Frequently Asked Questions
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Want to know more about the COCC Nursing Program?
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Application
- How do I apply?There are several steps to the application process. Information is available on the Nursing Program Application web page.
- How many applicants apply each year? How many students are admitted each year?Please see the 2026 Information and Statistics. Each year we have 4 alternates. If alternates are not given a spot in the program, they are guaranteed admission in the next year’s cohort.
- How does COCC's Nursing Program select applicants?We accept applicants based on a point system. Please refer to the Nursing Selection Process Handbook. Plan to also attend a Nursing Program Information Session.
- Do I have an advantage if I have applied previously and wish to reapply?No. You will not receive points for reapplication.
- Is it better to get my application in early?We do not process applications until after application deadline in May. Although we do not recommend waiting until the last minute, there is no advantage to early submission of the application.
- I have submitted my application. When will I know if I've been accepted?Our goal is to email notifications sent to applicant's COCC email accounts by mid-May. We offer no guarantee that we will meet that goal. Your status email will only be sent to your COCC email address so we recommend checking your account regularly.
Program
- What is the cost of COCC's Nursing program?Please review the Admitted Nursing Student Estimated Expenses.
- What financial aid is available for COCC Nursing Students?
Students are eligible for financial aid through the FAFSA. In addition to completing the Nursing Application, students who wish to use financial aid while in the program should also complete the FAFSA financial aid application during the application process. Information can be found on the COCC Financial Aid website. Additionally, once accepted into the Nursing program, students may seek scholarships from private sources, such as fraternal organizations, non-profits, and corporations.
- Does COCC's Nursing program require full-time attendance?
The admitted Nursing student is enrolled in 9-12 credits each term. The curriculum is demanding and feels like a full-time load. Class, clinicals and study time can easily consume 40-60 hours a week.
- What hours of the day and what days of the week will I be in school?
Times vary, but generally you may be scheduled anywhere between 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Nursing curriculum consists of class, lab and clinical coursework.
- Can students work while in the program?
Once admitted to the program students have the greatest potential for success if they plan to focus solely on their education. Therefore, we recommend that you not work. If the you must work, you should work only part-time (8-12 hours a week) if possible.
- How long does it take to complete COCC's Nursing program?
The prerequisites required for the nursing program application take 1-2 years to complete (depending on the student's academic preparedness and class load). Once admitted, the Nursing program is 2 years long, and students attend every fall, winter and spring term. Students have summer term off while in the program.
- Where do COCC Nursing Students Complete their clinical work?
Students can complete clinicals at:
- Bend-LaPine School District
- Bend Surgery Center
- Central Oregon Pediatric Associates - COPA
- Deer Ridge Correctional Facility
- Deschutes County Recovery Center
- Bend Transitional Care
- Partners in Care
- St. Charles Health System
- St. Charles Bend
- St. Charles Redmond
- Prineville Memorial Hospital
- Touchmark at Mt. Bachelor Village
- Is it possible to earn a Bachelor's degree in Nursing without leaving Central Oregon?
Yes. After the completion of the AAS in Nursing, students can complete their Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) online through COCC's RN to BSN program.
Housing
- Is housing available on the Bend Campus?Yes. Information is available at Housing and Residence Life.