Registered Nursing, Associate of Applied Science

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. Acceptance to the program allows for co-admission to the community college and Oregon Health Sciences University (OHSU) nursing programs. The program is designed as four years of full-time study, 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 and third years leads to an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) offered by the community college. The program continues for one additional year leading to a Bachelor of Science, Nursing (BS, N) offered by the Oregon Health & Science University. The full program may be completed at the partner school campus.

The first five terms after admission to the nursing program are identical for the associate and bachelor’s work. Term six offers students the ability to complete the AAS degree and provides the eligibility for NCLEX testing to obtain RN licensure. Following completion of the UCC Program, students have the option to complete the upper division nursing courses from OHSU and continue with the curriculum for the final three quarters, culminating with a Bachelor of Science, degree in Nursing. Both the AAS and BS, N degrees meet the educational requirement for the national licensure examination for RN licensure

Program Outcomes

Nursing care competencies recognize that a competent nurse provides safe care across the lifespan directed toward the goals of helping clients (individuals, families or communities), promote health, recover from acute illness and/or manage a chronic illness and support a peaceful and comfortable death. As a member of the Oregon Consortium for Nursing Education, UCC Nursing curriculum supports the following nursing competencies. A competent nurse:

  1. Bases personal and professional actions on a set of shared core nursing values
  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
  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

Career Considerations

The UCC RN program prepares graduates for employment opportunities in the following areas: Long-term care, various hospital departments, hospice, medical offices, home health, rehabilitation, schools, and more.

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
Second Year
First Term
NRS 221 Chronic Illness II 9
 Credits9
Second Term
NRS 222 Acute Care II 9
 Credits9
Third Term
NRS 224 Scope of Practice 9
 Credits9
 Total Minimum Credits60

Advising Notes

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

Prerequisites

MTH 105ZMath in Society (MTH 095 or higher accepted) 14
BI 231Anatomy and Physiology I 64
BI 232Anatomy and Physiology II 64
BI 233Anatomy and Physiology III 64
BI 234Microbiology4
Nutrition 23
Human Development 33
WR 121ZComposition I4
WR 227ZTechnical Writing4
One(1) Course in Psychology3
Two(2) Courses in Social Science 4, 53
Or
Two(2) Courses in Arts & Letters 4, 53
BI 222Intro to Genetics3
Total Minimum Credits46
1

MTH 95 is not a transferable math course. Students that are planning on continuing for their BSN through OHSU should take MTH 105 and STAT 243.

2

This course is required to cover biological functions, dietary sources of essential nutrients, and the relationship of diet to health.  Please submit to the Registrar for acceptable substitutions. FN 225 taken at UCC meets the requirement.

3

This course is required to cover the social and psychological developmental process of human life covering the full life span. Please submit to the Registrar for acceptable substitutions. HDFS 201 or PSY 215 taken at UCC meets the requirement.

4
Can be Social Science, Arts & Letters or a combination of the two, (6) credits required, see current catalog for Social Science and/or Arts & Letters options.
5

At least one course MUST meet the Human Relations requirement as outlined in the catalog under AAS degree requirements.

6

Chemistry (CH 104 or higher) is required prior to taking Human Anatomy & Physiology. Human Anatomy & Physiology must be completed within last ten (10) years

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.  

OHSU Connection

Students should understand that although co-admitted to the Oregon Health Sciences University School of Nursing, those who choose to transition from the UCC Nursing Program to OHSU will have to undergo a background check for OHSU at the time of transition and ability to enroll in OHSU courses may be negatively impacted by any background history in their background.

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 Registered 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

Graduation Requirements

These requirements apply only to nursing students admitted to the program during the current academic year. Students must complete all courses on this advising guide with a grade of C or better to continue in and complete the program, receive their degrees, and meet the educational requirements to apply to take the national licensure exam (NCLEX-RN). 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.