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Nursing

The Nursing AAS program provides students the academic and clinical preparation necessary to take the national licensure examinations. The purpose of the program is to graduate qualified individuals from rural communities and encourage them to practice nursing in a rural area.

The 2024 Application for Nursing is now available!

The 2024 LPN to RN Bridge Application is now available!

For more information regarding credentialing and accreditation please see the Accreditation page.

This program may provide prior learning credit and extended learning opportunities for persons previously or currently employed in related professions.

For more information see the Credit for Prior Learning page.

Available Degrees and Certificates with Curriculum Maps

Associate of Applied Science

One Year Certificate

FAQ

What is the admission process for the program?

Applicants must pass a background check (prior arrests, charges and/or convictions will be considered on case by case basis and do not result in an automatic disqualification). The Oregon State Board of Nursing will also conduct a criminal background check prior to issuing a license. Information about their process can be found at: https://www.oregon.gov/osbn/pages/criminal-history.aspx

Applicants must pass a drug screen. Students may not test positive for any illegal substances as determined by Federal law.

Each applicant must complete the appropriate application for admission.  Only complete applications will move forward in the selection process. After the application deadline, eligible students will be contacted for the next phase of the admission process.

Traditional entry applicants can expect to participate in a national standardized pre-admission exam(s), word processed short answer essay questions, and an interview with a panel of select individuals.

To qualify as an applicant for traditional entry into the RN program, the applicant must:

  • Complete at minimum, 30 credits of prerequisite coursework with a letter grade of “C” or better and maintain a cumulative prerequisite GPA of 3.0 or higher. All pre-requisite courses are required to be completed with a grade of C or above prior to starting the nursing program fall term, while maintaining an average of 3.0 GPA or higher.
  • Submit an official copy of transcripts showing completion of the required prerequisite and support courses (or their equivalents).

Prior to entry into the program, accepted traditional students must be able to:

  • Show evidence of a negative TB status (within six months prior to entry).
  • Show proof of current immunity against rubella, measles, mumps, diphtheria, tetanus, varicella, and hepatitis B.
  • Show a current CPR for healthcare providers card (issued by the American Heart Association). 
  • Pass a background check. 
  • Pass a drug screen.

Entry into the Nursing AAS program is competitive, and space is limited, so not all applicants will be admitted.

What states can I apply for a Registered Nurse license after completing the program at Klamath Community College (KCC)?

KCC RN program prepares candidates to apply for RN licensure in the state of Oregon. The program may also prepare candidates for other states, however, KCC has not made a determination that our curriculum meets other states educational requirements for licensure. Candidates in all states are required to successfully complete the same licensing exam (NCLEX-RN) and in general, RN licenses are transferable between all US states through reciprocity. RNs must be licensed or otherwise approved by the respective state board of nursing to practice as an RN in the state they are currently working.

I don't want to work in a hospital. What non-traditional nursing options are there for me?

Only about 50% of actual nursing positions are at "traditional" places of employment. Plenty of other options exist.
Non-traditional careers in nursing
School nurse
Occupational health
Case management
Administration
Research
Flight/Transport Group home
Hospice
Insurance companies
Correctional facilities
Quality Education
Mental health
Private homes
Public health
Informatics
Staff Development
Camps
Courts of law

How does an associate degree in nursing (ADN) differ from a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)?1

More and more employers are requiring a BSN, so for those looking to receive/have already received a ADN, a BSN is the next step. A BSN is a four-year degree and an ADN is a two-year degree. Nurses with a BSN are allowed to work in some fields that a RN is not. If you want to continue your education after earning an ADN, you can continue working while pursuing your BSN.

What can you do with an associate degree in nursing?1 

After earning your degree and passing the NCLEX-RN exam, you will be qualified for a staff nurse (an entry level position) for a hospital, nursing facility, or other health care services. Some hospitals even offer internships to new nurses to help them gain knowledge in specialty areas.

What can you do with a bachelor's degree in nursing?1

Those with BSNs are offered more responsibility than those with an associate degree. You could work in several settings from public/private hospitals, physicians' offices, home health care services, to nursing facilities. Those with a BSN are more likely to work in a supervisory capacity.
Those who gain their BSN must also pass the national licensing exam and a background check.

What can you do with a Master of Science in Nursing?2 

Those with a master's degree in nursing (MSN) choose a specialty. Specialties include:
  • nurse midwife,
  • nurse practitioner,
  • clinical nurse specialist, or
  • nurse anesthesiologist.
All of these specialties have areas of specialization within them, as well. Once you gain a MSN you can work in a specialized field or become a nurse educator. Nurse educators teach in colleges, universities, junior colleges, hospitals, and technical/trade schools.
 

1. http://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/nursing/blog/what-can-you-do-with-associate-degree-in-nursing/ 2.http://www.allnursingschools.com/msn/

Careers in Nursing

Median Annual Salary

  • United States:
    $77,600
  • Oregon State:
    $102,180
  • Klamath Region:
    $101,852

2021-2030 Employment Projection

12.1% Growth

Entry Level Educational Requirements:

Bachelor's Degree
 

Prospective Jobs

Potential careers in nursing
Private Hospital Nursing Facilities Physician's Office/Clinic
Public Hospital Assisted Living Facility Home Health Agency

All data was gathered from the State of Oregon Employment Department and Bureau of Labor Statistics.
 
Data provided for a registered nurse position. For a different employment forecast, visit the State of Oregon Employment Department.

Contact Nursing

Allison Sansom MSN, RN
Dean of Nursing and Health Sciences
541-880-2223