Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about the Nursing program at COCC
How long has COCC had a Nursing program?
COCC's Nursing program began in the 1940's.
Is COCC's program an Associate's Degree or a Bachelor's degree program?
COCC offers a Certificate in Practical Nursing and an Associates of Applied Science in Nursing (AAS) degree. Students must complete specific prerequisite course work and then apply for admission to the Nursing program. Once admitted, students begin the Nursing coursework. After successful completion of the 1st year of Nursing courses the student is eligible to take the NCLEX-PN exam to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in the state of Oregon. Upon successful completion of the 2nd year of the Nursing course work the student is eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam to become a Registered Nurse (RN).
Is COCC's Nursing program accredited?
Yes. The Nursing Program is accredited through the Oregon State Board of Nursing, and the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities accredits Central Oregon Community College.
Sounds good... how can I learn more?
Please take a look at our Traditional Nursing Program web page and attend a Nursing Program Information Session.
Is it possible to earn a Bachelor's degree in Nursing without leaving Central Oregon?
Yes. After the completion of the AAS in Nursing, students can complete their Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) online through Linfield College or Oregon Health Sciences University. Take a look at out Bachelor of Science Completion Program web page.
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What is the cost of COCC's Nursing program?
Click here for the Admitted Nursing Student Estimated Expenses.
What financial aid is available for COCC Nursing Students?
Students are eligible for financial aid through the FAFSA. In addition to completing the Nursing Application, students who wish to use financial aid while in the program should also complete the FAFSA financial aid application during the application process. Information can be found on the COCC Financial Aid website. Additionally, once accepted into the Nursing program, students may seek scholarships from private sources, such as fraternal organizations, non-profits, and corporations.
Where do COCC Nursing Students Complete their clinical work?
Links to our Clinical Facilities are available on our COCC Nursing Program Facilities web page.
Does COCC's Nursing program require full-time attendance?
The admitted Nursing student is enrolled in 9 - 11 credits each term. The curriculum is demanding and feels like a full-time load. Class, clinical and study time can easily consume 40-60 hours a week.
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Can students work while in the program?
Once admitted to the program students have the greatest potential for success if they plan to focus solely on their education. Therefore, we recommend that the student not work. If the student must work, s/he should work only part-time (8-12 hours a week) if possible.
How long does it take to complete COCC's Nursing program?
The prerequisites required for application to the Nursing program take 1-2 years to complete (depending on the student's academic preparedness and class load). Once admitted the Nursing program is 2 years long, and students attend every fall, winter and spring term. The student has summer term and winter and spring breaks off while in the program.
Am I too old for Nursing school? I have a disability... can I be a Nurse?
We have students from all age groups and walks of life. There are many career change students represented in the program. Students must be able to perform the duties required of a nurse. Information on these requirements can be found in the Nursing Program Entrance and Technical Standards.
Is housing available on the Bend Campus?
Yes. Information is available at Housing and Residence Life .
Will I need a car while in Nursing school?
Most likely. Clinical locations are scattered across the Central Oregon District. Clinical hours are often outside to the availability hours of public transportation (early mornings and late evenings). You must have access to reliable transportation.
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What hours of the day and what days of the week will I be in school?
Times vary, but generally you may be scheduled anywhere between 7am to 11pm Monday through Friday. The Nursing curriculum consists of class, lab and clinical coursework.
I have young children... are there any issues I should be concerned about if I am accepted into the Nursing program?
To be eligible for licensure the Oregon State Board of Nursing requires successful completion of the Nursing program and completion of a specified number of clinical hours (time spent in the hospital setting). Therefore, it is imperative that you have reliable childcare, particularly ill-child care. You cannot plan to take a week off when your child gets the flu. You also must have someone who can handle urgent issues for you, such as a child who needs to be picked up from school due to illness or injury.
How many applicants apply each year? How many students are admitted each year?
In 2011 we had 191 applicants for 46 positions.
In 2010 we had 157 applicants for 45 positions.
In 2009 we had 140 applicants for 37 positions.
In 2012 we will have positions for 48 students. Each year we have 4 alternates. If alternates are not given a spot in the program, they are guaranteed admission the following year.
How does COCC's Nursing Program select applicants?
We accept applicants based on a point system. Please refer to the Nursing Selection Process Handbook. Plan to also attend a Nursing Program Information Session.
Do I have an advantage if I have applied previously and wish to reapply?
No. You will not receive points for reapplication.
How do I apply?
There are several steps to the application process, including the TEAS-V entrance exam, and submission of answers to Short Answer Questions along with the application. Information is available on the Traditional Nursing Program Application web page.
Is it better to get my application in early?
We do not process applications until after application deadline in June. Although we do not recommend waiting until the last minute, there is no advantage to early submission of the application.
Do I need to submit the application before I can register for or take the TEAS-V exam?
No. It does not matter whether you take the TEAS-V first or submit the Application first. Information about the TEAS-V exam can be found on the Traditional Nursing Program Application web page.
I notice that you have TEAS-V testing dates available the day before the application deadline... is it ok to take it then, or is that too late?
Yes, you can take it then. You will be given your score immediately upon completion of the exam. Our staff will enter your score into the Nursing Admissions Checklist the next business day.
Where is the Nursing Admissions Checklist, and how do I get one if I do not already have one?
If you are a current COCC student and you are applying Spring 2013, you will be able to view your checklist beginning Spring term 2013 by:
Logging into your Bobcat Web Account
Click on Student Services & Financial Aid
Click on Nursing Admissions
If you have a checklist, you will see Fall 2013 - click on it
If you do not see Fall 2013 send an email requesting activation of your checklist to sbarry@cocc.edu . Be sure to include your name and student ID number.
Applicants who are not COCC students will not have access to an online checklist.
I have submitted my application... when will I know if I have been accepted?
Our goal is to get the letters in the mail about a week after July 4th. We offer no guarantee that we will meet that goal. Your letter will be mailed to the address listed in your Personal Information file which is located in the Student & Staff Online Services section of your Bobcat Web Account. We recommend that you verify the accuracy of that address when you submit your application to the Nursing Program.