Whatcom Community College Nursing Program Review (2026): Programs, Requirements & Outcomes
Bellingham, public community college with an ACEN-accredited Associate in Nursing (DTA/MRP) pathway, INACSL-endorsed simulation standards, and competitive points-based admission. This guide cites the Washington State Board of Nursing NCLEX workbook (February 2026), WCC nursing cost disclosures, and NCES tuition for budget planning.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
Whatcom Community College combines North Puget Sound access (near Bellingham Bay and I-5 links to Vancouver, BC and Seattle) with a single ADN cohort model, on-campus housing (Cedar Hall), and public community-college pricing—while still demanding a tight prerequisite profile and full-time intensity once admitted to nursing core.
Overview & Why Students Choose Whatcom Community College
Whatcom Community College (WCC) in Bellingham offers one board-approved pre-licensure track—the Associate in Nursing (DTA/MRP)—that awards an associate degree and prepares graduates to sit for NCLEX-RN. The college describes a concept-based, integrated curriculum: unlike some programs, it does not offer LPN advanced placement or a first-year practical-nursing exit, per the official nursing page.
After RN licensure, WCC highlights pathways to a BSN through RN-to-BSN bridge programs elsewhere in Washington (it links Western Washington University in Bellingham as an example). Admission to nursing is selective and uses a published points formula on seven prerequisites plus credential, experience, military, and degree bonuses.
According to the Washington State Board of Nursing (WABON) Nursing program NCLEX pass rates PDF (February 2026), Whatcom Community College reported a 92.50% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for 2025 (37 of 40 first-time test takers). WCC’s nursing page publishes a multi-year NCLEX comparison table (for example 97% WCC first-attempt pass in 2024 versus 91% national in that row). Confirm latest cohort counts on nursing.wa.gov program pass rates and with WCC.
Reasons students choose Whatcom Community College
Bellingham & Whatcom County healthcare access
WCC sits near regional systems serving northwest Washington and the U.S.–Canada border corridor—clinical assignments are set by the program; plan for commuting as directed.
Documented NCLEX outcomes
WABON publishes multi-year first-time pass rates by school; WCC also posts NCLEX tables with completion and placement disclosures—pair Board PDFs with the college’s achievement tables.
Simulation standards endorsement
WCC’s nursing page highlights an INACSL Healthcare Simulation Standards Endorsement—confirm the current Credly/badge listing on the program site.
Transfer-friendly degree framing
The DTA/MRP associate degree is described as supporting later BSN completion through bridge programs after RN licensure.
ACEN continuing accreditation
WCC lists ACEN Continuing Accreditation—verify the current decision letter with ACEN and Washington’s nursing commission.
Nursing Programs Offered
The following reflects Whatcom Community College’s nursing program page and Nursing Entry Information. WCC confers an Associate in Nursing aligned with the DTA/MRP; general-education prerequisite courses are completed before nursing core but are not a separate “RN degree” on their own.
Pre-licensure
Associate in Nursing (DTA/MRP) — ADN
Selective, full-time nursing sequence after acceptance. Follow WCC’s quarter-by-quarter class sequence. Graduates take NCLEX-RN. Official materials state the program is not structured for LPN advanced placement or an LPN licensing exit after year one.
Post-licensure & bridges
WCC does not operate an on-campus RN-to-BSN completion degree in the pages reviewed here. The program instead references RN-to-BSN bridge partners (for example Western Washington University) and Washington’s broader list of BSN options after licensure.
Seat counts, scoring worksheets, and handbook rules change. Download the latest Nursing Program Student Handbook and selective-application materials from WCC, then confirm details with the program.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
According to the Washington State Board of Nursing (WABON) Nursing program NCLEX pass rates workbook (PDF, February 2026), Whatcom Community College (ADN row) reported first-time NCLEX-RN outcomes of 92.50% for 2025 (37 passed / 40 first-time test takers). The same row lists 97.22% in 2024 (35/36), 96.97% in 2023 (32/33), 96.00% in 2022 (24/25), and 89.66% in 2021 (26/29). Regulatory materials reference an 80% first-time pass benchmark for programs—confirm how WABON applies the rule in current Washington administrative code.
WCC’s nursing program page also publishes a first-attempt NCLEX table through 2024 with national comparison percentages—use it alongside, not instead of, WABON for official test-taker counts.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (2025) | 92.50% (37 of 40 first-time test takers), WABON ADN table |
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (2024) | 97.22% (35 of 36), same source |
| Source | WABON NCLEX pass rates (PDF, Feb 2026); landing page Program pass rates. Confirm current cohorts with the Board and Whatcom Community College. |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort and reporting cycle. Always confirm the latest first-time pass rates and test-taker counts in the WABON PDF and with the nursing program.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Requirements for international applicants and internationally educated nurses depend on Whatcom Community College admissions policies, visa status, and Washington Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission rules. WCC’s Nursing Entry Information notes that applicants with degrees from outside the U.S. may submit international credential evaluations (for example AACRAO-style degree equivalency) when claiming prior-degree points. Use this as a checklist—not legal advice.
- English-language proficiency: TOEFL/IELTS or equivalent for degree admission—confirm with WCC International Programs.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: International transcript evaluation requirements for prerequisites, selective admission scoring, and Washington clinical clearance.
- Washington Board of Nursing: For RN licensure by examination or endorsement, NCLEX eligibility, and credential review, use nursing.wa.gov.
- Immigration & visa: Whether F-1 students can access required clinical placements; clinical agencies may add vaccination, background, or training mandates.
Policies change frequently. Verify with Whatcom Community College’s international office, nursing program, and the Washington State Board of Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Whatcom Community College’s nursing program is selective; general college admission does not guarantee a nursing seat. The Nursing Entry Information page describes a maximum 94-point rubric: prerequisite GPA drawn from seven courses (ENGL& 101, MATH& 146, CHEM& 121, BIOL& 260, BIOL& 241, BIOL& 242, PSYC& 200), up to 10 points for a current Washington healthcare license/certificate, experience hours tied to that credential, 5 points for honorable veteran discharge, and 5 points for a previous degree. Ties may be broken with a scored personal statement.
Immunizations & CPR: WCC tells applicants to begin the hepatitis B series early and obtain American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Providers before entry. Drug screening, background checks, uniforms, and clinical immunization documentation apply once admitted—see the student handbook.
Application timeline (Fall 2026 example)
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Applications open | March 2, 2026 (per Nursing Entry Information) |
| Application deadline | May 14, 2026 for best consideration (same source) |
| Decision notification | Approximately six to eight weeks after the deadline via WCC email |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (nursing) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Prerequisite courses | Seven courses listed on Entry Information; GPA formula uses letter grades mapped to a 4.0 scale |
| Healthcare credential points | Up to 10 points for current WA licensure/certification; experience hours award 0–4 additional points |
| TEAS / HESI | Not listed on the Entry Information scoring outline reviewed here—confirm each cycle’s checklist |
| LPN advanced placement | Not available per WCC nursing overview |
Honest tips
Request the mock scoring grid linked from Entry Information, maximize science grades in the seven named courses, and document healthcare hours meticulously if you pursue experience points. Line up Shannon Dunn (sdunn@whatcom.edu / 360-383-3211) or general advising early if transcripts include multiple institutions.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
WCC bills nursing core courses at the standard community college tuition rate (quarter system). Pair the college’s Tuition & Fees disclosure—which includes SBCTC context and mandatory per-credit fees—with the nursing program’s approximate supply and fee table on the official nursing page.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Tuition & fees (annual benchmark) | In-state: $5,115 · Out-of-state: $11,037 (NCES College Navigator, 2024–2025, full-time beginning undergraduates) |
| Nursing program costs (WCC disclosure) | Example categories on the nursing page include required e-books/tools (~$1,598), student lab fees (~$1,300 over listed quarters), uniforms, background checks, and pinning—see the live table for updated dollar amounts |
| Books & supplies (NCES average) | $528 (2024–2025 College Navigator snapshot—individual majors vary) |
| Official sources | WCC Tuition & Fees; WCC Nursing (costs section); NCES College Navigator — Whatcom CC |
The hero stat $5.1k* rounds NCES in-state tuition & fees for 2024–2025; actual quarter charges depend on credit load, residency, and WCC mandatory fees. Confirm the active academic year on the Tuition & Fees page.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
Graduates earn the Associate in Nursing and may pursue NCLEX-RN eligibility through the Washington Board. WCC publishes NCLEX, completion, and graduate-reported placement tables on its nursing page—always read footnotes (response rates, cohort labels) alongside the percentages.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass (2025) | 92.50% (37/40 first-time test takers) per WABON Feb 2026 PDF — confirm newer years with the Board |
| Program completion (example cohort) | WCC’s completion table lists 96.6% for 2019–21 (29 completers / 30 starters)—see nursing page for other cohorts |
| Graduate job placement at 9 months (2023, respondents) | Per WCC’s “reported by graduates” table, 33 of 33 responding graduates in 2023 reported employment at 9 months (school-reported survey; confirm methodology with WCC) |
| Source / next step | WCC Nursing; WABON NCLEX PDF. Confirm current outcomes with the college and Washington State Board of Nursing. |
Is Whatcom Community College the Right Fit for You?
WCC fits students who want a Bellingham-area, public-college ADN, can handle a demanding full-time theory/clinical schedule, and understand that LPN bridge seats are not part of this curriculum.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Plan to stay in northwest Washington (or can relocate) for quarterly coursework and assigned clinical sites.
- Can earn strong grades across the seven named prerequisites and, if desired, stack points with healthcare credential and experience.
- Value ACEN-accredited training, published NCLEX transparency, and optional on-campus housing at Cedar Hall.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Need an LPN license after one year or LPN-to-RN advanced standing—WCC states neither is available in this program.
- Expect a guaranteed seat after prerequisites; the rubric still yields alternates and denials.
- Want an on-campus RN-to-BSN immediately after the ADN without transferring to another institution.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Whatcom County and the broader North Sound include community hospitals, outpatient networks, long-term care, behavioral health services, tribal health programs, and cross-border referral patterns with British Columbia. Major employers frequently recruiting RNs include systems serving Bellingham and adjacent counties; exact clinical contracts rotate—confirm active affiliations with WCC nursing leadership.
| Facility / system | Relevance |
|---|---|
| PeaceHealth St. Joseph (Bellingham) | Large regional acute-care system in WCC’s primary city—common destination for experienced RNs; verify student placement availability with the program. |
| Northwest Washington medical group practices | Ambulatory and specialty clinics support diverse RN roles beyond inpatient units. |
| Adjacent North Sound counties | Depending on cohort assignment, students may commute or rotate into neighboring counties—confirm geography with WCC nursing. |
For labor-market context (not a hiring guarantee), review Washington Employment Security Department healthcare workforce publications.
Student Experience & Campus Life
WCC lists recurring Zoom nursing information sessions on its nursing events feed—prospective students should attend for deadlines and Q&A. Campus life includes student government (ASWCC), Cedar Hall housing, and recreation-center access via published mandatory fees. The nursing page promotes INACSL simulation standards endorsement alongside high-fidelity learning expectations. Once admitted, expect full-time demand: the nursing FAQ notes roughly 18 weekly classroom hours early in the program with substantial out-of-class study, culminating in 40-hour clinical weeks in the final quarter.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus
- Bellingham, WA
- Address
- 237 W Kellogg Rd, Bellingham, WA 98226, US
- General college phone
- (360) 383-3000
- Nursing admissions contact
- Shannon Dunn — sdunn@whatcom.edu · 360-383-3211 (per Nursing Entry Information)
- Advising
- advising@whatcom.edu
- Website
- whatcom.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Download the Nursing Program Student Handbook and mock scoring resources from Entry Information.
- Map the seven prerequisite courses to your transcripts and calculate your baseline GPA using WCC’s formula.
- Start hepatitis B vaccination and schedule AHA BLS if you have not already.
- Register for the next Zoom nursing information session listed on the nursing calendar.
- Bookmark the WABON NCLEX PDF for future updates.
- Estimate total cost using NCES benchmarks plus WCC’s nursing fees table.
- Add March 2 – May 14, 2026 Fall-2026 application milestones to your planner (confirm future years on WCC’s site).
Frequently Asked Questions
What nursing program does Whatcom Community College offer?
Whatcom Community College offers a single pre-licensure Associate in Nursing (DTA/MRP) pathway that prepares graduates for NCLEX-RN. The official nursing page states the curriculum is integrated and concept-based and does not offer LPN advanced placement or an LPN NCLEX exit. WCC does not award an RN-to-BSN on campus; graduates typically bridge elsewhere (for example Western Washington University in Bellingham or other Washington RN-to-BSN programs).
What is the first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for Whatcom Community College?
According to the Washington State Board of Nursing NCLEX workbook (February 2026 PDF), Whatcom Community College’s ADN row shows a 92.50% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for 2025 (37 of 40 first-time test takers). Prior years in the same row include 97.22% in 2024 (35 of 36) and 96.97% in 2023 (32 of 33). Confirm newer cohorts with WABON and WCC.
Does Whatcom Community College nursing require the TEAS?
The public Nursing Entry Information scoring outline reviewed for this guide does not list the ATI TEAS. Admission is points-based on prerequisite GPAs, Washington healthcare credential points, experience, veteran status, and prior degree. If a test requirement returns in a future cycle, it will appear in the official application—confirm with the nursing program.
Can LPNs enter Whatcom Community College nursing in year two?
No. Whatcom’s nursing page states explicitly that integrated curriculum does not allow entry at the second year for LPNs and the first year does not prepare students for the LPN NCLEX.
When are Whatcom Community College nursing applications due?
For Fall 2026 entry, Nursing Entry Information states applications open March 2, 2026 and are due by May 14, 2026 for best consideration. Confirm future cycles on the same page.
How much is tuition at Whatcom Community College?
NCES College Navigator reports undergraduate tuition and fees of $5,115 in-state and $11,037 out-of-state (2024–2025). WCC’s nursing page lists additional program-specific books, lab fees, uniforms, and compliance costs—budget using both sources.
Is Whatcom Community College nursing accredited?
The associate degree nursing program is accredited by ACEN with Continuing Accreditation, per WCC’s nursing page. The college holds regional accreditation through NWCCU. Confirm status with accreditors and the Washington Board of Nursing.
Does Whatcom nursing award points for a healthcare credential?
Yes. Entry Information awards up to 10 points for a current, unencumbered Washington healthcare license/certificate plus optional experience points (0–4) tied to documented hours within five years of application.
Where can I verify Washington NCLEX pass rates by school?
Use nursing.wa.gov program pass rates and download the NCLEX PDF (February 2026 at the time of this review).
References
- Whatcom Community College — Nursing programwhatcom.edu/…/nursing
- Whatcom Community College — Nursing Entry InformationEntry Information
- Whatcom Community College — Class sequencesClass sequences
- Whatcom Community College — Tuition & FeesTuition & Fees
- Washington State Board of Nursing — NCLEX pass rates (PDF, Feb 2026)NCLEX-pass-rates.pdf
- Washington State Board of Nursing — Program pass ratesnursing.wa.gov program pass rates
- NCES College Navigator — Whatcom Community Collegences.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=237039
- 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 of NCLEX figures with the WABON February 2026 NCLEX workbook, program scope and LPN statements with WCC nursing pages, admissions scoring with Nursing Entry Information, and tuition/cost figures with NCES IPEDS and WCC’s published nursing cost table.
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