Nursing

Apply to Nursing, associate degree

To join this program, you must apply for admission. This extremely competitive program accepts up to 40 students each fall from a pool of over 400 applicants. Applicants are selected through a point-based system. Competitive applicants have completed the prerequisites by the end of PCC’s fall term prior to the application deadline, and have some healthcare experience.

Applications are processed through a third-party vendor called Nursing Centralized Application Service, or “NCAS”. Students apply and submit all supporting application documents, including transcripts from all colleges attended, directly to NCAS.

Questions? Watch the recorded information session or contact us.

How to apply

  • Apply to PCC

    Applying to PCC is free and only takes a few minutes. Complete this step as soon as possible so you can start using PCC resources. The deadline to apply to PCC for the Nursing 2027 admission period is December 14, 2026.
    Apply to PCC

    Application timeline

    See a detailed admission timeline.

    Term you want to start Apply to Nursing
    Fall 2027 December 2, 2026 – February 15, 2027 at 8:59pm PST
  • Watch the recorded information session

    Before applying to the Nursing program or meeting with your academic advisor, please take the time to watch the recorded admissions information session, which will outline the program structure, prerequisite courses, admissions process, selection criteria, program cost estimate, and next steps.

  • Take prerequisites

    30 of the required 45 prerequisite credits must be completed by the end of PCC’s fall term prior to the 2027 application deadline – learn more about Nursing program prerequisites.

  • Build application to earn points

    The application process has three phases. The first phase is based on a 52-point scale. See details about the point system on the application points page.

    • View all application materials and gather any required documents.
    • Note: PCC and OCNE reserve the right to change or update the selection criteria on an annual basis.
  • Submit transcripts

    PCC requires applicants to submit official transcripts from all colleges attended, including PCC, directly to NCAS. Send transcripts at least two weeks before the application deadline. Do not wait until you have submitted your NCAS application to send your transcripts to NCAS. See more about submitting required transcripts.

  • Phase I: Apply to the Nursing program

    Submit your NCAS application by the February 15, 2027 deadline. The application fee is $70.

  • Phase II: Panel interview and HSRT-AD

    Based on Phase I point totals, the top 80–100 applicants will be invited to Phase II. Applicants will be notified by email (via the email they designated in NCAS). In Phase II, the following items are evaluated to determine who will advance to Phase III:

    • Panel interview: Learn about preparing for the panel interview.
    • Health Sciences Reasoning Test – Associate Degree (HSRT-AD): Phase II applicants will be invited to take part in the HSRT-AD. Read more about taking the HSRT.
      • Note: Previous attempts of the HSRT-AD at PCC or at other institutions cannot be used.
  • Phase III: Post-selection requirements

    Phase II scores alone will determine which applicants receive seat offers and move on to Phase III. Per the OCNE consortium agreement, Phase II scores will not be released to applicants.

    Applicants offered a seat in the program must meet the following requirements for clinical and field education prior to the start of fall term:

    • Pass a criminal background check and a ten-panel drug screen from an agency designated by PCC.
    • Submit proof of current immunizations and American Heart Association CPR/BLS certification for Healthcare Providers.
    • Show successful completion of any and all outstanding prerequisite courses (45 credits) by the end of PCC’s spring term (June 13, 2027).

Admission timeline: Fall 2027

  • Late August 2026: Start building the common Nursing application pieces
    • Create a Nursing CAS (NCAS) account at nursingcas.org.
      • All email notifications will be sent to the email designated while creating your NCAS account. Applicants are responsible for checking this email regularly.
      • Refer to the NCAS website for a helpful week-by-week timeline.
  • December 2, 2026: PCC Nursing application opens in NCAS
    • Applicants are able to add the Fall 2027 PCC-ADN program in NCAS, begin completing PCC-specific requirements, and upload all application materials in NCAS.
    • Send all official transcripts (including PCC transcripts) directly to NCAS. NCAS may take 4-6 weeks to show receipt of your official transcripts. Send official transcripts at least 2-3 weeks prior to the application deadline.
  • December 13, 2026: End of fall term
    • Last day to count prerequisite courses, support courses, healthcare license/credentials, healthcare experience, and complete the PCC ALEKS math placement exam for the 2027 application.
    • If prerequisite courses are in progress during fall term, do not request electronic transcripts to be sent until after January 1 to ensure your fall term course grades are reflected on your official transcript.
  • December 14, 2026: PCC general application deadline
    • Applicants must be admitted to PCC as an active credit-seeking student before applying to the Nursing program.
  • February 15, 2027: Nursing application deadline – 8:59pm PST (11:59pm EST)
    • Once all uploads (official transcripts, healthcare experience verification forms, and supporting license/credential documentation) and sections of the PCC NCAS application are complete, pay the $70 NCAS application fee to submit your application.
      • Applicants cannot modify their application after submission. However, NCAS will still match transcripts to applications after submission.
    • Apply early and track your application process through the NCAS “Check Status” tab – learn how to track your application process.
  • Early April 2027: Phase II notifications
    • Top-scoring applicants in Phase I will receive invitations to participate in Phase II of the selection process. Applicants will be required to confirm participation in Phase II.
  • April 14, 2027: Virtual Phase II orientation
    • Once the Phase II RSVP is received, participants will receive a Zoom link to the virtual Phase II orientation, which will review details on the panel interview and HSRT-AD.
  • April 15–28: Applicants complete the HSRT-AD
    • Phase II applicants will take the online 50-minute HSRT-AD during the above-stated timeframe.
  • April 29–30, 2027: Panel interview
    • Please hold the entire day on April 29 and April 30 for the panel interview.
  • Mid-May 2027: Official seat offer notification
    • Top-scoring Phase II applicants will be offered a seat in the Nursing program.
  • June 4, 2027: First mandatory in-person orientation
    • Admitted and alternate students are required to attend this first mandatory orientation at the Sylvania Campus. Phase III completion resources and timeline will be reviewed. Please hold the entire day.
  • September 10, 2027: Second mandatory in-person orientation
    • Second mandatory in-person orientation. Please hold the entire day.
  • September 20, 2027: Start of the full-time program
    • Phase III requirements must be complete prior to starting the program in the fall.
    • Students will be assigned to a clinical site anywhere in the Portland Metro area and will not be able to choose their rotation time.
      • Students are responsible for ensuring reliable transportation to and from clinical sites.