The prerequisite GPA of applicants who are invited to Phase 2 is generally quite high but this is not to say students are not accepted into the program with a lower GPA. Applicants with lower GPA's may be able to make up points in other areas (i.e., discretionary points). See the stats from the past 3 years posted at the end of this webpage: https://mhcc.edu/NursingApply.

We only look at the GPA for the prerequisite courses. If it’s not a direct prerequisite, then it’s not considered during the point calculations.

Having some health care experience is helpful and for the specific jobs listed on the application gives you more points. Students with experience have an easier time with some aspects in the program. However, it is not a requirement.

No, do not apply. The application will not be considered for admissions and the application fee is non-refundable. If you are unsure how to calculate your prerequisite GPA (only the courses being used to apply to the program) we recommend googling a GPA calculator and filling in your course credits and grades. In general, if you had any “C” grades you would need “A” grades to come out to a 3.0 (B) average.

Yes! Official transcripts are required from all regionally accredited colleges ever attended.

No. It is recommended that students plan ahead and do not wait until the last minute or close to the deadline to submit application materials (i.e., transcripts). Exceptions will not be made for application items received after the deadline even if materials were sent via guaranteed rush delivery service. MHCC is not responsible for delayed delivery services or other institutions’ transcript processing timelines.

No. We require transcripts and test scores only if you are using the credits on your application. Give yourself time to order from College Board/IB as it can take weeks if your scores are archived. If you are ordering an electronic version, they need to be emailed directly from the issuing institution (not the applicant) via secure electronic delivery to: ar@mhcc.edu. See https://mhcc.edu/CreditAlternatives for more information.

No. A foreign bachelor’s degree does not fulfill any of the prerequisite requirements.

Yes, as long as you meet the minimum requirements to apply and have all official, final transcripts on file by the early application deadline you can still receive the early application points. You can submit optional documents like your CNA certification & work experience hours after the early application deadline (as long as they are received by the final deadline).

Yes! Just submit your CNA credentials from your state board. Make sure your full name, expiration date, any disciplinary actions and license number are present.

You can get 4 points for having an expired license. Simply upload it with your application.

You must upload a current license with your online application and if you have more than 400 hours of work experience, provide your employers email address on your application. Your employer will receive an email with a link to an online work experience verification form. They must fill it out verifying your position and hours by the application deadline. Please plan ahead so that your employer has sufficient time to submit the info requested. The only exception to this is for Medical Assistants (see next question).

Medical assistants may receive 1 point less for each level of hours worked on the work experience point scale. Your employer will need to fill out the verification form by the application deadline to receive the points.

No, you must have an active, current license to receive the points.

No, we only give points for the work experiences listed under the Admission Details.

Not at the time of application.

Applicants may check on their application status in the MyMHCC student portal at the location where they filled out the application under the “Check application status” link.

To make yourself a more competitive candidate, consider obtaining the certification for one of the work experiences we offer points for (i.e., C.N.A). If you also get a job in that field, you will receive even more discretionary points.

If time and money allow, you could also begin the taking rest of the general education courses required for the AAS degree in Nursing (see the catalog). It is recommended to finish these courses before starting the program as the Nursing courses alone are very demanding. If you plan to finish a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) after completing the Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AAS), find out the general education requirements at the school you plan to attend for your BSN and begin taking some of those courses ahead of time.

Students should understand that although co-admitted to the Oregon Health & Science University School of Nursing, those who choose to transition from the MHCC Nursing program to OHSU will have to undergo a criminal background check for OHSU at the time of transition, and the ability to enroll in OHSU courses may be negatively impacted by any criminal history in their background.

The prerequisite year of the program is devoted to prerequisite courses required before the first quarter of the Nursing program. This is a similar experience at all OCNE schools. Year two of the OCNE program is the first year of MHCC Nursing program. Year three of the OCNE program is the second year of the MHCC Nursing Program. Upon completion of the MHCC Nursing Program, students can elect to apply to OHSU RN-to-BSN program to complete the final year of the OCNE curriculum. Please double check with OHSU for the most current requirements.

It is important for students to be aware that residency requirements differ between OCNE schools and OHSU. Meeting the in-state tuition residency requirement for MHCC does not ensure students will be eligible for residency and in-state tuition at OHSU. Please visit the OHSU website, www.ohsu.edu, for information on meeting residency requirements.

For additional OCNE curriculum information, please refer to the OCNE website, www.ocne.org.

It is important to understand the mental and physical demands of the Nursing program and the career of the nurse. Please read through the Essential Functions of Nursing before applying. Applicants to the Nursing program must be able to cope with the rigors of the curriculum and the demanding nature of the health professions with or without reasonable accommodations. Nursing students must be able to grasp scientific concepts, set up and answer basic math and algebra problems, and communicate well verbally and in writing.

Upon notification of acceptance, students must indicate via email by the stated deadline (in the acceptance email) their intention to enroll or their position will be given to the next eligible alternate. If applying to multiple schools, students are asked not to notify more than one school to acceptance of an admission offer and to immediately notify the MHCC Nursing program office if for any reason their acceptance decision changes or if their phone number, email, or mailing address changes.

Mandatory Orientation – A mandatory orientation will be held during the summer for admitted and alternate students. Attendance is required, or the next eligible alternate will be given your assigned place in the program.

Proof of Immunizations – Accepted and alternate students must submit proof of the following immunizations by the stated deadline or their space will be given to the next eligible alternate. You must provide evidence of:

• Immunity to measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chicken pox)
• 2 step PPD Skin Test or TB Gold test (if either test is positive they will need a chest x-ray report)
• Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis Toxoid within the last 10 years
• Hepatitis B — The series must be started when invited for an interview and must be completed before starting the program. More information will be provided if accepted to the program.
• Current BLS Card — Each accepted and alternate student must provide current Basic Life Support certification approved by the American Heart Association.
• COVID-19 Vaccine — at this time it is mandatory as clinical sites are not allowing student exemptions and you cannot successfully complete the program without enough clinical hours.

Criminal Background Check: If accepted into the Nursing program, your acceptance will be provisional until you pass a national criminal background check which is conducted through a national standardized tracking system the nursing program has a contract with. Information for accessing the system will be available to students once they have been accepted into the nursing program. (Please note: The accepted applicant pays for the background check, and the background check process requires a social security number.)

All admitted students are required to complete a Drug Screen prior to starting the nursing courses. Please note, this drug screening may also check for prescription drugs that contain amphetamines, barbiturates, opioids, benzodiazepines and marijuana. If you are taking any prescribed medication that may contain these drugs you will need to meet with the program director before completing the drug screen.

Accepted nursing students must complete all prerequisite credit hours by the date listed in the acceptance letter or they will forfeit their acceptance.

Clinical Rotation: Clinical arrangements will be assigned by the Dean of Nursing and may not be finalized until the week prior to starting the term. Attempts will be made to accommodate a student’s schedule under extenuating circumstances; however, no guarantee can be made around day, time, location, etc. Students with specific accommodation needs will need to notify program faculty and Dean after being accepted into the program to specify circumstances and to identify what accommodations are being requested. Please note while every effort will be made to accommodate specific needs, a guarantee of time, day, and/or location cannot be made and students are asked to be flexible in their assignment. Clinical assignments may be scheduled for the day, evening or night shift, and may also be scheduled for any day of the week, including weekends and holidays.

No. This program is full time only. The core program classes are generally offered during the day. Clinical times vary and can be any day of the week including evenings, nights, weekends and holidays. Students will not be able to choose their clinical times or locations and will need to remain flexible throughout the program. The nursing classes and clinicals are very demanding and will take much of your time and attention. If accepted to the program it is recommend you work no more than 16 hours a week as students who try to work more often struggle in the program.

Individuals with a criminal record may not be allowed into a healthcare facility as a student. Because it is not possible to meet the objectives of the program without having clinical experience, anyone with a positive criminal or abuse history may not be eligible for acceptance in the Nursing program. In addition, the Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN) requires criminal background checks on all persons applying for licensure in Oregon. Visit the OSBN site for information regarding any arrest or convictions (misdemeanors and felonies): https://www.oregon.gov/osbn/Pages/criminal-history.aspx.