Portland Community College Nursing Program Review
Portland Community College (PCC) is a large 2-year Portland Community College with over 30,000 students. Portland Community College was established in 1961 as an adult education program affiliated with Portland Public Schools. The college has three campuses all located in Portland- Rock Creek, Sylvania and Cascade in addition several centers in Portland, Hillsboro and Beaverton. Portland Community College awards associate’s degrees and certificates. Portland Community College is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Nursing Programs
The ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) program at Portland Community College is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) and approved by the Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN). Portland Community College is a member of the Oregon Consortium for Nursing Education (OCNE).
Portland Community College Undergraduate Nursing Programs
Nursing AAS (Associate of Applied Science)
The undergraduate nursing program at Portland Community College prepares students to become entry-level RNs (Registered Nurses). In addition to coursework, students participate in clinical practicum experiences at a variety of local hospitals including VA and children’s medical centers. Admission requirements to the AAS Nursing program at Portland Community College include completing prerequisite courses with a grade “C” or better prior to beginning the program and a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 in prerequisite courses. Prerequisite courses for the nursing program include Nutrition, Human Development, English Composition, Anatomy and Physiology and Algebra. After completing requirements for the nursing program, students earn an AAS in Nursing and are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN, National Council for Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses, to become a Registered Nurse (RN). The AAS (Associate of Applied Science) in Nursing degree is a specific degree for nurses seeking immediate employment upon completing their academic program rather than a four-year degree. The Nursing AAS program can be completed in six terms following completion of course prerequisites.
Certificate Nursing Courses at Portland Community College
CNA (Certified Nurse Assistant) 1 and 2
The CNA program at Portland Community College prepares students to become certified nursing assistant. The first course focuses on certification and the CNA 2 course on delivering acute care. The CNA 1 program is 150 hours total split between a clinical practicum and coursework. Upon completion of the CNA training program, students are eligible to take the state board exam to become a certified nursing assistant. The CNA 2 course provides an additional 64 hours of classroom training and clinical experience for eligibility to work in an acute care setting.
Non-Credit Nursing Courses at Portland Community College
Nursing courses at Portland Community College are also offered on a non-credit basis including Trauma Nursing and Emergency Nursing in Pediatrics. Short term course offerings change each semester. Interested students should consult the course schedule for nursing courses which may offer additional experience.
BSN Transition Programs at Portland Community College
Portland Community College can go from earning their AAS in Nursing to BSN with ease by utilizing one of several college partnerships. Portland Community College has partnered with Oregon Health and Sciences University and Linfield College to offer BSN programs to students at Portland Community College. Students who choose Oregon Health and Sciences University will be continuing in the OCNE curriculum plan of which both Portland Community College and Oregon Health and Sciences University utilize. The program can be completed in four years total. Through an articulation agreement students at Portland Community College have provisional acceptance to the RN to BSN program at Linfield College.
Contact:
Portland Community College
2000 SW 49th Avenue,
Portland, OR 97219-7132
