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
Course Maps
All program candidates must first complete college-level courses and meet minimum grade requirements for consideration.
Career Pathway Course Maps
- Nursing (Full-Time LPN to RN) Associate in Applied Science (AAS) Career Pathway Course Map
- Nursing (Part-Time LPN to RN) Associate in Applied Science (AAS) Career Pathway Course Map
- Nursing (Traditional) Associate in Applied Science (AAS) Career Pathway Course Map
- Pre-Nursing DTA/MRP Career Pathway Course Map
About the Program
Pierce College offers four options to students to obtain their associate degree in nursing:
- Traditional ADN (TADN) program that students complete in 6 terms. (32 students accepted every other fall: 2025, 2027, 2029, etc.)
- Part-time traditional ADN program (PTT) program will begin winter term and run 9 consecutive quarters, including summer quarters. Exact days and time are to be determined, but would typically be two evenings a week, all day Saturday, and some Sundays. (32 students accepted every other winter 2025, 2027, 2029, etc.)
- Full-time LPN-RN (LADN) 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.)
- Part-time LPN-RN (PTEW) 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 some Sundays. (32 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.
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.