Tacoma Community College Nursing: What to Know About the ADN (2026)
Tacoma Community College trains RNs through the Associate in Nursing, DTA/MRP—a Washington State Board of Nursing–approved, ACEN-accredited program (per the college catalog) with traditional six-quarter and LPN-to-RN pathways. Below: WABON first-time NCLEX-RN outcomes for the ADN row, official cost snapshots, and selective admissions details from TCC’s published materials.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
TCC’s nursing program sits on a compact Tacoma campus with Titan student supports (free ORCA transit pass per college materials) and explicit ties to UW Tacoma, WSU, and UW Seattle transfer nursing options. The DTA/MRP label matters: it signals a structured associate degree that aligns with many Washington BSN completion programs after NCLEX-RN—always verify each university’s transfer rules early. * The $5,033 quick-fact figure is the tuition/fees line from TCC’s 2025–26 three-quarter associate COA example (12-credit budget line, not living with parents)—see Determining Financial Need for full tables.
Overview & Why Students Choose Tacoma Community College
Tacoma Community College is a public two-year college on South 19th Street in Tacoma, Washington, offering a single pre-licensure RN track—the Associate in Nursing, Direct Transfer Agreement / Major Related Program (DTA/MRP)—rather than a separate generic “BSN” on campus. Graduates sit for NCLEX-RN; the degree also signals transfer alignment to many Washington BSN programs when you are ready to continue past the associate level.
The catalog describes two RN entries: a six-quarter traditional sequence with fall, winter, and spring starts, and a four-quarter LPN-to-RN option with winter admission, Prior Learning Assessment credit for prior LPN coursework, and a start at Level 3. Admission is selective; completing prerequisites does not guarantee a seat.
According to the Washington State Board of Nursing NCLEX School Reports (PDF, February 2026), Tacoma Community College’s ADN line shows a 84.69% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate (83 of 98 testers) for 2025 and 95.89% (70 of 73) for 2024. Washington requires approved nursing programs to maintain at least an 80% first-time pass rate for regulatory purposes—confirm the latest table with WABON and TCC.
Reasons students choose Tacoma Community College
Pierce County clinical density
Tacoma anchors major systems such as MultiCare, CHI Franciscan / Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, and community hospitals—offering a busy acute-care backdrop for rotations (exact affiliates vary by cohort contract).
DTA/MRP transfer framing
The degree title explicitly flags a direct transfer agreement orientation; TCC’s nursing page highlights UW Tacoma, WSU, and UW Seattle as common next steps—verify each university’s current RN-to-BSN or BSN admission rules.
LPN-to-RN acceleration
Licensed practical nurses can enter at Level 3 with PLA credit for select prior courses, finishing the RN sequence in about four quarters per the catalog—useful if you already hold a PN credential.
Published holistic rubric
TCC’s application materials describe holistic scoring beyond GPA alone (service, bilingual skills, healthcare documentation where applicable). Review the official rubric PDFs before you apply.
Nursing Programs Offered
TCC’s nursing pathway centers on the Associate in Nursing, DTA/MRP (135–137 credits total per catalog). The traditional RN option runs six quarters; the LPN-to-RN option runs four quarters beginning in winter at Level 3. Related offerings listed on the nursing landing page include a Nursing Assistant Certificate and an Associate of Arts in Pre-Nursing—useful supports, but only the DTA/MRP (plus NCLEX success) confers RN eligibility.
Pre-licensure (NCLEX-RN)
Traditional RN (six quarters)
Full-time sequenced theory, lab, and clinical courses; new cohorts begin fall, winter, and spring. Completing all levels yields eligibility for NCLEX-RN.
LPN-to-RN (four quarters)
For licensed practical nurses: winter start, Prior Learning Assessment credit for 21 credits spanning earlier levels, entry at Level 3, plus completion of SOCSC 204 as described in the catalog.
Related pathway (not RN licensure at TCC)
Nursing Assistant Certificate
Listed on TCC’s nursing pathway page for students preparing for nursing-assistant roles—confirm clinical and certification steps with the allied health department.
Associate of Arts in Pre-Nursing
A transfer-oriented AA for students planning to apply to BSN programs elsewhere; it is not a substitute for the DTA/MRP nursing major at TCC.
Nursing courses are fully enrolled and do not allow “space available” registration; the college also notes tuition waiver restrictions under RCW 28B.15.558 for this program (per the July 2024 program packet). Plan finances and seat competition accordingly.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
For Washington community college ADN programs, the Washington State Board of Nursing publishes a single ADN row per school in its annual NCLEX School Reports tables (first-time test takers).
According to the February 2026 WABON PDF, Tacoma Community College reported:
- 2025: 83/98 = 84.69% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate
- 2024: 70/73 = 95.89%
- 2023: 66/74 = 89.19%
- 2022: 74/87 = 85.06%
- 2021: 97/101 = 96.04%
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (2025) | 84.69% (83 passed / 98 tested), WABON ADN row |
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (2024) | 95.89% (70 passed / 73 tested) |
| Source | Washington State Board of Nursing — NCLEX pass rates (PDF, Feb 2026); program list landing page: WABON program pass rates. Confirm current cohort data with WABON and TCC. |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort. Always confirm the latest pass rates with the Washington State Board of Nursing and Tacoma Community College.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
International applicants and foreign-educated nurses face extra steps around transcripts, English proficiency, visas, and Board of Nursing credential review. Use the checklist below as orientation only—this is not legal or immigration advice.
- English-language proficiency: Confirm TOEFL/IELTS or other minimums with Tacoma Community College admissions or the international office for your visa type.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: Route official transcripts through TCC Enrollment Services / transcript evaluation per nursing packet instructions.
- Washington State Board of Nursing: For RN licensure by exam or endorsement, confirm CGFNS, documentation, and NCLEX eligibility directly with the Board.
- Immigration & visa: Clinical nursing sequences may have restrictions for F-1 students; verify with TCC’s international programs office and the nursing department before assuming you can join a cohort.
Policies change frequently. Verify with Tacoma Community College and the Washington State Board of Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
TCC’s Associate in Nursing DTA/MRP uses holistic selection. The July 2024 program packet requires all thirteen prerequisites completed (no exceptions) before the application deadline, official transcripts to Enrollment Services (not to the nursing department), and a minimum 2.5 cumulative college-level GPA. Science prerequisites carrying a required B (3.0) include multiple biology and chemistry courses plus PSYC& 200; other prerequisites require at least a C (2.0) unless otherwise stated. The rubric awards points for a combined 3.5 GPA in BIOL& 241, BIOL& 242, and BIOL& 260, documented healthcare experience, bilingual ability, first-generation status, and several other documented factors—read the current rubric PDF on the nursing application page.
Application timeline (traditional RN — July 2024 packet)
| Start quarter | Application window | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fall (September) | June 1 – July 1 | Confirm annually on the official nursing application page. |
| Winter (January) | August 1 – September 1 | Same source for updates. |
| Spring (April) | December 1 – January 1 | Same source for updates. |
| LPN-to-RN | Winter cohort (catalog) | Confirm application open/close dates with nursing@tacomacc.edu; allow 4–6 weeks for status updates after deadlines per TCC’s application instructions. |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | Not publicly disclosed as a single percentage; more applicants than seats—plan as competitive. |
| Prerequisite GPA minimum | 2.5 cumulative college-level GPA; multiple core courses require B or higher per the July 2024 packet. |
| TEAS / HESI | Holistic process described on the nursing application pages; verify whether any exam is required for your cycle. |
| Transcripts | Official transcripts to Enrollment Services by the deadline; coursework from other colleges must be evaluated by TCC. |
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
TCC publishes costs in two helpful places: a nursing program packet with line-item estimates for the six-quarter sequence, and institutional cost of attendance figures used for financial aid budgeting.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Resident tuition (six-quarter DTA/MRP nursing sequence, estimate) | ~$7,650 resident tuition plus technology fees ($6/credit, $80 max/quarter), ~$1,500 additional course fees over six levels, and other clinical/testing costs listed in the July 2024 packet. |
| COA — tuition & fees line (2025–26) | TCC’s Determining Financial Need page lists $5,033 for tuition/fees on the budget line labeled for 12 credits within a three-quarter associate/certificate COA example (not living with parents). Non-resident tuition is higher; course fees are additional. |
| Source | Associate in Nursing DTA/MRP packet (PDF, July 2024); Determining Financial Need (2025–26 COA); Tuition & Payment; 2025–2026 course fees (catalog). |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
The Puget Sound region continues to need registered nurses across hospitals, clinics, and community agencies—detailed vacancy statistics shift yearly, so pair this guide with Washington workforce dashboards and employer postings.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (2025) | 84.69% (83/98) per WABON February 2026 ADN table. |
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (2024) | 95.89% (70/73) same source. |
| Program completion / employment | Not publicly disclosed on this page from a single audited source; ask Tacoma Community College for the latest consumer information or graduate survey data. |
| Source | WABON NCLEX pass rates PDF. Confirm current outcomes with TCC and the Washington State Board of Nursing. |
Is Tacoma Community College the Right Fit for You?
TCC fits students who want a community-college-priced ADN, can meet rigorous science prerequisites, and plan for competitive admission—not an open-enrollment major once you reach the nursing cohort.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want an ACEN-accredited ADN in Tacoma with straightforward transfer framing (DTA/MRP).
- Are already LPNs and can use the shorter LPN-to-RN winter entry.
- Can commit to sequential quarters, clinical hours, and limited work hours (packet recommends <12 work hours/week during the program).
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Need a guaranteed seat after prerequisites—admission remains selective.
- Expect a fully online clinical nursing program (campus/clinical attendance is integral).
- Want a bachelor’s in nursing awarded solely by TCC (plan for transfer or another institution’s RN-to-BSN completion after licensure).
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Tacoma sits in Pierce County along the I-5 corridor between Seattle and Olympia, with a high concentration of acute-care beds, military healthcare at Madigan Army Medical Center (context for regional workforce), community hospitals, federally qualified health centers, and long-term care. TCC nursing students routinely rotate through diverse agencies; confirm current contracts with the program.
| Setting | Examples |
|---|---|
| Regional acute care | MultiCare, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health / CHI Franciscan brands, St. Joseph Medical Center, and Seattle–Tacoma system affiliates (examples only—actual rotation sites vary). |
| Community & LTC | Skilled nursing, home health, school health, and outpatient clinics throughout Pierce and adjacent counties. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
TCC emphasizes student supports such as academic advising, learning centers, counseling, the Titan Food Pantry, and (per college materials) free regional transit via ORCA. Nursing students should expect structured lab and simulation time alongside hospital and community clinicals; nursing information sessions are advertised on the college site for prospective applicants.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Tacoma, WA
- Address
- 6501 South 19th Street, Tacoma, WA 98466, US
- Telephone
- Entry Services / Welcome Center: (253) 566-6042; Student Financial Services: (253) 566-5011
- Contact email
- Nursing: nursing@tacomacc.edu, nac@tacomacc.edu; Advising: advising@tacomacc.edu; Transcripts: credeval@tacomacc.edu
- Website
- tacomacc.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Download the Associate in Nursing DTA/MRP packet and the holistic rubric from the nursing application portal.
- Map prerequisites (BIOL& series, chemistry, statistics, nutrition, English, COMMS, PSYC courses) against your transcripts; schedule any missing labs early.
- Create your TCC student record if needed, then send official transcripts to Enrollment Services before your target deadline.
- Review the WABON NCLEX PDF for Tacoma Community College’s ADN row.
- Attend a nursing information session (dates announced on the nursing pathway page) and email nursing@tacomacc.edu with remaining questions.
- Budget using both the packet totals and the 2025–26 COA table; file FAFSA/WASFA if you need aid.
- Submit the nursing application through the college’s healthcare application portal before the published closing date for your desired entry quarter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tacoma Community College’s most recent first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate?
According to the Washington State Board of Nursing February 2026 NCLEX School Reports PDF, Tacoma Community College’s ADN program reported an 84.69% first-time pass rate (83 of 98 testers) in 2025 and 95.89% (70 of 73) in 2024. Confirm the latest cohort with WABON and TCC.
Does Tacoma Community College offer a BSN degree on campus?
The pre-licensure degree awarded is the Associate in Nursing DTA/MRP (ADN pathway to NCLEX-RN). TCC highlights transfer partnerships with schools such as UW Tacoma, WSU, and UW Seattle for future bachelor’s work—verify each university’s current RN-to-BSN or BSN policies.
How much should I budget for Tacoma Community College’s nursing program?
The July 2024 program packet estimates about $7,650 in resident tuition for the six-quarter nursing sequence plus fees, books, testing, uniforms, and clinical costs. TCC’s 2025–26 financial aid page also shows a $5,033 tuition/fees budget line for a three-quarter associate COA example. Non-resident rates are higher.
When is the Tacoma Community College nursing application due?
The July 2024 packet lists June 1–July 1 for fall entry, August 1–September 1 for winter, and December 1–January 1 for spring. LPN-to-RN applicants should confirm winter-cycle instructions with the nursing office. Always verify active dates on the official application page.
Is the TEAS exam required for Tacoma Community College nursing?
TCC’s materials emphasize holistic review with prerequisite grades and supporting documents; they do not list TEAS in the July 2024 packet sections reviewed. Confirm whether any standardized test returned for a future cycle.
What GPA do I need for Tacoma Community College nursing prerequisites?
Cumulative college-level GPA must be at least 2.5, with multiple science and psychology courses requiring B (3.0) grades and other courses at C (2.0) or better per the published prerequisite grid. Competitive applicants often present stronger science GPAs because the rubric awards points for a combined 3.5 in BIOL& 241, BIOL& 242, and BIOL& 260.
What accreditation does Tacoma Community College nursing hold?
The catalog states approval by the Washington State Board of Nursing and accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Confirm status with the college and ACEN before enrolling.
Where will I complete clinicals at Tacoma Community College?
Rotations take place across Pierce County and nearby regions at hospitals, long-term care, and community sites that contract with the college. Exact placements vary—ask the program for the most current partners.
Can licensed practical nurses shorten the RN program at Tacoma Community College?
Yes. The catalog describes a four-quarter LPN-to-RN option with winter admission, Prior Learning Assessment credit for prior coursework, and entry at Level 3. LPNs must still meet all admission and documentation requirements.
References
- Tacoma Community College — Nursing pathwaytacomacc.edu/…/nursing
- TCC — Associate in Nursing DTA/MRP (catalog)catalog.tacomacc.edu/programs/RENDTAA
- TCC — Nursing applicationNursing application
- TCC — Program packet PDF (July 2024)Associate_in_Nursing_DTA-MRP_Packet_7.18.24.pdf
- TCC — Determining Financial Need (2025–26 COA)determiningfinancialneed
- TCC — Tuition & Paymenttuition-payment
- Washington State Board of Nursing — NCLEX pass rates (PDF)NCLEX-pass-rates.pdf (Feb 2026)
- Washington State Board of Nursing — program pass rates pagenursing.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 Tacoma Community College program scope, WABON NCLEX table alignment, and tuition citations from TCC’s published packet and cost-of-attendance materials.
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 Board of Nursing.
Published: April 1, 2026 · Last reviewed: April 1, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy