Nursing Students

Admissions will review only applications submitted during the specified submission periods. The program utilizes a random selection process. To be considered for selection, all of the following requirements must be completed prior to submitting your application.

1. Activate Highline Student Account 
   • First-time Highline students must first apply for general admission to Highline College. Once your application is processed, you will receive a Welcome Letter via email with instructions for activating your Highline Student Account. 
     • We recommend submitting the general admission application at least 1-2 weeks in advance. 
   • Current or former Highline students who already have a ctcLink ID number can skip this step. 
   • If you are a former Highline college but do not have a ctcLink ID number, please submit the general application.
2. Completion of a Nursing Assistant training program approved by the Washington State Board of Nursing or holding an active and unrestricted NAC license by the application deadline. Use the links below to view samples of the required documents:
   • Completion of a Nursing Assistant training program.
     • See sample certificate completion certificate.
   • Nursing Assistant Certification.
     • See screenshot of credential verification search.
   • NAC verification printout from the Department of Health website.
     • See sample verification printout.
   • We will accept an LPN license in lieu of an NA-C license. Students applying with an LPN license should be prepared to complete the full AAS RN program.
3. Completion of prerequisite classes from a U.S. regionally accredited college or university with a minimum of 4.5 credits and 3.0 minimum grade in each class (2.7 minimum grade for math). Each class can be attempted no more than 3 times.
   • BIOL& 241 (Human Anatomy & Physiology I)  
   • BIOL& 242 (Human Anatomy & Physiology II) 
   • BIOL& 260 (Microbiology) 
   • CHEM& 131 (Introduction to Organic/Biochemistry)
   • CMST& 240 (formerly CMST 200, Intercultural Communication) or CMST& 210 (Interpersonal Communication), CMST& 220 (Public Speaking), or any 200-level communication course focusing on interpersonal interaction with diverse populations.
   • ENGL& 101 (English Composition I), or ENGL&102 (English Composition II), or ENGL&235 (Technical Writing)
   • MATH& 146 (Introduction to Statistics) 
   • NUTR& 101 (Nutrition)
   • PSYC& 200 (Lifespan Developmental Psychology)
4. Submission of the RN admission application   
   • Complete the online application and submit required documents. The application link will be available on this website once the application period opens.
5. Selective Admission Application Fee ($45)
   • The college places a $45 admission application fee on your account when you submit your application. You will receive an email notification once the fee is charged. Pay the fee by the deadline stated in the email for your application to be processed. 
   • The fee is non-refundable. Once your application is submitted, the fee will remain as an outstanding balance until it is paid regardless of your eligibility or acceptance into the program.

After the application review process, all eligible applicants will be entered into a random selection. Each eligible applicant will be assigned a unique number, which will be drawn randomly from the selection pool, ensuring an equal chance of selection for all eligible applicants.

A total of 84 students will be admitted, divided as follows: 28 students will begin in Fall, 28 in Winter, and 28 in Spring.

Applicants can earn extra points for certain optional qualifications. While not mandatory, these qualifications increase the number of times an applicant’s name appears in the selection pool, thereby improving their chances of being selected. Below are the optional qualifications for consideration.

Optional qualifications:

• Attend an information session (online or in person)
  • Note: One point awarded for attending, regardless of how many sessions you attend.
• Geographic location
• First Generation College Graduate
• Current or past Highline College student (30+ credits)
• Prerequisite Pre-requisite cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher

The following optional qualifications required documentation:

• Have at least 40 hours of community service within one year before the deadline. Complete and submit the Community Service Verification Form 
• Previous associate degree or higher (transcripts with degree posted or diploma)
• Note: Degrees from foreign universities will qualify
• U.S. Military Service(e.g. DD214, military ID)
• Have at least one year direct patient care experience. Complete and submit the Direct Patient Care Experience Verification Form 

Any applicant found to have submitted false information will be immediately removed from the applicant pool.

1. Orientation 
   • Orientation is mandatory for all selected and admitted students. There are two required orientation sessions that must be attended before the quarter begins.  
2. Official Transcripts & Credit Evaluation
   • Official transcripts are only required after being selected; unofficial copies are needed at the time of application.
   • IMPORTANT: Selected applicants must submit official college transcripts to Highline College within two weeks of notification to complete the admission process. Failure to do so may result in losing your spot to another applicant.
     • Do not submit official transcripts to the Nursing Department. They must be sent to the Registration & Records office for an evaluation.
     • If you have already received a formal transcript evaluation by Highline for the RN program, you may not need to resubmit transcripts.
     • If all prerequisite courses were completed at Highline, official Highline transcripts are not required.
3. Vaccination Requirements
   • Vaccination records are not required at the time of application but will be required for selected students. See the RN Application Information Packet for vaccination requirements.
4. Background Check
   • All admitted students must successfully pass a criminal background check to meet the program, licensure, and employment requirements.

• Nursing Department Information
• Program Requirements and Course Descriptions

Eligibility requirements for this program are reviewed annually.  The requirements for next academic year may be different and the changes will be reflected in the application materials. 

1. If I have met all the requirements but were not selected, do I need to re-apply and pay the fee again?
   • If you applied for Fall or Winter quarter but were not selected, you do not need to re-apply again. You will automatically be included in the next random selection process for Winter or Spring. 
     • You will receive an email during the next application cycle to confirm whether you are still interested in remaining in the selection process. Please ensure you respond to be included in the selection process.
   • If you apply for Spring quarter but were not selected, you need to reapply and pay the fee again for any quarter of the next academic year.  
2. What can I do if my application was declined because I didn’t meet the requirements?
   • You may take these steps:
     • Prerequisites: Retake the class if needed, but no more than three times. Make sure the class credit is 4.5 and get a grade of at least 3.0, except for MATH& 146, where a minimum grade of 2.7 is required.   
     • NA-C credential: Complete the training from a program approved by the Washington State Nursing Commission.
     • Reapply: Submit a new application and pay the application fee
3. If I missed the deadline to pay the application fee, can I have the charge removed from my account?
   • No, once the fee is added to your student account, you are responsible for paying it.

4. What needs to be completed before applying, and what can be done after securing funding coverage?

   • All application requirements must be completed before submission, including prerequisites and the NA-C credential. Vaccination requirements will be completed after acceptance into the program.

1. I’m still finishing my prerequisites and will be done after the application deadline. Can I apply since I will finish them before the quarter starts?
   • No, all required prerequisites must be completed by the application deadline. If you are still taking classes, your application will not be accepted.
2. I have less than a 3.0 in a prerequisite class. Am I eligible to apply?
   • Except for MATH& 146, all classes need a minimum grade of 3.0. You are not eligible to apply if you have less than a 3.0 in any other classes.
3. Do my classes expire?
   • No, the prerequisite classes do not have a time limit.  
4. How do I know if my classes will be transferred?
   • If you would like the Admissions Office to review your transcripts before applying, you can email an unofficial copy of your transcripts to nursingapp@highline.edu.
5. When should I submit official transcripts?
   • Applicants are required to submit official transcripts only after being selected for the program. 
6. Do I need to submit my official transcript from Highline College? 
   • If you have completed coursework at Highline College, you do not need to submit an official transcript. 
7. How do I send official transcripts from other institutions to Highline College? 
   • Official transcripts from other institutions should be ordered through the institution’s websites.
   • Electronic transcripts should be sent to: incomingtranscripts@highline.edu 
   • Paper official transcripts can be mailed to:
     • Highline College 
       Credentials Evaluator 
       PO Box 98000 MS 6-4
       Des Moines, WA 98198-9800
8. How can I convert my semester credits into quarter credits?

   • To convert semester credits into quarter credits, use the following formula: Quarter Credits = Semester Credits × 1.5.

9. Should I complete the Biology and Chemistry courses through consortium agreements with other colleges that offer online options, or complete the full course sequences at one institution?
   • It is recommended to complete the full course sequences at one institution to ensure consistency and avoid knowledge gaps. 

1. Do you accept substitutions for the Certified Nursing Assistant (NA-C) requirement? 
   
   • Due to differences in training content and job responsibilities, we do not accept certifications or licensures outside of Nursing Assistant qualifications as a substitution for the NA-C requirement, except for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). However, LPN holders must still complete the full 2-year RN program. 
2. If I have a NA-C license from another state, will it meet the credential requirement? 
   • If you hold an active Nursing Assistant license from another state, you may qualify for certification in Washington through the endorsement process. For more details, visit the Washington State Department of Health website. 
   • If you have a certificate of completion from another state, you will need to retake the program training in Washington State. 
3. Do I need to have a NA-C license before applying for the program?
   • No, you do not need to have a NA-C license to apply for the 2-year RN program. You just need to submit a certificate of completion from the program that you finished. If you already have an active NA-C license, you can submit a copy of it instead of the certificate of completion.
4. How do I know if my NA-C course is approved by the WA State Board of Nursing (WABON)?
   • You can find a list of Nursing Assistant training programs on the Washington State Board of Nursing (WABON) website. 

1. How do the Additional Qualifications work?
   • Additional Qualifications are optional but can help you earn extra points, increasing the number of times your name appears in the selection pool and improving your chances of selection. While these points do not guarantee selection, they do enhance your likelihood of being chosen. 
2. How is the Random Selection process conducted?
   • Each eligible applicant is assigned a unique number. During the random selection process, these numbers are drawn randomly from the selection pool, ensuring that all eligible applicants have an equal chance of being selected.
3. What would make my nursing application stand out from others?
   • Students can complete the optional criteria listed on the Nursing Students website. Some of these require supporting documentation, and examples with fillable forms are also available on the website.

1. I have questions about the vaccination requirements. Who can I contact?
   • Please contact the Nursing Department at nursing@highline.edu 
     

1. When will I receive the orientation schedule if I am selected for the program? 
   • If you are selected, the RN program director will send you a follow-up email with the orientation schedule. If you don’t receive it, please contact Nursing@highline.edu for assistance.
     

1.  Can State Employee Waivers be used to cover the Nursing Program tuition?
   • No, State Employee Waivers are not eligible for the Nursing Program tuition. For additional funding options and details, please refer to the Program of Study Funding Options page on our website.
2. If I receive tuition benefits from my employer as a state employee, can it be used for the Nursing Program?
   • Contact the Financial Aid office for more information. 
3. Does Financial Aid pay for the Clinicals?
   • The RN AAS program is financial aid eligible. If clinicals or related materials are part of the course requirements, they may be covered depending on the student's situation. We recommend that students schedule an appointment with the Financial Aid office at financialaid@highline.edu to confirm their eligibility.

1. What is the difference between the Pre-Nursing DTA program, the Registered Nurse AAS program, and the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program?
   • Associate Pre-Nursing DTA/MRP: designed for students planning to transfer to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, covering general education and prerequisite science courses, typically completed in two years (90 credits) before transferring to a four-year university and does not contain any clinical hands-on practice or nursing coursework.
   • Associate of Applied Science in Registered Nursing (RN AAS): prepares students to become Registered Nurses (RNs) in 2-3 years by providing essential nursing skills, patient care, hands-on clinical training, and coursework, ultimately allowing graduates to take the NCLEX-RN exam and begin working as RNs.
   • BSN Program: a broader 4-year program that includes everything in the RN AAS. After passing the NCLEX-RN exam, you will earn both your RN license and a bachelor’s degree, which may open more career opportunities.
2. What is the difference between a 2-year Full-Time program and a 3-year Part-Time program?

   • The Full-Time RN Program is an in-person, two-year program (excluding summer) with a credit load of 12-15 credits per quarter. Students attend classes four days per week, with schedules varying by quarter. Clinical shifts are 8-12 hours, primarily during the day with some evening shifts. Applications are accepted three times a year (Fall, Winter, and Spring), and each cohort admits 28 students.

   • The Part-Time RN Program, starting in Fall 2025, is a hybrid, three-year program (including summer) with a credit load of 5-8 credits per quarter. Students attend classes 2-3 days per week, with schedules varying by quarter. Clinical shifts follow the same 8-12 hour structure as the Full-Time program. Applications are accepted once a year in the Fall, with 20 students admitted per cohort. 

1. How does the Part-Time program fit my schedule?
   • The Part-Time program is more flexible. It helps students balance work, school, and personal life. It’s a good option if you need a lighter schedule.
2.  How many clinical hours are required each week?
   • Full-Time Program: Clinicals happen every quarter. The number of weeks and the timing (start or end of the quarter) may change each term.
   • Part-Time Program: Clinicals may begin at the end of the first year. Dates may change.
3. How many hours should I study outside of class each week?
   • Plan for 2 to 3 hours of study per credit each week. For example, a 5-credit class may need 10 to 15 hours of study per week, depending on the course and your learning style.
4.  How much of the Part-Time hybrid program is online or in-person?
   • This varies by quarter and course. A 1-2 credit theory course may be mostly online, while a 1-2 credit lab course may need more in-person time.
5. Can I work while in the Part-Time program?
   • Yes, you can work. But we recommend having support to avoid conflicts with your class and clinical schedule.
6. Is there a time limit to finish the Part-Time program?  
   • Yes, you are expected to finish within 3 years. If special situations come up, talk to the Nursing Program.
7.  Can I take a leave of absence from the program for a certain period?
   • If you need to take a break, you must submit a petition to the faculty and staff. They will review your case. Each request will be considered based on the individual's situation.
8.  What quarters will I be enrolled in?
   • You will take classes in Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer during the 3-year program.
9.  How many students are admitted each year?
   • 20 students are admitted to the Part-Time program each year.
10. What are the admission requirements for the Part-Time program?
    • The requirements are the same as the Full-Time program. Visit the Nursing Students website for details.
11. When can I apply for the Part-Time RN program?
    • You can apply once a year for Fall admission. Check the Nursing Student website for the application schedule.
12. How much is the tuition? Are there additional costs?
    • Tuition is about $10,000, the same as the Full-Time program (not including prerequisites). Extra costs include books, uniforms, and clinical supplies.
13. Can I get financial aid for the Part-Time program?
    • Yes, if you take at least 6 credits. Talk to the Financial Aid Office to check your eligibility.
14. Will I get the same degree as Full-Time students?
    • Yes, both programs lead to the same AAS Registered Nursing degree.
15. Can I switch between Part-Time and Full-Time after starting?
    • No. Once you start the program you were accepted into, you will stay in that cohort.