Frequently Asked Questions
Application:
How do I apply?
There are several steps to the application process - information is available on
the Nursing Program Application web page.
How many applicants apply each year? How many students are admitted each year?
Please see the Information and Stats Sheet link on the Nursing Program Application web page.
Each year we have 4 alternates. If alternates are not given a spot in the program, they are guaranteed admission in the next year’s cohort.
Each year we have 4 alternates. If alternates are not given a spot in the program, they are guaranteed admission in the next year’s cohort.
How does COCC's Nursing Program select applicants?
We accept applicants based on a point system. Please refer to the Nursing Selection
Process Handbook. Plan to also attend a Nursing Program Information Session.
Do I have an advantage if I have applied previously and wish to reapply?
No. You will not receive points for reapplication.
Is it better to get my application in early?
We do not process applications until after application deadline in June. Although
we do not recommend waiting until the last minute, there is no advantage to early
submission of the application.
I have submitted my application... when will I know if I have been accepted?
Our goal is to email notifications sent to applicant's COCC email accounts by mid-July.
We offer no guarantee that we will meet that goal. Your status email will only be
sent to your COCC email address so we recommend checking your account regularly.
Program:
What is COCC's success rate on NCLEX and program completion?
What is the cost of COCC's Nursing program?
What financial aid is available for COCC Nursing Students?
Students are eligible for financial aid through the FAFSA. In addition to completing the Nursing Application, students who wish to use financial aid while in the program should also complete the FAFSA financial aid application during the application process. Information can be found on the COCC Financial Aid website. Additionally, once accepted into the Nursing program, students may seek scholarships from private sources, such as fraternal organizations, non-profits, and corporations. Here's some important information from Financial Aid:
- The nursing program is less than 12 credits per term.
- Financial Aid is based on a student’s enrollment status
- 12+ credits is considered Full Time
- Grants and Scholarships = 100%
- 9-11 credits is considered 3/4 Time
- Grants and Scholarships = 50-70% (depending on the fund)
- The exception is the COCC Foundation Scholarship and some OSAC Scholarships
- All other aid must follow federal regulations.
- Will impact Veteran Housing Allowance as well
- Always talk to your Academic Advisor, the Financial Aid Office and the Veteran Certifying Official before adding a course that is not required for the nursing program.
- 12+ credits is considered Full Time
- Timing is everything
- Financial aid is “disbursed” (applied to student accounts) on the 2nd Friday of the term
- Any refund is sent the 3rd week of the term
- Books and Supplies
- COCC Bookstore credits are available about 3-4 weeks prior to the start of the term. (As long as financial aid is fully processed and the student has sufficient funding)
- Any pre-admission expenses – CPR certification, Immunizations, etc. – will need to be covered by the student until financial aid is available the 3rd week to reimburse those expenses (if sufficient funding exists)
- Plan Ahead
Does COCC's Nursing program require full-time attendance?
The admitted Nursing student is enrolled in 9 - 12 credits each term. The curriculum
is demanding and feels like a full-time load. Class, clinical, and study time can
easily consume 40-60 hours a week.
What hours of the day and what days of the week will I be in school?
Times vary, but generally you may be scheduled anywhere between 7am to 11pm Monday
through Friday. The Nursing curriculum consists of class, lab and clinical coursework.
Can students work while in the program?
Once admitted to the program students have the greatest potential for success if
they plan to focus solely on their education. Therefore, we recommend that you not
work. If the you must work, you should work only part-time (8-12 hours a week) if
possible.
How long does it take to complete COCC's Nursing program?
The prerequisites required for application to the Nursing program take 1-2 years to
complete (depending on the student's academic preparedness and class load). Once admitted
the Nursing program is 2 years long, and students attend every fall, winter and spring
term. The student has summer term and winter and spring breaks off while in the program.
Where do COCC Nursing Students Complete their clinical work?
Is it possible to earn a Bachelor's degree in Nursing without leaving Central Oregon?
Yes. After the completion of the AAS in Nursing, students can complete their Bachelor's
of Science in Nursing (BSN) online through Linfield University, Oregon Health Sciences
University, and Bushnell University. Take a look at our Bachelor of Science Completion Program web page
Housing:
Is housing available on the Bend Campus?
I have submitted my application... when will I know if I have been accepted?
Our goal is to email notifications sent to applicant's COCC email accounts by mid-July.
We offer no guarantee that we will meet that goal. Your status email will only be
sent to your COCC email address so we recommend checking your account regularly.