New Health Science Building, Opening in 2027
In 2027, the health sciences programs will move to the new state-of-the-art Health
Sciences building on our Orchard Ridge Campus. Here, you will meet and work with expert
caring faculty, staff, and students in all the healthcare disciplines – just as you’ll
experience in the field.
Check out the New Facilities
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.
11:00AM Virtual Event
Information sessions are a mandatory requirement for any student who applies to OCC's Nursing Program....
3:00PM Virtual Event
Information sessions are a mandatory requirement for any student who applies to OCC's Nursing Program....
1:00PM Virtual Event
Information sessions are a mandatory requirement for any student who applies to OCC's Nursing Program....
The Power of the Green Scrubs
Carolyn, an OCC nursing graduate, secured job offers before graduation, proving the
real-world value of an OCC nursing education. Her success as a thriving nurse pursuing
her Nurse Practitioner degree exemplifies how OCC's program, through dedicated faculty,
resources, events, and cohorts, provides the foundation and support to achieve your
dream.
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 Student Nurses' Association
The Oakland Community College Student Nurses' Association (OCCSNA) 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 nurses' events
- Community service activities
- Speaker and leadership opportunities and more
Curious about the OCC Student Nurses' Association? Browse our photo album for a glimpse
of our events, activities, and members.
Did You Know?
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.”
Celebrating Your Accomplishments
The OCC Nursing Pinning Ceremony is more than a tradition; it's a milestone. After
completing the program, we want to honor your hard work along with your family, friends,
classmates and faculty. This ceremony specifically celebrates your unique journey
to becoming a nurse. Check out the Nursing Pinning Ceremony May 2025!
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.
Each week includes:
- Two to three and a 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.
Your hours in the classroom and lab 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 the Childbearing Family
- Mental Health and Maladaptive Behavior
- Nursing of Adults
- Nursing of Children and Families
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:
- Corewell Health
- Detroit Medical Center
- Henry Ford Health
- McLaren
- Trinity Health
- And more!
Program Requirements & Prerequisites
Before being admitted to the nursing program, you will need to complete a nursing
information session, course prerequisites, the HESI exam, meet with a counselor and
more. Important dates to remember:
- November 7: Deadline for attending a mandatory Nursing Information Session.
- November 21: Deadline for taking the HESI Exam.
- December 15: Deadline to apply to the OCC nursing program.
- March 15: Program selection notification letters are emailed.
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
The HESI 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 7 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.
Now you’re ready to apply to the nursing program! You must meet with your Highland
Lakes or Royal Oak counselor who will guide you through the application process.
You should submit your completed application to the Nursing Department no later than December 15. We email the selection notification letters by March 15.
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.
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.
You must pass a drug test to be admitted. More details will be provided to selected
students.
Health insurance is recommended, as the college does not cover accidents or illnesses.
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.
If you are placed at a clinical site that requires a specific vaccine or if the requirements
of your site change at any time, you will be required to provide proof of prior vaccination
or you will be required to get the vaccine. Otherwise, you will be dismissed from
the program. You will not be moved to a different site.
- Remember, you may be at multiple clinical sites during the program, so there is a
very good chance that you will be required to get the necessary vaccines at some point.
**NOTE: This is subject to change at any time!
You must have a current BLS-HCP Certification through the American Heart Association
before starting clinicals. Certification must be maintained.
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.
"OCC is a great college for an older student like me who needed to work full time
as a manager at FedEx to support my young son and attend class full time. When I set
my mind on the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program, the counselors at OCC pointed
me in the right direction. OCC has a self-directed online system that lays out the
required classes for the ADN program and walks students through next steps. But if
I needed advice from counselors, they were always there for me. You just need to set
your career goal and work backward to start your journey."- Michael, OCC Nursing graduate
and ICU nurse
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
Your Nursing Career Starts Here at OCC!
Begin your studies with these steps:
- Apply to OCC. If you’re not already an OCC student, create a profile and complete our online application.
- Existing OCC students can update their academic program using the Change of Program Form.
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
