Nursing
Washington Nursing Careers
Washington is experiencing a shortage of registered nurses in all medical settings. Students who complete Pierce College's Nursing program are trained and ready to begin their career immediately.
Put your compassion to work as you earn an associate in applied science-nursing degree and prepare for your licensure exam. Options include immediate employment or transfer to a four-year college. We also offer an LPN to RN bridge program.
Pierce College offers four pathways for students to earn an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). Program options include traditional and LPN-to-RN pathways, with both full-time and evening/weekend formats available.
Cohort - Nursing students are admitted as a group during a single application period, and will take their nursing classes together until graduation.
This full-time program is designed for students pursuing initial licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN).
- Length: 6 quarters
- Cohort size: 32 students
- Admission cycle: Every other fall (Fall 2027, 2029, 2031, etc.)
This extended pathway offers evening and weekend scheduling for students pursuing initial RN licensure.
- Length: 8 quarters
- Cohort size: 32 students
- Admission cycle: Every other winter (Winter 2027, 2029, 2031, etc.)
This accelerated pathway is available to applicants who hold an active, unencumbered Washington State Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license.
- Length: 3 quarters
- Cohort size: 32 students
- Admission cycle: Every spring
This pathway is available to applicants who hold an active, unencumbered Washington State Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license and offers an evening/weekend schedule.
- Length: 5 quarters
- Cohort size: 32 students
- Admission cycle: Every summer
| Program | Application Period | Start Term | Program Length |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Traditional ADN (Full-Time) |
Spring 2027 |
Fall 2027 |
6 Quarters |
|
Evening Weekend ADN (Part-Time) |
August 3 through September 4, 2026 |
Winter 2027 |
8 Quarters |
|
LPN-RN Transition (Full-Time) |
September 2026 |
Spring 2027 |
3 Quarters |
|
LPN-RN Transition (Part-Time Evening/Weekend) |
January 2027 |
Summer 2027 (July) |
5 Quarters |
How to Apply to the Nursing Program at Pierce College
The Nursing Program application cycle differs from the regular Pierce College schedule and depends on the type of program. Review the application information and contact the advisor to get started. In addition, program candidates must first complete college-level courses and meet minimum grade requirements for consideration.
Full-Time LPN-RN Program Applications
Applications for the Full-Time LPN-RN program are open now through October 5, 2026.
Nursing Program Information Sessions
Transfer Information
Pierce College's Associate Degree in Nursing transfers directly to the University of Washington-Tacoma and Saint Martin's University Bachelor of Science degree program (BSN), allowing students to transition quickly and seamlessly. See the Transfer Options web page for additional information.
Students intending to transfer into a four-year program should work closely with their nursing advisor.
Transfer Institutions
Adrian Milanio
Admissions and Advising Coordinator
AMilanio@pierce.ctc.edu
253-864-3208
Vitalina Argirova
Nursing Program Office Manager
VArgirova@pierce.ctc.edu
253-864-3233
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Accreditation
The Pierce College Nursing Program is approved by the Washington State Board of Nursing (WABON) and is fully accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), formerly NLNAC, 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, Georgia, 30326.