Once required prerequisites are completed, this is a two-year selective admissions program, designed to prepare a student to become a registered nurse (RN).

This program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA).

The Associate Degree in Nursing AAS-T (ADN AAS-T) degree is a pathway preparing a student for licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN). Graduates are eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). Students receive an academic degree from Bellevue College (ADN-AAS-T). Registered Nurse (RN) is the actual license to practice nursing granted by the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission, which stipulates the requirements of licensure. In addition, graduates are prepared for entry into a Bachelor of Science in Nursing completion degree program (RN-BSN).

The ADN AAS-T degree combines college-level general education courses, nursing theory courses, and clinical experiences for the laboratory, simulation, and patient care settings required for job preparation. This degree is designed for the dual purpose of immediate employment and preparation for the Nursing, RN to BSN baccalaureate program at Bellevue College. The curriculum in nursing provides education and clinical experience in medical, surgical, pediatric, behavioral health, maternal, and gerontological nursing.

To be considered for acceptance into the program, students must follow specific guidelines, published annually and updated as needed. Please refer to the nursing website for any significant changes occurring between publications. Applications must take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) to apply to the program. Testing must be completed within one year of the application date.

Students planning to enroll in this program should be aware that a criminal history investigation is required and may affect continued enrollment. The application should also be aware that some clinical facilities are randomly screening for drug usage.

A grade of C (2.0) or better is required to pass any course in the ADN AAS-T Program. The program requires a time commitment. Six-credit theory courses meet in the classroom for 6 hours per week. Times and days of the week vary from quarter to quarter. Preparing students for academic and workplace success as a nurse is the central program goal.