Image of a female nursing student adjusting a bag valve mask on a nursing sim

Nursing

A.A.

A.N.

Certificate

Nursing is an exciting career with a bright economic future. Nurses make up the largest health care profession in the United States. They work in a variety of settings, including clinics, hospitals, long term care facilities, and community centers. TCC has been successfully training registered nurses for many years. At TCC, we offer quality education and produce competent, skilled nurses who excel in all facets of health care services. We are proud of our graduates.

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The Associate of Nursing degree is designed for students who want to complete their prerequisites and nursing training at the community college level. After finishing the program, graduates are eligible to test to earn the Registered Nurse (RN) credential, and transfer to a university to complete the last 45 credits towards a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
Length

3 Years*

135 Credits

Costs

Typically $1,590.70*

Tuition & Fees

Financial Aid

Program Costs

Academic Info

Core Requirements

Program Map
Getting Started

Review the following information to begin:

Admission Process

Program Packet
Things to Know

Accreditation

Student Achievement Data

Licensure

Essential Requirements

COVID-19 Notice
*Average length to complete and cost to attend is based on a full-time student who is a Washington state resident. The cost displayed refers to quarterly tuition for such a student. Individual program costs and fees may vary.
The LPN to RN nursing program is designed for students who are currently LPNs and want to complete their prerequisites and bridge to nursing training at the community college level. After finishing the 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 Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
Length

3 Years*

135 Credits

Costs

Typically $1,590.70*

Tuition & Fees

Financial Aid

Program Costs

Academic Info

Core Requirements

Program Map
Getting Started

Review the following information to begin:

Admission Process

Program Packet
Things to Know

Accreditation

Student Achievement Data

Licensure

Essential Requirements

COVID-19 Notice
*Average length to complete and cost to attend is based on a full-time student who is a Washington state resident. The cost displayed refers to quarterly tuition for such a student. Individual program costs and fees may vary.
This Pre-Nursing transfer degree is intended for students who want to take science and general education classes at TCC to prepare to transfer to a four-year school and earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Students completing this track are not eligible to take National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for Registered Nursing until they complete their BSN program.

Length

2 Years*

90 Credits

Costs

Typically $1,590.70*

Tuition & Fees

Financial Aid

Program Costs

Academic Info

Core Requirements

Program Map

Transfer Information

This path is designed to prepare students who are planning to transfer at the junior level to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program (BSN) at a 4-year college or university. Students completing the Associate of Arts in Pre-Nursing degree, and who have met the GPA requirement for the BSN program to which they are applying, will have met the prerequisites necessary to apply to most upper-division nursing programs in Washington State.

While in high school, students should pursue all available courses in Mathematics, Chemistry, and Biology.

Students should meet with an advisor as soon as they are admitted to TCC. Many courses have prerequisites that are offered only once or twice a year, and/or are sequential. Careful selection of classes each quarter is necessary to complete the program without delay.

*Average length to complete and cost to attend is based on a full-time student who is a Washington state resident. The cost displayed refers to quarterly tuition for such a student. Individual program costs and fees may vary.
The Nursing Assistant Program prepares students for a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Nursing Assistants work under the direction and supervision of licensed nursing staff, have a great deal of contact with patients, and are responsible for documenting care given. Nursing Assistants have far more contact with residents than any other staff and are expected to develop ongoing relationships with the patients/residents and treat them in a positive, caring way. To be a successful Nursing Assistant, they will work in a multidisciplinary team, be able to follow directions, and have a great deal of patience.
Length

5 Weeks*

10 Credits

Costs

Typically $1,590.70*

Tuition & Fees

Financial Aid

Program Costs

Academic Info

Core Requirements

Tentative Winter Schedule
Program Details

The Nursing Assistant Program is 10 credits, is 5 weeks, and includes CPR certification.

The nursing assistant student must be able to meet the Technical Standards, or required skills and abilities, with or without reasonable accommodation. Please connect with Access Services as needed.

Application cycles open on the following dates:

Winter quarter - November 22nd

Spring quarter - February 20th

Summer quarter - May 20th

NOTE: The applications will close once cohorts are full.

APPLICATION PROCESS

For more information about the Nursing Assistant Program, please email NAC@tacomacc.edu
Certification Process

Nursing assistants must complete a state-approved education program that includes both instruction on the principles of nursing and supervised clinical work. Upon completion of training, students are eligible to take their state examination to become a Nursing Assistant, Certified. The Nursing Assistant Program at TCC is approved by the State of Washington, Department of Health, and Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission.

Students who successfully complete the classroom, skills lab, and clinical requirements will be eligible to take the NNAAP Nurse Aide Exam.
*Average length to complete and cost to attend is based on a full-time student who is a Washington state resident. The cost displayed refers to quarterly tuition for such a student. Individual program costs and fees may vary.

Our nursing graduates will be prepared to provide patient-centered care for diverse groups in the community across the lifespan in a manner that is holistic, caring, and demonstrates advocacy. TCC has been successfully training registered nurses for many years and was recently ranked the third best RN program in Washington state.

Top Transfer Institutions

UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON TACOMA

Washington State UNIVERSITY

UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON

Western Governor's UNIVERSITY

The Industries

Clinics
Hospitals

Long-term care facility
Community health

The Careers

Certified Nursing Assistant

Provide or assist with basic care or support under the direction of onsite licensed nursing staff.

Registered Nurse

Assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records.

Licensed Practical Nurse

Care for ill, injured, or convalescing patients or persons with disabilities in medical institutions.

Nurse Practitioner

Diagnose and treat acute, episodic, or chronic illness, independently or as part of a healthcare team. May focus on health promotion and disease prevention.

Career Explorer

From Our Students

I enjoy the connections I make, not just with fellow nurses but with patients as well. And knowing that I’m making a difference for them in a positive way.”

Emi Bacha
Nursing Graduate

Students in graduation regalia walk across the Japanese bridge on campus

Tuition & Payment

TCC is typically 1/3 the cost of a state university. Find out about how much college costs so you can plan for your finances.

Financial Aid

Nearly 60 percent of all TCC students receive some kind of financial aid to help pay for school. We can help you make an investment in your education.

Ways to Pay

There are resources to help you pay for college, including scholarships, grants, workforce education funding, student emergency funds, and much more.

Veterans Benefits

Service members, military veterans, and their families have unique needs when it comes to furthering their educational goals.

Academic Advising

Connect with your advisor to stay on track and make informed decisions about your future.

Student Learning Centers

Take charge of your education with our Student Learning Centers, offering support to help develop skills and excel in your classes.

Library

The Library is the campus hub for information and research resources.

Access Services

Providing accommodations and support for students with disabilities.

Counseling

TCC Counseling provides free and confidential help to all students.

Food Pantry

The Titan Food Pantry is open to all students, providing food to get you through the day.

Free Bus Pass

All students are eligible for a free ORCA card for transportation through Pierce Transit.

Childcare

The Early Learning Center is a safe, enriching place for children age 12 month to 8 years to learn and grow while you pursue your educational goals.

Career Center

Visit the Career Center to receive career coaching, resume building assistance, and get connected with employers in our area.

Career Explorer

Use the Career Explorer to find out more about future employment opportunities in the area and what each position entails.

Career Assessment

Use the Career Assessment to help you identify what jobs might be a good fit for you, and the programs at TCC that can help you get started.

Student Employment

Explore options for work while you're a student, including work-study positions, internships, and part-time opportunities.

All Student Support

Are you ready to enter the exciting world of healthcare?

Degrees & Certificates

Associate of Nursing, RN Option

Associate of Nursing, LPN to RN Option

Associate of Arts in Pre-Nursing

Nursing Assistant Certificate

Have Any Questions?

The Opportunities Add Up

Top Transfer Institutions

The Industries

The Careers

From Our Students

Support for Success & Well-Being

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