Olympic College Nursing: Programs, NCLEX & Requirements (2026)
Public community college nursing in Bremerton, Washington—from Nursing Assistant and LPN pathways through ADN and BSN completion. Below: WABON NCLEX data, official tuition (Fall 2025–Summer 2026), selective admissions (factor system), and links to verify everything with Olympic College and the Washington State Board of Nursing (WABON).
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
Olympic College stacks entry-level credentials (Nursing Assistant, LPN) with ADN and BSN-completion pathways on the Bremerton campus and serves military-connected students through dedicated Corpsman/Medic–PN and Veterans/LPN–BSN tracks—useful if you want clear milestones while staying in West Puget Sound.
Overview & Why Students Choose Olympic College
Olympic College is a public community college headquartered in Bremerton, Washington, with additional centers in Poulsbo and Shelton. Its Healthcare Division offers a full ladder of nursing education—from Nursing Assistant and practical nursing through associate RN programs and bachelor’s completion—so you can enter at your current credential level and move up without changing institutions.
The nursing program publishes a clear mission focused on professional behavior, reflective practice, and community health; admissions are selective and use a published factor system rather than open enrollment.
According to the Washington State Board of Nursing (WABON) nursing program pass rate report (February 2026 PDF, calendar year 2025 column), Olympic College’s ADN program had 74 of 85 first-time NCLEX-RN test takers pass (87.06%). Confirm the next publication on the WABON program pass rates page.
Reasons students choose Olympic College
Stackable pathways
Progress from NAC or LPN into ADN and then RN-BSN or VL-BSN without assuming you start as a traditional pre-nursing freshman.
Documented NCLEX outcomes
WABON publishes first-time pass rates by program type (ADN, LPN-to-BSN, PN) so you can compare cohort results with state expectations (80% minimum for programs).
Military-aligned tracks
CM-PN and VL-BSN pathways support corpsmen/medics and veterans per Olympic College’s published program names and deadlines.
Regional clinical access
Located near Naval Hospital Bremerton and Kitsap health systems—clinical experiences emphasize community and hospital settings across the peninsula.
Transparent admissions rules
Factor-based selection, pathway-specific deadlines, and explicit rules on prerequisite repeats and placement testing (Next-Generation ACCUPLACER).
Nursing Programs Offered
The following pathways are named on Olympic College’s Nursing landing page and supported by the Nursing FAQ (application deadlines and start terms). Use the catalog for exact degree titles and credit totals.
Pre-licensure & entry credentials
Nursing Assistant (NAC)
Quarter-based Nursing Assistant training; FAQ notes offerings in fall, winter, and spring and completion in about one quarter for students starting without prerequisites.
Corpsman/Medic to Practical Nursing (CM-PN)
Application deadline February 14 annually; starts summer quarter per FAQ.
Practical Nursing (LPN)
Application deadline August 31; cohort begins winter quarter (January) for four consecutive quarters per FAQ.
Associate Degree in Nursing — RN (ADN)
Traditional ADN pathway; application deadline March 31; begins fall quarter. Awards associate-level credentials as described in the catalog (e.g., ATA options).
ADN (LPN to RN)
Application deadline August 31; includes a transition quarter then spring start per FAQ.
Bachelor’s completion
Veterans & LPN to BSN (VL-BSN)
Application deadline March 31; eight consecutive quarters after fall start per FAQ. Confirm curriculum and accreditation statements on the VL-BSN overview.
RN to BSN
Post-licensure completion for licensed RNs; applications accepted year-round with March 31 priority for fall start; typical length one to three years depending on plan.
Program names, degree designations (e.g., ATA), and accreditation statements can change. Always verify the current catalog and pathway-specific application instructions before applying.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
Washington’s Washington State Board of Nursing (WABON) publishes annual first-time NCLEX pass rates by program grouping. The tables below use the February 2026 WABON PDF (reporting 2021–2025 calendar years).
ADN (NCLEX-RN)
According to the WABON ADN Reports table, for 2025 Olympic College had 74 of 85 first-time NCLEX-RN test takers pass, or 87.06%. For the latest data, see the Nursing program NCLEX pass rates (PDF) on the WABON program pass rates page.
LPN to BSN track (NCLEX-RN)
WABON lists a separate “Olympic College – LPN to BSN” row. For 2025, the report shows 17 of 17 first-time test takers passed (small cohort). Treat small-n cohorts cautiously year to year; confirm future reports on the same PDF.
Practical Nursing (NCLEX-PN)
According to the WABON PN Reports table, for 2025 Olympic College had 30 of 32 first-time NCLEX-PN test takers pass (93.75%).
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass (ADN) | 87.06% (2025; 74/85 first-time test takers) |
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass (LPN to BSN listing) | 100% of reported first-time test takers passed (2025; 17/17 per WABON) |
| NCLEX-PN first-time pass (PN) | 93.75% (2025; 30/32) |
| Source | Washington State Board of Nursing — Nursing program pass rates (PDF dated February 2026). Confirm current cohorts with WABON and Olympic College. |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort. Always confirm the latest pass rates with the Washington State Board of Nursing and the school.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
This section is general guidance only, not immigration or licensing advice. International applicants and foreign-educated nurses must confirm every requirement with Olympic College and the Washington State Board of Nursing (WABON).
- English-language proficiency: Check Olympic College’s International Education page for TOEFL/IELTS or other accepted tests and minimum scores.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: Follow Olympic College’s transcript evaluation process; nursing prerequisites completed outside the U.S. may require syllabi review (see the Nursing FAQ for science course review expectations).
- WABON & clinical placement policy: WABON has published limitations on out-of-state clinical placements prioritizing Washington residents; read current board policy if you are not a Washington resident.
- Visa & clinical access: F-1 or other visa status can affect course sequencing and clinical placement eligibility—confirm with International Education and the Healthcare Division.
Requirements change. Verify with Olympic College’s International Education office and WABON before applying.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Olympic College nursing pathways use selective admission. The Nursing FAQ describes a factor system: eligible applicants receive points for academic and non-academic criteria and are ranked; the highest-ranked students fill each cohort. There is no waitlist—if not admitted, you may reapply and may qualify for a one-time rollover factor point.
Application timeline (from Nursing FAQ)
| Pathway | Application deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| CM-PN | Feb. 14 (annual) | Notification by May 1 |
| ADN (RN) & VL-BSN | March 31 (annual) | RN/VL-BSN notification by July 1 |
| PN & ADN (LPN-RN) | Aug. 31 (annual) | Notification by Nov. 1 |
| RN-BSN | Year-round; priority March 31 | Fall start; confirm space with program |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | Not publicly disclosed |
| Placement exam | Next-Generation ACCUPLACER Reading — minimum 260 for V/L-BSN, ADN (RN), ADN (LPN-RN), CM-PN, and PN per FAQ. TEAS, COMPASS, and other placement exams are not accepted for nursing admission. |
| Prerequisite repeats | FAQ: up to three graded attempts per prerequisite; only the most recent eligible attempt counts; fourth+ attempts not considered. |
Tip
Submit applications and transcripts at least three weeks before the deadline so Admissions can flag missing documents—late or incomplete packets may be ineligible.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Olympic College posts Fall 2025 – Summer 2026 tuition and fee tables for lower-division (course numbers 299 and below) and upper-division coursework. Amounts below are from the official Tuition & Fees page—your bill depends on credit load, residency, and course level.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Lower-division resident (first 10 credits) | $131.96 per credit total (operating, building, S&A components combined) |
| Lower-division resident (credits 11–18) | $65.09 per credit |
| Lower-division non-resident (first 10 credits) | $339.30 per credit |
| Published in-state example | $4,949.34 annual tuition & fees example (12 credits × 3 terms, lower-level classes) |
| Source | Olympic College Tuition & Fees. Confirm housing, books, equipment, and upper-division rates with the Cashier’s Office. |
Financial aid, grants, scholarships, worker retraining, and military benefits may lower net cost—see Fund Your Education.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
Graduates of Olympic College’s pre-licensure tracks qualify to sit for NCLEX-RN (ADN) or NCLEX-PN (PN) after Board approval. Use WABON’s published pass rates as an outcomes snapshot; employment placement percentages are not publicly disclosed on this page—check the college’s career or program outcomes disclosures if available.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN (ADN, 2025) | 87.06% first-time pass (74/85) — WABON February 2026 report |
| NCLEX-PN (PN, 2025) | 93.75% first-time pass (30/32) — same WABON report |
| Job placement | Not publicly disclosed here; confirm with Olympic College Career Center or program disclosures. |
Is Olympic College the Right Fit for You?
Olympic College fits applicants who want a public, tuition-conscious program with transparent selective admissions and who plan to stay in the Kitsap / West Sound region for school and early-career clinical relationships.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want stackable credentials (NAC → LPN → ADN → BSN) within one college system.
- Can meet ACCUPLACER thresholds and prerequisite GPA expectations under the factor system.
- Value published WABON pass rates when comparing programs.
- Are military-connected and need CM-PN or VL-BSN pathways spelled out in official materials.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Expect open admission into the RN program without competitive ranking.
- Want to use TEAS or other exams instead of Next-Generation ACCUPLACER for nursing admission.
- Need guaranteed out-of-state clinical placements—WABON policy prioritizes Washington residents for in-state clinical capacity.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Bremerton sits in Kitsap County, part of the Seattle–Tacoma metro area across Puget Sound. Major care organizations serving the region include Naval Hospital Bremerton (federal military treatment facility), St. Michael Medical Center (Silverdale), and numerous clinics, skilled nursing, and community agencies on the peninsula. Demand for nurses remains strong along the I-5 corridor and near naval installations; exact vacancy statistics change yearly—use Washington employment dashboards for current workforce data.
| Setting | Examples |
|---|---|
| Acute care | Regional hospitals and emergency departments in Kitsap and adjacent counties (rotations assigned by program). |
| Community & public health | Clinics, long-term care, home health—common sites for early nursing rotations. |
| Military health | Naval Hospital Bremerton and related facilities—relevant for students pursuing military-adjacent careers. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
Nursing students work with the Healthcare Division in Building 5 on the Bremerton campus; the division lists Healthcare Student Success Coaches, clinical placement liaisons, and drop-in advising options. Olympic College also promotes student support services (tutoring, counseling, food pantry, TRIO, veterans resources) and student life activities—see the college’s main student life pages for clubs and athletics. Nursing-specific student organizations may vary by year; ask coaches or faculty during your information session.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Bremerton, WA
- Address
- 1600 Chester Ave, Bremerton, WA 98337, US (mailing per Nursing FAQ)
- Healthcare Division phone
- (360) 475-7748
- Selective admissions email
- selectiveadmissions@olympic.edu
- Website
- olympic.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Register for a free Nursing Information Session (Zoom) if you have not attended within 12 months.
- Review pathway deadlines on the Nursing FAQ and add them to your calendar.
- Schedule Next-Generation ACCUPLACER Reading (260+ required for listed pathways)—Olympic does not use TEAS for nursing admission.
- Start the MS Forms application linked from your program overview page and gather transcripts.
- Email unofficial transcripts for prerequisite review if you have out-of-state sciences (per FAQ timelines).
- Book a Healthcare Pathway Success Coach appointment after your info session.
- Download the current WABON pass rate PDF to compare Olympic College with other Washington programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for Olympic College’s ADN program?
According to the Washington State Board of Nursing (WABON) ADN program report (February 2026 PDF, 2025 column), Olympic College had 74 of 85 first-time NCLEX-RN test takers pass (87.06%). Confirm the latest cohort on the WABON pass rates page.
Does Olympic College require the TEAS exam?
No. The Nursing FAQ states Olympic College does not accept COMPASS, TEAS, or other placement exams for nursing admission; Next-Generation ACCUPLACER Reading (minimum 260) is required for several pathways.
What are Olympic College’s nursing application deadlines?
Per the Nursing FAQ: CM-PN — February 14; RN and VL-BSN — March 31; PN and LPN-RN — August 31; RN-BSN — year-round with March 31 priority for fall. Notification dates vary by pathway (e.g., July 1 for RN/VL-BSN).
How much is Olympic College tuition?
For Fall 2025–Summer 2026, Olympic College lists lower-division resident tuition of $131.96 per credit for the first 10 credits and publishes an example annual in-state tuition and fees figure of about $4,949.34 (12 credits × three terms). See the Tuition & Fees page for non-resident and upper-division rates.
What nursing programs does Olympic College offer?
The Nursing hub lists Nursing Assistant (NAC), Corpsman/Medic to PN, Practical Nursing, ADN (RN), ADN (LPN-RN), Veterans/LPN to BSN, and RN-BSN. Confirm details in the catalog.
How does Olympic College rank nursing applicants?
Admission uses a factor system (points). Applicants are ranked and admitted to capacity; there is no waitlist. Unselected applicants may reapply and may receive a one-time rollover point.
What NCLEX-PN pass rate does WABON report for Olympic College?
According to WABON’s PN Reports table (February 2026 PDF, 2025 column), Olympic College had 30 of 32 first-time NCLEX-PN test takers pass (93.75%).
Where can I take the ACCUPLACER for Olympic College nursing?
Schedule through Assessment & Testing Services on the Bremerton campus (walk-ins may be available), Poulsbo, or Shelton per the Nursing FAQ—see the Placement page for current hours.
Is Olympic College’s nursing program accredited?
Pre-licensure nursing programs are ACEN-accredited and Washington WABON–approved. Confirm status on Olympic College’s accreditation page and the ACEN program directory.
References
- Olympic College — Nursing programsolympic.edu/…/healthcare/nursing
- Olympic College — Nursing FAQolympic.edu/…/nursing-faq
- Olympic College — Tuition & Fees (Fall 2025–Summer 2026)olympic.edu/fund-your-education/tuition-fees
- Washington State Board of Nursing — Nursing program pass ratesnursing.wa.gov (PDF: NCLEX pass rates, February 2026)
- 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 WABON’s published pass rates, tuition figures against Olympic College’s official schedule, and admissions requirements against the Nursing FAQ.
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