How to apply to Nursing (RN)

Admission to the Nursing Program is through an application process based on a point system (see below). Alternates for our program are also selected by this same point system. Points are awarded for grades in pre-requisite courses, grades in additional college courses taken that meet requirements for completion of the program, practical preparation, and experiences reflecting our diverse community populations.  

Pathway to Applying to the Shoreline Nursing Program

  • Watch the Pre-Nursing Jump Start Video and review the website for information on getting started on your journey to becoming an RN
  • Make a plan to take pre-requisite courses at Shoreline CC or another institution:
    • ENGL& 101 English Composition
    • MATH& 146 Intro to Statistics
    • PSYC& 200 Lifespan Psychology
    • NUTR& 101 Nutrition
    • CHEM&121 Intro to Chemistry*
    • BIOL&241 Human Anatomy & Physiology I*
    • BIOL& 242 Human Anatomy & Physiology II*
    • BIOL& 260 Microbiology*
      *All science labs must be taken in person for first attempt. Retakes may be online. 
      The Course Equivalency Chart shows courses from outside of Shoreline CC and their equivalency to nursing pre-requisites.
  • Submit official transcripts from all colleges with a Course Equivalence Review form well in advance of applying to the nursing program. Course descriptions will be required for any pre-requisites that are not on the Course Equivalency Chart.
  • Complete the one-page Admission Point System Checklist  to estimate your admission points. 
  • Attend a remote Nursing Program Information Meeting for guidance and to ask questions about the admission process. 
  • Make a plan to take the NLN-NEX test after completing most of your prerequisite courses, but within 1 year of the application period deadline. NEX Assessment  or Online NEX with Proctor
  • Seek advising as needed from your college advisor.  Shoreline CC student advising resources include:
    International students: International Program Advising is third floor PUB, 206-546-4697.  
    Domestic students: Advising Center is at 5229 FOSS building, 206-546-4559.
    General nursing application questions:  sccnursing@shoreline.edu 

Application Periods

6qtr Full-time RN program and Full-time LPN to RN program: 
Fall application period:  January 15 - April 3
Winter application period: August 15 - October 3
Spring application period:  November 15 - January 10 
11qtr Part-time RN program:
January 15 – April 3 (every other year: 2025, 2027, 2029, etc.)

Admission Steps for all RN programs

Step #1 –Apply online to Shoreline College, if you haven’t already done so, to receive a student ctcLink ID Apply to Shoreline Community College
Step #2 —Submit Official transcripts from all institutions where you have completed your pre-requisite courses, along with a filled-out Review of Course Equivalence Form showing how you have met the pre-requisites for the Nursing program.

  • Please submit these documents well in advance of the application period deadline, as the equivalency review can take up to 4-6 weeks to complete. We will not be able to process your admission application until you submit your approved equivalency review for pre-requisites from Enrollment Services with your nursing application materials.

Step #3 –Apply online to the Nursing Program when the admission application period begins. Nursing Program application  A $20.00 non-refundable processing fee using a credit/debit card will be required.
Step #4 –Submit the following required additional materials by mail or hand deliver to Nursing in 2300 building before the application deadline:

  • NLN-NEX Results showing composite score of 138 or higher (NEX not required for LPN to RN program). NEX Assessment Information  Testing Online with Proctor360
  • Any Employment/Volunteer Verification form with specific hours listed and signed by your supervisor.  Note: you must calculate your total hours worked.  Filling in "40 hours a week" is not accepted.  (This is required for LPN applicants.)
  • You may also submit for additional admission points, if applicable to your skills and experience:
    • Military Documentation
    • Proof of Associate Degree or Higher
    • Proof of NAC Classes Taken at Shoreline
    • Foreign Language Fluency Test Score (see FAQ section below) 

Please Note: Incomplete files will not be processed

LPN to RN applicants 

Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) who want to become RNs may seek advanced placement into the Nursing program. Follow RN application steps and note the following exceptions:

  • Submit a copy of your license and a transcripts that show your LPN coursework
  • NLN-NEX scores are not required
  • One year of previous work experience as an LPN is required to be considered for admission

Nursing Transfer Program applicants 

RN program applicants wanting to transfer from their nursing program to the Nursing Program at Shoreline Community College need to seek advising with the nursing program.  Contact us at sccnursing@shoreline.edu prior to applying. 

To be eligible for transfer, the student must:

  • Meet minimum requirements for Shoreline admission and the Nursing Program
  • Have completed the nursing prerequisite courses with a passing grade (2.0 or higher)
  • Have a passing grade in all nursing courses previously attempted
  • Be currently enrolled in a U.S. nursing program or enrolled within the last 12 months
  • Be eligible for re-entry to, and in good standing at, the original nursing program, verified by a letter from the program in which the student was previously enrolled

Frequently Asked Questions

No. While we generally see the most successful applicants have at least 90 points, each admission period has people with different skills and experiences that influence point totals.  It is a competitive admission process so take your time to gather the best coursework grades and to document all your experiences and skills for the maximum admission points for the quarter you apply.  Use your Admission Point System Checklist to track your progress. 

You may have PSYC, NUTR, and 1 science (CHEM/BIOL) course in progress.  Proof of registration is required to be submitted.  Please note: you will be granted limited points for in-progress courses and you may find it more beneficial to wait until grades are posted.   

Yes, for the 6qtr and 11qtr RN program, there is a time-limit of 10 years for prerequisite science courses. LPN-RN program applicants do not have this limit.

Experiences should involve direct healthcare experience working with patients and families.  You will ask your supervisor to document your hours and your work duties on your employment/volunteer verification form.  

We do award extra admission points for experiences that reflect a focus on underserved or vulnerable populations.  These may include organizations that specialize in supporting health equity for BIPOC populations within long-term care facilities, acute care hospitals, community clinics, food banks, homeless shelters.  You will ask your supervisor to document this focus on the employment/volunteer verification form. 

LPN-RN applicants must have 1 year of LPN work experience at the time of admission.  This will be documented on the employment/volunteer verification form. 
6 and 11 qtr RN program applicants are not required to have work or volunteer experience but it can offer important admission points and provide applicants with valuable insight into the profession before starting school.

You can provide a copy of test results from www.languagetesting.com . Points will be awarded based on the chart below.  If you have other ways you meet fluency (i.e. Seal of Biliteracy), please contact the Nursing Program with details:  sccnursing@shoreline.edu    

 

Language Testing Scale

ALTA Scale

CEFR Scale1

ILR Scale2

ASL Course3

Nursing Admission Points Allowed

Novice Low, Mid

 

1

Below

0

 

0

2

Below

0

 

0

3

Below

0

 

0

Novice High

4

Below

0+

 

0

Intermediate Low, Mid

5

A1

1

ASL& 121

1

Intermediate High

6

A2

1+

ASL&122

2

Advanced Low, Mid & High

7

B1

2

ASL&123

3

8

B2

2+

 

3

Superior

9

C1

3

 

3

10

C1

3+

 

3

Distinguished

11

C2

4

 

3

12

C2

4+

 

3

12+

C2

5

 

3

NOTE:  Shoreline CC’s course SPAN 292 Special Topics in Spanish: Spanish for Healthcare Workers is eligible to receive one Language point.

Begin the online nursing program application 

What You Will Need to Complete the Online Application Process  

  • ctcLink ID (once Shoreline CC application is complete)
  • Personal and Contact Information
  • LPN licensure information (if applying to LPN-RN program)
  • NLN-NEX composite score (LPN-RN program - not required)
  • Coursework
    • Course numbers (i.e. CHEM& 121)
    • Results / Grade
    • Where Taken
  • Employment / Volunteer (if applicable)
    • Type of work
    • Business Name
    • Supervisor
    • Address
    • Job title
    • Start / End Dates
    • Full / Part Time
    • Number of hours

Credit Card Information

Application link

Program notification and acceptance

After the application window closes, file review will begin.  All materials must be submitted to be considered and incomplete files will not be reviewed.  Approximately six weeks after the admission application deadline passes, we will notify all applicants by email.  There will be an opportunity to appeal any disqualifications or denials shortly after notification.


After acceptance to the program, students will need to pass a national and state background check, provide documentation of the ability to meet the Essential Functional Ability with or without reasonable accommodation, submit evidence of appropriate tuberculosis testing, documentation of immunization or immunity to several communicable diseases, documentation of health insurance (major medical coverage), a clear Criminal Background check, and a current American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Provider.

Admissions Documents List

Admission Point System Checklist
Employment/Volunteer Verification Form 
Pre-requisite Course Equivalency chart
Employment/volunteer verification form

Contact Us
If you have any questions, contact the Shoreline Community College Nursing Program by email: sccnursing@shoreline.edu or 206-546-4743.