The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Nursing is intended for students seeking a career as a Registered Nurse. The program prepares students to practice professional nursing in a variety of settings. Upon completion of the program, students will be awarded an AAS degree and are eligible to sit for the national licensure examination (NCLEX-RN) leading to a licensure as a Registered Nurse.

Entry Requirements

This is a restricted-entry program. Students are required to submit an application to the College and a separate application to the nursing program. A total of 50 credits of specific prerequisites must be completed. All prerequisites must be completed with a grade of ‘C’ or better prior to beginning the nursing program. Thirty (30) of the 50 credits must be completed by the end of fall term preceding admission and must include at least one term of BI231 Human Anatomy and Physiology I. Selection of applicants is based on a point system described in the application/information packet.

Acceptance to the program allows for co-admission to the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) nursing program. Students are eligible to complete a bachelor's degree in nursing from OHSU either full-time in three quarters or part-time.

Information about the Nursing program may also be obtained online. For more information contact the administrative assistant, Sumner Hall, Rm 4, 541-888-7443, or the director at 541-888-7298. Click here to view more information about the Nursing & Allied Health program.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, the student will be able to:

• Act personally and professionally based on a set of shared core nursing values.
• Develop insight through reflection, self-analysis, and self-care.
• Engage in ongoing intentional learning.
• Demonstrate leadership in nursing and health care.
• Collaborate as part of a health care team.
• Practice within, utilize, and contribute to the broader health care system.
• Practice relationship-centered care.
• Communicate effectively.
• Make sound clinical judgments.
• Locate, evaluate and use the best available evidence in making practice decisions.

Pre-Program Courses 

Students must take the following prerequisites:

Thirty (30) credits must be completed by the end of fall term preceding admission and must include one term of Anatomy and Physiology.

Graduation Requirements

Students must complete a minimum of 90 credit hours with a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 or better. All courses must be completed with a grade of ‘C’ or better. Twenty-four (24) credits must be completed at Southwestern before the degree is awarded.

Student must complete the graduation application process one term prior to the term of completion (e.g., spring term graduates must apply during winter term).

Program Guide