The courses that must be completed prior to application are: BIOL& 160, CHEM& 121, BIOL& 241, BIOL& 242, BIOL& 260, ENGL& 101, PSYC& 100, PSYC& 200, and MATH& 146. The remaining 15 credits may be taken while your application is considered. Acceptance will be conditional if all required courses are not completed at the time of application to the nursing program.
A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 with a minimum GPA of 2.5 in each support course is required to move to the competitive scoring process. Only the courses required in the first four quarters will be considered in the GPA calculation.
Applications to the nursing program are generally accepted:
- March 15 - April 15 for fall admission
- September 15 - October 15 for spring admission
Note: If the dates listed above fall on a weekend or holiday, the applications will be accepted the following business day.
Nursing Application Workshops
The Zoom links are in the registration links and will be emailed to students with email campaigns set up in the CRM once they have registered. Below are links to the registration forms for both sessions that are offered for the upcoming application period:
Please reach out to nursingapp@scc.spokane.edu with any questions.
- Students who want to earn their RN (Registered Nurse License) to go directly to work in the industry after graduation.
- Students who want to transfer to a four-year institution for advanced degrees like a bachelor’s or master’s degree in nursing with sophomore or junior standing.
- Students who can commit as a full-time student
- Students interested in completing an affordable fully accredited and licensed RN program.
- If this sounds like you, please visit our Contact Us page and reach out to a counselor for more information.
Details:
- Four quarters of required support courses before applying to the nursing portion of the program.
- Competitive entry to start the program in quarter 5
- The entire program from start to finish requires a total of ten quarters or three years to complete.
- 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-RN upon program completion.
Admissions Process for the Nursing DTA/MRP
Please read the following information carefully so you fully understand the changes and what will be required as you apply to the SCC nursing program.
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Note: Spokane Community College does not assume any responsibility for the contents of the external and independent sites linked here.