The purpose of the nursing degree is to educate students to practice nursing within varied health care settings in collaboration with other members of the health care team, and to assist individuals who are experiencing health care problems to progress toward optimal health and wellness. Graduates of Whatcom's nursing program are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) for Registered Nurses (RN) and consistently pass at rates above state and national averages. This degree, after RN licensure, also enables the student to complete a BSN in one academic year at any accepting university in Washington state.