HSRT Oregon Nursing Programs: COCC, PCC, Clatsop & Columbia Gorge (2026)

Oregon Nursing Programs and the HSRT

Four Oregon community colleges currently use the Health Sciences Reasoning Test (HSRT) as part of nursing program admissions. Unlike Minnesota schools — where the HSRT is often the primary quantitative metric — Oregon programs typically use it as a Phase II or weighted selection factor after academic prerequisites are screened in Phase I.

The HSRT does not test nursing knowledge, science, or math. It measures critical thinking ability: analysis, inference, evaluation, inductive reasoning, and deductive reasoning. Preparing for it requires practicing reasoning skills, not reviewing anatomy notes.

Central Oregon Community College (COCC) — The Most Transparent Data

COCC has published more admissions data than any other Oregon HSRT school, making it the clearest window into how competitive these programs actually are.

In the most recent cycle, 140 students applied for 64 seats (56 at Bend, 8 at Madras). Your HSRT-AD score is multiplied by 0.30 — it accounts for exactly 30% of your application points. There is no minimum. Higher scores directly raise your rank.

The deadline for Fall 2026 is May 1 at 5:00 PM. Testing costs $17 and is on-campus only at COCC Bend. You must be enrolled at COCC before you can test. Up to two attempts are allowed before your first application; after that, one per year. The exam is 35 questions with a 50-minute time limit.

COCC also requires the ATI TEAS — plan separate preparation for each exam. TEAS study materials will not help with the HSRT.

Portland Community College (PCC) — Phase-Based Admissions

PCC's ADN program at Sylvania Campus offers 40 seats. Admissions uses three phases. Phase I ranks applicants by points from prerequisites, GPA, healthcare experience, and certifications. Only the top Phase I scorers advance to Phase II, where the HSRT is evaluated alongside essays, a resume, and a letter of interest. Top Phase II performers are offered seats.

You do not register for the HSRT independently at PCC — if you advance to Phase II, PCC schedules the exam. Testing takes approximately 50 minutes at Sylvania Campus. The Phase I deadline was February 16, 2026 for the Fall 2026 cycle. Phase II invitations go out in March through April.

Since you only reach the HSRT after clearing Phase I, every applicant you are competing against at Phase II has already demonstrated strong academic credentials. Aim for the highest HSRT score possible.

Clatsop Community College — Phase II Scoring

Clatsop CC in Astoria uses a two-phase process for its ADN program. Phase I screens applicants using ATI TEAS scores and academic prerequisites. Phase II invitees take the HSRT and earn up to 10 points toward their total application score. Combined Phase I and Phase II scores determine final selection.

There is no published HSRT minimum. The HSRT is administered by invitation only — you do not register independently. Contact Clatsop's nursing admissions office for the current deadline and Phase I cutoffs.

Columbia Gorge Community College — Phase II with Proctored Essays

Columbia Gorge in The Dalles uses a similar multi-phase structure. Phase II combines the HSRT with proctored essays, evaluated together for final selection. HSRT testing for the Fall 2026 cycle was scheduled for April 15 through 16, 2026. Like Clatsop, testing is by invitation only after Phase I screening.

There is no published HSRT minimum at Columbia Gorge. Contact the nursing program directly for the current deadline and Phase I criteria.

Oregon HSRT Programs at a Glance

COCC is the most data-rich option: the 30% weighting formula, 140-applicant pool, 64 seats, and $17 testing fee are all publicly available. PCC is highly selective but less transparent about the Phase II scoring formula. Clatsop and Columbia Gorge are smaller programs with less published data — contact the programs directly if you are applying.

In-district residency matters at COCC: Deschutes, Crook, Jefferson county residents and Warm Springs tribal members have priority for the Madras cohort. Out-of-district applicants are eligible for Bend but do not receive residency preference.

How to Prepare for Oregon HSRT Nursing Programs

For COCC applicants, the math is clear: the HSRT accounts for 30 of every 100 application points. A 10-point improvement on your HSRT directly raises your total by 3 points — which can move you past multiple competing applicants in a pool of 140. Preparation has measurable ROI at COCC in a way that is rare for admissions tests.

For Phase II programs (PCC, Clatsop, Columbia Gorge), you are competing against the strongest Phase I performers. Average scores from Phase II invitees are typically higher than average scores from the full applicant pool — plan accordingly.

Start with a baseline practice test to find your weakest of the five HSRT skill areas. Structured 4-week preparation is realistic for most students. If applying to COCC (which requires both TEAS and HSRT), give the HSRT separate dedicated prep time — the skills are completely different.