Blue Mountain Community College Nursing: Programs, NCLEX & Requirements (2026)
BMCC offers a two-year, OCNE-aligned Associate of Applied Science in Nursing on the Pendleton campus, with clinical experiences across northeastern Oregon. This guide summarizes official Oregon State Board of Nursing NCLEX tables, BMCC tuition and nursing fees, and the Fall 2026 application window—always confirm the latest details with the college and OSBN.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
BMCC is one of the Eastern Oregon community colleges in the Oregon Consortium for Nursing Education (OCNE): students are co-enrolled with Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), follow shared curriculum, and pay community-college tuition while preparing for NCLEX-RN—then may add one online year at OHSU for a BSN if they choose.
Overview & Why Students Choose Blue Mountain Community College
Blue Mountain Community College serves Umatilla and Morrow counties and nearby communities from its Pendleton campus and several education centers. The nursing program is designed for students who want a regional, cohort-style pre-licensure education with structured clinical experiences throughout northeastern Oregon rather than a large metro setting.
BMCC emphasizes small classes, simulation, and partnerships with local employers. Admission to the nursing major is competitive and separate from general college admission; the public materials below reflect BMCC’s published Fall 2026 nursing timeline and prerequisite expectations.
In the Oregon State Board of Nursing’s RN/LPN program pass-rate table (PDF updated January 2026), Blue Mtn. CC (Pendleton) is listed with a first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate of 92% for 2025 (12 first-time candidates) and 92% for 2024 (13 candidates). Confirm the next reporting year with the OSBN pass rates PDF and BMCC.
Reasons students choose Blue Mountain Community College
OCNE curriculum with OHSU
The OCNE model means shared coursework with OHSU’s School of Nursing and a defined pathway to complete a BSN online after the AAS, if you pursue it.
Regional clinical network
BMCC publishes travel expectations for nursing practice: early-sequence sites may be within about 44 miles of Pendleton; final practicum placements may extend to about 109 miles.
Community college tuition
For 2025–26, Oregon and several neighboring states qualify for in-region tuition ($122 per credit, summer term onward), with an additional nursing program fee per term listed on BMCC’s tuition page.
NCLEX outcomes on record
OSBN’s public table shows strong recent first-time pass rates for the Pendleton associate program; always verify the latest cohort with OSBN before you decide.
Nursing Programs Offered
BMCC’s catalog-style public description centers on one pre-licensure nursing degree: the two-year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing, which prepares graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN. BMCC does not advertise a separate practical nursing (LPN) program or an on-campus BSN on the nursing overview page reviewed for this guide.
Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing
OCNE partnership with OHSU; includes high-fidelity simulation and clinical rotations. Awards an AAS; we refer to it here as ADN-level pre-licensure RN preparation. For course sequencing, see BMCC’s catalog and nursing pages.
OHSU RN-BSN (after the AAS)
BMCC states graduates may work as an RN after licensure and, if desired, complete approximately one additional year of online study at OHSU toward a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. This completion degree is awarded by OHSU, not BMCC—confirm eligibility and costs with OHSU.
Program names, prerequisites, and pathway rules can change. Always confirm the current catalog, OCNE documentation, and OSBN program approval with BMCC before you apply.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
According to the Oregon State Board of Nursing consolidated pass-rate publication (RN/LPN Education Program NCLEX Pass Rates 2021–2025, PDF updated January 2026), the first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for Blue Mtn. CC, Pendleton was 92% (12 first-time candidates) in 2025 and 92% (13 candidates) in 2024. Prior listed years in the same table: 87% (15) in 2023; 85% (13) in 2022; 87% (15) in 2021.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate (2025) | 92% (12 first-time candidates per OSBN table) |
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate (2024) | 92% (13 first-time candidates per OSBN table) |
| Source | Oregon State Board of Nursing — NCLEX pass rates PDF. Confirm current cohort data with OSBN and BMCC. |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort. Always confirm the latest pass rates with the Oregon State Board of Nursing and the school.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Requirements for international students and internationally educated nurses vary by institution and state. Use the points below as a checklist; verify everything with Blue Mountain Community College and the Oregon State Board of Nursing.
- English-language proficiency: TOEFL, IELTS, or other requirements and minimum scores for this school.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: WES, CGFNS, or other evaluators required by the school.
- Oregon State Board of Nursing: For RN licensure (with or without a U.S. degree), confirm NCLEX eligibility and document requirements with the Board.
- Immigration & visa: Program eligibility for F-1 or other visa types and impact on clinical placements.
Policies change frequently. Verify with Blue Mountain Community College’s international office and the Oregon State Board of Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Nursing admission at BMCC is selective and runs on a published calendar with a non-refundable application fee. For Fall 2026, BMCC lists a nursing application window of January 5–February 16, 2026 ($50 fee), a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, at least 28 prerequisite credits completed to apply, and a Step 2 interview on April 3, 2026 (Zoom for the cycle posted on the nursing page). Phase 2 may include interview and/or essay on the Pendleton campus per BMCC’s selection materials.
Application timeline
| Entry Term | Deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 nursing cohort | Nursing application Jan 5 – Feb 16, 2026 ($50 fee) | Interview Step 2: April 3, 2026 (Zoom) per BMCC nursing page; confirm updates with Admissions (Morrow Hall) or the nursing director. |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate (Nursing) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Minimum GPA (to apply) | 3.0 cumulative minimum stated on BMCC nursing page for the Fall 2026 cycle |
| TEAS / HESI | Not stated on the BMCC nursing overview reviewed here; confirm with the nursing program whether an entrance exam is required for your entry term. |
| Prerequisite credits | At least 28 prerequisite credits required to apply (BMCC nursing page) |
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
BMCC posts 2025–2026 tuition and fee rates effective with the summer term of that academic year. Figures below are taken directly from BMCC’s public tuition page; nursing students also pay a program-specific fee each term.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| In-region tuition (per credit) | $122/credit for Oregon residents and residents of California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, and Washington (2025–26, summer term onward) |
| Out-of-state tuition (per credit) | $183/credit (2025–26, summer term onward) for students who do not meet BMCC’s in-region residency rules |
| Common fees (credit courses) | Technology $26.75/credit; Student Services $8/credit (max $120/term); ASG $3.50/credit (2025–26) |
| Nursing program fee | $1,056.67 per term (clinical, lab, Kaplan testing components) for first- and second-year nursing students, per BMCC fee schedule |
| Nursing application fee | $50 non-refundable (BMCC nursing admissions) |
| COA snapshot (tuition + required fees only) | BMCC’s estimated tuition and required fees for the aid budget: $7,211 in-region / same for “not living with parents” column / $9,936 out-of-state column in the 2025–26 cost-of-attendance table (full-time benchmark) |
| Source | BMCC Tuition & Fees (2025–26). Confirm current amounts, nursing cohort credits, and special program adjustments with Student Accounts and Financial Aid. |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
Published outcomes for BMCC nursing focus on NCLEX-RN first-time pass rates in Oregon’s public regulatory tables. For employment or placement percentages, use BMCC consumer information or career services only when the school publishes a labeled, dated figure.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate | 92% (2025, 12 first-time testers) and 92% (2024, 13) per Oregon State Board of Nursing PDF (updated Jan 2026) |
| Job Placement / Employment | Not publicly disclosed on the BMCC nursing page reviewed here; check BMCC graduate outcomes or career services for any labeled reports. |
| Source | OSBN NCLEX pass rates. Confirm current cohorts with OSBN and BMCC. |
Is Blue Mountain Community College the Right Fit for You?
BMCC fits a specific profile: affordable community-college delivery, OCNE coursework, and clinical immersion across northeastern Oregon. Use the lists below to see if that matches your goals and constraints.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want an OCNE AAS in a smaller-city setting and can commute to clinical sites regionally.
- Value public tuition (including expanded in-region residency for several Western states).
- Plan to start as an RN locally and maybe complete an OHSU online BSN later.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Need a four-year BSN completion entirely on one campus in the same city.
- Cannot travel for clinical rotations or early-morning/late-evening shifts described on BMCC’s nursing page.
- Expect a large metro teaching-hospital mix for every rotation.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Eastern Oregon’s health system is more rural-regional than Portland’s, but it still offers varied acute, long-term, clinic, and community experiences. BMCC’s nursing page states practice experiences occur across northeastern Oregon with published maximum travel distances from Pendleton.
| Facility / Area | Details |
|---|---|
| Pendleton / Umatilla County | St. Anthony Hospital and other community providers serve the Pendleton area; students should expect a mix of hospital, long-term care, clinic, and community settings rather than only one facility brand. |
| Hermiston and Morrow County corridor | BMCC operates centers in Hermiston and Boardman; regional hospitals and clinics in the Columbia Basin often host student rotations for eastern Oregon programs. |
| Clinical travel | BMCC documents that routine nursing practice during early terms may run roughly 6:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. and that distances can reach about 44 miles from Pendleton; final practicum placements may extend to about 109 miles depending on preceptor schedules. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
The Pendleton campus includes student support through Enrollment Services, Financial Aid, TRiO/Student Success, and the nursing department office (catalog lists Nursing at 541-278-5934 for department routing). BMCC highlights high-fidelity simulation alongside community clinical experiences. Student life includes athletics and clubs; check campus calendars for nursing-specific student organizations in a given year.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Pendleton, OR
- Address
- 2411 NW Carden Ave, Pendleton, OR 97801, US
- Telephone
- (541) 276-1260
- Contact email
- getinfo@bluecc.edu
- Website
- bluecc.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Visit the official Blue Mountain Community College nursing website and download the current program brochure or student handbook if available.
- Review the prerequisite course list in the school catalog and compare it to your transcripts.
- Ask Admissions and the nursing program whether any entrance exam (TEAS, HESI, etc.) is required for your cohort; BMCC’s public nursing page reviewed here did not list a default test.
- Draft a list of questions for an admissions counselor or the nursing program advising office.
- Reach out to current nursing students or alumni (e.g. via LinkedIn) to ask about clinical experiences and satisfaction.
- Prepare for BMCC’s nursing interview phase and any essay or leadership documentation the selection packet requires for your cycle.
- Check the application deadline for your target term and set reminders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Blue Mountain Community College a strong choice for pre-licensure nursing in Eastern Oregon?
BMCC offers a state-approved, OCNE-aligned AAS nursing program with published admissions standards and clinical travel expectations. Oregon State Board tables list a 92% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for 2025 (12 candidates) for Blue Mtn. CC (Pendleton). Institutional accreditation is through NWCCU. Confirm every detail for your entry term with BMCC and OSBN.
What GPA and prerequisites does BMCC nursing require to apply?
For the Fall 2026 cycle posted on BMCC’s nursing page, applicants need a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and at least 28 prerequisite credits completed by the application deadline. Prerequisites and science policies can change—use BMCC’s published prerequisite PDF for 2026–2028 and your degree audit.
When are BMCC nursing applications due?
BMCC lists a January 5–February 16, 2026 nursing application window with a $50 fee for Fall 2026, plus a Step 2 interview on April 3, 2026 (Zoom). Dates shift each cycle—verify the current calendar on the nursing page.
Does Blue Mountain Community College require the TEAS exam for nursing?
The BMCC nursing overview reviewed for this guide does not state a TEAS or HESI requirement. Because exams are commonly added or waived by cohort, confirm directly with BMCC nursing admissions before you spend money on a test.
What is the NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate for BMCC in Oregon’s public table?
In the Oregon State Board of Nursing PDF updated January 2026, Blue Mtn. CC (Pendleton) shows 92% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates for both 2025 (12 testers) and 2024 (13). Always recheck the latest OSBN publication.
How much is BMCC nursing tuition and the nursing program fee?
For 2025–26, BMCC lists $122 per credit for in-region students (Oregon plus designated neighboring states) and $183 for other out-of-state students, plus per-credit technology, student services, and ASG fees. Nursing majors also pay about $1,056.67 per term in nursing program fees. See BMCC’s tuition page for the full schedule.
What is OCNE and why does it matter at BMCC?
The Oregon Consortium for Nursing Education is a partnership that aligns community college nursing curricula with OHSU. BMCC highlights co-enrollment with OHSU and coursework consistent with the consortium model, which also supports an optional online RN-BSN year at OHSU after licensure.
Where will I travel for BMCC nursing clinicals?
BMCC states clinical experiences occur throughout northeastern Oregon, with some shifts from about 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Early-sequence sites may be up to roughly 44 miles from Pendleton, while the final practicum may reach about 109 miles depending on your preceptor assignment.
Can international students apply to BMCC nursing?
Nursing programs often have limits for F-1 students because of clinical-hour and seat requirements. Review BMCC’s international-student policies, English proficiency standards, and any visa-related clinical restrictions, and confirm NCLEX eligibility steps with the Oregon State Board of Nursing.
References
- Blue Mountain Community College Nursing / program pagehttps://www.bluecc.edu/academics/programs/nursing
- Oregon State Board of Nursing — agency homeoregon.gov/osbn
- Oregon State Board of Nursing — NCLEX pass rates (PDF)Resource_NCLEXPassrates.pdf
- BMCC — tuition, fees, and cost of attendancebluecc.edu/admissions/tuition
- BMCC — institutional accreditation overviewbluecc.edu/about/accreditation
- 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, with emphasis on OCNE program scope, Oregon State Board NCLEX table alignment, and BMCC-published tuition and fee figures.
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 Oregon State Board of Nursing.
Published: 2026-03-31 · Last reviewed: March 31, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy