The state’s Higher Education Coordinating Commission has approved Oregon Coast Community College’s application to offer a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.
The decision, made during the commission’s Feb. 13, meeting, marks a major milestone for OCCC and five other Oregon community colleges participating in the consortium-based program. The program still requires approval by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
The approval follows years of effort between HECC, the Oregon Community College Association, and a consortium of six community colleges: Oregon Coast, Central Oregon, Chemeketa, Klamath, Linn-Benton, and Treasure Valley.
The new program is designed for registered nurses who have already earned an Associate of Science in Nursing degree. By allowing the nurses to complete their bachelor’s degree with just 60 additional credits, the program offers a local, affordable, and flexible pathway to career advancement, said Crystal Bowman, OCCC’s dean of Nursing & Allied Health.
“This approval is a game-changer for our students and our region,” Bowman said. “It allows local nurses to continue their education without leaving the community, making it more accessible and affordable while strengthening the healthcare workforce in Lincoln County and beyond.”
If the program receives accreditation, it is expected to launch in the fall of 2026, with each participating college offering seven seats per year. The program will primarily be delivered online.
