Nursing - FAQ

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 a lower GPA may be able to make up points in other areas (i.e., discretionary points).

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.

Yes.

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

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 certified nursing assistant (CNA) certification and work experience hours after the early application deadline (as long as they are received by the final deadline).

Some things that help to make your application more competitive include  completing all your prerequisites, applying early, and obtaining the certification for one of the work experiences we offer points for (i.e., CNA). If you also get a job in that field, you will receive even more discretionary points for hours worked.

If time and money allow, you could also begin taking the 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 and Science University (OHSU) 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 Oregon Consortium of Nursing Education (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.

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 be able to request desired times for lab and time of the term for clinical. Every attempt will be made to honor these requests, but we can’t guarantee any particular time or clinical. The nursing classes and clinicals are demanding and will take much of your time and attention. It would be helpful if you are able to work with your employer and can flex work time during certain times in the program. It’s unrealistic to expect nursing students not to work and flexibility will help with your school/work/life balance.

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. The Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN) requires a national fingerprint based criminal background check for licensure. The OSBN is the sole judge of all documents and credentials determining eligibility for licensing. Visit the OSBN site for information regarding any arrest or convictions (misdemeanors and felonies): https://www.oregon.gov/osbn/Pages/criminal-history.aspx.