Overview

Limited Entry Program

See Department website and program contacts here

The Nursing (AAS) degree is designed for students seeking careers as registered nurses (RNs) in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, community health settings, and other healthcare environments. The curriculum combines classroom instruction, laboratory learning, simulation, and clinical experience to prepare students to provide patient-centered nursing care across a variety of healthcare settings.

Coursework includes topics such as patient assessment, nursing care planning, medication administration, clinical decision-making, healthcare communication, and patient education. Students develop practical clinical skills used to support patients, collaborate with healthcare teams, and promote health and wellness throughout the lifespan.

The Nursing program is workforce-focused and prepares students for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and licensure as registered nurses. Students in the program complete nursing coursework through Mt. Hood Community College as part of the Oregon Consortium for Nursing Education (OCNE).

MHCC’s Nursing program is designed as a three-year pathway to RN licensure, with the option to continue into a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program through OHSU or another transfer partner.

The Nursing program is approved by the Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN). Students considering nursing licensure in Oregon are encouraged to review current OSBN licensure requirements and regulations prior to applying.

Because this is a limited entry program, students should review application requirements carefully and work with program advisors regarding eligibility, prerequisite completion, and program planning. Students accepted into the program are assigned a nursing advisor.

Students are encouraged to work with an advisor to ensure appropriate course selection and program planning based on their educational background and career goals.

Refer to the tabs above for additional information about:

• Education Plan – provides a sample term-by-term sequence of courses
• How to Apply – details the steps required to apply to the program
• Career Info – includes information on potential occupations, employment trends, and earnings

Program Learning Objectives

At the completion of this program, students should be able to:

• Clinical Judgment Decision-Making: Apply clinical reasoning and judgement to make safe, timely, and evidence-based decisions that support optimal patient outcomes across diverse care settings.
• Patient-Centered Care: Deliver compassionate, culturally responsive, and individualized care that respects the values, needs, and preferences of patients and families.
• Evidence-Based Practice Quality Improvement: Integrate evidence-based practice and quality improvement strategies to enhance care delivery and promote safety and effectiveness.
• Professionalism Leadership: Apply accountability, ethical practice, and leadership in collaboration with the healthcare team, while advocating for patients and the nursing profession.
• Communication Collaboration: Use effective communication and teamwork strategies to coordinate care, foster mutual respect, and ensure continuity across healthcare environments.
• Technology Informatics: Utilize healthcare technologies and informatics tools to support clinical judgment, documentation, patient education, and data-driven decision-making.

• Pass the National Council Licensure Examination-RN (NCLEX for Registered Nurse)

Education Plan

This sample Education Plan illustrates one possible course sequence. Students should consult an advisor to create a personalized plan.

Prerequisite Courses

The following OCNE requirements are for those applying to start in fall 2026.

Before students are eligible to apply to the Nursing program, they must complete a minimum of 28 credits of pre-program courses, each with a grade of "C" or higher and a minimum cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.

For the most updated information and a list of prerequisite courses, please see the Nursing How to Get Started page. It is the student's responsibility to verify completion of appropriate prerequisite courses.

The following courses are required on the application:

1. BI231Z Human Anatomy and Physiology I
2. MTH095 Intermediate Algebra with Right Triangle Trigonometry or MTH098 Quantitative Reasoning II, or higher. Fulfills AAS degree mathematics requirement. If you have not completed a math class at the minimum stated level, you must meet this requirement by placement into MTH105Z or higher, and you must select from other prerequisite courses to attain the minimum 28 credits.

Then, choose from the following courses to reach at least 28 credits before applying:

• BI102 General Biology: Molecular Biology, BI112 Biology for Health Professions or BI221Z Principles of Biology: Cells.
• BI232Z Human Anatomy and Physiology II
• BI233Z Human Anatomy and Physiology III
• BI234 Microbiology
• FN225 Nutrition or HE225 Nutrition, fulfills AAS degree Health & PE requirement if taken summer 2021 or later.
• PSY237 Human Development
• WR121Z Composition I, fulfills AAS degree Written Communication requirement.
• WR122Z Composition II or WR227Z Technical Writing.
• One Social Science course. Fulfills AAS degree Human Relations requirement.

All courses (45 credits) above must be completed before beginning the nursing program, if accepted.

OCNE requires basic computer literacy for nursing students. Students without computer experience or who want to brush up on computer skills before beginning this program are encouraged to enroll in BCS090 Computer Basics for College Success, a FREE course offered through the Learning Success Center.

Accepted students will start in fall or winter

The following requirements were for those applying to start fall 2026.

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If selecting Arts & Letters, please note that OHSU does not allow studio arts (drawing, painting, etc.) or performing arts (music lessons, dance, etc.) to count toward their Humanities requirement for a BSN degree. They will accept courses such as art history, communications, English, ethics, film/media studies, foreign language/ASL, journalism, literature, music history, philosophy, religion, or public speaking. 

Advanced Placement

Upon acceptance to the program, licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and US military medic/corpsman can reach out to the Dean of Nursing to explore credit for prior learning options.

How to Apply

The Nursing program is a limited-entry program. The program admits approximately 72 students each year, with program start dates in the fall and winter terms. Applicants are selected through a point-based admission process and must meet specific eligibility requirements before applying.

View current admissions requirements, deadlines, and point system information

Application Steps

Step 1: Apply to MHCC

Students should apply for admission to Mt. Hood Community College and work with an advisor regarding prerequisite coursework and program planning.

Step 2: Complete Prerequisite Coursework

Students must complete all required prerequisite coursework prior to applying to the program. Prerequisite requirements and admission criteria may change between application cycles.

Step 3: Submit Official Transcripts

Students must submit official transcripts for evaluation and prerequisite verification.

Step 4: Apply to the Nursing Program

Students must complete and submit the Nursing program application during the published application period.

Admission Requirements

The Nursing program uses a point-based selection system that considers academic and non-academic criteria when determining admission decisions.

Students are encouraged to carefully review current admission requirements and work closely with an advisor regarding application planning and prerequisite completion.

Prerequisite Advising

Students needing assistance planning prerequisite coursework are encouraged to contact the Academic Advising & Transfer Center.

• Phone: 503-491-7315
• Location: AC2253 (Student Services)
• Email: Advising.Questions@mhcc.edu

Additional Information

Admission to Mt. Hood Community College does not guarantee admission to the Nursing program. MHCC reserves the right to modify admission requirements and selection processes.

Mt. Hood Community College welcomes students of all backgrounds and identities. Students of all races, ethnicities, ages, genders, religions, sexual orientations, socio-economic statuses, nationalities, physical abilities, and cognitive differences are encouraged to apply.

Career Information

Explore potential careers related to this program, including typical job roles, employment trends, and projected growth. This information can help you better understand how your education may align with future career opportunities.