Nursing (Associate Degree)
Admission Procedures
All
applicants are required to take the American College Test (ACT) and meet the
general admission requirements of the College. Application deadline for the fall
class is April 1. Admission requirements must be met by May 31. The applicant is
responsible for ensuring that the data on file in the Director of
Admission/Registrar's office is correct and complete.
Requirements
To be considered for admission to the Associate Degree Nursing program an applicant must complete an online application to the College and Associate Degree Nursing program and meet the following criteria:
- High school graduate (or equivalent) with an ACT composite score of 18 or higher.
- Students must have an overall grade point average of at least 2.0 on previous college credit in the prescribed curriculum.
- Complete the following pre-requisites:
- BIO 2514 and BIO 2524 (Anatomy and Physiology I and II) with a grade of "C" or higher.
- MAT 1313 (College Algebra) with a grade of "C" or higher.
- Upon admission to the program, submit a physical examination form, proof of current immunizations and CPR certification (AHA HealthCare provider).
- Upon admission to the program, submit a satisfactory criminal background check and a negative drug screen.
- Qualified applicants will be given priority based on academic records (ACT and GPA).
Progression
The student must earn a minimum grade of "C" in each nursing course in order to continue in the program. This includes:
- A satisfactory clinical evaluation in the clinical component of specific nursing courses,
- A satisfactory completion of the laboratory skills form, and
- Compliance with the criteria for responsible behavior.
The student must earn a minimum grade of "C" in BIO 2924 - Microbiology. This course is a prerequisite to NUR 1129.
Readmission
If a nursing course is not completed successfully, the student may apply for readmission in accordance with the College policy and the Associate Degree Nursing policy. Any student seeking readmission will be readmitted at the discretion of the Admission Committee, composed of the program director and nursing faculty members. Students who earn a grade below "C" or "W" in a clinical nursing course will be considered for readmission into the program one time only. All readmitted students follow the requirements of the current catalog.
Consideration for readmission will be based on compliance with the following criteria and will depend upon available positions. The applicant must:
- Complete an online application to the College and nursing program.
- Submit a written request to the program director for readmission.
- Have an overall grade point average of 2.0 or higher.
- Readmission requests for the fall semester must be received by April 1. Readmission requests for the spring semester must be received by October 1. Readmission is competitive among the students applying for each nursing course.
Policy Change
The College reserves the right to change policy as necessary. Written notification to the students and applicants approved for admission is sufficient to effect policy change.
Special Fees
In addition to the regular college fee, nursing students are responsible for the expenses of uniforms, equipment (watch with second hand, stethoscope, etc.), liability insurance, standardized examinations, transportation for clinical experiences, health examination, campus lab supplies, immunizations (including Hepatitis B), yearly TB skin tests, drug screen, criminal background checks and licensure fees.
Advanced Placement (LPN to RN)
The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) has acquired fundamental nursing knowledge which provides potential for admission at an advanced standing into our program. Prior knowledge and skills are validated by a challenge examination and skills competency examinations. After successful challenge, the LPN can join other ADN students in the second semester nursing courses. The ADN program allows currently licensed practical nurses (LPNs) the opportunity to challenge NUR 1119 and NUR 1111.
Requirements for Advanced Placement (LPN to RN)
The following requirements must be met for advanced placement in the program. You must:
- Complete an online application to the college and to the nursing program by April 1.
- Meet the same admission requirements as the other applicants (see Admission Procedures and Requirements).
- Provide proof of licensure (must have a current unencumbered Mississippi license).
- Complete BIO 2514, BIO 2524, and MAT 1313 with a "C" or higher prior to admission.
- Demonstrate competency in performing nursing skills by November 1.
- Complete the challenge exam with a 78% or higher.
Challenge Exam
- The challenge exam for NUR 1119 and NUR 1111 will be administered on the second Tuesday in July in the Health Science Building on the Fulton campus in the LDR.
- Skills competency will be demonstrated in the nursing skills laboratory throughout the Fall semester. A lab calendar will be issued to students stating dates and times for practice and check-off; LPNs will attend practice sessions and check off with the traditional students. Skills are validated after admission to the program.
- The challenge exam may only be taken once.
- Eligible applicants will be notified.
Admission
Admission to the program is not guaranteed. All applicants seeking admission are ranked (see Selection Criteria) and admitted as space is available. There is a limited number of LPN student admitted to the program. Itawamba Community College students have priority.
Students who need additional information or who have questions are invited to join us for an informal information session for Associate Degree Nursing on the second Monday of each month in the LDR of the Health Science Building.
Course Credit
Nursing courses successfully completed one to two years prior to program re-entry may be accepted for credit. Validation of knowledge through testing and skills performance may be required. No credit will be given for nursing coursework more than two years old. Credit for transfer courses will be evaluated on an individual basis. Students transferring from another school of nursing must provide a letter verifying eligibility for readmission to the nursing program from which they are transferring.
Length of Programs
The program is designed to be completed in five semesters or extended over a longer time. In an extended approach, the student may choose to complete a number of the required general education courses prior to seeking admission into Nursing 1119.
Entry into the program is highly competitive. There are usually far more applications than available slots. While the published ACT score, GPA and grades in the prerequisite courses meet the minimum criteria for admission, much higher scores and grades are often required. It is highly recommended that students contact their assigned adviser, program director or the Office of the Dean of Health Science for guidance related to specific thresholds for admission. Students must pass a drug screen and a criminal background check prior to participating in clinical activities.
Itawamba Community College is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of disability, sex, age, race, color, religion or national origin. The college complies with applicable laws regarding equal opportunities in all its activities and programs. It does not discriminate against anyone protected by law because of age, creed, color, national origin, race, religion, sex, disability, veteran or other status.
