Nursing

There are two different application packages. They both required 45 credit hours of prerequisites but vary on testing, required documentation and deadline dates.  Please make sure you are selecting the correct program when applying.

LPN transition Bridge Program: 

This is for students who are licensed practical nurses (LPN) or licensed vocational nurses (LVN) who now want to become RNs.  The application will require:

• HSRT-AD Test
  • Dates will be posted to schedule the exam at the KCC testing center when application period opens.
• Kaplan PN predictor test
  • Dates will be posted to schedule the exam at the KCC testing center when application period opens.
  • Student must achieve a grade of 69.5% on this exam to be considered.  
• Confirmation of work experience as an LPN/LVN
• Confirmation of licensure
• Completion of ALL 45 credit hours of required pre-requisites by the end of WINTER term 2026.

General Nursing Education Program:

This is for student who planning to study to become a RN or LPN The application will require:

• HSRT-AD Test
  • Dates will be posted to schedule the exam at the KCC testing center when application period opens.
• Kaplan Nursing Entrance Exam
  • Dates will be posted to schedule the exam at the KCC testing center when application period opens.
  • The Kaplan Nursing Entrance Exam contains 4 sections: Writing, reading, math and science
  • The science section has a heavy emphasis on anatomy and physiology content.
  • It is advised that if you have not completed all of your anatomy and physiology that you schedule the exam later in the open period so that you will have completed the majority of your A&P studies prior to taking the test.
• The nursing program is moving towards requiring the completion of ALL 45 credit hours of required pre-requisites by the end of SPRING term  each admission year.
• In order to facilitate this transition for Spring of 2026 students must have completed all 45 credit hours with the exception of BIO 233 and 233 Lab
• If a student is completing Bio 233 and 233 Lab in the summer of 2026 they may be considered for admission as long as all other credits are done.
• In 2027 ALL prerequisites will need to be completed by the end of the Spring 2027 semester.
• Proctored Essay
• Additional points will be provided for:
  • Work in healthcare field
  • Volunteer work
  • Prior Degree
  • Military
  • Proficiency in a second language

Should there be more applicants than spaces in the programs, a points system will be used to rank candidates.   

Once admitted to the program, all students must:

• 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.

Criminal Background

Criminal convictions may prevent an individual from obtaining a nursing license.  The Oregon Board of Nursing can conduct a predetermination evaluation to see if the conviction would preclude licensure.  They review each request on a case-by-case basis.  Not all convictions will prevent a person from licensure.

Contact the Oregon state board of nursing if you need them to conduct such a review.

 https://www.oregon.gov/osbn/Pages/predetermination-request.aspx

 More information can be obtained at

https://www.oregon.gov/osbn/Pages/criminal-history.aspx

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.

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