Advancing Opportunities for Associate Degree Nurses to Earn Their BSN
Salem, Ore., March 5, 2025 — Chemeketa Community College is proud to announce that the Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) has approved the launch of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program—an initiative designed to expand educational pathways for nursing students and strengthen Oregon’s healthcare workforce. This program, developed in collaboration with six Oregon community colleges in a statewide consortium, represents a significant milestone in providing accessible, high-quality nursing education.
Chemeketa’s BSN program will allow registered nursing (RN) students to seamlessly continue their education and earn a four-year degree without needing to transfer to a university. By offering a local, affordable option for earning a BSN, Chemeketa is helping to address the growing demand for highly trained nurses in Oregon.
The launch of this program is a direct response to the pressing need for more bachelor’s-prepared nurses in our state. “By providing a flexible and affordable BSN pathway at the community college level, Chemeketa is opening doors for students while supporting the critical needs of Oregon’s healthcare system,” said Sandi Kellogg, Dean of Health Sciences at Chemeketa.
Chemeketa’s commitment to expanding nursing education dates back to the leadership of former President Julie Huckestein, who laid the groundwork for this initiative during her tenure. Her vision and dedication helped set the stage for this achievement, ensuring that Chemeketa remains at the forefront of innovative and accessible healthcare education.
The BSN program will follow a hybrid model, combining online coursework with in-person clinical experiences in the form of an end-of-program capstone project. Students will benefit from Chemeketa’s strong partnerships with local hospitals and healthcare providers, gaining hands-on training in real-world settings.
“This approval is a revolutionary development for nursing students in our region,” said Dr. Jessica Howard, President and CEO of Chemeketa Community College. “We are proud to work alongside our fellow community colleges to make a four-year nursing degree more attainable and to help meet the workforce demands of our local healthcare providers.”
The first cohort of students is expected to begin classes in Fall of 2026, with applications opening soon. For more information about Chemeketa’s BSN program, contact: The Health Sciences Department at Chemeketa Community College, 503.399.5058.
