Seattle Central College

Nursing Programs

• $1,744 In-State Non-Degree Tuition*
• $17,145 In-State Undergraduate Tuition*

• Program
  Format
  Tuition
  Score
• Associate of Nursing
  On-Campus Program
  $17,145 In-State Tuition
  4.0 Program Score
• Certified Nurse Assistant - CNA
  Hybrid Program
  $1,744 In-State Tuition
  4.3 Program Score

Seattle Central College, a public entity, was established on July 1, 1966 as Seattle Community College. Seattle Community College became the first community two-year college in the city and only the 19th in the entire state.

The community college changed its name in 2004 to Seattle Central College in order to show the status as an institution that awards four-year bachelor's degrees while still offering the two-year associate degrees and short-term certificates.

About Seattle Central College's Nursing Program

Seattle Central College's Nursing program is an Associate Degree program that offers a Nursing Direct Transfer Associate Degree/Major Related Program (AN DTA/MRP). This program combines the curriculum of classroom theory with simulation and clinical practice. The program is a full time, two-year (plus one year for prerequisite completion) program.

Seattle Central's Associate in Nursing (AN–DTA/MRP) program gives the learner the experience to later work as a Registered Nurse (RN) by focusing on general education courses, nursing theory, lab, and clinical practice courses.

After successful completion, graduates are eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) and apply for a license as a Registered Nurse (RN) in his or her state.

After completing the Associate in Nursing degree, students will have the opportunity to continue on to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.

The admission is competitive and includes a lottery draw of applications for admission. The Nursing program no longer admits students on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Steps to Enroll (not all inclusive)

• Attend a Nursing Information Session to learn more about the program, which are offered quarterly; (Required to attend before applying to the program and preferably before starting prerequisites)
• Complete the 5-Step Enrollment Process for Seattle Central College, which includes placement testing and transcript evaluations to ensure the student meets the eligibility requirements
• Apply for admission to the Associate in Nursing DTA/MRP program
• Note: Applications are due in September for a Winter Quarter admission and in April for a Fall Quarter admission
• Applicants must meet all entrance requirements for an application to be considered
• Once admitted, applicants will be notified of the next steps for admission

Frequently Asked Questions

I have been told I am required to complete all pre-requisite courses with a 2.5 (or higher) grade point average.  What are these courses?

These classes include BIOL & 160 General Biology, BIOL & 241 Human Anatomy and Physiology I, BIOL & 242 Human Anatomy and Physiology II, BIOL & 260 Microbiology, CHEM & 121 Introduction to Chemistry, MATH & 146 Introduction to Statistics, ENGL & 101 English Composition I, PSYC & 100 General Psychology, and PSYC & 200 Lifespan Psychology.

To be eligible for the Associate in Nursing (AN–DTA/MRP) program, what math courses are required?

Students must complete MATH 085, MATH 092 (Statway path) (or a higher level math course) OR test into a higher level math class.

Do I have to go on to a BSN after obtaining an Associate's degree or can I be licensed as an RN and start working immediately?

No, there is no requirement to progress to the BSN. The curriculum in the AN program allows Nurses to get started working as RNs as soon as they pass their NCLEX-RN exam. However, many employers require a minimum BSN for employment; it is recommended to obtain a BSN.

How long does the Associate's degree in Nursing (AN) program take?

The program is a full-time study and will take a total of three (3) years (with prerequisites), two (2) years if you took prerequisite classes first.

Is the RN program conducted online?

Although there may be the use of computers and online research, this program is an on-campus program of study only.

Accreditation and Approval

Seattle Central College is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

The Nursing program at Seattle Central College holds continuing accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

The Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission approved the Nursing program at Seattle Central College.

Rankings and Accolades

NICHE (2019)

Seattle Central College was listed in BestColleges.com "Best Community Colleges in Washington" (2018).

Seattle Central College has ranked in The Chronical of Higher Education as the fifteenth most diverse among public four-year institutions.

Seattle Central was named "College of the Year" in a one-time study by TIME Magazine and recognized by the New York Times as one of the best community colleges nationwide in the article, "For Achievers, A New Destination".