It usually takes students approximately 1.5 to 2 years (full-time) to complete the preliminary requirements, depending on initial assessment test levels. If accepted, the program itself takes 2 years.

The Clark College nursing program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3343 Peachtree Road, NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, Georgia 30326. Sharon J. Tanner EdD, MSN, RN is the CEO of ACEN.

Registered Nurses must be able to think critically and analyze complex information and situations. Because problem solving ability is linked to high performance in the sciences, and because the nursing curriculum is science-based, most nurses enjoy and/or excel in science. Also important are a strong sense of empathy and excellent communication skills. Finally, many nurses work long shifts, so physical and intellectual stamina is essential.

Students should wait until they have completed all of the preliminary requirements before applying to the program. 

You will need to submit the Clark College Application for Admission, the Statement of Intent for Nursing, a $50.00 program application fee (subject to change), and official transcripts from ALL colleges attended. Once all official transcripts have arrived, your application will be reviewed, and you will be sent a checklist letter telling you what courses (if any) you have left to take. Students who are new to Clark College must also pay a one-time non-refundable $25.00 application fee.

The nursing program starts every Fall, Winter and Spring quarters. We are currently transitioning to three application deadlines per year, February 15th, June 15th, and September 15th. Students who apply and meet all preliminary requirements by the February 15th deadline will be evaluated for a possible start in Fall. Qualified applicants applying by June 15th will be evaluated for a possible start in Winter. Qualified applicants applying by September 15th will be evaluated for a possible start in Spring. (Selection always takes place six to seven months in advance).

Yes. It is Clark College policy that students must submit official transcripts from all colleges attended. An evaluation will not be completed until all transcripts have arrived.

Clark College accepts 48 Nursing students Fall, Winter and Spring, for a total of 144 per year. For recent selection statistics, refer to Nursing Selection Statistics on the Nursing web page.

The nursing program is a competitive, limited entry program. Students must apply, meet minimum requirements, and be evaluated by specific criteria. It is important for students to consider that not everyone who applies to the program is accepted, and students who apply at more than one nursing school increase their odds of acceptance.

The factors that will impact competitiveness at Clark College are:

• Science GPA (maximum points possible: 24)
• Applicable GPA (maximum points possible: 20)
• Washington residency (maximum points possible: 2)
• NAC Completion (maximum points possible: 1)
• Experience in Health Related Field (maximum points possible: 1)

The HESI A2 assessment will no longer be used as a part of the admission criteria. It may be used as a diagnostic or retention tool after students are admitted.

No. All qualified students are notified of acceptance/non-acceptance approximately eight to ten weeks after the application deadline. The Nursing Department also selects and notifies a list of alternate students. These students may be pulled into the program if spots become available. Once the next program selection occurs and if any positions from previous term become available our office will fill from the most current selection report. Students who are not accepted into the program or designated as alternates must return the reply form indicating they wish to be included in the next selection process in order to keep their application active. Students can be included in selection three times. If not accepted during this time, they are referred to the Health Occupation advisor to discuss the possibility of re-applying.

The Advising Center can provide unofficial evaluation of credits. To verify that a Health Occupation advisor will be in the office on a specific day, feel free to call the Advising Center front desk staff at (360) 992-2345.

For an official evaluation of transfer credits, please refer to Credential Evealuations? and Apply for Admissions?

Contact the Advising Department at (360) 992-2345, and ask to speak to a Health Occupation Advisor.

Yes, all accepted students must complete a Nursing Assistant Certified (NAC) training program and hold an active verifiable NAC certification by the deadline stated within the Nursing Acceptance letter or their space will be given to the next eligible alternate. Credential numbers will be verified online to ensure active status. (Keep in mind that it can take as long as six weeks to receive a credential number after completion of Nursing Assistant training).

Clark College has several available options for students to complete the Nursing Assistant training. Each option satisfies the NAC requirement for the Clark College Nursing program.

• For Credit Option (6 & 10-week options)–Contact the Advising Department front desk staff at (360) 992-2345
• I-BEST Credit Option (10-weeks)–Contact the Pathways Learning Center at (360) 992-2747