The Nursing Advantage
NURSING OVERVIEW
ADVANTAGES OF NURSING
APPLY TO NURSING PROGRAM
CONTACT
Text or Call: 541-240-8227
Email
Ready to Apply to Southwestern's Nursing Degree Program?
Students are eligible to apply after completing 30 credits of prerequisites with a “C” or better. The 30 credits must include BI 231 Anatomy & Physiology I completed within the 7-year time limit. If you believe you meet the admission criteria and are ready to apply, click below for details.
How to Apply to Southwestern’s Nursing Program
The Advantages of a Nursing Degree
Imagine a career where every day brings new challenges, deep connections, and the satisfaction of making a real difference. At Southwestern Oregon Community College, our Nursing Degree Program not only prepares you for a rewarding career in healthcare but also offers a supportive community and hands-on learning experiences to set you up for success.
Nursing is a high-demand, highly respected profession, and our program is designed to guide you through a rigorous yet rewarding journey. From state-of-the-art simulation labs to expert faculty who are passionate about your growth, we offer a learning environment that fosters both personal and professional development.
Admission to our program is competitive, so we encourage all applicants to plan ahead. Meeting with an advisor can make a world of difference, helping you understand program requirements, navigate the application process, and stay on track toward your goals. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance your healthcare career, Southwestern provides the support, resources, and training to help you thrive in the fast-paced world of nursing.
JOB INFO
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2024 ANNUAL WAGES
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ANNUAL JOB OPENINGS
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OTHER
- As of November 2024, there are 74 monthly job postings for registered nurses in Coos and Curry counties, and 2,995 across Oregon.
- Retirement outlook is low-risk on the South Oregon Coast with 92 employees age 55 and older retiring soon.
- Employment in the field is expected to grow 9.1% in Oregon by 2034.
Source: Oregon Employment Department and Lightcast
NURSING OVERVIEW
ADVANTAGES OF NURSING
APPLY TO NURSING PROGRAM
CONTACT
Text or Call: 541-240-8227
Email
Ready to Apply to Southwestern's Nursing Degree Program?
Students are eligible to apply after completing 30 credits of prerequisites with a “C” or better. The 30 credits must include BI 231 Anatomy & Physiology I completed within the 7-year time limit. If you believe you meet the admission criteria and are ready to apply, click below for details.
How to Apply to Southwestern’s Nursing Program
JOB INFO
|
ANNUAL JOB OPENINGS
|
2024 ANNUAL WAGES
|
OTHER
- As of November 2024, there are 74 monthly job postings for registered nurses in Coos and Curry counties, and 2,995 across Oregon.
- Retirement outlook is low-risk on the South Oregon Coast with 92 employees age 55 and older retiring soon.
- Employment in the field is expected to grow 9.1% in Oregon by 2034.
Source: Oregon Employment Department and Lightcast
A Versatile Career Path
Nursing jobs are everywhere–work in a rural setting, busy metropolis or even travel around the world. Southwestern’s nursing graduates have options. What’s your ideal setting? Southwestern’s Nursing Degree Program prepares you to take your next step as a Registered Nurse (RN).
Acute Care Nursing
Clinic Nursing
Mental Health Nursing
Remote/Telehealth Nursing
Occupational Health Nursing
School Nursing
Travel Nursing
Public Health Nursing
Educational Nursing
Home Health Nursing
Correctional Nursing
Prep for Advanced Nursing Degrees
High-demand career with a culture of caring
Many career paths with job flexibility
Competitive starting wages
Where You’ll Study: Nursing Lab Sites
At Southwestern, you’ll benefit from top-tier nursing facilities on either the Coos or Curry Campus. Nursing students at the Coos Campus study in the recently renovated Umpqua Hall, equipped with state-of-the-art labs and learning spaces. Meanwhile, students assigned to the Curry Campus enjoy hands-on training in a modern lab setting just a stone’s throw from the coastline. Both campuses provide an inspiring, supportive environment designed to prepare you for a successful nursing career.
COOS CAMPUS
CURRY CAMPUS
Meet Your Instructors
Nursing Instructor
Heather Aldrich
Heather Aldrich initially planned to pursue a career as a nurse educator after retiring from nursing. However, a text message she received four years ago inspired her to consider this path sooner than expected. “I didn’t leave nursing because I didn’t love it (because I did, and I still do patient care), I just got an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. I love explaining complicated concepts, watching the light go on in someone’s eyes, and taking the ‘terror’ out of a potentially intimidating situation.”
Heather began her journey at Southwestern as a student after toying with the idea of pursuing medical school. During a visit to a friend in Coos Bay, she found herself searching for direction and decided, on a whim, to explore nursing instead. Eventually that lead to a bachelor’s degree from OHSU, then various kinds of nursing work from oncology, ICU, recovery, creating education programs for Bay Area Hospital, and teaching clinicals for the college.
Considering a nursing career but you’ve heard nursing school is hard? Heather says, “Nursing is for people with the right intent. Even if you’re not a ‘straight A student,’ if you are a caring person, we want you.”
Associate Professor of Nursing
Dr. Judith Dornbach, DNP, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, CNE
Dr. Judith Dornbach holds a Doctorate in Nursing Practice from the University of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania, as well as a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Nursing. Judith is also board certified as an Advanced Nurse Executive and certified in Nursing Education from the National League for Nursing. She has a broad nursing background including direct patient care, education, management, and legal nurse consulting.
Before joining the nursing faculty team at Southwestern, she was the Director of Health Management and Education at the University of California, Davis Health System, where she worked for nearly 30 years. Judith has over 20 years of experience in nursing education and began teaching at Southwestern in June 2018.
Judith instructs our first- and second-year students, lecturing to both our Curry and Coos county students using video technology, as well as teaching Pharmacology. When it comes to the core of why she teaches, Judith takes a Nelson Mandela quote to heart, “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.”
Associate Professor of Nursing
Dr. Judith Dornbach, DNP, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, CNE
Dr. Judith Dornbach holds a Doctorate in Nursing Practice from the University of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania, as well as a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Nursing. Judith is also board certified as an Advanced Nurse Executive and certified in Nursing Education from the National League for Nursing. She has a broad nursing background including direct patient care, education, management, and legal nurse consulting.
Before joining the nursing faculty team at Southwestern, she was the Director of Health Management and Education at the University of California, Davis Health System, where she worked for nearly 30 years. Judith has over 20 years of experience in nursing education and began teaching at Southwestern in June 2018.
Judith instructs our first- and second-year students, lecturing to both our Curry and Coos county students using video technology, as well as teaching Pharmacology. When it comes to the core of why she teaches, Judith takes a Nelson Mandela quote to heart, “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.”
WHAT OUR GRADUATES SAY…
“Southwestern’s nursing program is the best-kept secret. The staff were always supportive and focused on helping me succeed. If you can invest some time, money, and focus, you’ll come out with a secure, sustainable career. It’s worth every minute.” (Chaz is now a practicing RN in the greater Curry County area)
“I am thankful to be part of a program with such exceptional nursing professors and staff. Their impact on the future of nursing and healthcare will be stretched for decades. It’s a life-changing decision, but you can do it. One day at a time.” (Mandy is now working as an operating room nurse at Bay Area Hospital in Coos Bay)
“I knew I wanted to work in hospitals and am thankful for the opportunities I receive every day to advance my skills and observe the nursing process. As a nurse, I want to bring hope to a world of hurting people, physically and emotionally. The sick and the injured need someone to intervene for them.” (Sean now works as an RN and part-time Charge Nurse in the Intermediate Care Unit at Bay Area Hospital in Coos Bay)
“Stay determined and refuse to give up. Don’t let setbacks discourage you from pursuing your dreams.” (Jackie is now working as a pediatric nurse as well as pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at OHSU with a plan to become a Family Nurse Practitioner)
WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY…
“I had given up on my dream of becoming a nurse. After I moved to Bandon with my husband, I started taking some classes at Southwestern. I realized that I could possibly go to nursing school. I’m now in my second year of nursing school and working toward my dream of becoming a nurse and maybe eventually a midwife. This gift will allow me to spend my life helping others and the world.”
“I grew up in California until the passing of my mother when I was in Junior High. After the loss, I knew I wanted to help others in any way possible. I took the plunge into the nursing pre-requisites at SWOCC and couldn’t be happier. I enjoy the comradery and the ability to help other students. I also enjoy tutoring the pre-nursing students for TRIO.”
“I have worked in healthcare my entire working life, but decided I wanted to do more for patients which is what led to my decision to pursue my RN. It won’t be long before I will be out there giving amazing patient care to the community and making those who have supported me very proud.”
“My plan after finishing the nursing program is to work here locally for a couple years and then continue my education. Being a healthcare worker means a lot to me because it’s not just about someone’s physical health but also about their mental health. As a healthcare professional, I want to be able to contribute that to families in need.”
