Columbia Basin College Nursing Program Review

Columbia Basin College’s Health Sciences Division is home to the school’s nursing program. The Health Sciences Division is located in the Health Science Center at Columbia Basin College’s Richland Campus. The Health Sciences Division is associated with 35 clinical facilities in the Benton and Franklin County area, which helps students build relationships with local healthcare facilities in order to complete their clinical practicum.

Columbia Basin College (CBC) offers a National League for Nursing Accredited Career Ladder Nursing program, which is conducted on campus. Individuals can enter the program at the beginning without previous nursing experience or training or as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) at the Advanced Placement level. After the first year of the program, students are granted a Practical Nursing (PN) Certificate and can go on to write the Licensed Practical Nurse licensure examination (NCLEX-PN). After the second year of the program, students gain an Associate in Applied Science degree (AAS) and can go on to write the NCLEX-RN examination, in order to be licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN). Registered Nurses work in a variety of healthcare organizations including; nursing homes, hospices, hospitals, schools, physicians’ offices, long-term care facilities, and many more varied healthcare organizations.

Entrance Requirements

Prior to applying to the nursing programs at Columbia Basin College, individuals must complete a variety of prerequisites. These courses provide individuals with points on the Admission Index Score, which helps gain entry. The courses that may be taken prior to admission include; Chemistry, Human A&P, English Composition, General Psychology, Lifespan Psychology, Microbiology, Math, and Communication Studies courses.

Individuals applying to the nursing programs at Columbia Basin College must submit immunization records, a current CPR card, and a clear criminal background check. Individuals must also hold a minimum GPA of 2.0 per course, in order to complete the one-year certificate and the Associate Degree in Nursing.

Nursing Assistant Program (CNA)

The Nursing Assistant Program at Columbia Basin College is intended to prepare individuals for the Nursing Assistant Certification in Washington. Upon completion of the program, individuals receive a Certification of Completion and can take the certification examination. In order to apply individuals must provide a certificate of seven hours of HIV/AIDS Bloodborne Pathogens Training and a CPR certificate, as well as immunization records and a criminal background check. Course lectures take place three to four days a week and lab hours take place during the first four weeks. Clinical practicum is conducted at local healthcare institutions and attendance is mandatory. Students in the Nursing Assistant program are required to complete 50 clinical hours during the semester. Certified Nurse Assistants work in a variety of healthcare organizations, under the direct supervision of Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, or physicians. Certified Nurse Assistants are entry-level nursing professionals and often go on to complete additional nursing education, after working as Certified Nurse Assistants for some time.

All of the nursing programs at Columbia Basin College are accredited by the Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission and the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.

Contact:
Columbia Basin College
2600 North 20th Avenue
,
Pasco
, WA 99301
Phone: (509) 547-0511