A Rewarding Career, with Good Pay
According to the National Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for registered nurses
is projected to grow. This accelerated growth is due to:
- Increased emphasis on preventive care
- Growing rates of chronic conditions such as diabetes and obesity
- Demand for healthcare services from the baby-boom population, as they live longer
and more active lives
Register for a Nursing Program Info Session
If you want to learn more about OCC's nursing program, please register for an information
session! In this virtual two-hour session, you’ll learn everything you need to know
about the program. Attendance at an info session (with your camera on) is required
to apply to the OCC nursing program. We can’t wait to see you - register now.
The Power of the Scrubs
Between dedicated faculty, academic resources, events and close-knit cohorts, OCC’s
nursing program provides you with the foundation and support to achieve your dream.
Find out what makes our program stand out among the rest.
Experienced Faculty Empower Your Success
Our nursing faculty have garnered regional and national attention for their innovative
teaching methods and exceptional patient care contributions.
- Registered nurses with years of real-world experience
- Have advanced or Doctoral degrees
- Leadership on a nationally recognized Quality & Safety Committee
Building a Community & Life Long Friends
Our cohort-based program fosters collaboration and friendship, helping you succeed
from day one until graduation.
Learn Together, Grow Together: Share classes, labs, and clinical experiences.
Build a Strong Support Network: Collaborate in study groups and find encouragement.
Develop Essential Nursing Skills: Master teamwork and communication.
Join the Nursing Student Association
The Oakland Community College Nursing Student Association (OCCNSA ) is the largest chapter in Michigan and the fourth largest nationally. Being a member
of this student organization gives you access to:
- Mentorships
- Attending local, state, and national nursing events
- Community service activities
- Speaker and leadership opportunities and more
Celebrating Your Accomplishments
The OCC Nursing Pinning Ceremony is more than a tradition; it's a milestone. After
completing the program, along with your family, friends, classmates and faculty, we
want to honor your hard work. This ceremony specifically celebrates your unique journey
to becoming a nurse. Check out the 2024 ceremony.
OCC Nursing Program Outcomes Fast Facts
The numbers speak for themselves - OCC’s program will set you up for success!
- NCLEX-RN passing rate on the first attempt: January - June 2024: 98.91%
- NCLEX-RN passing rate on the first attempt: July - December 2023: 100%
- Program Completion: 48.7% completed the program within 100% of the length of the program
for students who entered the program in 2021-2022 and graduated in Winter 2024.
- Program Completion: 62.5% completed the program within 150% of the length of the program
for students who entered the program in 2020-2021 and graduated in Winter 2024.
- Program Satisfaction: 85.7% of OCC Associate Degree Nursing graduates reported outstanding
or above-average education quality (June 2022).
- Job Placement: 90.5% of graduates surveyed are employed in the nursing profession
after passing the NCLEX-RN (June 2022).
Dynamic Nursing Student Schedule
Our fast-paced program delivers results. Most nursing courses and clinicals fit into
a compact seven and a half-week format, designed to quickly build your knowledge and
skills. These courses and clinicals will prepare you to pass the NCLEX with confidence
and earn your RN license.
Expect a dynamic schedule. Each week includes:
- Two to three and half hours of engaging lectures.
- Two full days of hands-on clinical experience in real-world settings.
- Dedicated lab time to practice essential nursing skills.
- Potential weekend clinical rotations.
Classroom Learning for Future Nurses
Your hours in the classroom and labs will focus on the theory and science of nursing
practice, legal and ethical issues, communication skills, physical assessments, clinical
decision-making, and health awareness and advocacy. Courses prepare you for:
- Pharmacology
- Nursing of Childbearing Family
- Mental Health and Maladaptive Behavior
- Nursing of Adults
- Nursing of Children and Families
Immerse Yourself in Clinical Rotations
Each semester, you'll balance theoretical coursework with clinical rotations. Our
students receive an exceptional variety of clinical placements, including rotations
in pediatrics, obstetrics, geriatrics, critical care, and post-surgery units. These
experiences put you hands-on alongside veteran RNs at top hospitals, including:
- Ascension
- Corewell Health
- Detroit Medical Center
- Henry Ford Health
- McLaren
- Trinity Health
- And more!
ADN to BSN - Accelerate Your Nursing Career
Earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree at OCC's Southfield campus through
our new partnership with the University of Detroit Mercy (UDM). Benefit from personalized
support, learn in-demand skills, and earn new scholarships to make your education
more affordable. Learn more about ADN to BSN
Program Requirements & Prerequisites
Before being admitted to the nursing program, you will need to complete a nursing
information session, course prerequisites, the HESI exam and more. Important dates to remember:
- November 30: Deadline for taking the HESI exam.
- December 15: Deadline to apply to the OCC nursing program.
- March 15: Program selection notification letters are mailed.
Step 1: Completing a Nursing Program Information Session
Step 2: Complete your prerequisite courses
To be admitted to the nursing program, you need a grade of "B-" or better in your
general education and supportive courses. Courses include English, Biology, Microbiology,
Anatomy & Physiology, and more.
Program Plan: Prerequisites |
Step 3: Prepare & Take the HESI Entrance Exam
The HESI Admission Assessment (A2) exam is a computer-based timed test that consists of a math section and a reading comprehension
section. You will take this online test in person at OCC’s M-TEC Testing Center at the Auburn Hills campus.
- You must pass both sections within the same testing session.
- One retake of the exam is permitted. If your second attempt is unsuccessful, you will
NOT be eligible to apply to the nursing program at Oakland Community College (no exceptions).
- HESI scores from other colleges will NOT be accepted.
November 30 is the deadline to take your first HESI exam. To prepare for the exam, be sure to attend one of the
free HESI prep seminars offered through the Academic Support Center. The ASC also has study guides and practice exams available. Check out student HESI studying resources.
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Step 4: Applying to the Program & Acceptance
Now you’re ready to apply to the nursing program! Your Highland Lakes or Southfield
counselor will guide you through the application process.
You should submit your completed application to the Nursing Department no later than December 15. We mail the selection notification letters on March 15.
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OCC Alum Accomplishes Dream as Trauma Surgery Nurse Practitioner“I am who I am because of OCC. I would not have been able to accomplish becoming a
nurse if it was not for the flexibility and motivation from OCC. The college’s faculty
and staff offered me tremendous support every step of the way.”
Learn more...
Other Eligibility & Requirements
All nursing students must maintain current health records, CPR certification, immunizations,
and TB clearance. For more information, check out our Nursing Handbook.
Criminal Background Check
You must pass a criminal background check, to be admitted into the program. Felonies
within fifteen years or misdemeanors within the past ten years may disqualify you
from the program. |
Drug Screening
You must pass a drug test to be admitted. More details will be provided to selected
students. |
Insurance
Health insurance is recommended, as the college does not cover accidents or illnesses. |
Health & Immunizations
Physical exams and immunizations, including Tuberculosis (TB) tests or chest X-rays,
are required before starting clinical.
- Required vaccines: Measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chickenpox), Tdap, Hepatitis
B (or declination of immunity), and annual influenza & Covid-19.
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Basic life support certification (BLS-HCP)
You must have a current BLS-HCP Certification through the American Heart Association
before starting clinicals. Certification must be maintained.
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Dress Code
OCC clinical uniform is worn during clinical rotations, assigned nursing lab days
and simulation days at both the Highland Lakes and Southfield Campus and at clinical
sites. Learn more about the dress code.
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Program Accreditation
The Associate Degree nursing program at Oakland Community College located at the Highland
Lakes and Southfield campuses is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3390 Peachtree Rd. NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30326, 404-975-5000.
The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for
the Associate Degree nursing program is Continuing Accreditation.
View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program
Oakland Community College has received the “Stellar School” status from the
National Student Nurse Association for 11 years running for our “superior support and commitment to developing student
leaders.”
Your Nursing Career Starts Here at OCC!
Begin your studies with these steps:
