Jun 17, 2025  
2025-26 Catalog 
    
2025-26 Catalog

Registered Nursing, AAS


The Highline College Nursing Program prepares students for the complex role of a registered nurse, utilizing a concept-based curriculum that explores the world of nursing through the lens of the Clinical Judgement model.  Conceptual ideas are explored through a variety of exemplars that are interwoven between theory, clinical, lab courses allowing students to interact with each concept within a wide range of mediums and learning styles.  Students will learn how to use clinical reasoning to explore each concept in their theory courses and then apply the concepts using clinical judgement in their lab courses and clinical practicums.

Visit the Nursing Department Website

Program Course Requirements


Prerequisites


  • This program has special admissions procedures. For information, visit the Nursing Department website or contact admissions@highline.edu.

Program Core Courses


The core Nursing classes are being updated each quarter throughout this year. If you started under an older program, please use that catalog year or speak with an advisor.

Total Core Credits: 78


Supporting Course Credits: 25


Related Instruction Courses


Total Related Instruction Credits: 20


Total Program Credits: 123


End of Program Learning Outcomes


NURSING PROCESS: Employ critical decision making to prioritize and appropriately attend to client specific needs using data collection and analysis, problem identification, care planning, care delivery and evaluation of care.

DIVERSITY: Provide accurate verbal and written communications using appropriate technology, while adapting to consider the needs of culturally and educationally diverse clientele and interdisciplinary health care team members.

CRITICAL THINKING: Demonstrate proficiency in psychomotor skills, computation, therapeutic communication, client education and use of technology in provision of nursing care

COMMUNICATION: Function as an effective member of the health care team, practicing collaborative leadership, delegation and client advocacy to provide goal-oriented care.

SAFE PRACTICE: Perform optimally in the dynamic health care system by incorporating evidence based practice and continuing education in client care.

PROFESSIONALISM: Adhere to scope of professional practice and contribute to the profession through participation in professional organizations and sociopolitical awareness.

Program Notes


This information does not substitute for meeting with a pre-nursing faculty adviser.

  • The minimum grade per prerequisite class is a 3.0 with the exception of MATH& 146 which is 2.7.
  • Students may attempt each pre-requisite up to three times only. 
  • All prerequisites must be completed before applying 
  • Must provide a Certified Nursing Assistant certificate of completion (CNA and LPN licences will also be accepted). 
  • Twenty eight students will be selected Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters respectively for the full time program. Alternates will be chosen for each cohort. 
  • AAS degree programs emphasize preparation in specific job skills required for entrylevel employment. 
  • The full time program will be offered on a full-time and face-to-face basis only. 
  • Taking courses outside of nursing while in the program is not recommended due to heavy loads and irregular schedules. 
  • Students must complete full national and local background checks. 
  • Students in the Nursing Program must be fully vaccinated. Only medically related exemptions (anaphylaxis, etc.) will be considered. 
  • Additional qualifications considered: 
    • Geographic location (1 point) 
    • Health-Related Community Service (1 point) 
    • Previous Associate degree or higher (Note: Degrees from foreign universities will qualify) (2 points) 
    • U.S. Military Service (2 points) 
    • First Generation College Graduate (2 Points) 
    • 1+ year direct patient care experience as an NA-C (3 points) 
    • Pre-requisite cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher (3 points) 
    • Current or past Highline College student (30+ credits) (4 points)

Internal Coding


Last Updated June 2025
Description Registered Nurse  AAS
Academic Plan RENRLAPT
CIP Code 51.3801