Pierce College Nursing: ADN, LPN-RN Options & What Applicants Should Know (2026)
Pierce College trains RNs through an Associate in Applied Science—Nursing on the Puyallup campus, with traditional and part-time ADN cohorts plus LPN–RN transitions. This guide pulls WABON NCLEX data (February 2026 publication), 2025–2026 tuition from Pierce’s published chart, and admissions details from Pierce’s nursing site.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
Pierce stacks four NCLEX-bound entry paths (full- and part-time ADN, plus LPN–RN) on one Pierce County campus, uses a points-plus-interview selection model, and publishes multi-year achievement tables—compare the latest WABON PDF alongside Pierce’s student achievement page when you benchmark outcomes.
Overview & Why Students Choose Pierce College
Between Tacoma and the foothills of Mount Rainier, Pierce College anchors nursing education for eastern Pierce County at its Puyallup site, where the college expanded an existing nursing-assistant lab into a full RN program. Pierce emphasizes access for broad applicant pools and cites statewide RN shortage language while offering both straight-through ADN and LPN–RN ladders.
Graduates earn an Associate in Applied Science—Nursing (Pierce uses the catalog label AAS) and meet requirements to sit for NCLEX-RN. A Pre-Nursing DTA/MRP plan helps students finish prerequisites but does not confer RN eligibility by itself.
According to the Washington State Board of Nursing NCLEX school reports (WABON, February 2026 publication), Pierce College’s ADN first-time pass rate was 74.16% in 2025 (66 passed of 89 first-time test takers). The same report lists 85.25% in 2024 (52/61), illustrating cohort-to-cohort variation. For newer data, use the WABON program pass rates page and PDF. Confirm current rates with the Washington State Board of Nursing and Pierce College.
Reasons students consider Pierce College nursing
Multiple ADN entry rhythms
Pierce lists traditional six-term ADN, a part-time evening sequence, and separate LPN–RN full- and part-time tracks—helpful if you work days or already hold a Washington LPN license.
Published board outcomes
WABON publishes multi-year ADN Pass/Fail counts for Pierce, and the college posts student achievement tables (NCLEX, completion, placement) on its nursing site—use both sources together.
BSN transfer partnerships
Pierce highlights articulation with institutions such as University of Washington Tacoma and Saint Martin’s University for RN graduates pursuing a BSN.
South Puget Sound clinical market
Students draw clinical experience from hospitals and community agencies across Pierce and neighboring counties; assignment lists change by cohort—verify active agreements with the program.
Nursing Programs Offered
Pierce College’s public nursing pages describe four options that culminate in the same associate degree in nursing (Associate in Applied Science—Nursing in the Pierce catalog) and eligibility for NCLEX-RN. Pierce does not list MSN, DNP, or an RN-to-BSN completion degree on the pages used for this guide—BSN work happens through transfer partners after licensure.
Pre-licensure (ADN)
Traditional ADN (TADN)
Six terms full-time; Pierce states 32 students are accepted every other fall (for example 2025, 2027, 2029). Daytime nursing classes on campus with day or evening clinical rotations possible.
Part-time traditional ADN (PTT)
Nine consecutive quarters beginning winter; scheduling typically includes two evenings, all-day Saturday, and some Sundays (exact schedule published by the program). 32 students every other winter (aligned with odd years in Pierce’s description).
LPN–RN (post-LPN)
Full-time LPN–RN (LADN)
Three terms beginning in term 4; requires an active, unencumbered Washington LPN license. 32 students accepted each spring per Pierce.
Part-time LPN–RN (PTEW)
Five terms from summer through the following summer; similar weekend/evening pattern to PTT. 32 students each summer per Pierce.
Prerequisite / planning tracks
Pre-Nursing DTA/MRP
Pierce offers a Pre-Nursing transfer plan for students who want structured prerequisites (and portability to other Washington nursing programs). It is not an RN licensure program by itself.
Pierce uses limited seating (32 per cohort in each track described above). Pierce’s FAQ notes ACEN accreditation with conditions; confirm the current decision letter with ACEN and the program.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
According to the Washington State Board of Nursing NCLEX school reports (WABON, February 2026), the most recent first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for Pierce College (ADN) was 74.16% in 2025 (66 passed / 89 first-time test takers). The same publication lists 85.25% in 2024 (52/61) and 88.61% in 2023 (70/79), showing year-to-year change. Washington’s board aggregates program-level data; confirm cohort definitions in the PDF footnotes.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (2025, WABON) | 74.16% (66/89) |
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (2024, WABON) | 85.25% (52/61) |
| Source | WABON NCLEX pass rates (PDF, Feb 2026) · Program pass rates page. Confirm current data with the Board and Pierce College. |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort. Always confirm the latest pass rates with the Washington State Board of Nursing and Pierce’s nursing department.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
International applicants must coordinate Pierce College admissions, clinical clearance requirements, and Washington State Board of Nursing licensure rules. Pierce’s nursing pages do not spell out every visa scenario; treat the bullets below as a checklist, then verify with Pierce (International Programs / admissions), the nursing program office, and nursing.wa.gov.
- English-language proficiency: Confirm accepted exams and minimum scores with Pierce’s international admissions office.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: Order official transcripts or evaluations as Pierce and WABON require for prerequisite verification.
- Background checks & clinical contracts: Nursing applications require passing a background review; some findings may affect clinical placement or licensure—read Pierce’s disqualifying-factors document.
- Washington State Board of Nursing: For RN licensure by exam or endorsement, follow WABON instructions on NCLEX eligibility and documentation.
- Immigration & visa: Clinical nursing schedules can conflict with work limits or travel; confirm F-1 or other visa compliance with Pierce’s designated school official.
This section is general guidance, not legal or immigration advice.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Pierce describes a three-phase process: Phase I (online application package with prerequisites, transcripts, resume, and scored science coursework), Phase II (in-person group interviews for invited applicants), and Phase III (immunizations, BLS, health insurance, and orientation for admitted students). The college states admissions are selective and mission-aligned—not first-come, first-served.
Prerequisites & grades
Required minimum courses (each 3.0 / B or better, with unlimited retakes allowed per Pierce’s prerequisites page): CHEM& 121; BIOL& 241, 242, 260; ENGL& 101; PSYC& 200. Extra application points may apply for stronger grades in the three biology courses. Pierce also lists MATH& 146 (statistics) as a transfer-ready requirement and recommends CHEM& 131, ENGL& 102, and CNA training—see the nursing FAQ.
Application windows (high level)
| Track | Typical window (per Pierce) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional ADN (TADN) | Applications in every other spring for fall starts | Confirm exact dates on the Application Process page when posted. |
| Full-time LPN–RN | September/October submission | Active WA LPN license required. |
| Part-time LPN–RN | January/February submission | Summer start; verify current calendar. |
Pierce stresses that materials appear on its site only during active cycles—monitor the Application Process page and attend information sessions.
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | Not publicly disclosed |
| Prerequisite grades | Minimum 3.0 (B) in each required course (Pierce prerequisites page) |
| TEAS / HESI | Not listed on Pierce prerequisite/application pages reviewed here—confirm if policy changes |
| NursingCAS | Not used by Pierce in the materials reviewed; Pierce uses its own online nursing application |
| Alternates | Small alternate lists per cohort; not carried year-to-year (Pierce FAQ) |
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Pierce College publishes 2025–2026 tuition worksheets for Fort Steilacoom and Puyallup (non-bachelor rates apply to most nursing prerequisites). The chart excerpt below comes from Pierce’s downloadable non-BA tuition Excel (rev 1); Pierce notes the grid shows tuition only—mandatory student fees are listed separately on the Tuition and Fees page.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| WA resident tuition (1 lower-division credit) | $131.96 (2025–26 Tuition-Non-BA-2025-26-rev1.xlsx) |
| Sample bundled tuition (10 credits, resident) | $1,319.60 on the same chart (before per-credit fees) |
| Non-resident & other categories | Pierce lists separate columns for non-resident, international, and waiver categories on the official spreadsheet—download the current file for your residency band. |
| Mandatory student fees (per credit) | Technology $4.00 (max $48); matriculation $2.50 (max $30); transportation/security $3.50 (max $42); facilities $3.50 (max $42); LMS $3.50 (no max listed)—per Pierce Tuition and Fees page. |
| Nursing-specific costs | See Nursing Program Estimated Costs (~$400+ pre-clinical supplies) and the Nursing-Student-Tuition-and-Fees.docx download linked there. |
| Source | Pierce College Tuition and Fees · 2025–26 non-BA tuition chart (Excel) |
For a personalized budget, use Pierce’s Cost of Attendance materials and financial aid office, and complete the FAFSA/WASFA as Pierce recommends.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
The South Puget Sound region supports large hospital systems, community clinics, and long-term care employers, but starting salaries vary by setting and contract. Focus on board-reported NCLEX data plus Pierce’s own student achievement disclosures when evaluating outcomes.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass (2025) | 74.16% (66/89) per WABON Feb 2026 PDF |
| NCLEX-RN program-reported snapshot (2023) | Pierce’s achievement table lists 95% for 2023 in the “Pierce College” column next to a national-average column—methodology may differ from WABON annual aggregates; compare sources. |
| Program completion (example cohort) | Pierce’s table shows aggregate completion data by entry term (for example Fall 2023 LPN–RN: 100% of 30 students in the disclosed row); confirm definitions on the Student Achievement Data page. |
| Employment as entry-level RN (school table) | Pierce’s job-placement table reports reported 100% employed for several recent cohort rows with footnoted unknowns in earlier years; confirm cohort year and methodology on the same page. Always verify current outcomes with Pierce and employers. |
| Source | Pierce College nursing student achievement data · WABON NCLEX PDF |
Is Pierce College the Right Fit for You?
Pierce fits applicants who want a Washington community-college price point, need evening or LPN-bridge sequencing, and can thrive in a points-and-interview selective model centered in Pierce County.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Seek multiple ADN start models (full-time, part-time, LPN–RN) on one campus system.
- Can earn 3.0+ in rigorous science prerequisites and accept structured interview selection.
- Plan clinical employment around Tacoma/Puyallup/South Sound corridors.
- Want transparent WABON NCLEX tables for year-to-year comparisons.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Expect automatic admission after prerequisites—Pierce caps each cohort at 32 per track.
- Need a fully online pre-licensure RN program (Pierce emphasizes on-site classes and in-person interviews).
- Require an immediate-start ABSN; Pierce delivers associate-level NCLEX prep, not a calendar-year BSN.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Puyallup sits in the Tacoma–Lakewood metro, with ready access to MultiCare, CHI Franciscan /Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, Kaiser Permanente Washington, VA Puget Sound, and dozens of community hospitals and skilled nursing partners. Pierce does not publish a static roster of every clinical site; rotations span inpatient med-surg, specialty units, and community settings.
| Setting | Examples (illustrative) |
|---|---|
| Acute care | Regional medical centers and community hospitals serving Pierce, King, and Thurston counties—assignment varies by quarter. |
| Community & continuing care | Outpatient clinics, school health, behavioral health, and long-term care facilities typical of the I-5 corridor. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
Pierce explains that nursing classes meet on the Puyallup campus while clinical rotations may run days or evenings. The college repurposed an existing nursing-assistant lab for RN training, adding high-fidelity simulation equipment. Student life spans multiple Pierce sites (Fort Steilacoom, Puyallup, JBLM), but the FAQ emphasizes that nursing demands full-time focus—working more than 20 hours/week while in the core program is discouraged. Use Pierce’s student life and advising offices for support services.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- District & catalog city
- Lakewood, WA (district office); nursing instruction on Puyallup campus
- Program address (WABON)
- 1601 39th Avenue SE, Puyallup, WA 98374, US
- Admissions & advising
- (253) 864-3208 · AMilanio@pierce.ctc.edu
- Program office
- VArgirova@pierce.ctc.edu · (253) 864-3233
- Program director (WABON)
- (253) 840-8307 · VDickson@pierce.ctc.edu
- Website
- pierce.ctc.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Review Pierce’s Disqualifying Factors and application window dates for your target track.
- Download the current resume assignment template and scoring rubric linked from the Application Process page.
- Meet a pre-nursing advisor to verify CHEM& 121 vs. CHEM& 131 planning and MATH& 146 completion.
- Order official transcripts early if you have transfer coursework from out-of-state schools.
- Register for the next Teams information session listed on the nursing home page.
- Bookmark the WABON NCLEX PDF and Pierce’s achievement data page.
- Complete FAFSA/WASFA and explore Pierce Foundation scholarships.
Frequently Asked Questions
What nursing credentials can I earn at Pierce College (Puyallup)?
Pierce awards an Associate in Applied Science—Nursing through four entry tracks (TADN, PTT, LADN, PTEW), all leading to NCLEX-RN eligibility. Practical nurse training is not the focus—LPN applicants already hold a Washington license.
What is Pierce College’s NCLEX-RN pass rate (WABON, 2025 cohort year)?
According to the Washington State Board of Nursing February 2026 NCLEX report, Pierce’s ADN first-time pass rate was 74.16% in 2025 (66/89). The prior year in the same table was 85.25% (52/61). Confirm the newest PDF on the WABON program pass rates page.
Does Pierce College nursing use the TEAS or NursingCAS?
Pierce’s published prerequisites and phases center on GPA requirements, resumes, transcripts, and interviews; they do not list TEAS or NursingCAS on the pages reviewed for this guide. Verify each cycle’s checklist before submitting.
What grades does Pierce require on prerequisites?
Each required course must be 3.0 (B) or higher, with unlimited repeats allowed per Pierce’s prerequisite page.
When do Pierce College nursing applications open?
Pierce lists different windows for traditional ADN (every other spring), LPN–RN full-time (Sept/Oct), and LPN–RN part-time (Jan/Feb). Exact calendar dates post on the Application Process page during active cycles.
Is Pierce College nursing fully accredited without conditions?
Pierce’s FAQ states ACEN accreditation with conditions plus Washington DOH approval. “With conditions” is not the same as unconditional accreditation—confirm details with ACEN and the program.
How much is Pierce College tuition per credit in 2025–2026?
The non-bachelor tuition worksheet shows $131.96 for one resident lower-division credit; mandatory fees add roughly $17 per credit at the one-credit tier before nursing-specific class fees.
Does Pierce offer RN-to-BSN classes?
Pierce’s site highlights transfer agreements (for example UW Tacoma and Saint Martin’s) rather than listing an RN-to-BSN degree housed entirely at Pierce.
Can I work full time during Pierce’s nursing core?
Pierce’s FAQ discourages working more than 20 hours per week once in the nursing sequence because of labs and unpredictable clinical schedules.
References
- Pierce College — Nursing pathwaypierce.ctc.edu/…/nursing
- Pierce College — Nursing overview / catalog mapspierce.ctc.edu/nursing
- Pierce College — Tuition & fees; non-BA 2025–26 chart (Excel)Tuition and Fees · Tuition-Non-BA-2025-26-rev1.xlsx
- Pierce College — Nursing estimated costsEstimated costs
- Pierce College — Student achievement / ELA dataela.html
- Washington State Board of Nursing — NCLEX pass rates (PDF, Feb 2026)NCLEX-pass-rates.pdf
- Washington State Board of Nursing — Program pass rates page · Pierce recordProgram pass rates · nursing.wa.gov/node/835
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)ncsbn.org
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 alignment with the February 2026 WABON PDF, Pierce tuition/fees pages, and the four-track ADN scope described on pierce.ctc.edu.
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 Pierce College and the Washington State Board of Nursing.
Published: April 1, 2026 · Last reviewed: April 1, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy