Nursing
Enroll now! Learn everything you need to know on how to apply to become a nurse.
How to Apply
Learn more about our fabulous nursing program.
Learn More
CONTACT
Text or Call: 541-240-8227
Email
Become a Nurse!
Nursing is more than a job – it’s a calling. If you’re looking for a high-demand healthcare career with a culture of caring, nursing could be for you. With competitive starting wages and a versatile career path, Southwestern’s nursing program provides you with a compassionate, supportive environment throughout your training. Our instructors will be your mentors and collaborators throughout your education, and guide you on your path to becoming a Registered Nurse (RN).
Southwestern’s nursing program is an OHSU/Oregon Consortium of Nurse Educators (OCNE) partner school. This ensures curriculum meets the highest standards and graduates have the opportunity to transfer seamlessly into OHSU’s Bachelor of Science nursing program, if they choose.
Enroll now! Learn everything you need to know on how to apply to become a nurse.
How to Apply
Learn more about our fabulous nursing program.
Learn More
CONTACT
Text or Call: 541-240-8227
Email
Southwestern’s Nursing Journey
From Start to RN: The Nursing Timeline
At Southwestern, it typically takes a full-time student at least three years to complete the Nursing Program, from taking prerequisite courses to graduating with an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing. This is a restricted-entry program, so in addition to applying to the College, students need to submit a separate application to the nursing program. The timeline below outlines the key steps and milestones on your path to becoming a Registered Nurse (RN).
Program Expectations & Competencies
The competencies of the OCNE curriculum address the need for nurses to be skilled in clinical judgment and critical thinking, evidence-based practice, relationship-centered care, interdisciplinary collaboration, assisting individuals and families in self-care practices for promotion of health and management of chronic and acute illness, end-of-life care, and teaching, delegation, leadership and supervision of caregivers.
Acceptance to the program allows for co-admission to Southwestern and Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) nursing programs. Co-admission is an agreement that applicants admitted to SWOCC are eligible to complete a Bachelor of Science degree with a Major in Nursing at OHSU without an additional competitive application process. The co-admitted student would matriculate and be entered into the OHSU student record system, upon transfer following completion of 6 terms of the curriculum at SWOCC. Students completing the AAS will meet the educational requirements to be eligible to sit for the RN licensure examination, and would complete four additional terms of full-time study to earn the Bachelor of Science Degree with a Major in Nursing through OHSU.
The design of the program provides students the option of completing an Associate of Applied Science degree in Nursing (AAS-Nursing) from Southwestern or a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Nursing (BSN) from OHSU.
Save Money
Tuition & fees at Southwestern for pre-program classes are half that of major state universities.
Need help with costs?
Ask about possible support through SNAP Training & Employment Program (STEP)
FAQ’s
Why join TRIO SSS?
The numbers tell the story. Students who utilize our services are nearly twice as likely as their peers to earn better grades, graduate from Southwestern, and successfully transfer to a four-year school.
What extra services do you get with TRIO SSS?
You’ll have unlimited access to 1-on-1 services, including: academic advising and transfer planning, career exploration, tutoring, peer mentoring, and assistance with financial aid and scholarship applications. We also have college success workshops to help you become a better student, as well as visits to Oregon’s four-year universities. Our computer lab is reserved solely for TRIO SSS students and is a great place to do homework, access tutoring and connect with other TRIO SSS students and advisors.
Real people with real solutions.
We recognize that college can be challenging (and sometimes overwhelming) and we’re here to help you navigate through it all. We go out of our way to help students break down barriers so that everyone can succeed. We have your back!
Who is eligible?
To qualify, students must be:
- A U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Accepted for enrollment at Southwestern
In addition, applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- First generation college student (parents did not earn a 4-yr degree by your 18th birthday)
- Meet federal low income guidelines
- Have a documented disability
