Nursing student working in class

Nursing - How to Get Started

The nursing program is a limited-entry program. This means you must meet certain criteria before you can apply. Applicants are selected through a point-based system. The program admits around 72 students every year and has starting points in the fall and winter terms. Students of all races, ethnicities, ages, genders, religions, sexual orientations, socio-economic statuses, nationalities, physical abilities, and cognitive differences are Welcome, добро пожаловать! Bienvenido! ยินดีต้อนรับ!

Nursing Program Application Information

We are excited about your interest in our nursing program at Mt. Hood Community College. Please note that the information below is based on the application requirements for fall term 2024 and winter term 2025. Requirements are subject to change every year.

Admissions Requirements

Admission decisions are based on a point system using academic and non-academic criteria. To apply for fall 2024 term or winter term 2025 admission, you must meet the requirements below by the deadline date of Feb. 15, 2024. Below are the prerequisites required as well as an explanation of the points system used as the basis for admission.

These courses are required and must be completed by the end of the fall term, December 2023. Science and math courses must be completed between winter term 2014 and fall term 2023.

Minimum Application Requirements
You must complete at least 30 of the 45 required prerequisite credits from the “Prerequisite Courses” below by the end of fall term 2023. The 30 credits must include:

  • BI231 Anatomy and Physiology 1
  • MTH095/MTH098 or higher (or placement into MTH105Z/MTH111Z). If the math admission requirement is met by placement into MTH105Z or higher, you must select from any other prerequisite courses to attain the minimum 30 credits.

By the end of summer term 2024 any remaining prerequisite courses must be completed.

Completing all 45 prerequisite credits by the end of fall term before applying will make your application more competitive. Consider mapping out a term-by-term education plan with an academic advisor.

Prerequisite Courses
Use the transfer tool to see if your courses from other colleges apply! Please note: Courses with “Z” at the end are equivalent to the same course without the “Z.”

These courses have a 10-year expiration: Courses cannot be taken before 2014.

  • BI231, BI232, BI233 Human Anatomy and Physiology I, II & III (12 credits): The full sequence of human anatomy and physiology with laboratory, inclusive of all body systems. BI231 must be completed by the end of fall term 2023.
  • BI234 Microbiology (four credits): Basic microbiology covering living microorganisms, particularly bacteria and viruses, with laboratory.
  • MTH095 Intermediate Algebra or MTH098 Quantitative Reasoning II or higher (four to five credits) or placement into MTH105/MTH111 or higher since 2/15/19: You can meet the math admission requirement by taking the math portion of the MHCC College Placement Test (CPT). If you took a placement test at another school, or if you took a COMPASS test since Feb. 15, 2019, please have that school email a copy of your score report to testing services at [email protected] to be evaluated. Placement scores do not appear on transcripts. ALEKS placement test, high school GPA, Smarter Balance, or general education development (GED®) scores cannot be used to meet the math prerequisite. Learn more about acceptable math placement test scores. If you test out of using a placement score and do not have a qualifying math course on your transcript, you must complete a math course to meet graduation requirements.

These courses have NO expiration date:

  • FN225/HE225 Nutrition (four credits): The class should cover biological functions, dietary sources of essential nutrients, and the relationship of diet to health.
  • BI112 or BI102 or BI212 Biology with Genetics (four to five credits): Any biology course that lists genetics or heredity within the course description should fulfill this requirement. Human anatomy, physiology, or microbiology coursework cannot be used.
  • WR121Z English Composition and WR122Z English Composition or WR227Z Technical Writing (eight credits): The writing requirement is waived if you completed a bachelor's degree or higher from a U.S. regionally accredited institution. You must select from any remaining prerequisite courses to meet the minimum 30 credits to apply and select from the art and letters or additional social science courses from the AAOT degree to fulfill the 45 credits required for admission to the program.
  • PSY237 Human Development (four credits): The class should cover the developmental process of human life covering the full life span. Human development courses that cover only part of the lifespan will not be accepted.
  • Social Science (one course, three to five credits): Any social science course listed under the AAOT degree will fulfill this requirement. PSY201 is the prerequisite to PSY237 at MHCC and will count as the social science prerequisite. If you have taken multiple social science classes, pick the one with the highest grade to use on your nursing application. Use the transfer tool to see if your courses from other colleges apply!

Grade and Transcript Requirements

  • GPA must be at least a 3.0 for prerequisite coursework only (not your cumulative GPA you see on your transcript).
  • Each prerequisite course must be completed with a "C" grade or higher.
  • "Pass" or "Satisfactory" grades will count as a "C" grade when calculating prerequisite GPA.
  • All your official regionally accredited college transcripts must be on file in MHCC's admissions, registration, and records office by the application deadline, even if you are not using the credits towards your prerequisites.

If you meet all minimum application requirements by the application deadline, your application will be scored by the following point scale:

Academic Points: 32 points maximum

  • Prerequisite GPA (max 25 points): Only the prerequisite courses filled in on your application will be calculated for awarding GPA points. Pluses and minuses will not be considered.
    • 3.67-4.00 = 25 points
    • 3.33-3.66 = 23 points
    • 3.20-3.32 = 20 points
    • 3.15-3.19 = 17 points
    • 3.00-3.14 = 15 points

  • Human Anatomy and Physiology sequence (max three points): If you complete more than just the first anatomy and physiology course (minimum needed to apply) you will gain:
    • Two points for completion of anatomy and physiology I and II with a "C" grade or higher
    • Three points for completion of anatomy and physiology I, II, and III with a "C" grade or higher

  • College degree (one point): If your transcript shows you earned a two-year college degree or higher, you will gain one point

  • Prerequisite completion (max three points): If you complete more than the minimum credits required to apply by the end of fall term 2023, you will gain:
    • Two points for completion of 36 out of the 45 required prerequisite credits
    • Three points for completion of all 45 prerequisite credit

  • Prerequisite science courses taken at MHCC (up to two points): One point will be awarded for any of the following nursing prerequisite science courses completed at MHCC by the end of fall term 2023 not to exceed two points max:
    • Human Anatomy and Physiology (BI231 or BI232 or BI233)
    • Biology with Genetics (BI102 or BI112 or BI212)
    • Nutrition (FN225 or HE225)
    • Microbiology (BI234)

  • Not repeating Anatomy and Physiology (max three points): If you have not repeated the prerequisite anatomy and physiology courses within the past ten years, you will be awarded up to three points.

  • Prerequisites taken at MHCC (one point): If 30 prerequisite credits or more were completed at MHCC, you will be awarded one point.

  • Prior Year Alternate (two points): If you were on the alternate list from the 2023/2024 application cycle and were not offered a seat in the program, you will be awarded two points.

  • MHCC District Resident (one point): If the address on your student record when you apply to the nursing program is within the MHCC district, you will be awarded one point.

  • Military Service (one point): If you have two years or more of military service and upload a copy of your DD214 with your application, you will be awarded one point.

  • Early Application (two points): If you successfully submit your online application by Jan. 12, 2024, and all required official transcripts are on file with MHCC, you will be awarded two points.

  • Certification and Work Experience (max eight points): You must upload a copy of your current or expired credentials with your application to earn these discretionary points.

  • Current Licensure/Certification: You will provide your employer’s email address on your online application and a direct link will be sent to them for verification. 
    • Certified Hemodialysis Technician (CHT)
    • Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) - If you are a medical assistant without certification, you can gain one less point for each level of hours worked. 
    • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
    • Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)
    • Certified/Registered Respiratory Therapist (CRT/RRT)
    • Certified Surgical Technician (CST)
    • Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT)
    • Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (LPTA)
    • Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
    • Military Medic/Corpsman (DD214 or military transcripts verifying medical training will need to be submitted)
    • Paramedic/Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

      • 0-400 hours: four points
      • 401-1,000 hours: five points
      • 1,001-1,500 hours: six points
      • 1,501-2,000 hours: seven points
      • 2,001+: eight points
  • Expired Licensure/Certification: You can earn four points for an expired licensure/certification, but work experience points will not be awarded.

How to Apply

Now that you know the requirements let us get started on the application process.

Application Process

Apply for general admission to MHCC if you are new to MHCC or have not attended in the last four terms. Select AGS in Health Professions as your major. Please note it could take one to two business days to receive your MHCC ID number.  

Once you are ready to submit your application, pay the $35 non-refundable application fee. You will need to upload your payment receipt with your application. 

Official transcripts from every regionally accredited college or university attended, regardless of program relevancy, program length, or age must be received no later than Feb. 15, 2024. If you’re finishing prerequisites in the fall term, wait until grades are posted before requesting transcripts. Otherwise, complete this step as soon as possible.   

Transcripts must be issued directly from the institution where the course(s) were completed. Coursework showing as transferred from one institution to another is not accepted. Official electronic transcripts via secure electronic delivery service may be submitted to [email protected]. E-transcripts cannot be sent from the student to MHCC as they are not considered official. If submitting transcripts by mail, send to:  

Mt. Hood Community College – Nursing Application  
Admissions, Registration and Records  
26000 SE Stark St.  
Gresham OR 97030  

  • Regionally Accredited Institutions: Required from all institutions attended.  
  • Non-Regionally Accredited Institutions: Not required.  
  • AP, DSST or IB Transcripts/Scores: Required only if using for meeting the writing admission requirement and must be issued directly from College Board, DSST or International Baccalaureate in a sealed envelope (see credit alternatives) and sent directly to MHCC.  
  • Foreign/Non-US Based Educational Transcripts: Required only if using to meet admission requirements and must first be evaluated by an outside credential service. The evaluated transcripts must be submitted by the application deadline for the program. For more information, visit international forms and documents. Evaluation processing for foreign transcripts could take up to six weeks. It is best to start this process early. A foreign bachelor's degree does not fulfill the prerequisite requirements.  
  • MHCC Transcript: Not required, already on file.   

Submit your application from Nov. 1, 2023, through Feb. 15, 2024. If applicable, please be sure to have your documents ready for uploading and transcript(s) available for entering your prerequisite courses. You must have all your documents ready. Once started, your application cannot be saved.

As your application gets reviewed, the status will be updated in the MyMHCC portal.

Application Timeline

Fall Term 2024 Entry

  • Nov. 1, 2023: You may submit your application.
  • Jan. 12, 2024: Early application deadline. Submit your application and all required documents (including official transcripts with fall 2023 grades) to receive discretionary points.
  • Feb. 15, 2024: Application deadline. All materials are due to MHCC. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered for admissions.  
  • Late March/early April 2024: You are notified via email if you are moving on to Phase 2.
  • April 2024: Phase 2 selection process. 
  • May 2024: Notification of Phase 2 results emailed.
  • June 2024: Required zoom orientation held for all accepted and alternate students.
  • Sept. 23, 2024: Fall term classes begin. 

Dates are subject to change. Any changes to the processing timeline will be updated here immediately. Do not inquire about the status of your application while processing is taking place.  

After You Apply

Based on the point system, up to the top 175 applicants from Phase 1 will be invited to participate in Phase 2. You will find out your status by late March/early April.

Phase 2 takes place in April and may include an essay, interview and other requirements which will be explained in detail if you are invited to Phase 2.

From this selection process around 72 students are accepted every year between the fall and winter cohorts. You will not be able to choose which cohort you start with. You will be notified in May if you are accepted to the program for fall or winter term start, put on a waitlist or not accepted.

If you are offered a seat in the program, you will be required to complete the following to keep your position in the program:

  • Complete all 45 prerequisite classes by the end of the summer term before beginning the program (if not completed at the time of application).
  • Attend the required orientation in late June (a specific date and time will be in your acceptance letter).
  • At orientation, information and due dates will be given for the required immunizations, basic life support certification, criminal background check and drug screen. These must be completed and turned in by the assigned due dates.

Additional Program Information

These costs are estimates and are listed only as a guide for your financial planning. The tuition listed is for 2023 and subject to change. You are responsible for transportation costs to clinical practicum sites. Books, licensure fees and travel are not included in financial aid reimbursable expenses. 

  • Immunizations: $400
  • Fees (Lab, Clinical, Standardized Test): $7,306
  • Uniforms, School Patch, Shoes, Stethoscope, Scissors, Watch: $349
  • Travel to Clinical Sites: Variable
  • Nursing textbooks: $1,067

Must all be purchased as directed at orientation before beginning the program. You will also need access to a pocket-size internet accessible device to take to clinicals (i.e., phone, iPod, etc.).

  • Relias, Inc.: $29
  • Ace Mapp: $100
  • N. Licensure and NCLEX exam (final term of program): $500
  • Drug Screen and Criminal Background Check: $157.75
  • Tuition and College Fees: $9,775

Based on six terms in the program including the general education courses needed for the AAS in nursing but does not include the prerequisites. If you have completed some or all of the general education courses, your tuition will be less. See the current tuition rate.

Total: $19,683.75

Learn About Paying for College

Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC) reserves the right to modify the criteria and the process for selection.  

Admission to the college does not guarantee admission to the nursing program. Admission of all students to the program is centralized in the admissions, registration, and records office. This office has the final authority on what constitutes equivalency for all admission criteria and the sole authority to inform students of their admission status.  

If you have questions regarding admission requirements and procedures, please email [email protected].  

Reasons for Admission Disqualification: Withholding information or providing materially misleading information and giving untruthful answers to questions on the program application or during the application process could be cause for non‐acceptance or dismissal from the program. If you were admitted and then failed a required course or were dismissed from the program or any other health related program, you may be denied admission into the program.

Previous Admission: If you were previously accepted into the program and then declined acceptance or withdrew, you will need to re‐apply by submitting a new application to the program and will be required to meet the current program admission requirements and program standards. Updated official transcripts are required only if new courses have been taken.

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