Career Spotlight: Nursing
Registered nurses provide high-level care to patients in a variety of settings – from hospitals to inside private homes. They routinely administer treatments and medicine, record patient information, collaborate with doctors and other healthcare providers, and help create care plans for patients to help them achieve their best possible outcome, and optimize their health. They do life-saving work and are responsible for a wide variety of duties.
Registered nurses are in high-demand in hospitals, clinics, surgery centers, assisted
living facilities, hospice, and more. Registered nurses can work a variety of shifts,
part-time or full-time, or on-call – allowing for incredible flexibility. In Washington,
registered nurses typically earn $43.10 per hour or $91,310 per year, according to
the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
At Centralia College, the nursing program is a highly competitive program. Because the training is hands-on and very detailed, only 24 students are admitted each year. And, students must come prepared by taking a significant number of prerequisite courses.
“It’s typical for students to spend a year or so earning their prerequisites even before entering the nursing program,” said Ellen Hinderlie, CC’s nursing director. “It’s a very competitive program, so grades are important. We encourage everyone interested in nursing to work closely with an advisor and get on track with their prerequisites early.”
CC typically starts taking applications for the nursing program in January with classes starting in September. The program is full-time and takes two years to complete.
Students who successfully complete the nursing program will receive an Associate in Applied Science-Transfer degree, and be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nursing (NCLEX-RN). This license is required to work as a registered nurse.
In addition to preparing students for the nursing profession, the nursing degree provides science and general education courses appropriate for students planning to transfer into selected four-year bachelor's degree programs.
Prerequisite courses for nursing are offered every quarter. Learn more about CC's Nursing program.