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Nursing (RN) AAS
Health Sciences Department | A.A.S. Associate of Applied Science Degree | 2 years
Earn your Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing (RN) at Clackamas Community College and take the first step towards an in demand career in the medical field.
One of the fastest-growing occupations in the United States, nurses are highly sought after and may choose to work in a variety of specialties and settings. Nurses also enjoy the benefits of a rewarding profession that values life-long learning and offers many opportunities for educational and career advancement. An Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing (RN) from Clackamas Community College prepares you for an exciting career in nursing through interactive classroom learning and hands-on clinical experiences.
As part of the commitment to equity, the Nursing Department and college workgroup will be reviewing the program application and admissions process. We are actively working toward transitioning to an online application for future cohorts and will provide updates regarding this work on the website.
2024-25 Nursing Advising Guide 2023-24 Nursing Student Handbook
This is a limited-entry program. Contact Health Sciences for more information.
Nursing (RN) AAS
You will develop some exciting new skills in this program. Among these new skills, you should be able to:
- Recognize and demonstrate core nursing values
- Make appropriate clinical judgments
- Practice relationship-centered patient care
- Collaborate as part of a health care team
The Clackamas Community College Nursing Program has the responsibility to society to educate competent health care providers to care for their patients with clinical judgment, broadly based knowledge, and competent technical skills at the entry level.
In compliance with state licensing standards and best practices, the program has academic as well as technical standards (non-academic criteria) students must meet in order to successfully progress in and graduate from the program.
The Technical Standards document is provided in order to assure that the students who enter the program know and understand the requirements and can make informed decisions regarding the pursuit of this profession.
Technical Standards
Clackamas Community College provides the following technical standards with examples of learning activities to inform prospective and enrolled students of the skills required in completing their chosen profession’s curriculum and in the provision of health care services. These technical standards reflect the performance abilities and characteristics that are necessary for successful completion of the requirements of clinical based health care programs. These standards are not a requirement of admission into the program. Individuals interested in applying for admission to the program should review these standards to develop a better understanding of the skills, abilities and behavioral characteristics required for successful completion of the program.
Students admitted to the Nursing Program are expected to be able to complete curriculum requirements which include physical, cognitive, and behavioral core competencies that are essential to the functions of the entry level professional nurse. These core competencies are considered to be the minimum and essential skills necessary to protect the public. These abilities are encountered in unique combinations in the provision of safe and effective nursing care. Regular consistent attendance and participation is essential to learning, especially for all scheduled clinical experiences.
Clackamas Community College provides reasonable accommodations to qualified students with disabilities. Appropriate accommodations may include academic adjustments or auxiliary aids. Accommodations are not considered to be reasonable if they fundamentally alter the nature of the academic program, jeopardize the health and safety of others, or cause an undue burden.
Progression in the program may be denied if a student is unable to demonstrate the technical standards with or without reasonable accommodations.
COGNITIVE
- Recall, collect, analyze, synthesize, and integrate information from a variety of sources.
- Measure, calculate, reason, analyze and synthesize data.
- Problem-solve and think critically in order to apply knowledge and/or skill.
- Communicate effectively with individuals from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds.
- Relay information in oral and written form effectively, accurately, reliably, and intelligibly, including thorough and accurate use of computers, computer technology and software programs, and other tools, to individuals and groups, using the English language.
- Effectively collect, analyze, synthesize, integrate, and recall information and knowledge to provide safe patient care for up to a twelve-hour clinical shift.
Examples of learning activities found in the nursing curriculum and related to industry standards:
- Process information thoroughly and quickly to prioritize and implement nursing care.
- Sequence or cluster data to determine patient needs.
- Develop and implement a nursing plan of care for patients in acute, long term and community settings.
- Discriminate fine/subtle differences in medical word endings.
- Report patient data using multiple formats to members of the health care team.
- Appropriately interpret medical orders and patient information found in the medical record.
- Perform math computations for medication dosage calculations.
- Apply knowledge/skills gained through completion of program prerequisites, including requirement for computer proficiency.
PHYSICAL
Motor
- Coordinate fine and gross motor movements.
- Coordinate hand/eye movements.
- Negotiate level surfaces, ramps, and stairs.
- Work effectively and efficiently within a limited space.
- Effectively manage psychomotor tasks to provide safe patient care for up to a twelve (12) hours clinical shift.
Examples of learning activities found in the nursing curriculum and related to industry standards:
- Transfer patients in and out of bed from stretchers and wheelchairs.
- Control a fall by slowly lowering patient to the floor.
- Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
- Lift, move, turn, position, push, or pull patients and/or objects and maintain a “medium activity level” as defined by the State of Oregon Department of Insurance Index of occupational characteristics.
- Place or access equipment such as intravenous fluid bags or catheter bags, within compliance of safety standards.
- Transport equipment and supplies to the patient bedside.
- Manipulate small equipment and containers, such as syringes, vials, ampules, and medication packages, to administer medications.
- Dispose of needles in sharps container.
- Dispose of contaminated materials in a safe and compliant manner.
- Complete assigned periods of clinical practice (up to twelve [12] hour shifts, days, evenings, or nights, holidays, weekdays, and weekends).
- Complete skills tests within assigned time limit.
Sensory
- Acquire information from demonstrations and experiences, including but not limited to information conveyed through online coursework, lecture, small group activities, demonstrations, and application experiences.
- Collect information through a variety of senses and/or using appropriate and approved equipment.
- Use and interpret information from diagnostic procedures.
Examples of learning activities found in the nursing curriculum and related to industry standards:
- Detect changes in skin color or condition (pale, ashen, grey, or bluish).
- Detect a fire in the patient care environment.
- Draw up a prescribed quantity of medication into a syringe.
- Observe patients in a room from a distance of 20 feet away.
- Detect sounds related to bodily functions using appropriate equipment, such as a stethoscope.
- Detect audible alarms generated by mechanical systems such as those that monitor bodily functions, fire alarms, call bells.
- Observe and collect data from recording equipment and measurement devices used in patient care.
- Communicate with patient and members of the health care team in person and over the phone in a variety of settings, including isolation and the operating room where health care team members are wearing masks and there is background noise.
- Detect foul odors of bodily fluids or spoiled foods.
- Detect smoke from burning materials.
- Detect unsafe temperature levels in heat-producing devices used in patient care.
- Detect anatomical abnormalities, such as subcutaneous crepitus, edema, or infiltrated intravenous fluids.
- Feel or note vibrations, such as an arterial pulse, using touch or approved equipment.
Behavioral
- Demonstrate ability to function effectively under stress and adapt to changing environments to provide safe patient care.
- Maintain effective communication and teamwork to provide effective patient care.
- Examine and modify one’s own behavior when it interferes with others or the learning environment.
- Possess attributes that include compassion, empathy, altruism, integrity, honesty, responsibility, and tolerance.
- Accept responsibility for own actions and communicate in a courteous, assertive, non-aggressive, non-defensive manner with instructors, peers, staff, and health care team members.
- Integrate feedback into own performance.
Examples of learning activities found in the nursing curriculum and related to industry standards:
- Exercise judgment, meet acceptable timeframes for patient care delivery (acceptable timeframes are reflected by ability to carry out the usual patient care assignment for a particular point in the program within the allotted reasonable clinical time frame), work effectively under stress, and adapt to rapidly changing patient care environments.
- Accept accountability for actions that resulted in patient care errors.
- Deal effectively with interpersonal conflict if it arises; maintain effective and harmonious relationships with members of the health care team.
(*revisions approved by Oregon Council of Associate Degree and Practical Nursing Programs 4-22-22)
Careers
Due to an impending nursing shortage, nursing is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States. Nurses are in demand and may choose to work in a variety of specialties and settings. Newly graduated nurses will enjoy the benefit of a profession that values life-long learning and offers many opportunities for not only educational, but also career advancement.
Career opportunities may include but are not limited to entry-level employment as a registered nurse in the acute care setting sub-acute setting and the ambulatory care setting.
With additional education, nurses may choose to work as:
- nurse practitioners
- nurse educators
- nurse researchers
- nurse anesthetists
- other specialized roles
Job Market
Search related careers and regional data on wages and job outlook on Career Coach.
Salary
Earning potential: $93,000-$103,000 annually
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
Effective February 16, 2021, the associate degree in nursing at Clackamas Community College, Harmony Campus in Milwaukie, OR, is a candidate for initial accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). This candidacy status expires in April 2024.
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326
Phone: (404) 975-5000 | ACEN website
- Nursing CAS application
- 2024-25 Nursing Advising Guide
- 2024 Healthcare Certification Form
- 2024 Healthcare Volunteer Form
- 2024 Healthcare Work Experience Form
- 2024 Service Member Experience Form
Admissions Selection Process and Timelines
NOTE: The deadline for Work Experience Hours and Volunteer Hours has been extended for the 2024 application cycle. Healthcare Work Experience hours and Healthcare Volunteer hours may now be completed through January 26, 2024.
There are three phases to the admissions process.
Phase I: Initial Application Evaluation
- Applications are evaluated on a 54-point scale. Applicants must meet minimum eligibility requirements. Only complete applications submitted by the application deadline will be considered. Applicants who score the highest in Phase I will move on to Phase II for further consideration.
Phase II: Interview and Personal Statement
- Based on Phase I point totals, the top 70-100 applicants will be invited to a panel interview. Phase II scores alone (not a combination of scores from Phases I and II) will determine which applicants receive seat offers and move to Phase III.
Phase III: Post-Selection Requirements
- Applicants offered a seat in the Nursing Program must complete all outstanding prerequisite courses (45 credits) by the end of spring term prior to starting the Nursing Program in fall term. In addition, prior to beginning nursing courses, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Successfully pass a criminal background check from an agency designated by CCC
- Successfully pass a 10-panel drug screen from a lab designated by CCC
- Submit proof of current immunizations (including a complete COVID-19 vaccination) and current American Heart Association BLS certification for Health Care Providers
Applicants should NOT pursue meeting the Phase III requirements prior to being offered a seat in the Nursing Program. Applicants with an admissions offer will receive specific directions (at summer orientation) from CCC’s Nursing Department on how to fulfill these requirements.
All deadlines and timelines are subject to change. Please check your email and the CCC Nursing webpage often to ensure you have the most up-to-date information.
When can I begin working on my Nursing CAS application?
Nursing CAS (NCAS) applications become available in late August of each year. Be sure to select the correct term you are intending to start the nursing program (example: Fall 2023).
Applicants may begin building the common pieces of the NCAS application in late August. This allows applicants to complete personal information, enter your academic history and review NCAS requirements. NOTE: You will not be able to select Clackamas Community College or view the NCAS application for CCC until Dec. 1. Once the CCC Nursing application opens in December, you will be able to view and begin working on your CCC specific requirements in NCAS.
How do I submit official transcripts to Nursing CAS?
Applicants are required to submit official transcripts from all colleges attended, including CCC. It is recommended to send transcripts at least two weeks before the deadline. NCAS takes 7-10 business days to post transcripts, and transcripts must be posted prior to the application deadline.
If you are currently enrolled in prerequisite courses, you should wait until fall term grades have been posted before sending your transcript. Students applying who have transcripts from previous colleges (and are no longer taking classes there) should send those transcripts immediately.
For a detailed guide on sending transcripts and to check transcript status, visit the NursingCAS Applicant Help Center.
Clackamas Community College Nursing Program Completion and NCLEX First-Time Pass Rates
| Year | 2015-17 | 2016-18 | 2017-19 | 2018-20 | 2019-21 | 2020-22 |
| % Graduated | 86.2 | 86.6 | 88 | 91.6 | 90.9 | |
| % Passed NCLEX First-Time | 100 | 92.3 | 95.45 | 100 | 86.6 | 83 |
Criminal Background Check, Safety and Substance Screening Requirements
OSBN Required Notification: Applicants to the Clackamas nursing program need to be aware that the OSBN has limits on eligibility for licensure, as defined in OAR 851-031-0006 (1: a – e). Admittance and successful completion of any nursing program does not guarantee licensure in the state of Oregon. Even with successful passage of the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), licensure may be denied to graduates with certain criminal offenses in their background or to those with a major physical or mental condition that, in the OSBN’s determination, could affect the graduate’s ability to practice nursing safely, OAR 851-021-0055 (7: a-c); (8); (9).
- Oregon Secretary of State Administrative Rules - Board of Nursing
- Oregon State Board of Nursing - How Criminal History Affects Your Application
- Oregon State Board of Nursing - Impaired Provider Monitoring
Required Immunizations
- Evidence of immunization requires documented receipt of vaccine or documented immunity via titer or a record from the Oregon ALERT Immunization Information System.
- COVID-19
- Hepatitis B (Hep B) series with titer to confirm immunity
- Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR)
- Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap)
- Varicella
- Influenza (seasonal flu)
Required Screenings
- Tuberculosis (TB) Quantiferon Gold and T‐spot test (IGRA blood test) or chest x‐ray. Note: PPD skin test results will not be accepted.
- 10‐panel urine drug screen, which must include testing for the following substances: amphetamines, including methamphetamines; barbiturates; benzodiazepines; cocaine; marijuana; methadone; opiates; phencyclidine.
- Criminal Background Check: Must include Social Security Number trace, state/national criminal background history, sex offender registry check, and Office of Inspector General (OIG) and List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE) check.
Required Certifications:
CPR/Basic Life Support (BLS) for healthcare providers. Trainings must comply with the American Heart Association standard and remain current throughout the nursing program.
- Oregon Consortium for Nursing Education (OCNE)
- Linfield University
- Bushnell University
- Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU)
Philosophy of the Nursing department
As members of the nursing profession, we want to make clear that we are committed to equity, inclusivity and advocate for social justice for all people. We focus our teaching and practice on the moral and ethical principles that are the cornerstones of the nursing profession. There is no room for racism or discrimination of any kind in our nursing program; in our profession; in health care; in our country, our neighborhoods, schools or workplaces; nor in any dimension of society.
COVID-19 vaccination
Participation in hospital-based clinical experiences is an integral portion of the curriculum as a nursing student. All clinical sites available to Clackamas Community College require proof of vaccination for COVID-19. To be admitted to the nursing program, you will need to provide evidence that you are eligible to participate in clinical activities throughout the duration of the program to meet the Oregon State Board of Nursing’s clinical hour requirements.
PROGRAM CODE: AAS.NURSING
The Clackamas Community College nursing program, which is approved by the Oregon State Board of Education and the Oregon State Board of Nursing, is also a partner in the Oregon Consortium for Nursing Education (OCNE). OCNE is a coalition of nurse educators and nursing programs across the state. The curriculum in OCNE nursing programs is competency-based and was developed in collaboration with Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) and other community colleges around the state. The curriculum was created to educate nurses regarding the prevalent health needs of our population: Health Promotion, Chronic Illness Management, Care of the Acutely Ill and End of Life Care. As a part of the consortium, Clackamas Community College nursing program has joined with ten other Oregon community college programs and all campuses of the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) in a unique, unified approach to nursing education. In addition, OCNE schools share the same Required Preparatory courses and have comparable application processes for students. For more information on the OCNE curriculum, refer to www.ocne.org
Admission into the nursing program is by special application only. The application is a two-step process. Students must submit an application to the Allied Health Admissions Office by the stated deadline. Based upon a point system, qualified applicants will progress to the interview/essay portion of the application process. Acceptance to the nursing program allows for co-admission to Clackamas Community College and Oregon Health & Science University School of Nursing.
A criminal background check will be required prior to acceptance into the nursing program. An applicant who has been arrested, charged or convicted of any criminal offense will be evaluated on an individual basis. Certain convictions will automatically exclude an applicant from being accepted into the nursing program. Additional information pertaining to offenses that will deem an applicant as ineligible for the nursing program can be found at: www.oregon.gov/OSBN/Pages/criminal-history.aspx
A physical examination by a licensed healthcare provider, validation of up-to-date immunization, and urine drug screen are also required prior to the start of clinical rotations in the first term of the program. Maintenance of vaccinations (such as influenza) and American Heart Association Healthcare Provider BLS (CPR) is required throughout all terms of the nursing program. Technical standards related to the ability to perform safe patient care will need to be maintained while in the nursing program.
RELATED INSTRUCTION OUTCOMES
Computation (1 course- MTH-095 or higher, except for MTH-098)
- Use appropriate mathematics to solve problems.
Communication (1 course- WR-121Z Composition I)
- Read actively, think critically, and write purposefully and capably for professional audiences.
Human Relations (1 course- PSY-215 Introduction to Developmental Psychology)
- Engage in ethical communication processes that accomplish goals.
Physical Education/Health/Safety/First Aid (0-1 credits- courses with HE, HPE, or PE prefix. Current Basic Life Support (AHA) is required throughout the nursing program and meets PE requirement)
- Use effective life skills to improve and maintain mental and physical wellbeing.
PROGRAM OUTCOMES
Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to:
- base personal and professional actions on a set of shared core nursing values;
- use reflection, self-analysis, and self-care to develop insight;
- engage in intentional learning;
- demonstrate leadership in nursing and health care;
- collaborate as part of a health care team;
- practice within, utilize, and contribute to all health care systems;
- practice relationship-centered care;
- communicate effectively;
- make sound clinical judgments;
- locate, evaluate, and use the best available evidence.
The OCNE curriculum is designed as a four-year course of study (for a full-time student) with the first year devoted to pre-admission requirements. The second and third year of designated study will be completed at Clackamas Community College. Upon completion of the CCC nursing program, students will be eligible to receive their Associate of Applied Science degree in nursing and take the national examination (NCLEX-RN) for registered nurse licensure. Graduates of the nursing program at Clackamas Community College should be prepared for entry-level employment as a registered nurse. The student may elect to continue for the fourth year of study in the OCNE curriculum, leading to a Baccalaureate of Science degree with a focus in nursing offered by OHSU.
Nursing program application process
Review all information, including the advising guide and Frequently Asked Questions provided on this webpage.
Meet with a Health Sciences Program Academic Advisor prior to completing the program application.
- Tracy Pantano-Rumsey: tracy.pantanorumsey@clackamas.edu
- Phil Reid: philr@clackamas.edu
Complete the online NursingCAS Application and supporting documents.
Check the email you provided on your NursingCAS application starting at the beginning of April for updates to your application status.
