Overview
Overview
The Practical Nursing Program is a one-year Certificate of Specialization (CS) that prepares graduates to provide safe, direct patient care as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in a variety of settings, including acute care, long-term care, home health, and ambulatory care. The program includes classroom study, laboratory application, high-fidelity simulation, and supervised clinical experiences (client care).
Attend an Info SessionDROP-IN ADVISINg thursdaysView Program in Catalog
Contact US
Nursing Department staff are available to assist you in person and online. Do not hesitate to contact our office for assistance.
Healthcare Student Success Coaches
Email
Office Hours
Mon. - Fri.: 8am - 12pm, 1pm - 4pm
Complete a short form and a member of our team will follow up with you right away.
Prerequisites & Helpful Information
Prerequisites, Support and Optional Courses, and Clinical Documentation Requirements
These courses must be completed by August 31st to be eligible to apply to the PN program:
- ENGL& 101 (English Composition I). 2.0 or higher required
- BIOL& 241 (Human Anatomy and Physiology I). 2.0 or higher required
- BIOL& 242 (Human Anatomy and Physiology II). 2.0 or higher required
- PSYC& 100 (General Psychology). 2.0 or higher required
- ACCUPLACER Placement Assessment – Reading section (Next Generation version). A score of 260 or higher is required. Register for assessment at www.olympic.edu/placement
These courses must be completed before starting the PN program. Completion prior to the application deadline is not required but highly recommended. To receive factor points, they must be completed by the August 31st deadline:
- NURSE 151* (Dosage Calculations). 2.2 or higher required
- NURSE 152* (Intro to Pharmacology). 2.2 or higher required
* NURSE 151 and NURSE 152 must be completed by the fall quarter before starting the PN program in winter
Required Support Course:
This course is required for the certificate of specialization. Completion prior to the application deadline is not required but highly recommended. Must be completed by the August 31st deadline to receive factor points:
NUTR& 101* (Human Nutrition, 2.0 or higher required) OR NURSE 118* (Nutrition for Professional Nursing, 2.2 or higher required).
*NUTR& 101 or NURSE 118 must be completed by the end of the first quarter in the PN Program.
Optional Support Course:
This course is not required for the certificate of specialization. Must be completed by August 31st deadline to receive factor points.
ENGL& 102 (Composition II). 2.0 or higher required.
Practical Nursing (PN) Program Costs
Projected Cost Estimate: Practical Nursing Program
Note: Costs are estimates and may be subject to change while in program.
- Tuition and fees listed apply to the 2025-2026 academic year beginning Winter Quarter 2026 and may be changed without notice by the Washington State Legislature and/or Board of Trustees.
- Simulation fee listed is per course with simulation.
- Lab fee is per designated lab course.
- CPR card provided by American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) certification for Health Care Providers.
- All book costs listed are estimates. Uniform costs are also estimated and do not include a required watch with sweep second hand or stethoscope.
- Clinical placement may require a drug screen prior to clinical dependent upon clinical agency and will require an additional fee at MultiCare Occupational Med Location.
- Graduates may choose to apply for a WA-specific or Multistate LPN license.
Winter Quarter
Tuition for 15.5-18.5 credits: OC Tuition & Fees
Technology Fee: $50.00 (max)
Student Services Fee: $50.00 (max)
Security Enhancement Fee: $20.00
Simulation Fee: $21.00
PN Lab Fee: $37.00
Malpractice & Liability Insurance: $22.00
CPR Card (AHA BLS Certification): $92.00
Immunizations/TB Screening: Variable
Books: $1,000.00
Watch with Sweep Second Hand: Variable
Stethoscope: Variable
Scrubs (Including Shoes): $175.00
Name Tag Fee: $10.00
Prac+ Safe: $50.00
Complio (National & WSP background check): $73.00
Lab Coat: $45.00
Laptop (Estimate): $1,500.00
Optional/Additional Items
Webcam (if not included with computer): $40.00–$150.00
Noise Cancelling Headphones (optional): $40.00–$300.00
Spring Quarter
Tuition for 12 credits: OC Tuition & Fees
Technology Fee: $50.00 (max)
Student Services Fee: $50.00 (max)
Security Enhancement Fee: $20.00
Simulation Fee: $21.00
PN Lab Fee: $37.00
Clinical Placement: $39.50 annually
Books: $400.00
Spring Quarter
Tuition for 12 credits: OC Tuition & Fees
Technology Fee: $50.00 (max)
Student Services Fee: $50.00 (max)
Security Enhancement Fee: $20.00
Simulation Fee: $21.00
PN Lab Fee: $37.00
Clinical Placement: $39.50 annually
Books: $400.00
Summer Quarter
Tuition for 10 credits: OC Tuition & Fees
Technology Fee: $50.00 (max)
Student Services Fee: $50.00 (max)
Security Enhancement Fee: $20.00
Simulation Fee: $21.00
Student Services Fee: $50.00 (max)
Security Enhancement Fee: $20.00
Simulation Fee: $21.00
PN Nursing Pin (Estimated): $75.00
OC Certificate Application Fee: $20.00
OC Transcript Fee: $10.50
NCLEX Exam Fee: $200.00
State License Fee (WA): $93.00 or Multistate License Fee: $158.00
Accreditation
The Practical Nursing Program at Olympic College at the Bremerton Campus in Bremerton, WA is approved by the Washington State Board of Nursing (WABON).
The Practical Nursing program at Olympic College at the Bremerton Campus located in Bremerton, Washington is 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 Practical Nursing program is Initial Accreditation.
View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this candidate program.
PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE DISCLOSURE
Olympic College has made a determination that the Practical Nursing curriculum meets educational requirements for licensure/certification in Washington State. The curriculum does not meet educational requirements for licensure/certification outside of Washington State. We encourage students who plan to work out-of-state to check relevant local licensure/certification requirements.
Military & Veteran Programs (MVP)
Olympic College Military & Veteran Programs (MVP) helps military-connected students achieve their educational goals. We strive to provide responsive academic, social, and administrative support to student Veterans, Active Duty, and dependents. If you are a prospective student eligible for VA benefits, please reach out to our MVP office to learn more about veteran benefits.
Explore our Program
Explore our Program
Please self-register for an information system to learn more about the Practical Nursing Program.
Practical Nursing (PN) Application
Please review the Practical Nursing Application Instructions below before completing the application.
Submit the Practical Nursing Online Application Form
- Before you begin your online application, you must have an OC student ID#.
- If you do not have an OC ID#, visit our Admissions page to apply to OC (note: this could take a few days).
- If you have forgotten your OC ID# follow this link to retrieve your ID: Forgot My Password.
Office of Admissions PRACTICAL NURSING PROGRAM APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Office of Admissions
PRACTICAL NURSING PROGRAM
Application instructions for the 2026 cohort.*
*These instructions are subject to change.
(Do not include with your application)
Revised 4/8/2025
Olympic College provides equal educational and employment opportunities without regard to race or ethnicity, creed, color, sex, pregnancy or family status, national origin, age, marital status, religion, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, reliance on public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, or status as a disabled or Vietnam-era veteran in its educational programs, admissions, activities, and employment policies, in keeping with the letter and spirit of all equal opportunity and civil rights laws.
The Practical Nursing (PN) program at Olympic College located in Bremerton, Washington is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and approved by the Washington State Board of Nursing (WABON).
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000
Washington State Board of Nursing (WABON)
P.O. Box 47864
Olympia, WA 98504-7877
(360) 236-4703
The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for Practical Nursing (PN) program is initial accreditation.
View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program on the ACEN website.
Summary
Application to the PN Program is a separate procedure in addition to the application to Olympic College. If you have not applied to Olympic College, you will find admission steps and instructions to apply online on the Admissions webpage before proceeding with this application. The Welcome Center's Virtual Office may be helpful in speeding the application process.
After admission to Olympic College, activate your student accounts (ctcLink, email, and Canvas accounts) before proceeding with the OC PN Program Application. For this application, you will need to gather your OC student ctcLink ID#, OC student email account, and password. For help, visit the Student Accounts webpage.
Complete the online application.
- To access the form, you must sign into your Olympic College Microsoft 365 account.
- Save the unique URL in your web browser when you access the form. You may return to this form at any time during the process by copying the unique URL in the address bar. Information on the page will only be saved when you click "next". To return to your application, paste the URL into your browser.
Healthcare Pathways Student Success Coach Contact Information:
Phone: 360-475-7748, extensions 1 or 5
Email: @email
A print application packet may be requested from the Healthcare Division Office:
1600 Chester Ave.
Bremerton, WA 98337
Building 5, Room 341, Bremerton Campus
Main office phone: 360-475-7748
Main office email: @email
Print application must be submitted by email to @email or in person at:
Olympic College
Office of Admissions, 1st floor, Building 4
Welcome Center
1600 Chester Ave.
Bremerton, WA 98337
Or submit by US mail to:
Olympic College
Attn: Office of Admissions, 1st floor, Building 4
1600 Chester Ave.
Bremerton, WA 98337
Student Disability Services
Olympic College is committed to providing access to higher education for students with disabilities. Any student with a permanent or temporary disability is encouraged to contact Student Disability Services at (360) 475-7540 or email @email to discuss appropriate accommodations.
Part 1: Application Timeline
The Application Deadline
The Practical Nursing application deadline is August 31st. Application and all supporting documents must be received by the deadline. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as they are eligible.
When to Apply
Applicants may submit the application and all supporting documents when they have completed the following:
Accuplacer Assessment. Minimum score of 260 on the Reading Comprehension section of the Next Generation version of the Accuplacer is required. Please note: Reading scores from other assessment tools are not accepted.
Required prerequisite courses with a 2.0 grade or higher by the August 31st deadline:
- ENGL& 101- English Composition I
- PSYC& 100 – Introduction to Psychology
- BIOL& 241 – Anatomy and Physiology I*
- BIOL& 242 – Anatomy and Physiology II
* CHEM& 121 and BIOL& 160 are required prerequisites for BIOL& 241.
- AND have completed or are registered for the following prerequisite courses in fall quarter:
- NURSE 151** – Dosage Calculation
- NURSE 152** – Pharmacology
**NURSE 151 and NURSE 152 must be completed with a 2.2 (80%) or above.
- The following required support courses do not need to be completed before applying but are awarded factor points for successful completion with a 2.0 grade or higher by the August 31st deadline. Must be completed in first year of program:
NURSE 118*** – Nutrition for Professional Nursing OR NUTR& 101 – Human Nutrition
***NURSE 118 must be completed with a 2.2 (80%) or above.
- The following support courses are optional, but awarded factor points for successful completion with a 2.0 grade or higher by the August 31st deadline:
- ENGL& 102 – English Composition II
Part 2: Application Checklist
All Applicants
- Review the Nursing Program website and FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions).
- Attend an Information Session (dates and times available on the website).
- Meet with a Healthcare Student Success Coach if you need assistance with planning or have more questions (this can be scheduled with @email).
- Complete Accuplacer placement assessment if needed for Math and English. If you have already completed math and English classes, the Reading Comprehension section is still required of all applicants. Visit the OC Placement website for testing information or contact the Assessment and Testing Center at 360-475-7238.
- Complete online application.
- Submit the following documents with your online application:
- Official Accuplacer Reading Comprehension Proficiency Test scores. Reading scores from any other placement exams will not be accepted.
- Reflective Statement describing how your unique experiences and attributes (background, identity, culture, beliefs, values, or experiences) will contribute to your success in the Practical Nursing Program and align with the Olympic College Nursing Program Mission. The reflective statement should be no more than two pages, double-spaced, size 12 font (Arial or Times New Roman) with 1-inch margins.
- Current resume describing the specific activities and responsibilities of your professional and academic experiences. Include any activities, certifications, and skills relevant to healthcare. Please indicate any languages spoken and proficiency on the resume if seeking cultural wealth points for being multilingual. The resume should be no more than two pages, size 12 font (Arial or Times New Roman), with 1-inch margins.
- Verification of Washington State healthcare professional licensure, if applicable.
- Submit DD214 and DD215 (if applicable) to verify military service, if applicable.
- Letter(s) documenting qualification for the following state or federally awarded financial aid programs (if applicable): Basic Food Employment and Training (BFET) Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Opportunity Grant, Worker Retraining, Pell Grant, Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA), Washington State Need Grant, Free and Reduced Lunches. Award letters must be dated within 12 months of the application deadline.
Applicants who have attended any institution other than Olympic College
- Complete the course review process for biology or nursing support courses (courses from other colleges/universities may not be equivalent) if applicable (pg. 9).
- Submit official transcripts from ALL colleges other than Olympic College.
- Electronic official transcripts can be sent to evaluators@olympic.edu. Sealed official transcripts can be mailed to: Olympic College, Registration & Records, 1600 Chester Ave., Bremerton, WA 98337.
- You must provide an official transcript from each school you have attended, even if the course(s) was from a non-accredited school, was taken for “no credit,” or is not applicable to nursing. Showing transferred courses on one transcript will not be considered.
- If courses are in-progress in the summer quarter, and you are attending a school other than Olympic College, you will be required to submit official transcripts as soon as summer grades are posted; transcripts must be received no later than August 31st. Failure to do so will make your application ineligible.
- If you took Advanced Placement courses in high school, you must submit a copy of your scores from the College Board.
Submit a Transcript Evaluation Request.
Part 3: Application Process
Admission Procedure
The program is open to all qualified candidates and is a full-time program. The program admits students during winter quarter only. Acceptance is based on a factoring system that includes academic and non-academic metrics.
Application to the Practical Nursing Program is a separate process from the application to Olympic College. Enrollment in the Practical Nursing Program is limited; therefore, admission to Olympic College does not guarantee admission to the Practical Nursing Program. Formal application to the Practical Nursing Program should be made when the applicant has completed or is registered for their last prerequisite course. The Practical Nursing Application MUST be received NO LATER THAN August 31st of the academic year the applicant anticipates entering the Practical Nursing Program.
Admission Requirements
- Fluency in the English language (reading comprehension and writing); a necessary requirement for licensure as a nurse.
- Achieve a 260 on the Accuplacer Next Generation Reading Assessment. Contact the Assessment and Testing Center at https://www.olympic.edu/student-life-support/enrollment-services/assessment-testing-services/placement to schedule. The Reading Comprehension Test is required for ALL applicants regardless of background or previous degrees. Test is required for ALL applicants regardless of background or previous degrees.
- Completion of the following prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of 2.0 in each course:
- BIOL& 241 – Anatomy & Physiology I*
- BIOL& 242 – Anatomy & Physiology II*
- ENGL& 101 – English Composition I
- PSYC& 100 – Introduction to Psychology
*CHEM& 121 and BIO& 160 are required prerequisites for BIOL& 241 and BIOL& 260 at Olympic College.
- Applicants must have completed NURSE 151** and NURSE 152** or be registered in them for fall quarter at the time of the application deadline. Minimum grade requirements: **NURSE 151 and NURSE 152 must be completed with a 2.2 (80%) or above.
- Courses completed in the summer quarter with the minimum required GPA will be included in the student's file for winter admission consideration.
- Current Washington State Nursing Assistant Certification is not required to apply, but highly recommended.
The application and supporting documents must be received no later than August 31st for priority consideration (i.e., late applications will only be considered based on Nursing Program discretion). Olympic College is not responsible for errors in submitting applications. The applicant is responsible for verifying that all required documentation is received by the Office of Admissions. Applications and transcripts received after August 31st may not be considered for admission to the program for that year. Applications will be reviewed in the order they are received. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. All application materials become the property of Olympic College.
Part 4: Additional Admissions Information
Important Note About Retaking Classes
Students can take a prerequisite or support course up to three times. If an applicant has retaken a required course multiple times, the grade for the most recent attempt will be considered. If the grade for the final attempt for a required class is below the minimum GPA required, the student will be considered ineligible for application to the application to the Olympic College Practical Nursing program.
Students with Previous Nursing Education
Students who have completed formal nursing education at Olympic College or any higher education institution must complete prerequisite coursework, meet grade requirements, and enter the applicant pool. If a student started a nursing program outside of Olympic College but did not complete the program for any reason, the student must provide a letter from the previous nursing school’s chief nurse administrator (e.g., Dean or Director) stating they left in good standing. If accepted to the Practical Nursing Program, previous coursework may be reviewed to determine advanced standing.
Past Disciplinary Action Petition Letter
Students with official disciplinary action or warning or deemed “not in good standing” at Olympic College or any previous higher education institution must include an admission petition letter as part of their application materials. The petition letter must address the disciplinary action, contributing factors, and a mitigation plan to promote future success. Nursing Program entry is NOT an option if the student was disciplined due to a critical safety element.
Background Inquiry
Students who have any previous legal charge or conviction must include a letter indicating the nature of the charge and final disposition with their application. For all students accepted to the Associate Degree in Nursing program, a national background inquiry completed by Certified Background is required to disclose any history of criminal record or abusive behavior (Child/Adult Abuse Information Act, RCW; 43.43.830 through 43.43.840). If the results of this information cause any clinical agency to deny you privileges to rotate through that agency, withdrawal from the Practical Nursing Program will be required.
The WA State Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF) hopes to help individuals who have a founded finding of child abuse or neglect in their past that is preventing them from gaining employment. By applying for and gaining a Certificate of Parental Improvement (CPI), DSHS will no longer automatically disqualify you from working in a Long-Term Care facility and the facility must do a suitability review.
Re-entering Olympic College Practical Nursing Program Students
Reentering Olympic College Practical Nursing Program students must submit a Practical Nursing Admissions Application and credential requirements to be eligible to re-enroll. The deadline is two weeks after the final re-entry petition decision.
Part 5: Course Review Process
Who Needs to Complete a Course Review?
Students who took science classes (anatomy and physiology I and II) outside Washington State or from The Evergreen State College must have their classes reviewed to ensure equivalency to the classes required for the Nursing program (BIOL& 241, BIOL& 242). Students taking science courses from a Washington State college or university will not generally need a formal course review, though a course review may be required if equivalency cannot be determined.
Students who took the following course(s) at a college or university other than Olympic College will also need to complete the course review process:
- Dosage Calculation
- Pharmacology
To complete the course review process, please provide copies of the required documents to the Healthcare Student Success Coach via email to @email. Please keep all original documents.
Required documents for a course review:
- Syllabus (not course description) with lab component clearly listed and
- Unofficial transcript showing the listed courses and grade received.
- ALL course review documents must be submitted before the August 31st deadline.
Part 6: Selection of Applicants
Acceptance into the Practical Nursing Program is based on a factoring system that includes academic and non-academic metrics. Once applications and supporting documents are received, an admission score is determined according to a factoring system and applicants are ranked according to the total number of factor points.
Factor points are only awarded if courses/requirements are completed by the application deadline. If a student retakes a course, the most recent attempt is used for assigning factor points.
ACADEMIC METRICS: PREREQUISITE & SUPPORT COURSES (weighted at 60%)
Category | Course | 0 Points | 1 point | 2 points | 3 points | Total Possible |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Prerequisite | ENGL& 101 | <2.00 | 2.00-2.89 | 2.90-3.49 | 3.50-4.00 | 3 |
Prerequisite | PSYC& 100 | <2.00 | 2.00-2.89 | 2.90-3.49 | 3.50-4.00 | 3 |
Prerequisite | BIOL& 241 | <2.00 | 2.00-2.89 | 2.90-3.49 | 3.50-4.00 | 3 |
Prerequisite | BIOL& 242 | <2.00 | 2.00-2.89 | 2.90-3.49 | 3.50-4.00 | 3 |
Prerequisite | NURSE 151* | <2.20 | 2.20-2.89 | 2.900-3.49 | 3.50-4.00 | 3 |
Prerequisite | NURSE 152* | <2.20 | 2.20-2.89 | 2.90-3.49 | 3.50-4.00 | 3 |
Required Support Course | NURSE 118 (or NUTR& 101) | <2.20 <2.00 | 2.20-2.89 (or 2.00-2.89) | 2.90-3.49 | 3.50-4.00 | 3 |
Optional Support Course | ENGL& 102 | <2.00 | 2.00-2.89 | 2.90-3.49
| 3.50-4.00
| 3
|
*Applicants must complete NURSE 151 and NURSE 152 by summer quarter before starting the program. Students who have successfully completed NURSE 151 & NURSE 152 at the time of the application deadline will be awarded points toward ranking.
NON-ACADEMIC METRICS: APPLICATION MATERIALS (weighted at 30%)
Category | Criterion | 1 point | 2 points | 3 points | Total Possible |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Reflective Statement | Experiences & Attributes | See rubric | See rubric | See rubric | 3x2 = 6 |
Reflective Statement | Formatting | See rubric | See rubric | See rubric | 3 |
Resume | Education, employment, experience | See rubric | See rubric | See rubric | 3 |
Resume | Activities, certifications, skills | See rubric | See rubric | See rubric | 3 |
Resume | Formatting | See rubric | See rubric | See rubric | 3 |
Healthcare Experience | None = 0 points | <1 year | 1-2 years | > 2 years | 3 |
CULTURAL WEALTH & BONUS POINTS (weighted at 10%)
Category | Description | Points Awarded | Total Possible |
|---|---|---|---|
Financial Need | Award letter verifying qualification for the following state or federally awarded financial aid programs: BFET, TANF, Opportunity Grant, Worker Retraining, Pell Grant, Washington College Grant, Free and Reduced Lunches. |
| 1 |
Multilingual | Multilingual (Languages must be noted on resume to receive point. Also accepted are Certified Medical Interpreter and ASL Certification.) |
| 1 |
Military/Veteran | Must include DD214 or DD215 with application materials to receive point. |
| 1 |
First Generation | First Generation College Student (First-generation college students are students whose parent(s) did not complete a 4-year college or university degree, regardless of other family member’s level of education.) |
| 1 |
Rollover | Rollover (for applicants who are eligible but not accepted on their first attempt). Awarded one time only per qualified applicant. |
| 1 |
OC Graduate | Graduate of an Olympic College Healthcare Program or Pre-Nursing DTA |
| 1 |
Reflective Statement
The Reflective Statement should be no more than two pages, double-spaced, size 12 font (Arial or Times New Roman) with 1-inch margins. Reflective Statements will be reviewed and scored by Olympic College Nursing Program faculty and staff. Olympic College Nursing Program reserves the right to process submissions through a plagiarism checker.
Provide three or more samples of how your unique experiences and attributes (background, identity, culture, beliefs, values, or experiences) will contribute to your success in the Practical Nursing Program and align with the Olympic College Nursing Program Mission:
We are committed to:
Facilitating an interactive environment that fosters growth and maximizes the potential of each individual student to achieve high academic and ethical standards,
Developing reflective, caring students who demonstrate professional behavior and commitment to lifelong learning,
Empowering students to optimize the health and wellness of diverse communities, and
Challenging students to become responsible decision makers and to be accountable for the consequences of their actions.
Criteria | 1 point | 2 points | 3 points | Total Possible |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Description of Experiences and Attributes | Includes adequate description, analysis, and reflection of experiences and attributes, but does not make connections to the Olympic College (OC) Nursing Program Mission | Includes adequate description, analysis, and reflection of experiences and attributes, but gives 1-2 examples that align with the OC Nursing Program Mission | Includes comprehensive description, analysis, and reflection of experiences and attributes, providing 3 or more examples that align to the OC Nursing Program Mission | 3x2 = 6 |
Formatting, Grammar, and Spelling | Missing 2 or more of the formatting criteria Many spelling or grammar errors | Missing 1 or more of the formatting criteria Some spelling or grammar errors | Followed formatting guidelines: No more than 2 pages, double-spaced, 12 size font (Arial/Times New Roman), 1-inch margins No spelling or grammar errors | 3 |
Resume
The Resume should be no more than two pages, size 12 font (Arial or Times New Roman) with 1-inch margins. The resume should describe the specific activities and responsibilities of your professional, volunteer, and academic experiences. Include any activities, certifications, and skills relevant to healthcare. Please indicate any languages spoken and fluency on the resume if seeking cultural wealth points for being multilingual. Resumes will be reviewed and scored by Olympic College Nursing Program faculty and staff.
Criteria | 1 point | 2 points | 3 points | Total Possible |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Education AND Employment, Volunteer, and Relevant Healthcare Experience | Missing “education” or “relevant employment, volunteer, and experience” elements or nothing is listed for this criterion | Education is listed; employment, volunteer, and experience are listed, but not relevant to healthcare | Education is listed; employment, volunteer, and experience are listed and relevant to healthcare | 3 |
Activities, Certifications, and/or Skills | Nothing listed for this criterion | Activities, certifications, and skills listed, not relevant to healthcare | Activities, certifications, and skills listed and relevant to healthcare | 3 |
Formatting, Grammar, and Spelling | Missing 2 or more of the formatting criteria Many spelling or grammar errors | Missing 1 or more of the formatting criteria Some spelling or grammar errors | Followed formatting guidelines: No more than 2 pages, 12 size font (Arial/Times New Roman), 1-inch margins No spelling or grammar errors | 3 |
Tie Breakers:
In the event of a tie, the following tie breakers will be used in order (1-5) to determine ranking for admission:
- Combined GPA of prerequisite courses (ENGL& 101, PSYC& 100, BIOL& 241, and BIOL& 242)
- NURSE 151 and 152 completed by August 31st
- Number of support courses (ENGL& 102, NURSE 118 or NUTR& 101) completed by August 31st
- Combined GPA of the support courses
- Overall cumulative GPA for all colleges attended
Part 7: Post-Application: What to Expect
Office of Admissions Timelines
- Practical Nursing Admissions Application and all supporting documents must be submitted to the Office of Admissions by August 31st.
- Practical Nursing Admissions Applications received after August 31st may not be considered for the upcoming cohort.
- All students whose application materials (prerequisites and required documentation) are not complete may need to apply for the following year's cohort.
- Applicant files will be reviewed by the Office of Admissions. A letter will be sent to applicants advising them of any missing documents, Incomplete applications turned in within the last three weeks of August are not guaranteed to receive notification from the Admissions Office prior to the application deadline. Therefore, applicants are strongly encouraged to submit application materials as soon as they are eligible to apply. Any required documents missing from the application packet will make your application ineligible for the current year and ineligible to receive a rollover point.
- The Practical Nursing Admissions Committee will meet after the deadline to determine admission to the winter cohort.
- The admission letters for the PN program will be sent via email (listed on the application) by the Admissions Department (not the Nursing Program). Students will be notified of their status before December 1st.
- Please do not contact Admissions or Nursing before December 1st about acceptance letters.
- After December 1st, if you have not received notification of your status, you may contact Selective Admissions at 360-475-7206.
Admissions are granted for a specific cohort year, as noted in the acceptance letter. Students who have been offered admission but do not enter the program for the specific cohort year must submit a new application to be considered for a future cohort year in the Practical Nursing Program by the August 31st deadline.
Eligible applicants not admitted must submit a new application by the August 31st deadline for the next cohort year to be considered a rollover applicant. It is not necessary to resubmit official transcripts unless additional classes have been taken at institutions outside of Olympic College.
Students who have been offered admission will be required to attend mandatory Practical Nursing Program orientation sessions prior to the beginning of winter quarter.
Part 8: Practical Nursing Program Clinical Experiences
The Olympic College Practical Nursing Program includes clinical experiences in patient care at cooperating health care facilities. The clinical agencies require students to provide evidence of the following prior to beginning clinical experiences:
- Current immunizations, uploaded to and confirmed by Nursing Program staff;
- National Background Check, Washington State Patrol Background Check, and Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) background check within acceptable parameters of clinical agencies;
- Annual criminal history disclosure;
- Current Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers Certification (American Heart Association for the Healthcare Provider) that is valid through the expected date of graduation;
- Non-refundable liability and malpractice insurance (purchased through Olympic College fees);
- Proof of personal health insurance; and
- Learning modules and trainings as required by clinical facilities.
For more information, please see the Clinical Documentation Requirements link.
Please do not turn in documents pertaining to items 1-7 above with your application. Applicants accepted into the Practical Nursing Program must attend a mandatory Clinical Documentation Orientation. We recommend that all applicants wait to start the documentation process until after attending the Clinical Documentation Orientation.
Applicants who have chronic health conditions or disabilities which require alterations to the program of study as approved by the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission, or which prevent the practice of Practical Nursing with reasonable skill and safety, should be aware of the possibility that they may not be eligible to sit for the National Council Licensing Exam (NCLEX) or obtain a license to practice Nursing. Questions should be addressed directly to the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission, Nurse Practice Advisor at (360) 236-4725.
Student Achievement Data - Program Outcomes
National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) Pass Rates
National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) Pass Rates
Expected Level of Achievement (ELA): NCLEX PN pass rate of 80% (or greater) for first-time test-takers within 12 months.
| Year | # tested | # passed on 1st attempt | % passed on 1st attempt | Ultimate passed | Ultimate Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 19 | 18 | 95% | 19 | 100% |
| 2022 | 19 | 18 | 95% | 18 | 95% |
| 2023 | 24 | 24 | 100% | 24 | 100% |
| 2024 | 21 | 20 | 95% | 21 | 100% |
Data based on NCSBN NCLEX - PN reports
Program Completion
Expected Level of Achievement (ELA): Program completion data: 80% (or greater) complete within 100% of program length.
| Year | # in Cohort | # On-time Graduates | On-time Completion Rate | # Ultimate Graduates | Ultimate Completion Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 19 | 19 | 100% | n/a | na |
| 2022 | 18 | 17 | 94% | 18 | 100% |
| 2023 | 26 | 24 | 92% | 24 | 92% |
| 2024 aggregate | 24 | 22 | 92% | 23 | 96% |
Completion is defined by ACEN as the percentage of those who complete the program of study “on time” per the program plan. Any PN student who starts the program in the winter and completes the following academic year (within 4 quarters) is considered an on-time completer. Any CM-PN student who starts in the summer and completes in fall (within 2 quarters) is considered an on-time completer.
“Ultimate” completion considers those students who exit and re-enter the program and ultimately complete within 12 months of their original anticipated graduation (e.g., a student who originally would have graduated in Spring 2024, exits and re-enters, and graduates in Spring 2025).
Job Placement
Expected Level of Achievement (ELA): Job placement data: 80% of survey respondents report employment as a PN or enrollment in an academic progression program within 6 months of graduation.
| Employment Statistic | 2021-2022 | 2022-2023 | 2023-2024 | 2024-2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| # respondents | 21 | 17 | 11 | 20 |
| # employed @ 6 months | 21 | 15 | 9 | 19 |
| % employed @ 6 months | 100% | 94% | 82% | 95% |