Lower Columbia College Nursing Programs: What to Know (2026)
Public community college in Longview, Washington, offering a Nursing Assistant certificate, a selective ACEN-accredited ADN (AN-DTA/MRP), and a CCNE-accredited BSN—plus pre-nursing pathways. Below: selective admissions (TEAS and Kaplan), SBCTC-set tuition, and NCLEX-RN outcomes cited from LCC and Washington State Board of Nursing resources.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
LCC combines community-college affordability (SBCTC-regulated tuition) with a growing portfolio: a long-standing Washington State Board of Nursing–approved ADN and Nursing Assistant programs, plus a newer CCNE-accredited BSN—so you can stack credentials in the Lower Columbia region without leaving the campus’s Health & Science Building footprint.
Overview & Why Students Choose Lower Columbia College
Lower Columbia College sits in Longview along the Columbia River, serving Cowlitz County and southwest Washington. Its nursing department offers stackable credentials—from Nursing Assistant and pre-nursing coursework through an ACEN-accredited Associate Degree in Nursing (AN-DTA/MRP) and a newer Bachelor of Science in Nursing that carries CCNE Initial Accreditation (October 2025) and Washington State Board of Nursing approval.
Clinical learning is concentrated in regional hospitals and community settings, with PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center anchoring acute care in Longview. The program publishes transparent NCLEX-RN outcome tables and uses selective admission with TEAS and Kaplan exams—aligning expectations with Washington’s competitive pre-licensure market.
According to Lower Columbia College’s Program Outcomes page (updated March 2026), LCC’s first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for testing year 2024 was 88.39% (99 of 112 first-time testers) in the associate-degree outcomes table. The Washington State Board of Nursing NCLEX school reports (February 2026) list Lower Columbia College’s ADN at 83.08% for calendar year 2025 (108 of 130 first-time testers) and 88.39% for 2024 (99 of 112). Board calendar-year columns and LCC testing-year tables are not identical labels—confirm interpretation with LCC and the Board.
Reasons students choose Lower Columbia College
Stackable pathways
Progress from Nursing Assistant to ADN and, for eligible students, the BSN—without leaving the Lower Columbia region.
Published NCLEX transparency
LCC posts multi-year NCLEX-RN tables (graduation year and testing year) so you can review trends before you apply.
ACEN + CCNE footprint
ADN students train under ACEN continuing accreditation; BSN students are covered by CCNE Initial Accreditation (2025 decision).
SBCTC tuition structure
Tuition follows Washington community-college tables (lower division for associate/certificate; upper division for applied bachelor’s).
Nursing Programs Offered
The following pathways are described on Lower Columbia College’s official nursing pages (March 2026). Pre-nursing coursework prepares you to apply to the selective RN program; it does not confer an RN license by itself.
Pre-licensure & entry credentials
Nursing Assistant Certificate of Completion
Entry-level credential approved by the Washington State Board of Nursing; prepares you for nursing assistant certification requirements in Washington.
Pre-nursing & Associate pathways
LCC lists an Associate in pre-nursing and related associate options for students completing prerequisites before applying to the RN program.
Registered Nurse AN-DTA/MRP (ADN)
Selective pre-licensure associate program (ACEN continuing accreditation per LCC). Graduates are eligible to apply for the NCLEX-RN.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Applied baccalaureate nursing major with CCNE Initial Accreditation (October 2025) and Washington State Board of Nursing approval. Uses upper-division tuition rates.
Program availability, tracks, and board approval levels can change. Confirm the exact degree title, start term, and regulatory status on the official LCC nursing page and with the Washington State Board of Nursing.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
According to Lower Columbia College’s Program Outcomes and Student Achievement Data (updated March 2026), the first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for testing year 2024 was 88.39% (99 of 112 first-time testers). The same page lists testing year 2023 at 95.04% (115 of 121) and notes that 2025 testing-year data were incomplete while graduates were still testing.
Independently, the WABON NCLEX school reports (published February 2026) show Lower Columbia College’s ADN row at 83.08% for calendar year 2025 (108 of 130 first-time testers) and 88.39% for 2024 (99 of 112). Pass rates move by cohort; compare the same year and definition when you read the school table versus the Board PDF.
The LCC published table appears under Associate Degree Options and reflects ADN cohort reporting. For aggregate Washington nursing education statistics, see the Education Data Dashboard. BSN-specific NCLEX reporting will emerge as CCNE-accredited BSN cohorts progress—confirm with the program.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (2025, WABON calendar year) | 83.08% (108/130) — Lower Columbia College ADN row; February 2026 NCLEX school reports PDF. |
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (2024, WABON) | 88.39% (99/112) — same ADN row (aligns with LCC’s 2024 testing-year count). |
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (2024 testing year, LCC) | 88.39% (99/112) — LCC associate-degree outcomes table |
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (2023 testing year, LCC) | 95.04% (115/121) — same source |
| Source (school) | LCC Nursing Program Outcomes |
| Source (state board) | WABON NCLEX school reports (PDF); Education Data Dashboard |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort and reporting column (graduation year vs. testing year). Always confirm the latest rates with Lower Columbia College and the Washington State Board of Nursing.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Requirements for international applicants and internationally educated nurses depend on residency classification, visa type, and Washington Board of Nursing rules. Use this list as a starting point—not legal advice.
- English-language proficiency: Confirm TOEFL/IELTS or other minimums with LCC Admissions and the program.
- Transcript evaluation: Follow LCC’s international admissions guidance for credential reviews (e.g., WES or other approved evaluators if required).
- Washington State Board of Nursing: For RN licensure by examination or endorsement, review current checklists on nursing.wa.gov.
- Residency & tuition: LCC publishes separate rate categories for international students on its Tuition & Fees page—review the “International Students” row in the official tables.
- Clinical placements: Visa and background-check requirements can affect eligibility for clinical sites; confirm early with the program and International Programs.
Contact international@lowercolumbia.edu (International Programs) and the nursing department for the latest policy.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Lower Columbia College uses selective admission for its nursing programs. Applicants must complete prerequisite coursework, meet minimum academic thresholds published in the nursing materials, and participate in competitive application cycles. The college publishes applicant statistics on its Nursing Programs Admission Data page.
Entrance exams
According to the Testing Center, nursing applicants must earn passing scores on the ATI TEAS and the Kaplan Fundamentals D NGN exam (remote or in-person options; appointments required). Minimum scores and retest rules are detailed in the nursing program FAQ and application instructions.
Application timeline
| Entry Term | Deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Varies by pathway | See official “Dates & Deadlines” | Deadlines differ for NA, ADN, and BSN. Use the nursing homepage for the active cycle. |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Selective admission | Yes — competitive application and prerequisite review |
| Acceptance rate (nursing) | Not publicly disclosed as a single percentage; see admission data tables |
| Minimum GPA / prerequisites | Published in nursing admission requirements; confirm current thresholds |
| TEAS / Kaplan | Required passing scores per Testing Center and nursing program policy |
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Tuition at Lower Columbia College is set within the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) framework. The college distinguishes lower-division tuition (certificates and associate degrees) from upper-division tuition (applied bachelor’s degrees such as the BSN).
Per the official Tuition & Fees tables (2025–2026, effective Fall 2025), Washington and Oregon border residents pay $145.00 per credit for lower-division coursework at the 1–10 credit band, and $1,598.26 total for 12 credits (facilities, technology, student support, and matriculation fees included in the posted totals). Upper-division applied-bachelor’s coursework lists $2,734.46 for 12 credits for the same resident category.
LCC estimates academic-year tuition and fees for full-time lower-division students at $4,795 ($1,598 per quarter across three quarters) and upper-division BAS students at $8,205 ($2,735 per quarter) before books, housing, transportation, or program-specific fees.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Lower-division tuition (WA/OR border, 12 cr) | $1,598.26 per quarter (2025–26 table) |
| Upper-division tuition (WA/OR border, 12 cr) | $2,734.46 per quarter (2025–26 table) |
| Source | Lower Columbia College — Tuition & Fees |
LCC’s federal school code is 003782. Contact Financial Aid at (360) 442-2390 or financialaidoffice@lowercolumbia.edu for personalized cost of attendance estimates.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
LCC’s Program Outcomes page tracks NCLEX-RN performance, completion, and employment benchmarks. The college’s expected level of achievement sets a minimum 80% first-time NCLEX pass rate benchmark for associate cohorts.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time (2025, WABON calendar year) | 83.08% (108/130) — February 2026 NCLEX school reports PDF. |
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass (2024 testing year, LCC) | 88.39% (99/112) — LCC Program Outcomes, March 2026 |
| Program completion / employment detail | See LCC Program Outcomes tables; confirm methodology with the nursing department |
| Regional demand | Southwest Washington health systems continue to recruit RNs; see BLS Registered Nurses for national outlook context |
Is Lower Columbia College the Right Fit for You?
LCC fits students who want Washington community-college pricing, hands-on clinical experiences close to home, and a clear path from Nursing Assistant coursework through ADN and potentially the BSN.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Plan to stay in Cowlitz County or southwest Washington for school and early-career networking.
- Want stackable credentials (NA → ADN → BSN) within one institution.
- Are prepared for selective admission, TEAS/Kaplan testing, and rigorous clinical schedules.
- Value transparent NCLEX reporting and ACEN/CCNE oversight for their pathway.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Need a guaranteed seat or non-competitive entry—LCC nursing is selective.
- Require a fully online pre-licensure program (nursing labs and clinicals are face-to-face).
- Prefer a large university campus experience outside a community-college setting.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Longview anchors healthcare delivery for Cowlitz County. PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center provides comprehensive inpatient and specialty services and is a major employer for nurses in the region. Community clinics, long-term care, school health, and outpatient networks throughout Kelso–Longview also hire LCC graduates.
Portland–Vancouver metro employers are within commuting distance for some graduates, though clinical placements while in school are assigned per program contracts—confirm geography with the nursing office.
| Facility / system | Role for students & grads |
|---|---|
| PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center (Longview) | Regional acute care hub; common touchpoint for clinical learning and RN employment |
| Community & outpatient networks | Primary care, behavioral health, and specialty clinics across Cowlitz County |
Student Experience & Campus Life
Nursing courses and faculty offices are concentrated in the Health & Science Building, with program coordination and advising teams supporting selective-entry students through each application cycle. The Testing Center (Main 128) proctors TEAS and Kaplan appointments referenced in the nursing admission process.
Student life in Longview blends small-city affordability with outdoor access along the Columbia River. Campus services—tutoring, financial aid, disability access, and veterans resources—mirror other Washington CTCs; nursing students should also budget for uniforms, immunizations, background checks, and travel to clinical sites.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Longview, WA
- Address
- 1600 Maple Street, Longview, WA 98632, US
- Nursing program
- (360) 442-2860 · Health & Science Building, 2nd floor
- Pre-nursing advising
- (360) 442-2328 · prenursing@lowercolumbia.edu
- Website
- lowercolumbia.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Bookmark the official LCC nursing page and download the student handbook or FAQ when available.
- Compare your transcripts to the published prerequisite list for your target program (NA, ADN, or BSN).
- Create a TEAS and Kaplan testing plan via the Testing Center; appointments fill quickly.
- Review the admission data tables to understand competitiveness.
- Estimate costs with the Tuition & Fees tables and contact Financial Aid if needed.
- Introduce yourself to PeaceHealth or other regional employers’ volunteer opportunities to strengthen your application narrative.
- Add the next application deadline to your calendar and set reminders for document submissions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What nursing programs does Lower Columbia College offer?
LCC offers a Nursing Assistant Certificate of Completion, pre-nursing associate coursework, a selective ADN (Registered Nurse AN-DTA/MRP), and a BSN with CCNE Initial Accreditation (October 2025). Details appear on the Health Sciences nursing homepage.
What is Lower Columbia College’s NCLEX-RN pass rate?
Per LCC’s Program Outcomes page (March 2026), the first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for testing year 2024 was 88.39% (99 of 112 testers) in the associate-degree table. WABON’s February 2026 NCLEX school reports list LCC’s ADN at 83.08% for calendar year 2025 (108 of 130) and 88.39% for 2024 (99 of 112). Confirm newer cohorts with LCC and nursing.wa.gov.
Does Lower Columbia College require TEAS and Kaplan for nursing?
Yes. The Testing Center states that competitive applicants must achieve passing scores on the ATI TEAS and Kaplan Fundamentals D NGN exams, with appointments required. Minimum scores post on the nursing program materials each cycle.
How much is tuition at Lower Columbia College for 2025–2026?
The Tuition & Fees page lists Washington resident lower-division tuition at $145.00 per credit (1–10 credits) and $1,598.26 for 12 credits; upper-division applied bachelor coursework is $2,734.46 for 12 credits. Totals include bundled fees per LCC’s tables.
Is Lower Columbia College’s nursing program accredited?
LCC reports ACEN continuing accreditation for the ADN and CCNE Initial Accreditation for the BSN (October 2025). Nursing Assistant and ADN programs hold Washington State Board of Nursing approval; BSN holds initial board approval—verify current status before enrolling.
How competitive is admission to Lower Columbia College nursing?
Admission is selective. LCC publishes applicant statistics on its Nursing Programs Admission Data page; expect prerequisite GPA requirements, exam cutoffs, and limited seats each cycle.
Where will I complete clinicals if I attend Lower Columbia College?
Clinical sites span Cowlitz County and southwest Washington, including regional hospitals such as PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center. Exact rotations vary by term—confirm with the nursing department.
Does Lower Columbia College offer a BSN?
Yes. The BSN uses upper-division tuition, is accredited by CCNE (Initial Accreditation), and is approved by the Washington State Board of Nursing. NCLEX reporting on the Program Outcomes page currently emphasizes ADN cohorts; ask the program for BSN-specific outcomes as they become available.
Who should I contact for nursing advising at Lower Columbia College?
Call the Health & Science Building at (360) 442-2860 for program questions or (360) 442-2328 / prenursing@lowercolumbia.edu for pre-nursing advising.
References
- Lower Columbia College — Nursing Programslowercolumbia.edu/programs/health/nursing/
- Lower Columbia College — Program Outcomes & Student Achievement Dataprogram-outcomes.php
- Lower Columbia College — Tuition & Fees (2025–2026)pay-for-college/tuition
- Lower Columbia College — Nursing Program Admission Examstesting-center/nursing.php
- Washington State Board of Nursing — Education Data Dashboardnursing.wa.gov
- Washington State Board of Nursing — NCLEX School Reports (February 2026 PDF)NCLEX-pass-rates.pdf
- Washington State Department of Health — Nursing Commissiondoh.wa.gov
- 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 alignment with Lower Columbia College’s published nursing pages, SBCTC tuition tables, and Washington State Board of Nursing resources.
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 Lower Columbia College and the Washington State Board of Nursing.
Published: April 1, 2026 · Last reviewed: April 1, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy