Jun 13, 2025  
2025-26 Catalog 
    
2025-26 Catalog

Associate in Pre-Nursing (DTA/MRP)


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Learning Outcomes


The outcomes for the Associate of Pre-Nursing degree incorporate those for the AA-DTA degree. In addition, a student earning an Associate of Pre-Nursing will:

  • Demonstrate knowledge, skills and abilities in preparation to transfer to a four-year university in nursing.

Pre-Nursing DTA/MRP Requirements


Importance of Advising. Advising is an important part of completing a degree. Each student should meet with an advisor as early as possible. Students are responsible for checking the transfer requirements of the college or university they plan to attend; advisors can help with this.

Advising Notes


  • Meeting requirements for this DTA/MRP does not guarantee admission to a BSN program.
  • Admission deadlines for Nursing programs vary. Students are required to meet the transfer admission deadlines of the program(s) they apply to.
  • Students should check with their potential transfer institutions for admission requirements. Some admission requirements may not be met by this DTA/MRP.
  • Many BSN programs recommend a public speaking course. Students should contact their transfer institution(s) to find out if a public speaking course is preferred.

General Requirements


  • 90 Credits Total: Complete at least 90 credits of courses numbered 100 or higher
  • 2.0+ Cumulative GPA: Earn at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA
    • Note: Nursing programs are competitive and may require a higher cumulative GPA, or a higher GPA in specific courses.
  • 25% of Total Credits at Highline: Complete at least 25% of your 90 total credits at Highline. This is the “Residency” requirement.
  • 75+ Credits Fully Transferable: At least 75 credits must be designated as fully transferable. All Distribution Area and PE Activity courses are fully transferable.
  • Maximum 15 Credits Restricted: Courses that are not fully transferable are called “restricted.” Students can use no more than 15 restricted credits for their degree. Restricted courses include most Professional-Technical courses, College Studies, PE Activity courses, independent studies, credit by examination, military experience credit, CLEP and other nontraditional credit. AP courses are generally not restricted.
  • Maximum 15 Credits CR/NC: You can choose to have a course graded as CR/NC, but no more than 15 credits of CR/NC courses can apply to your degree.
  • Maximum 3 Credits PE Activity: All PE courses are either “Activity” or “Theory” courses. You can only use 3 credits of PE Activity for your degree.

For more information, refer to the Associate Degree and Certificate Requirements page.

Specific Requirements


Communication Skills: 15 credits


Quantitative Skills: 5 credits


Diversity and Globalism: 3 credits


Complete at least 3 credits of Diversity and Globalism coursework. This course can apply to another requirement, so choose one that will also meet a Distribution or Elective requirement.

Some potential transfer institutions may require a Diversity and/or Globalism course, check transfer institutions equivalency guides for courses that may meet both schools’ requirements.

Humanities Distribution: 10 credits


Note: Some colleges and universities require two years of high school world language or fluency in more than one language. If a student doesn’t have either, they need two quarters of a college world language. Students can take the first in Humanities Area 1.

Complete the following:

  • 5 credits from Humanities Area 1
  • 5 credits from Humanities Area 2

Social Science Distribution: 15 credits


Complete the following:

Natural Sciences: 30 credits


Physical Education: 3 credits


Complete the following:

(See the Associate in Arts (AA-DTA)  degree requirements for specific course options to fulfill this requirement.).

  • Three physical education credits.

Additional Requirements: 12 credits


Electives: 2 Credits

Elective course(s) must be 100-level or higher.

Institution-Specific Requirements


University of Washington

  • UW requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 for three Natural Science courses, or a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8 in four Natural Science courses.
  • UW Seattle requires an additional 5 credits in College Algebra, Pre-Calculus, or Logic.
  • UW requires 100 hours of healthcare experience.

Eastern Washington University

  • EWU requires completion of a CHEM& 163 equivalent if the student takes a combined Organic/Biochemistry with a lab course.
  • EWU requires a course in diversity designed to provide knowledge and understanding of cultural diversity of the U.S. For potential choices, go to EWU’s Diversity List.
  • EWU requires one course in Global Studies. For potential choices, go to EWU’s Global Studies List.

Washington State University

  • WSU requires curriculum that provides students with an understanding of and sensitivity to human diversity. For potential choices, go to WSU’s UCORE page and select “DIVR.”.

Seattle University

  • Seattle University requires an additional 5 credits in College Algebra or Pre-Calculus.

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