Practical Nursing Certificate

Program Description

The nursing program is a partner in the Oregon Consortium for Nursing Education (OCNE) and offers a competency-based curriculum jointly developed by nursing faculties from the consortium schools. The program is designed with the first year devoted to prerequisites and/or preparatory courses required for admission to the restricted (limited) admission nursing program. Successful completion of the second year allows students to sit for the PN-NCLEX and obtain licensure in the state of Oregon as a Practical Nurse.

Program Outcomes

  1. Bases personal and professional actions on a set of shared core nursing values utilizing Practical Nursing scope of practice
  2. Uses reflection, self-analysis, and self-care to develop insight
  3. Engages in intentional learning
  4. Demonstrates leadership in nursing and healthcare
  5. Collaborates as part of a health care team as a practical nurse
  6. Practice within, utilizes, and contributes to all health care systems
  7. Practices relationship-centered approach
  8. Communicates effectively
  9. Makes sound clinical judgements
  10. Locates, evaluates, and uses the best available evidence

Program Course Requirements

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
First TermCredits
NRS 110 Found of Nrsg-Health Promotion 9
NRS 234 Patho for Nursing 1 2
NRS 237 Pharmacology for Nursing 1 2
 Credits13
Second Term
NRS 112 Found of Nrsg-Acute Care 6
NRS 235 Patho for Nursing 2 2
NRS 238 Pharmacology for Nursing 2 2
 Credits10
Third Term
NRS 111 Found of Nrsg-Chronic Illness 6
NRS 236 Patho For Nursing 3 2
NRS 239 Pharmacology for Nursing 3 2
 Credits10
 Total Minimum Credits33

Program Prerequisites

All Required Prerequisite courses must be completed with C or better and a minimum prerequisite GPA of 3.00 is required to apply. 

MTH 105ZMath in Society (MTH 095 or higher accepted)4
BI 231Anatomy and Physiology I4
BI 232Anatomy and Physiology II4
BI 233Anatomy and Physiology III4
BI 234Microbiology4
Nutrition 23
Human Development 33
WR 121ZComposition I4
Total Minimum Credits30

Advising Notes

  • For more information regarding the program, selection process, and points contact the Nursing program: (541) 440-4614

Program Entrance Requirements

The application process begins the first business day in January of each calendar year with the deadline for submission of applications around February 15. Students are eligible to be considered for admission to the nursing program after completing 28 credit hours of courses from the prerequisite course list. The 28 credits must include BI 231 Anatomy and Physiology (4 cr.) and either MTH 095 Intermediate Algebra (4 cr.) (or higher) by the application deadline. Students are highly encouraged to take MTH 105Z instead of MTH 095. All Required Prerequisite courses must be completed with C or better and a minimum prerequisite GPA of 3.00 is required to apply.

Drug Screening

All nursing students must successfully pass a drug screening test at the time of admission into the Nursing Program and are subject to random drug screening throughout the program. Failure to submit to a random drug screen or having a positive drug screen will result in sanctions per the UCC Student Code of Conduct.

Background Check

Background History Check - All accepted students will be required to undergo a background history check, prior to entering the program. Individuals with a criminal record may not be allowed into a healthcare facility as a student. Because it is not possible to meet the objectives of the program without having clinical experience, anyone with a positive history or abuse history may not be eligible for acceptance in the nursing program.  Additionally, the Oregon State Board of Nursing has limits on eligibility for licensure, as defined in OAR 851-031. Ultimately, licensure may be denied to graduates with a criminal offense and those with a major physical or mental condition that could affect the individual’s ability to practice nursing safely. Completion of RN program or LPN program does not guarantee licensure.

Immunization Status

All accepted students will be required to provide evidence of their current immunization status and need to meet minimum vaccination requirements as mandated by the OHA and outlined in the UCC policy for clinical practice. All nursing students must follow the UCC Nursing Program Student Policy and Procedures Handbook for the current year. Accepted nursing students will be required to provide evidence of their current immunization status for Hep B, MMR, Tdap, Varicella, TB, COVID, and influenza. Additional requirements may be needed for clinical placement

CPR-BLS

Show proof of a current healthcare provider CPR card that includes adult, child and infant CPR & AED from the American Heart Association. 

Technology Requirements 

  • Reliable Internet access
  • PC and MS Word 2013 or newer
  • Cell phone with App and texting capabilities

OSBN Statement

The OSBN screens all applicants for licensure and may deny licensure (or place on probation) applicants with convictions for certain crimes. Licensure applicants with a history of chemical dependence may be required to have a drug and alcohol counselor assessment. Contact the OSBN with any questions. Program completion does not guarantee licensure.