OCNE has a set of 10 core competencies that each OCNE student must demonstrate as a measure of their readiness to graduate.  Nursing demands a high level of integrity, ethical behavior, and emotional stability. Registered nurses monitor their patients’ conditions, administer medications and treatments prescribed by a physician or nurse practitioner, and work with the physician and other members of the health care team. Nurses also direct and supervise nursing support personnel. In large hospitals, nurses typically work on medical or post-surgical units, or in a certain area such as surgery or intensive care. They may also work with special groups of patients including children, the elderly, or persons with disabilities.

Each OCNE Partner School is approved by the Oregon State Board of Nursing to offer their nursing program to students. Upon graduation, students have attained the academic foundation and clinical preparedness required to students are prepared to demonstrate leadership in the field and sit for the national licensure examination.