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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.

Careers

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.

Transfer

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 Institution Information

About the Program

Pierce College offers three options to students to obtain their associate degree in nursing:

  1. Traditional ADN (T-ADN) program that students complete in 6 terms. (32 students accepted every other fall: 2023, 2025, 2027, etc.)
  2. Full-time LPN-RN Transition program that students complete in 3 terms beginning in term 4. This option is open to applicants who have an active and unencumbered Washington State Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license. (32 students accepted every spring.)
  3. The part-time LPN-RN program will begin summer term through the following summer term (five terms). Exact days and time are to be determined, but would typically be two evenings a week, all day Saturday, and perhaps an occasional weekend. (16 students accepted every summer.)

All options prepare students to sit for the National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). This exam measures the competencies needed to be a safe, effective, entry-level registered nurse.

COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 vaccination is mandatory. No exemptions allowed due to clinical partner requirements.

Information Sessions

Interested students are encouraged to attend an information session with our Allied Health program manager/advisor. These are held on a regular basis throughout the year.

Fort Steilacoom

Location: CAS 332

  • April 15, 2024 - 6 to 7 p.m.
  • June 17, 2024 - 6 to 7 p.m.

Puyallup

Location: AAH 138

  • March 18, 2024 - 6 to 7 p.m.

Location: AAH 130

  • May 20, 2024 - 6 to 7 p.m.

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.

Get Started

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.

Apply to the Program

Click the link below to learn more about the Nursing program and how to apply. We look forward to hearing from you.

Next: Welcome to the Pierce College Nursing Program