Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA)/Major Related Program (MRP)
(138 credits)
Program Description
Make a genuine difference in the lives of others. Become a caregiver and advocate for those who need you the most. A career in Nursing is as in-demand as it is rewarding, with extensive benefits in job security, flexibility, and portability. Whether you are looking to get to work quickly through Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) training or want to become a Registered Nurse, SPSCC’s extensive program options will prepare you to work in one of the world’s most necessary fields.
The Associate in Nursing Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA)/Major Related Program (MRP) Program is designed for persons interested in becoming a Registered Nurse as defined by Washington State law (RCW 18.79.040 and WAC 246-840-700).
Upon receiving licensure, graduates may be hired as nurses in a variety of settings including hospitals, clinics, medical offices, long-term care facilities, schools and community health agencies. Employment opportunities are high and well distributed throughout the state and the nation, especially in rural areas.
Degree Planning
To earn an Associate in Nursing DTA/MRP degree all courses taken must be: At college level (numbered 100 or above).
A minimum of 75 of the 90 credits required for the degree must be from the General Education Requirements for the Associate in Arts & Science – Direct Transfer Agreement. Copies of the list are available online at spscc.edu/programs/general-edrequirements.
A class can only count once toward General Education requirements. For example, CMST& 220 will satisfy either HUMANITIES or COMMUNICATION course requirements, but not both.
A cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or above in all college-level courses required. Note that admission to specific upper division Nursing programs is competitive; therefore, no particular GPA can guarantee admission to any specific program.
Although this degree is a direct transfer agreement/major-related program degree, South Puget Sound Community College has provided pathways and associated recommended courses for ease of student selection based upon a student’s career interest. Please review the pathway maps for recommended courses and course sequences.
Program Mission, Vision & Values
Mission:
The Nursing Program at South Puget Sound Community College prepares students to engage within the nursing profession, to thrive in the work force, and to further advance their professional knowledge and practice. This is achieved through an emphasis on lifelong learning, integration of technology, and information derived from evidence-based practice. Our students will be supported to be successful within the nursing program at SPSCC and provided opportunities for a seamless transition to their BSN and beyond.
Vision:
South Puget Sound Community College’s Nursing Program is recognized as a leader in the South Sound region. Partnership with local stakeholders, innovative curricular design, and inclusion of a diverse student population prepare graduates to address diverse local and global community health and wellness needs. Graduates will be prepared to pursue further education and to become nurse leaders, innovators, and creative community partners in the continually evolving nursing profession.
Values:
The values of the nursing program at South Puget Sound Community College reflect nursing and nursing education to self, each other, the program, and the community:
Caring
Compassion
Accountability
Empowerment
Respect
Effective Communication
Excellence with Integrity
Humor and Laughter
South Puget Sound Community College believes that all students need to develop a broad range of abilities that will not only make them more effective in their professional pursuits but will enhance their capacity to relate well to others in their daily lives.
Demonstrate the ability to assess, diagnose, plan, safely implement, and evaluate nursing plans of care which address the holistic needs of diverse individuals, families, groups, and communities
Acquire and implement new scientific knowledge and use technology to enhance nursing practice
Communicate effectively in full partnership to facilitate delivery of care
Participate ethically and professionally in local and global communities as an entry level nurse
The SPSCC college-wide abilities are embedded into each program:
Effective Communication
Information Literacy
Analytical Reasoning
Multicultural Awareness
Social Responsibility
Special Program Notes
Program Costs
Total Estimated Cost: $13,500 to $14,500 for two years in the program.
Dollar values are approximate and subject to change.
These fees are an estimated breakdown of what is included in the "Total Estimated Cost" above.
Health records management, clinical requirements, Digital Learning Resources, Lab & Simulation fees - $2,100 / year
Textbooks - $1,000
CPR Class - Cost Varies
Uniforms, shoes, equipment (watch with second hand, stethoscope, gait belt) - $320
Private health insurance per quarter - Cost Varies
Graduation cap & gown (optional) - $25
RN WA Single State or Multistate license application - $138/$203
National licensure examination RN - $200
Program Outcomes
Program Completion Rates
NCLEX-RN First Attempt Pass Rate
Job Placement Rate
Accommodations & Nondiscrimination
Any applicant requiring reasonable accommodations for the application should call SPSCC’s ADA coordinator in the human resources office, 2011 Mottman Rd SW, Olympia WA 98512, (360-596-5360). Students who need disability accommodation should contact Access Services in Building 22, second floor, email access.services@spscc.edu or call 360-596-5306. It is the policy of SPSCC that there will be no discrimination or harassment on the grounds of race, color, sex, marital status, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, or disability in any educational programs, activities, or employment.
Special Program Notes
The Nursing Program is rigorous, and our faculty advises that students work no more than 20 hours per week while in the full-time Nursing Program. All nursing courses must be completed with a “C+” or better to continue in and complete the program.
Immunizations
Once admitted to the Nursing Program, proof of immunizations or immunity to certain diseases must be provided. COVID-19 vaccination and two of the three doses of Hepatitis B must have been received before the start of the nursing program. Information regarding healthcare requirements will be provided with offers of admissions from the Nursing Program. Immunization requirements may change based upon clinical site requirements.
CPR Training
All students must complete a BLS Health Care Provider Card (CPR for Health Care Professionals) before the first day of class. The card must be current at all times to meet clinical agreement requirements.
Background Check & Drug Screening
A criminal history clearance is required by state law RCW 43.43.830 to participate in client care at clinical facilities. Some clinical facilities require national background checks and drug screening as well. Your background check must be cleared in order to continue enrollment in the nursing program.
Examples of crimes for which an individual will be denied clearance:
Crimes against another person such as murder, manslaughter, assault, rape, sexual abuse, child abandonment or neglect.
Conviction for a crime against property such as first degree offenses including burglary, arson, criminal mischief, robbery, or forgery.
Students admitted into the program are required to attend orientation that may be held prior to the start of the first quarter. Additional information about the orientation will be provided after acceptance to the program.
Essential Skills
SPSCC encourages all interested and qualified individuals to apply to the nursing program and does not discriminate or deny admission to students with disabilities. Nursing students must meet the following technical standards/essential skills to progress through the program:
Ability to grasp scientific concepts, set up and answer basic math & algebra problems.
Critical thinking sufficient for clinical judgment.
Verbal and written communication sufficient to effectively interact with clients, peers, and others, both respectfully and with cultural humility.
Ability to move from room to room, maneuver in small spaces, remain on feet for extended periods of time, and lift, up to 40 pounds.
Gross and fine motor skills sufficient to provide safe and effective nursing care.
Hearing sufficient to monitor and assess clients, e.g., hear heart and breath sounds and use a telephone.
Visual acuity and color discrimination sufficient to read fine print, to observe and assess clients, e.g., identify skin tones such as pale, ashen, grey, or bluish.
Tactile ability sufficient for physical assessment, e.g., palpate peripheral pulses.
Computer literacy.
Be able to meet the guidelines established by healthcare organizations during the clinical experiences.
Legally be able to obtain a license to practice nursing in State of Washington.
Student Handbook: Current student handbook for SPSCC Nursing Students.
The Nursing Program is rigorous, and our faculty advise students work no more than 20 hours per week while in the full-time Nursing Program. All nursing courses must be completed with a “C+” or better to continue in and complete the program.
Application Process
Before applying for admission to the program, there are a few requirements to complete. It is your responsibility to ensure that all application materials and required documentation are received by the published application deadline.
Apply to SPSCC: If you are not already an admitted student at SPSCC, you must become one. Apply online to obtain a ctcLink ID number. It is free to apply to the college.
Complete the Prerequisites: Transcripts of prerequisite coursework must be received prior to the deadlines. Unofficial transcripts may be used with your application. Official transcripts will be required only from the finalists who are offered conditional program acceptance.
An additional 30 credits of general education courses are also required for graduation from the nursing program. Though not required for admission to the program, it is recommended that you take these courses prior to entry into the program. These include:
Based on placement testing, students may need to complete basic skills and/or pre-college English and math in order to complete prerequisites.
Although general education courses may be taken after admission to the Nursing Program, students are encouraged to complete as many of these courses as possible prior to entering the Nursing Program. Summer quarters are also good times to take general education courses.
Communications and humanities courses may be chosen from the course list for direct transfer degrees.
3. Apply for Admission to the Nursing Program: To apply to the nursing program at SPSCC, you must submit a Nursing Program Application along with a non-refundable $25 application fee.
Application Periods:
January 2 - March 15:
Applications for Summer 2025 admission to the nursing program were accepted starting on January 2, 2025. No applications will be accepted after March 3, 2025. Coursework completed through Winter Quarter 2025 will be accepted towards admission to the program. Application materials, dates of nursing information sessions, and information about the lottery process are available on the Nursing Admissions page.
April 1 through June 3:
Applications for Fall 2025 admission to the nursing program will be accepted starting on April 1, 2025. No applications will be accepted after June 3, 2025. Coursework completed through Spring Quarter 2025 will be accepted towards admission to the program. Application materials, dates of nursing information sessions, and information about the lottery process are available on the Nursing Admissions page.
Qualified applicants who have met the above requirements by the application deadline are entered into the nursing lottery, which selects students for the nursing program. For the Summer cohort, five slots will be specifically drawn for students who took 20 or more credits of their prerequisites at SPSCC. For the Fall cohort, ten slots in the program will be specifically drawn for students who took 20 or more credits of their prerequisites at SPSCC. Applicants selected in the lottery process will be required to provide official transcripts, proof of immunizations, and be cleared through background checks in order to progress through the admission process.
South Puget Sound Community College has provided pathways and associated recommended courses for ease of student selection based upon a student’s career interest. Please review the pathway maps for required and recommended courses.
