Ft. Lewis programs

krrbrr, ADN · Dec 10, 2014

Hi dijan, here is a link to all of the approved programs in WA state. There are quite a few choices in your area, it will just depend on the pre-req's you've completed and your grades as to which schools you should apply to. Tacoma CC and South Puget Sound CC both have lottery systems, but depending on the school taking credits there can earn you bonus' in order to get in easier.

I had to make a spreadsheet for myself of all the schools within the distance I was willing to drive to and compared them to see what was the easiest for me to get into. I'm currently attending Centralia College (I live south of JBLM) and am loving it there! Hoping to apply and be accepted into their Fall '15 RN program.

Good luck to you!

dijan · Dec 11, 2014

Thank you so much! I there was an announcement on the Clover Park CC website saying that those admitted in the program in 2012 were going to start the program in 2015. That a long time to wait! That's when the lottery system sounded appealing. I looked up Centralia on Google Maps and it seemed quite far... Is it really? I thought Maps may be taking me from a different gate and the drive isn't as bad?

Hope you get into the program! God Bless!

krrbrr, ADN · Dec 13, 2014

If you live on base, Centralia College would probably be too far to drive. We live off base in Yelm which is about 45 mins from Centralia College. DH works on base and it takes him about 30 mins to get to work each day. Pierce College is probably going to be the closest/easiest college to get into, however their process is by no means "easy" to be accepted into. For this program you need letters of recommendation (so healthcare experience is helpful), to submit an essay, and go through an interview process (here is a thread that might give you more info on this school). If you are confident in your recommendations, essay and interviewing abilities though this school would be a great choice for you. Highline Community College is another school that is highly recommended, but competition is also very fierce there due to the location being further up north. I've heard mixed feelings on Clover Park anyway as a program, so I'm not sure it would be a choice I would consider unless it was a last resort type of thing. Make sure you check out the NCLEX pass rates on this link as well to help you make your decision.

Were you planning on living on or off base? Let me know if you are interested in looking off base, we've lived here 5 1/2 years now and have a much better feel for the area than when we first moved here.