Grays Harbor College Nursing Programs: What to Know (2026)
Public community college on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula offering an ACEN-accredited Associate in Nursing (DTA/MRP), pre-nursing transfer, and CNA pathways—with clinical variety and simulation on the Aberdeen campus. Figures below cite the Washington State Board of Nursing (WABON) and Grays Harbor College’s published tuition schedules.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
Grays Harbor College’s nursing program emphasizes regional clinical experiences and high-fidelity simulation on the Aberdeen campus, and publishes a clear path from the Associate in Nursing DTA/MRP to NCLEX-RN—with an optional NCLEX-PN step for eligible students who complete the extra coursework described on the official nursing page.
Overview & Why Students Choose Grays Harbor College
Grays Harbor College (GHC) is a public two-year college in Aberdeen, Washington, serving the Olympic Peninsula and surrounding communities. Its nursing department describes broad clinical experiences, modern simulation, and a structured Associate in Nursing DTA/MRP pathway that prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN, with optional early NCLEX-PN eligibility for students who meet the program’s additional coursework and clinical safety criteria.
The college also offers an Associate in Pre-Nursing for students who plan to transfer to a university BSN program, and a Certified Nursing Assistant (NAC) pathway that aligns with nursing program admission expectations.
According to the Washington State Board of Nursing (WABON) ADN program NCLEX pass rate tables (PDF dated February 2026), Grays Harbor College’s first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate was 77.14% for 2025 (27 passed of 35 first-time test takers). Confirm newer cohorts on the WABON program pass rates page and the college’s nursing outcomes page.
Reasons students choose Grays Harbor College
Regional clinical access
The program emphasizes community-based clinical learning across the Grays Harbor region and coastal Washington settings—useful if you want to train close to where you plan to work.
Simulation and skills
Official materials highlight simulation technology alongside traditional clinical placements to build competency before high-acuity patient contact.
Optional LPN pathway
Students who complete the program’s “Personal and Vocational Relationships” course alongside the third quarter and meet clinical safety expectations may sit for NCLEX-PN before completing the full ADN—per GHC’s published nursing description.
ACEN-accredited ADN
GHC states the Associate nursing program holds ACEN Continuing Accreditation and Washington State Board of Nursing approval—verify current status on the nursing page and ACEN directory.
Nursing Programs Offered
The following pathways are listed on Grays Harbor College’s official nursing and degrees pages. GHC does not offer a BSN completed entirely on campus; it describes transfer to partner universities after the ADN for students pursuing a BSN.
Pre-licensure (RN)
Associate in Nursing DTA/MRP (ADN)
On-campus pre-licensure nursing program. Most students complete about a year of prerequisite and support courses before entering the two-year nursing sequence. Graduates are eligible for NCLEX-RN (and may qualify for NCLEX-PN earlier if they meet the additional course and clinical criteria described on the nursing page).
Transfer / prerequisite
Associate in Pre-Nursing (DTA/MRP)
Designed for students who plan to complete prerequisites and transfer to a university nursing program rather than completing the ADN at GHC. This is not a standalone RN licensure program at Grays Harbor College.
Certificate
Certified Nursing Assistant (NAC)
CNA training (e.g., CNA 102) is offered at GHC and in community settings; the nursing program lists CNA/NAC as an admission requirement for the ADN pathway.
Program names, pathways, and admission rules can change. Confirm the current catalog, Nursing Information Packet, and student handbook PDFs on the official Grays Harbor College nursing page.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
According to the Washington State Board of Nursing (WABON) prelicensure ADN program NCLEX tables in the February 2026 school report PDF, the most recent first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for Grays Harbor College was 77.14% for 2025 (27 passed of 35 first-time test takers). The same WABON document lists a first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate of 94.12% for 2025 (16 passed of 17) in the PN program table. For the latest data, see the WABON program pass rates page and the linked PDF.
Washington rules cited on WABON materials reference an 80% first-time pass rate expectation for approved nursing programs; pass rates vary by cohort—confirm program-level status and any board actions directly with WABON and the college.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (ADN) | 77.14% (2025; 27/35 first-time test takers) |
| NCLEX-PN first-time pass rate (PN cohort) | 94.12% (2025; 16/17 first-time test takers) |
| Source | WABON NCLEX pass rates (PDF, Feb 2026). Grays Harbor College also publishes historical RN tables on its Nursing Program Outcomes page. |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort. Always confirm the latest pass rates with the Washington State Board of Nursing and Grays Harbor College.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Community college nursing programs in Washington may have limited capacity for international applicants and specific rules for clinical placement. Use the checklist below as guidance only—not legal or immigration advice.
- English-language proficiency: Confirm whether Grays Harbor College requires TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores for admission and whether additional thresholds apply to the nursing major.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: Ask admissions whether international coursework must be evaluated (for example by a NACES-member agency) before nursing prerequisite credit is awarded.
- Washington State Board of Nursing: For RN licensure by examination or endorsement, confirm eligibility, background check, and documentation rules on nursing.wa.gov.
- Immigration & visa: Ask whether the nursing program admits F-1 students and whether clinical contracts restrict participation for non-residents.
Policies change frequently. Verify with Grays Harbor College admissions, the international student office (if applicable), and the Washington State Board of Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Grays Harbor College’s nursing program is selective (limited seats). Official materials reference prerequisites, a minimum 2.5 GPA, immunizations, criminal background checks, and a NAC license or certificate. CNA 102 (Certified Nursing Assistant) is described as required for admission. The nursing page links to TEAS preparation and the online application.
Application timeline
| Entry Term | Deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Next cohort | Not publicly disclosed (periodic application windows) | Submit through the online nursing application; watch the announcement area on the nursing page for open dates. |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (nursing) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Minimum GPA | 2.5 minimum cited on nursing page (confirm calculation rules in the Nursing Information Packet) |
| TEAS | TEAS prep linked from nursing page; confirm whether TEAS is required and minimum scores for your entry term |
| CNA / NAC | CNA 102 or equivalent NAC credential required per nursing page |
Applicant tips
Download the Nursing Student Handbook and Nursing Information Packet for prerequisite sequencing, vaccination documentation, and any essay or interview steps. Meet with nursing advising early—seat counts are limited.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Grays Harbor College publishes quarterly tuition and fee schedules through the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges framework. The figures below come from the FY 2025–2026 lower-division tuition PDF linked on the college’s Tuition and Fees page.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Resident tuition (lower division) | $131.96 per credit for a 1-credit load (table scales for higher credit loads; see PDF) |
| Non-resident tuition (without waiver) | $339.30 per credit for a 1-credit load per FY26 lower-division table |
| Fees & program costs | Additional fees, books, uniforms, immunizations, background checks, and travel to clinicals are not totaled here—see the FY26 Fee Schedule and nursing handbook. |
| Source | Grays Harbor College Tuition and Fees (FY 2025–2026 lower division PDF). Confirm current amounts before registering. |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
Pair board-reported licensure exam data with the college’s own outcomes disclosures for completion and employment context.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate | 77.14% (2025 cohort; WABON Feb 2026 ADN table, 27/35 first-time testers) |
| Program completion (150% time) | Grays Harbor College reports completion rates on its outcomes page (e.g., 78% for 2024 in the on-site table—confirm methodology in the footnote on that page) |
| Employment (six-month survey) | The college’s outcomes page lists graduate employment percentages by year (small respondent samples; confirm wording on the official page) |
| Source | WABON NCLEX PDF; GHC Nursing Program Outcomes |
Is Grays Harbor College the Right Fit for You?
Choose GHC if you want a community-college ADN with strong regional identity and a published bridge toward BSN transfer partners; look elsewhere if you need a four-year BSN on one campus or guaranteed large metro hospital placement.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Plan to live and work on the Olympic Peninsula or coastal Washington and want training embedded in local facilities.
- Value ACEN-accredited ADN education with simulation and a defined optional LPN testing pathway.
- Are prepared for selective admission, prerequisites, CNA licensure, and quarterly scheduling.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Expect a traditional four-year BSN without transferring to another institution.
- Need a guaranteed seat without competitive application cycles or flexible relocation.
- Prefer an urban core program with dozens of Level I trauma sites in the same city.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Grays Harbor County mixes critical access hospitals, multispecialty clinics, long-term care, and public health services. Students typically rotate through facilities serving rural and small-city populations—exposure that differs from training exclusively in a major metropolitan trauma center.
| Facility / system | Relevance |
|---|---|
| Grays Harbor Community Hospital (Summit Pacific Health) | Regional acute care serving Aberdeen and the Harbor area—common touchpoint for community health needs. |
| Summit Pacific Medical Center (Elma) | Nearby acute and specialty access for eastern Grays Harbor County residents. |
| Long-term care & clinics | Skilled nursing and outpatient sites support CNA training and chronic-care nursing competencies. |
Exact clinical contracts rotate by term; confirm current agencies with the nursing department.
Student Experience & Campus Life
Nursing courses run on the Aberdeen main campus with dedicated reception and advising offices (the nursing page references room 4215 for information sessions). Simulation resources are marketed as part of the learning model alongside community clinicals. Student life reflects a smaller coastal community college setting—housing options are limited, and the department maintains a short list of local rentals for nursing students (per the nursing page). Check the Student Life office for clubs and wellness resources beyond nursing.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Aberdeen, WA
- Address
- 1620 Edward P. Smith Dr, Aberdeen, WA 98520, US
- Telephone
- 360-532-9020 (toll-free 800-562-4830)
- Contact email
- admissions@ghc.edu
- Website
- ghc.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Visit the official Grays Harbor College nursing website and download the Nursing Student Handbook and Nursing Information Packet.
- Review the prerequisite course list in the catalog and compare it to your transcripts.
- If TEAS is required for your cohort, schedule the exam early and use GHC’s TEAS prep resources.
- Draft questions for nursing advising (room 4215) or email contacts listed on the nursing page.
- Reach out to current nursing students or alumni to ask about clinical experiences and scheduling.
- Prepare any personal statement or documentation required for the nursing application packet.
- Monitor the nursing homepage for the next application window and set calendar reminders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for Grays Harbor College?
According to the Washington State Board of Nursing ADN NCLEX tables (PDF dated February 2026), Grays Harbor College’s first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate was 77.14% for 2025 (27 passed of 35 first-time test takers). Confirm newer cohorts on the WABON program pass rates page.
Is Grays Harbor College nursing accredited?
Grays Harbor College states the Associate nursing program at Aberdeen holds ACEN Continuing Accreditation and is approved by the Washington State Board of Nursing. Verify current status with ACEN and WABON before applying.
Does Grays Harbor College offer a BSN on campus?
No—GHC’s nursing page describes completing the ADN and transferring to partner schools for a BSN (often described as about one additional year after licensure, depending on the transfer agreement). Confirm partner options with advising.
What GPA do I need for Grays Harbor College nursing?
Official nursing page materials list a minimum 2.5 GPA alongside other requirements (immunizations, background check, NAC/CNA). Prerequisite courses typically need a grade of C or better—see the Nursing Information Packet for how GPA is calculated.
Does Grays Harbor College nursing require the TEAS?
The nursing page links to TEAS preparation resources and the nursing application. Confirm whether TEAS is mandatory and any minimum scores for your application cycle directly with the nursing department.
How much is tuition per credit at Grays Harbor College?
The FY 2025–2026 lower-division tuition schedule lists resident tuition of $131.96 per credit at the 1-credit tier (see the official PDF on the Tuition and Fees page). Non-resident rates are higher; nursing-specific fees may also apply.
Can I take NCLEX-PN before finishing the ADN at Grays Harbor College?
Program materials describe eligibility for NCLEX-PN after completing an additional “Personal and Vocational Relationships” course in the third quarter and meeting clinical safety expectations. Confirm current rules in the handbook.
When is the Grays Harbor College nursing application due?
Deadlines vary by cohort; the nursing page posts announcements and links to the online application. There is no single year-round date—monitor the nursing homepage and application portal.
What hospitals are near Grays Harbor College for clinicals?
Students train across the Grays Harbor region; major employers include Grays Harbor Community Hospital and Summit Pacific facilities. Exact rotation sites change each term—ask the clinical coordinator for the current list.
References
- Grays Harbor College — Nursing programghc.edu/…/nursing
- Grays Harbor College — Tuition and Fees (FY 2025–2026 schedules)ghc.edu/tuition
- Washington State Board of Nursing — Program pass rates (NCLEX PDF Feb 2026)nursing.wa.gov NCLEX pass rates
- Washington State Board of Nursing — Program pass rates landing pagenursing.wa.gov program pass rates
- Grays Harbor College — Nursing Program Outcomesghc.edu nursing outcomes
- 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 data alignment with Washington State Board of Nursing publications, tuition figures against Grays Harbor College schedules, and program descriptions against the official nursing page.
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