Big Bend Community College Nursing: Programs, NCLEX & Requirements (2026)
Moses Lake’s public community college offers an ACEN-accredited ADN (Associate in Nursing DTA/MRP), a Nursing Assistant–Certified program, and selective fall cohort admissions with TEAS Version 7. Figures below cite BBCC cost-of-attendance and Washington Nursing Commission pass rate disclosures—confirm every detail for your cohort.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
BBCC runs a single fall ADN cohort (typically 24–28 seats) in Moses Lake, serving Grant County and the Columbia Basin—so clinical training is woven through regional hospitals and community settings rather than a big-city teaching hospital model. That cohort structure and the college’s published TEAS and prerequisite checklist make planning predictable if you align early with the annual spring application window.
Overview & Why Students Choose Big Bend Community College
Big Bend Community College sits in Moses Lake in Washington’s Columbia Basin—far from Seattle’s major medical centers but close to regional hospitals and long-term care employers that hire ADN graduates across Central Washington. The nursing program’s stated mission is to prepare nurses who can deliver compassionate, holistic care in diverse settings, pairing classroom instruction with skills lab work and clinical rotations.
BBCC is not a university: it offers a Nursing Assistant–Certified (NA-C) certificate and a selective Associate in Nursing DTA/MRP (ADN) that prepares you for NCLEX-RN, plus transfer-oriented pre-nursing advising for students who plan to earn a BSN elsewhere. If you want a single annual cohort, clear prerequisite lists, and published TEAS rules, BBCC puts most of that in the open on its nursing page.
According to the Washington State Board of Nursing NCLEX school reports (February 2026), Big Bend Community College’s ADN row lists 17 of 17 first-time NCLEX-RN passes in calendar year 2025 and 15 of 15 in 2024. Confirm later cohorts with the WABON program pass rates page and BBCC.
Reasons students choose BBCC
Published TEAS and prerequisite rules
For the 2026 cohort, BBCC lists TEAS Version 7 windows, minimum composite and reading scores, retake spacing, and prerequisite courses—including science recency rules—so you can plan transcripts and testing without guessing.
ACEN-accredited ADN with WA approval
The college states the ADN is approved by the Washington State Board of Nursing and accredited by ACEN; NA-C is approved by the Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission.
Regional clinical footprint
Clinical learning is described as spanning multiple settings; students train for employers across the Basin rather than only urban tertiary centers.
Transfer-ready ADN design
BBCC notes the Associate in Nursing DTA/MRP is built to align with Washington’s transfer framework toward a BSN after licensure if you choose that route.
Nursing Programs Offered
The sections below reflect only what BBCC publishes for credentials it awards at the college. The catalog and nursing catalog are the authoritative sources for titles and credits.
Pre-licensure & entry credentials
Nursing Assistant – Certified (NA-C)
One-quarter program that prepares you for the Washington State certification exam to work as a Nursing Assistant–Certified in community, long-term, and acute care settings. Approved by the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission per BBCC.
Associate Degree in Nursing (Associate in Nursing DTA/MRP)
Two-year ADN pathway that prepares you for NCLEX-RN. BBCC admits one fall cohort per year (typically 24–28 students). The program is ACEN-accredited and Washington State Board of Nursing–approved per the college. Delivery is on-campus with clinical placements; not an online RN program.
Transfer preparation (not an RN at BBCC)
BBCC also describes an Associate in Pre-Nursing DTA/MRP for students planning to transfer into a basic BSN at a four-year school. That degree does not confer RN licensure at BBCC. Admission to nursing at a university after transfer is separate and competitive—follow the receiving school’s requirements.
BBCC does not list a post-licensure RN-to-BSN completion program. Licensed RNs seeking a BSN should use BBCC’s transfer resources or enroll at a university that offers that completion track.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
According to the Washington State Board of Nursing NCLEX school reports (published February 2026), Big Bend Community College’s ADN row shows 100% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates for 2025 (17 of 17 first-time testers) and 2024 (15 of 15). The Board’s PN table lists Big Bend with N/A for 2025 and small-cohort prior years—confirm whether your question is ADN (NCLEX-RN) versus a legacy PN row with BBCC and WABON. This page does not compare BBCC to a state-average benchmark from a separate summary.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| ADN first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate (2025) | 100% (17/17) — WABON NCLEX school reports, February 2026 publication. |
| ADN first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate (2024) | 100% (15/15) — same ADN row. |
| Source | WABON NCLEX school reports (PDF); Program pass rates. Confirm current cohort data with the Commission and BBCC. |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort. Always confirm the latest pass rates with the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission and Big Bend Community College.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
BBCC’s public nursing page focuses on Washington residents and standard admissions; international applicants and internationally educated nurses have extra steps. Use the checklist below as guidance—not legal advice—and confirm details with BBCC admissions, the international office (if applicable), and the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission.
- English-language proficiency: Ask BBCC whether TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores are required for your applicant type and program.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: Determine whether BBCC or a state-approved evaluator must review foreign coursework for prerequisites.
- Washington Nursing Commission: For RN licensure routes, NCLEX eligibility, and endorsement, use the Commission’s official guidance—not this page—as the authority.
- Immigration & visa: Clinical placements may require background checks and health requirements; visa status can affect eligibility—ask BBCC early.
Policies change frequently. Verify with Big Bend Community College and the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
BBCC’s ADN is selective: one application window per year for a fall start, with more qualified applicants than seats. The college scores applications using academics, completion of prerequisites, TEAS performance, and optional healthcare experience points—see the published scoring grid for your cohort year.
Application timeline (Fall 2026 cohort — from BBCC, updated Dec. 2025)
| Entry Term | Window | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 ADN cohort | Mar. 16, 2026 – Apr. 17, 2026 (5:00 p.m.) | Decisions by May 15, 2026; mandatory orientation first week of September; classes begin Fall Quarter. |
Prerequisites & TEAS (summary)
Before applying you must complete ENGL& 101, BIOL& 160 (or BIOL& 211), CHEM& 121, BIOL& 241, and BIOL& 242 (the last two with recency limits—BBCC requires A&P and Microbiology within seven years). You may be enrolled in BIOL& 242 or CHEM& 121 during application if you finish by Spring 2026 with ≥2.0. Co-requisites span nutrition, psychology, speech, statistics, and more across the program—mirror the official list on BBCC’s nursing page.
TEAS Version 7: composite ≥60%, reading ≥65%; test date between Apr. 1, 2024 and Apr. 17, 2026 for the 2026 cohort; ≥90 days between retakes. Send scores electronically from ATI to BBCC Nursing.
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (ADN) | Not publicly disclosed (limited seats; competitive) |
| Course grades | Minimum 2.0 (C) in all degree courses; higher scores help in the points system |
| TEAS | Required (Version 7; minimums above) |
| Healthcare experience | Optional bonus points with verification (e.g., NA, MA, EMT—100+ direct-care hours) |
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
BBCC publishes standard financial aid cost of attendance figures for a nine-month (three-quarter) budget. These are not the same as “total nursing program cost,” but they give a verified starting point for tuition and fees. Nursing students may also have course fees, uniforms, immunizations, background checks, and travel—see BBCC’s Workforce Education Program Costs spreadsheet linked from the nursing page.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Tuition & fees (9 months, standard budget) | Washington resident: $5,670; non-resident: $6,255 (2025–2026, BBCC Cost of Attendance) |
| Total standard COA (off-campus, example) | $28,598 (WA resident, off-campus, 2025–2026—includes housing, food, books, transportation, personal) |
| Source | BBCC Cost of Attendance; Tuition & Fees (includes PDF schedules). Confirm current amounts with BBCC. |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
BBCC lists program outcome targets (for example, NCLEX first-time pass at least 80%, completion benchmarks, and graduate employment targets). These are program goals—not a guarantee of results for every cohort. For licensure exam results, rely on Washington Nursing Commission pass rate publications rather than marketing copy alone.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time (WABON) | 2025: 17/17 (100%); 2024: 15/15 (100%) — see NCLEX section and February 2026 PDF. |
| Graduate employment | Not publicly disclosed as a verified annual graduate survey figure on this page; BBCC lists internal program targets on its nursing page. Confirm current job-placement methodology with BBCC and the Washington Employment Security Department for regional context. |
| Source | BBCC Nursing; WA program pass rates. |
Is Big Bend Community College the Right Fit for You?
BBCC fits a specific profile: Central Washington locals or relocators who want an affordable public ADN, can meet TEAS and science prerequisites, and accept a single annual cohort with competitive admission—not a rolling start every term.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want a published TEAS cutoff, prerequisite list, and one clear application window each spring.
- Plan to work in rural or community hospitals, clinics, or long-term care across the Basin after licensure.
- Value ACEN-accredited ADN training at a community college price point with optional BSN transfer later.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Need an online-only or evening-only pre-licensure RN program (BBCC’s ADN is face-to-face with clinical requirements).
- Expect guaranteed admission after completing prerequisites (the process is competitive and seat-limited).
- Want an ABSN or traditional four-year BSN on the same campus (BBCC does not offer those credentials).
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Moses Lake anchors healthcare for Grant County and connects eastward toward the Tri-Cities and westward toward Wenatchee. BBCC nursing students typically encounter a mix of critical access hospitals, multi-hospital systems with regional campuses, skilled nursing, and outpatient clinics—reflecting both agricultural community health needs and seasonal population shifts. Exact clinical sites rotate with contracts; ask the program for the current list.
| Facility / system | Relevance |
|---|---|
| Samaritan Healthcare (Moses Lake) | Major local hospital employer and typical destination for regional acute care exposure. |
| Confluence Health / Central Washington Hospital (Wenatchee) | Regional referral center within driving distance; some learners may rotate or seek employment in the Wenatchee Valley. |
| MultiCare & other regional networks | Broader Eastern Washington systems hire ADN graduates; networking through clinicals matters. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
Nursing courses and allied health offices are centered in BBCC’s health sciences footprint (Building 1700 referenced on the nursing page) with skills labs that support hands-on competency checks before clinicals. Student life is typical of a commuter-serving community college: many students balance work and family; cohort-based nursing creates a tight peer group within the larger campus. For support services, use One Stop, financial aid, and the nursing program office early—especially for immunization and clinical clearance deadlines.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Moses Lake, WA
- Address
- 7611 Bolling Street NE, Moses Lake, WA 98837, US
- Main telephone
- (509) 793-2222
- Nursing program
- NursingProgram@bigbend.edu · (509) 793-2137
- Website
- bigbend.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Read the full BBCC nursing page and download the current nursing student handbook (DOCX link on that page).
- Compare your transcripts to BBCC prerequisites and science recency rules; order official transcripts if you are a transfer student.
- Schedule TEAS Version 7 so scores arrive before the application deadline and meet composite/reading minimums.
- Email NursingProgram@bigbend.edu with any prerequisite equivalency questions using the transfer table.
- Complete the BBCC admissions application and the nursing cohort form when the window opens.
- Review BBCC’s COVID/clinical vaccination expectations for placement.
- Bookmark the Washington program pass rates page to track future NCLEX cohort data.
Frequently Asked Questions
What nursing programs does Big Bend Community College offer?
BBCC offers a Nursing Assistant–Certified (NA-C) program and a selective Associate in Nursing DTA/MRP degree that leads to NCLEX-RN eligibility (ADN). The college also describes an Associate in Pre-Nursing DTA/MRP for transfer planning; that pathway does not confer RN licensure at BBCC. Confirm titles in the BBCC catalog and nursing page.
Does Big Bend Community College require TEAS for the ADN program?
Yes. For the 2026 cohort, BBCC requires ATI TEAS Version 7 with a composite score of at least 60% and a reading score of at least 65%, with test dates within the window published on the nursing program page. Retakes must be at least 90 days apart. Verify every rule in the current BBCC nursing application materials before you test.
What is the NCLEX-RN pass rate for Big Bend Community College?
WABON’s February 2026 NCLEX school reports list Big Bend Community College’s ADN with 17 of 17 first-time NCLEX-RN passes in 2025 and 15 of 15 in 2024. Confirm the latest PDF and cohort definitions with nursing.wa.gov and BBCC.
When is the Big Bend Community College nursing application deadline?
For the Fall 2026 ADN cohort, BBCC published an application window of March 16, 2026 through 5:00 p.m. April 17, 2026, with decision notifications by May 15, 2026. Deadlines change by year; use the official nursing program page for your target cohort.
Is Big Bend Community College’s ADN program accredited?
BBCC states the ADN program is approved by the Washington State Board of Nursing and the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges and accredited by ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing). Confirm current accreditation status with ACEN and the school.
Does Big Bend Community College offer an RN-to-BSN program?
No. BBCC is a community college offering the ADN (Associate in Nursing DTA/MRP) and NA-C; it does not list an RN-to-BSN completion program. The nursing page references transfer options to four-year schools in Washington for students who want a BSN after licensure.
What are tuition and fees like at Big Bend Community College for nursing students?
BBCC’s 2025–2026 financial aid cost of attendance lists $5,670 for nine-month tuition and fees for Washington residents (standard budget) and $6,255 for non-residents; nursing students may have additional program-specific costs in the Workforce Education Program Costs document. Confirm current figures on BBCC Tuition and Fees and Cost of Attendance pages.
How many students are in each Big Bend Community College nursing cohort?
BBCC states it admits one ADN cohort per year in the fall, typically 24–28 students depending on faculty and clinical capacity. Confirm the cohort size for your application cycle on the official nursing page.
Where do Big Bend Community College nursing students complete clinicals?
BBCC describes clinical experiences in varied settings across the region; specific sites rotate and depend on agreements. Use the nursing program office and student handbook for the current list. Clinical sites may require COVID-19 vaccination with limited exemptions per BBCC’s published policy.
References
- Big Bend Community College — Nursing programbigbend.edu/academics/programs/nursing.html
- Big Bend Community College — Cost of Attendance (2025–2026)bigbend.edu/student-center/cost-of-attendance.html
- Big Bend Community College — Tuition & Feesbigbend.edu/student-center/tuition-and-fees.html
- Washington State Board of Nursing — NCLEX school reports (PDF, Feb 2026)NCLEX-pass-rates.pdf
- Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission — Program pass ratesnursing.wa.gov/…/program-pass-rates
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)ncsbn.org
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Registered Nursesbls.gov/ooh
Editorial Standards & Review
About the author: Francesco Di Siena, RN, writes evidence-based nursing education guides for NurseOnShift.
Review: This page was reviewed by Araceli Collado, RN, for NCLEX figures against the WABON February 2026 NCLEX school reports PDF, program accreditation statements, and BBCC admissions criteria accuracy.
Disclaimer: This page is for general reference only. It does not constitute professional, admissions, or financial advice. Requirements, deadlines, tuition, and policies change; always verify with the institution and the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission.
Published: April 1, 2026 · Last reviewed: April 1, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy