Associate Degree in Nursing

A Student-Centered Progression

A pre-licensure Associate Degree in Nursing (DTA/MRP) gives you a great start on the path to career advancement in the high-demand, high-wage world of nursing . After completing 135 credits (includes pre-requites courses) for your associate degree at TCC, you can transfer to multiple different college/universities to get your BSN with just 45 more credits...and after that, how far you choose to take your education is up to you.

Because you complete the first three years of a four-year degree at a community college, the DTA/MRP degree allows you to spend significantly less money on your BSN.

General Degree Option

The Associate in Nursing Degree (DTA/MRP) two-year traditional nursing program is designed for students who want to complete their prerequisites and nursing training at the community college level. After finishing prerequisites and our two year program, graduates are eligible to:

• test to earn the Registered Nurse credential, and
• transfer to a university to complete the last 45 credits towards a Bachelors in Science in Nursing (BSN). 

Associate in Nursing Program Packet

LPN to RN (Advanced Standing) Option

The Associate in Nursing Degree (DTA/MRP) LPN to RN nursing program is designed for students who are currently LPNs and want to complete their prerequisites and nursing training at the community college level.  After finishing prerequisites and our one year program, graduates are eligible to:

• test to earn the Registered Nurse credential, and
• transfer to a university to complete the last 45 credits towards a Bachelors in Science in Nursing (BSN).  

LPN to RN Nursing Packet

Accreditation

The Associates in Nursing Program at Tacoma Community College at the Tacoma campus in Tacoma, Washington is approved by the Washington State Board of Nursing (WABON) and accredited by the:

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000

The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Associates in Nursing program is Continuing Accreditation.

View the public information disclosed by ACEN regarding this program at their website Click Here.

Student Resources

• Nursing Student Handbook
• College Catalog
• Access Services - Access Services provides reasonable accommodations and support services for students with disabilities 
• Testing Accommodations - Students using testing accommodations must also schedule their tests with the Certification and Testing Center (not Access Services). This should be done with as much advance notice as possible. This process is explained in greater detail during the student’s intake appointment. The instructor will then receive an email from the Testing Center asking for the test to be sent to them. The instructor will complete the form “Instructions for Use of Access Services Accommodated Testing” and return it to the Testing Center with the test. When the test is complete it will be sent to the instructor for grading. 

Note: All students are responsible for all requirements of each specific course in the nursing program and accommodation for special needs does not guarantee that the same accommodation will be made for the student when taking the NCLEX exam for licensure.

A temporary disability will be handled in the same way as a permanent one. A written release from a primary care provider may be required to clear the student to perform all tasks.

Board of Nursing Professional Licensure Requirements (Updated December 2022)

In accordance with U.S. Department of Education Regulation 34 CFR 668.43 (a) (5) (v), the Nursing Program at TCC has verified that our graduates are eligible for RN licensure in Washington, Idaho, and Oregon. No determination has been made as to whether TCC nursing graduates are eligible for professional licensure in other states. Information regarding each state’s RN licensing requirements can be found on the National Council of State Boards of Nursing website.