Nursing, A.S.

The Nursing program is designated as a Health Manpower Shortage Program; therefore, some residents of Maryland enrolled in this program of study on the first day of the term may be eligible for in-county tuition rates for courses required for program completion.

Special Admission Requirements:

Nursing Program Application Deadline: January 15 for Fall and July 15 for Spring

Nursing Transition Tracks Program Application Deadline: January 15 for Summer

Nursing Evening/Weekend Program Application Deadline: August 15 for Spring

Purpose: For students who wish to complete a registered nursing program with an associate of science degree. Our nursing programs' curriculum satisfies the state educational requirements for licensure or certification in the state where the student is enrolled in nursing education at the time of enrollment or meet the state educational requirements for licensure or certification where the student intends to seek employment. The nursing program is approved by the Maryland State Board of Nursing and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). The nursing program is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skill, and understanding necessary to function effectively in all areas of professional nursing. Graduates of the nursing program are eligible to apply to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Students must have a social security number to sit for this exam.

Curriculum: The curriculum is divided into several broad areas of study and consists of lecture, laboratory, and clinical experiences. Emphasis is on the use of the nursing process to meet the needs of individuals, family members, and the community. Courses in general education provide students with the scientific and social background to function as effective citizens and health care providers. For the nursing transition tracks, upon completion of the 33 credits of general education and successful completion of NUR-195 (8 credits), students will receive 17 credits for the first year of the program. A nominal fee may apply for these 17 credits to be placed on the students record.

Program Outcomes:

Utilize critical thinking in implementation of the nursing process to plan holistic care.
Adhere to quality of care and safety standards in both acute and community-based environments.
Practice within the ethical and legal framework of the nursing profession.
Advocate for clients respecting their diversities.
Employ therapeutic, verbal, nonverbal, and written communication skills.
Exercise leadership in the management of care.

Articulation Agreements: Students who are considering transferring to a four-year college should inform their advisors at the earliest opportunity so that their course selection can be planned.

Pre-Admission Requirement: Students must complete the nationally normed test for nursing students known as the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS). The TEAS is a scholastic aptitude assessment in the areas of math, reading, English, and science. Students will not be considered for admission to the program until they achieve the required scores on the TEAS. Applicants should consult the HCC Web site at www.hagerstowncc.edu/academics/divisions/nursing/teas for specific information about the TEAS, including score requirements. This requirement should be completed prior to submission of the Supplemental Application (see below), but no later than the application deadline.

Admission Requirements (Nursing): Admission to HCC does not guarantee admission to the Division of Nursing. The requirements below must be completed and submitted to the Office of Admissions and Enrollment Management by the application deadline (January 15 for the fall nursing class and July 15 for the spring nursing class):

All students planning on applying to the Registered Nursing program must watch the Nursing Preview video. Follow the instructions in the Nursing Preview video on how to document that you have watched the video before the Supplemental Application deadline. Students who are transferring credits in who have completed a nursing class at another accredited college are exempt from watching this video. Students who have only completed a CNA class must watch this video. View the Nursing Program video here.
Submit a completed program application known as the Supplemental Application for the Nursing Program (RN) form
Submit official TEAS scores. Official TEAS score reports are required to be sent through the ATI site for TEAS taken at locations other than the HCC Testing Center. Students who do take the TEAS at HCC are encouraged to bring a copy of the scores or email the scores to the HCC Admissions Office. Applicants will not be considered for admission to the program until they achieve a 69% or higher on the Adjusted Individual Score for Reading and an Adjusted Individual Total Score of at least 60%. TEAS scores are valid for three years from the testing date.
Official transcripts from all colleges attended even if the courses taken are not directly applicable to the RN program. HCC calculates cumulative GPA from all college coursework as part of the scoring process (students who took classes at HCC do not need to submit official HCC transcripts). All transcripts must be complete and show grades or outcomes for each class taken or the status of in-progress for classes that are in-progress at the application deadline.
Completion of all required science courses within seven years prior to the application deadline.
At least 12 program required general education classes must be completed at the application deadline and BIO-203 must be completed or in progress at the application deadline
A minimum cumulative grade point average for all college coursework of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. In addition, a minimum grade point average of 2.5 for all program courses is required
Eligibility to enter college level Math and English
In addition to the minimum grade requirement for English Composition set forth by COMAR, HCC requires nursing students to complete all General Education requirements and BIO-205 with a minimum grade of "C" or higher. If a student has a grade below a "C", they are not eligible to be scored until that grade is replaced with a grade of "C" or higher.
Submit official SAT scores (If taken within five years of application date).
Submit official AP scores if using these scores to meet one of the general education requirements. AP scores of 3 or higher are used.
Foreign educated students must have their college transcripts evaluated by World Education Services (WES).
The Nursing program is a Maryland Health Manpower Shortage program. All students who apply for this program must be eligible to work in the State of Maryland at the application deadline and while enrolled in the program.

Admission Requirements (Weekend/Evening): Admission to HCC does not guarantee admission to the Division of Nursing. The requirements below must be completed and submitted to the Office of Admissions and Enrollment Management by the application deadline (August 15 for Spring):

Submit the appropriate completed program supplemental application
Submit official TEAS scores. Official TEAS score reports are required to be sent through the ATI site for TEAS taken at locations other than the HCC Testing Center. Students who do take the TEAS at HCC are encouraged to bring a copy of the scores or email the scores to the HCC Admissions Office. Applicants will not be considered for admission to the program until they achieve a 69% or higher on the Adjusted Individual Score for Reading and an Adjusted Individual Total Score of at least 60%. TEAS scores are valid for three years from the testing date.
Official transcripts from all colleges attended even if the courses taken are not directly applicable to the RN program. HCC calculates cumulative GPA from all college coursework as part of the scoring process (students who took classes at HCC do not need to submit official HCC transcripts). All transcripts must be complete and show grades or outcomes for each class taken or the status of in-progress for classes that are in-progress at the application deadline.
Completion of all required science courses within seven years prior to the application deadline.
All General Education courses and BIO-205 completed or in progress at the time of application to the program. The courses include ENG-101 (ENG-101E, ENG-101EP, and ENG-101P are approved substitutions for ENG-101), ENG-102, a Math General Education course from the approved General Education course list, PSY-101, SOC-101, PSY-204, BIO-203, BIO-204, and an Arts/Humanities course from the approved General Education course list.
A minimum cumulative grade point average for all college coursework of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. In addition, a minimum grade point average of 2.5 for all program courses is required
In addition to the minimum grade requirement for English Composition set forth by COMAR, HCC requires nursing students to complete all General Education requirements and BIO-205 with a minimum grade of "C" or better. If a student has a grade below
Foreign educated students must have their college transcripts evaluated by World Education Services (WES).

Admission Requirements (Nursing Transition): Admission to HCC does not guarantee admission to the Division of Nursing. The requirements below must be completed and submitted to the Office of Admissions and Enrollment Management by the application deadline (January 15 for Summer):

Submit the appropriate completed program supplemental application
Submit official TEAS scores. Official TEAS score reports are required to be sent through the ATI site for TEAS taken at locations other than the HCC Testing Center. Students who do take the TEAS at HCC are encouraged to bring a copy of the scores or email the scores to the HCC Admissions Office. Applicants will not be considered for admission to the program until they achieve a 69% or higher on the Adjusted Individual Score for Reading and an Adjusted Individual Total Score of at least 60%. TEAS scores are valid for three years from the testing date.
Official transcripts from all colleges attended even if the courses taken are not directly applicable to the RN program. HCC calculates cumulative GPA from all college coursework as part of the scoring process (students who took classes at HCC do not need to submit official HCC transcripts). All transcripts must be complete and show grades or outcomes for each class taken or the status of in-progress for classes that are in-progress at the application deadline.
Completion of all required science courses within seven years prior to the application deadline.
All General Education courses and BIO-205 completed or in progress at the time of application to the program. The courses include ENG-101 (ENG-101E, ENG-101EP, and ENG-101P are approved substitutions for ENG-101), ENG-102, a Math General Education course from the approved General Education course list, PSY-101, SOC-101, PSY-204, BIO-203, BIO-204, and an Arts/Humanities course from the approved General Education course list.
A minimum cumulative grade point average for all college coursework of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. In addition, a minimum grade point average of 2.5 for all program courses is required
In addition to the minimum grade requirement for English Composition set forth by COMAR, HCC requires nursing students to complete all General Education requirements and BIO-205 with a minimum grade of "C" or better. If a student has a grade below a "C", they are not eligible to be scored until that grade is replaced with a grade of "C" or higher.
Satisfactory letter of recommendation from most recent employer/nurse manager must be submitted to the Admissions Office.
Foreign educated students must have their college transcripts evaluated by World Education Services (WES).

Additional Specific Requirements for the LPN-RN Transition:

Must have active LPN license and submit it to the Admissions Office.
Verification from an employer of at least six months full-time employment as an LPN, or the equivalent number of hours (at least 832 hrs.,) within the past 2 years. These requirements must be met by the application deadline. Documents submitted must clearly show dates of employment if you have worked at least six months full-time. If you have not worked six months full-time, hours of employment must be shown and must meet the required 832 hours by the application deadline.

Additional Specific Requirements for the Military Medic/Corpsman to RN Transition:

Verification from an employer of two years employment (3,328 hours) as a Military Medic/Corpsman with the past 5 years by the application deadline must be submitted to the Admissions Office. Documents submitted must clearly show dates of employment.
Must submit a DD214 or have documented past or present status of a "Navy Corpsman" (HM3) course completed, NER-HM-004, "Army 68W", or "USAF 4 NO" skill identifier for this advanced placement option into the nursing program. Additionally, Military Medics must submit SMART transcripts which document required experiences with use of administration of medication, documentation of patient care, experiences with use of medical and surgical asepsis, and maintaining safety in patient care.

Additional Specific Requirements for the Paramedic to RN Transition:

Verification from an employer of two years employment (3,328 hours) as a Paramedic within the past 5 years by the application deadline must be submitted to the Admissions Office. Documents submitted must clearly show dates of employment.
Must have certification as a Paramedic and National Board of Registry certification (NREMT-P) and submit it to the Admissions Office

Program Requirements (Nursing): Students practice selected procedures on each other in the college laboratory. All nursing students must receive:

A minimum overall grade of 75% in each of the first year nursing courses (NUR-105, NUR-127, NUR-224, NUR-229). A minimum overall grade of 77% in each of the second year nursing courses (NUR-126, NUR-226, NUR-228, NUR-230, NUR-231). Two final course grades below a 75% in the first year of the program and/or below a 77% in the second year of the program means a dismissal from the Nursing program and the student cannot continue or reapply to the RN program for 5 years.
A minimum exam grade average of 75% in each of the first year nursing courses (NUR-105, NUR-127, NUR-224, NUR-229). A minimum exam grade average of 77% in each of the second year nursing courses (NUR-126, NUR-226, NUR-228, NUR-230, NUR-231).
A minimum grade of 77% on 50% or more of the total exams for the course during the second year of the program (NUR-126, NUR-226, NUR-228, NUR-230, NUR-231).
A minimum grade of 90% on a drug calculation exam in each nursing course.
A mark of satisfactory for both the laboratory and clinical experiences. Students who receive an unsatisfactory in the laboratory or clinical experience, or fail the drug calculation exam, despite a passing theory grade, will not be permitted to progress in the nursing program and will receive a final grade of "F" for the course.
For students in the two-year pathway, a grade of "C" or better is required for all general education courses and BIO-205. A failure in a required general education course will stop progression in the nursing program until all required general education courses are successfully completed.
Upon completion of nursing coursework, students must achieve 92% probability of passing the NCLEX on the first attempt on the ATI Comprehensive Predictor Exam. Students who do not achieve this score will be required to enroll and successfully complete Virtual ATI.

Students who do not meet program or course standards that result in dismissal from the nursing program are not eligible for readmission. This includes students who cannot meet safety standards, and students who violate the college's Honor Code and Code of Conduct, the nursing program's Standards of Student Conduct, and the American Nurses' Association Code of Ethics for Nurses.

Program Requirements (Evening/Weekend): Students practice selected procedures on each other in the college laboratory. All nursing students must receive:

A minimum overall grade of 75% in each of the first year nursing courses (NUR-105, NUR-127, NUR-224, NUR-229). A minimum overall grade of 77% in each of the second year nursing courses (NUR-126, NUR-226, NUR-228, NUR-230, NUR-231). Two final course grades below a 75% in the first year of the program and/or below a 77% in the second year of the program means a dismissal from the Nursing program and the student cannot continue or reapply to the RN program for 5 years.
A minimum exam grade average of 75% in each of the first year nursing courses (NUR-105, NUR-127, NUR-224, NUR-229). A minimum exam grade average of 77% in each of the second year nursing courses (NUR-126, NUR-226, NUR-228, NUR-230, NUR-231).
A minimum grade of 77% on 50% or more of the total exams for the course during the second year of the program (NUR-126, NUR-226, NUR-228, NUR-230, NUR-231).
A minimum grade of 90% on a drug calculation exam in each nursing course.
A mark of satisfactory for both the laboratory and clinical experiences. Students who receive an unsatisfactory in the laboratory or clinical experience, or fail the drug calculation exam, despite a passing theory grade, will not be permitted to progress in the nursing program and will receive a final grade of "F" for the course.
Upon completion of nursing coursework, students must achieve 92% probability of passing the NCLEX on the first attempt on the ATI Comprehensive Predictor Exam. Students who do not achieve this score will be required to enroll and successfully complete Virtual ATI.

Program Requirements (Nursing Transition): Students practice selected procedures on each other in the college laboratory. All nursing students must receive:

A minimum overall grade of 75% in each of the first-year nursing courses (NUR-224). A minimum overall grade of 77% in each of the second-year nursing courses NUR-126, NUR-195, NUR-226, NUR-228 (Military Medic/Corpsman-RN and Paramedic-RN) and NUR-126, NUR-195, NUR-228, NUR-231 (LPN-RN). Two final course grades below a 75% in the first year of the program and/or below 77% in the second year of the program means a dismissal from the nursing program and the student cannot continue or reapply to the RN program for 5 years.
A minimum exam grade average of 75% in each of the first-year nursing courses (NUR-224). A minimum exam grade average of 77% in each of the second-year nursing courses NUR-126, NUR-195, NUR-226, NUR-228 (Military Medic/Corpsman-RN and Paramedic-RN) and NUR-126, NUR-195, NUR-228, NUR-231 (LPN-RN).
A minimum grade of 77% on 50% or more of the total exams for the course during the second year of the program: NUR-126, NUR-195, NUR-226, NUR-228 (Military Medic/Corpsman-RN and Paramedic-RN) and NUR-126, NUR-195, NUR-228, NUR-231 (LPN-RN).
A minimum grade of 90% on a drug calculation exam in each nursing course.
A mark of satisfactory for both the laboratory and clinical experiences. Students who receive an unsatisfactory in the laboratory or clinical experience, or fail the drug calculation exam, despite a passing theory grade, will not be permitted to progress in the nursing program and will receive a final grade of "F" for the course.
Upon completion of nursing coursework, students must achieve 92% of probability of passing the NCLEX on the first attempt on the ATI Comprehensive Predictor Exam. Students who do not achieve this score will be required to enroll and successfully complete Virtual ATI.

Fact Sheet

View the Nursing Fact Sheet for faculty contact information and additional program information.
View the LPN to RN Transition Fact Sheet for faculty contact information and additional program information.
View the Military Medic/Corpsman to RN Transition Fact Sheet for faculty contact information and additional program information.
View the Paramedic to RN Transition Fact Sheet for faculty contact information and additional program information.
View the RN to BSN Pathway Fact Sheet for faculty contact information and additional program information.
View the HS Guidance Brochure for Nursing.
View the HCC-FSU ATB Information Sheet.

To learn more about the two-year RN program, click here.

Program Pathways

Track A: Three-Year (Nursing and Evening/Weekend) Program Pathway

Pre-Clinical Semester I

ENG-101	English Composition	3 credits
Gen Ed-	Mathematics	3-4 credits
BIO-203	Human Anatomy & Physiology I	4 credits
Gen Ed-	Arts/Humanities	3 credits
PSY-101	General Psychology	3 credits
Total Credit Hours:		16

Note: ENG-101E, ENG-101EP, and ENG-101P are approved substitutions for ENG-101.

Gen Ed (Mathematics): MAT-116 or MAT-116P are preferred.

Pre-Clinical Semester II

PSY-204	Developmental Psychology: Lifespan Human Development	3 credits
ENG-102	Advanced English Composition	3 credits
BIO-204	Human Anatomy & Physiology II	4 credits
SOC-101	Introduction to Sociology	3 credits
Total Credit Hours:		13

Semester I

NUR-105	Foundations of Nursing	9 credits
Total Credit Hours:		9

Semester II

NUR-127	Nursing Care of Children	4 credits
NUR-229	Nursing Care of the Acute and Chronically Ill Adult I	4 credits
Total Credit Hours:		8

Semester III

NUR-224	Pharmacology for Nursing Practice	2 credits
BIO-205	Microbiology	4 credits
Total Credit Hours:		6

Semester IV

NUR-126	Nursing Care of Women and Infants	4 credits
NUR-226	Behavioral Health Nursing	4 credits
Total Credit Hours:		8

Semester V

NUR-230	Nursing Care of the Acute and Chronically Ill Adult II	4 credits
NUR-228	Contemporary Trends in Nursing And Leadership	2 credits
NUR-231	Nursing Care of the Acute and Chronically Ill Adult III	4 credits
Total Credit Hours:		10

Track A: Two-Year (Nursing) Program Pathway (5 - Semester)

Pre-Clinical Semester I

BIO-203	Human Anatomy & Physiology I	4 credits
Gen Ed-	Mathematics	3-4 credits
ENG-101	English Composition	3 credits
PSY-101	General Psychology	3 credits
Total Credit Hours:		13

Gen Ed (Mathematics): MAT-116 or MAT-116P are preferred.

Note: ENG-101E, ENG-101EP, and ENG-101P are approved substitutions for ENG-101.

Semester I

NUR-105	Foundations of Nursing	9 credits
PSY-204	Developmental Psychology: Lifespan Human Development	3 credits
BIO-204	Human Anatomy & Physiology II	4 credits
Total Credit Hours:		16

Semester II

NUR-127	Nursing Care of Children	4 credits
NUR-229	Nursing Care of the Acute and Chronically Ill Adult I	4 credits
BIO-205	Microbiology	4 credits
Total Credit Hours:		12

Semester III

NUR-126	Nursing Care of Women and Infants	4 credits
NUR-224	Pharmacology for Nursing Practice	2 credits
NUR-226	Behavioral Health Nursing	4 credits
ENG-102	Advanced English Composition	3 credits
Gen Ed-	Arts/Humanities	3 credits
Total Credit Hours:		16

Semester IV

NUR-228	Contemporary Trends in Nursing And Leadership	2 credits
NUR-230	Nursing Care of the Acute and Chronically Ill Adult II	4 credits
NUR-231	Nursing Care of the Acute and Chronically Ill Adult III	4 credits
SOC-101	Introduction to Sociology	3 credits
Total Credit Hours:		13

Track B: LPN to RN Transition Pathway

Pre-Clinical Semester I

ENG-101	English Composition	3 credits
Gen Ed-	Mathematics	3-4 credits
BIO-203	Human Anatomy & Physiology I	4 credits
Gen Ed-	Arts/Humanities	3 credits
PSY-101	General Psychology	3 credits
Total Credit Hours:		16

Note: ENG-101E, ENG-101EP, and ENG-101P are approved substitutions for ENG-101.

Gen Ed (Mathematics): MAT-116 or MAT-116P are preferred.

Pre-Clinical Semester II

ENG-102	Advanced English Composition	3 credits
BIO-204	Human Anatomy & Physiology II	4 credits
SOC-101	Introduction to Sociology	3 credits
PSY-204	Developmental Psychology: Lifespan Human Development	3 credits
BIO-205	Microbiology	4 credits
Total Credit Hours:		17

Semester I

NUR-195	LPN/Para/Military Med/Corpsman to RN	8 credits
Total Credit Hours:		8

Semester II

NUR-126	Nursing Care of Women and Infants	4 credits
NUR-224	Pharmacology for Nursing Practice	2 credits
Total Credit Hours:		6

Semester III

NUR-228	Contemporary Trends in Nursing And Leadership	2 credits
NUR-231	Nursing Care of the Acute and Chronically Ill Adult III	4 credits
Total Credit Hours:		6

Track C: Military Medic/Corpsman/Paramedic to RN Transition Pathway

Pre-Clinical Semester I

ENG-101	English Composition	3 credits
Gen Ed-	Mathematics	3-4 credits
BIO-203	Human Anatomy & Physiology I	4 credits
Gen Ed-	Arts/Humanities	3 credits
PSY-101	General Psychology	3 credits
Total Credit Hours:		16

Note: ENG-101E, ENG-101EP, and ENG-101P are approved substitutions for ENG-101.

Gen Ed (Mathematics): MAT-116 or MAT-116P are preferred.

Pre-Clinical Semester II

ENG-102	Advanced English Composition	3 credits
BIO-204	Human Anatomy & Physiology II	4 credits
SOC-101	Introduction to Sociology	3 credits
PSY-204	Developmental Psychology: Lifespan Human Development	3 credits
BIO-205	Microbiology	4 credits
Total Credit Hours:		17

Semester I

NUR-195	LPN/Para/Military Med/Corpsman to RN	8 credits
Total Credit Hours:		8

Semester II

NUR-126	Nursing Care of Women and Infants	4 credits
NUR-224	Pharmacology for Nursing Practice	2 credits
NUR-226	Behavioral Health Nursing	4 credits
Total Credit Hours:		10

Semester III

NUR-228	Contemporary Trends in Nursing And Leadership	2 credits
Total Credit Hours:		2

General Education Requirements (29 Credits)

Arts/Humanities

Select one course from the approved General Education course list in the Arts/Humanities category (3 Credits)

Behavioral/Social Sciences

PSY-101	General Psychology	3 credits
PSY-204	Developmental Psychology: Lifespan Human Development	3 credits
SOC-101	Introduction to Sociology	3 credits

Biological/Physical Science

BIO-203	Human Anatomy & Physiology I	4 credits
BIO-204	Human Anatomy & Physiology II	4 credits

English

*A minimum grade of "C" or better is required for ENG-101, ENG-101E, ENG-101EP, and ENG-101P

ENG-101	English Composition	3 credits
ENG-102	Advanced English Composition	3 credits

*(ENG-101E, ENG-101EP, and ENG-101P are approved substitutions for ENG-101)

Mathematics

Select one course from the approved General Education course list in the Mathematics category (3-4 Credits)
*(MAT-116 or MAT-116P are preferred)

Program Requirements (41 Credits)

Requirements List

*A minimum grade of 75% is required in each of the first-year nursing courses (NUR-105, NUR-127, NUR-224, NUR-229) and a minimum overall grade of 77% is required in each of the second year nursing courses (NUR-126, NUR-195, NUR-226, NUR-228, NUR-230, NUR-231). Two final course grades below a 75% in the first year of the program and/or below a 77% in the second year of the program means a dismissal from the Nursing program and the student cannot continue or reapply to the RN program for 5 years. Additionally, a minimum grade of "C" or better is required for BIO-205.

BIO-205	Microbiology	4 credits
NUR-126	Nursing Care of Women and Infants	4 credits
NUR-224	Pharmacology for Nursing Practice	2 credits
NUR-228	Contemporary Trends in Nursing And Leadership	2 credits

Select a Program Track

Track A: Nursing and Evening/Weekend RN

NUR-105	Foundations of Nursing	9 credits
NUR-127	Nursing Care of Children	4 credits
NUR-226	Behavioral Health Nursing	4 credits
NUR-229	Nursing Care of the Acute and Chronically Ill Adult I	4 credits
NUR-230	Nursing Care of the Acute and Chronically Ill Adult II	4 credits
NUR-231	Nursing Care of the Acute and Chronically Ill Adult III	4 credits

Track B: LPN to RN Transition

NUR-195	LPN/Para/Military Med/Corpsman to RN	8 credits
NUR-231	Nursing Care of the Acute and Chronically Ill Adult III	4 credits

Note: Upon successful completion of NUR-195, students will be granted 17 additional credits based on prior learning and skills from paramedic experience.

Track C: Military Medic/Corpsman and Paramedic to RN Transition

NUR-195	LPN/Para/Military Med/Corpsman to RN	8 credits
NUR-226	Behavioral Health Nursing	4 credits

Note: Upon successful completion of NUR-195, students will be granted 17 additional credits based on prior learning and skills from paramedic experience.

Degree Requirement (70 Credits)

Selection Criteria (Nursing)

Students will be admitted to the registered nursing course sequence each fall and spring. The nursing program is an oversubscribed program which means that there are more applicants than there are available seats in the program. Students are selected for admission based on a point system. All applicants must have BIO-203 completed or in progress at the time of application and have achieved the required scores on the TEAS exam by the application deadline. For the three-year pathway, points are earned by the number of program required general education courses completed, grade point average in program required general education courses, cumulative grade point average for all college courses taken and for students who have completed their program required general education courses at HCC. For students applying for the two-year pathway, scoring will use TEAS scores or SAT scores (two-year pathway is for students who have not started their program required general education classes). Those with the greatest points are admitted into the program. Students who have been accepted for admission will be notified of the decision by mail. The offer of admission is for the specified year only. Scoring for the program will take eight weeks.

Those students not admitted to the fall class will be placed on a standby list until August 1. Students not selected for admission to the spring class will be placed on a standby list until December 1. The standby lists are dissolved after each of these dates, and students who desire admission to the nursing program in a subsequent year, must fill out another Supplemental Application for the Nursing Program (RN) form and follow the admission guidelines above.

Selection Criteria (Evening/Weekend)

Students will be admitted to the RN Evening/Weekend pathway each spring. The nursing program is an oversubscribed program which means that there are more applicants than there are available seats in the program. Students are selected for admission based on classes completed, the student's grade point average, and the number of available class seats. Students who have been accepted for admission will be notified of the decision by mail. The offer of admission is for the specified year only. Students who desire admission to the nursing program in a subsequent year, must fill out the appropriate Supplemental Application for the Nursing Program(s) and follow the admissions guidelines.

Selection Criteria (Nursing Transitions)

Students will be admitted to the RN Transition (LPN-RN, Military Medic/Corpsman-RN, Paramedic-RN) each summer. The nursing program is an oversubscribed program which means that there are more applicants than there are available seats in the program. Students are selected for admission based on classes completed, the student's grade point average, and the number of available class seats. Students who have been accepted for admission will be notified of the decision by mail. The offer of admission is for the specified year only. Students who desire admission to the nursing program in a subsequent year, must fill out the appropriate Supplemental Application for the Nursing Program(s) and follow the guidelines above for that specific RN transition track.

Final Acceptance

Final acceptance into the program is contingent upon the following criteria. Students unable to meet these criteria will be withdrawn from the program and the seat filled by a student from the standby list.

Successful completion of program requirements in progress at the time of application.
Students must pass a dosage calculation exam with a score of 90% or above.
Students must successfully pass a drug screen and criminal background check.
Students must be able to meet the program's technical standards.
Satisfactory completion of a health examination record and all required tests and immunizations.
Current American Heart Association Basic Life Support CPR certification.
Mandatory attendance to the Information Session prior to the start of NUR-105.

Criminal Background Checks

All nursing students who are offered admission to the nursing program will be required to complete a criminal background check. A separate criminal background check may also be required by a clinical site prior to beginning a clinical experience. Criminal background check results are disclosed to clinical facilities as required. If a student is denied access by a clinical site because of the background check, and as a result, cannot meet program requirements, the student may be dismissed from the nursing program.

Individuals applying to take the NCLEX-RN exam may be required to submit to an additional criminal background check depending upon the state in which the individual seeks licensure. State boards of nursing may deny an individual the opportunity to sit for an examination, or grant licensure, even if the individual has completed all course work and graduated from the program, if the individual has a criminal history, has been convicted, or pleads guilty, or nolo contendere to a felony or other serious crime. A valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, passport, military ID, or green card) is required for a background check. Prior criminal records may prohibit students from clinical program placement, becoming licensed, or employment opportunities.

Drug Screen

All nursing students who are offered admission to the nursing program will be required to submit to a drug screen. Drug screen results are disclosed to clinical facilities as required. A random drug screen may also be requested at any time during the nursing program if a nursing faculty member or a clinical facility representative has reasonable cause to suspect that a student is impaired and poses a safety concern to patients or others. If a student is denied access by a clinical site because of drug screen results, and as such, cannot meet program requirements, the student may be dismissed from the nursing program

Readmission to the Nursing Program

Students who fail NUR-105 or NUR-195 and desire readmission to the nursing program must reapply as a first time student according to the standards listed above. Students who withdraw from, or fail other courses in the nursing sequence and desire readmission to the nursing program, must submit their request in writing to the Director, Nursing Division. In addition, students who fail a course because of failing the course's required drug calculation exam are required to successfully complete a drug calculation exam for readmission to the program. Readmission cannot be assured and is based on the progression criteria for each course and the availability of seats, faculty, and clinical facilities. Readmission to the nursing program must take place within one year of leaving the program. The curriculum under which a student seeks readmission may be different from the one under which the student left. Students who are accepted for readmission must complete the degree requirements in place at the time of readmission. Students who fail or withdraw from a nursing course after readmission are not eligible to return a second time and can reapply to the nursing program after 3 years.

Associate to Bachelor's Dual Enrollment Option

HCC has an option for students to earn their associate and bachelor's degrees in nursing in as little time as possible, sometimes just four years. Completing the RN program at HCC and an RN to BSN program with a nearby university is much less expensive than spending two full years in a bachelor's degree nursing program. HCC offers an associate to bachelor's (ATB) program with Frostburg State University where competitive applicants can take classes toward their associate and bachelor's degrees at the same time, minimizing the amount of time needed to complete the BSN. Several other BSN options allow students to apply during the second year of HCC nursing courses and start taking courses toward their BSN online. Graduates of the HCC nursing program are eligible to apply to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

Transfer from Other Colleges

Students transferring to HCC from other colleges who seek admission as a first time student into the nursing program must be enrolled as an HCC student and complete the appropriate Supplemental Application for the Nursing Program(s) by the established deadline dates. In order to be considered for admission, students must meet the same requirements as other first time students and will be selected according to the same criteria. Official transcripts from all colleges attended must be received by the application deadline and a completed Transcript Evaluation Request must be submitted. This is required even if the courses do not directly apply to the RN program. All transcripts must be complete and show grades or outcomes for each class taken or the status of in-progress for classes that are in-progress at the application deadline. HCC calculates cumulative GPA from all college coursework as part of the scoring process for entry into this program. Required science courses that are older than seven years must be repeated. Students who are looking to transfer nursing course credits completed at another institution can visit the Transfer of Nursing Course Credits webpage for more information.

Transfer to Baccalaureate Nursing Programs

No more than half of the baccalaureate degree, with a maximum of 70 non-nursing credits, will be accepted from a community college. Nursing credits will not be transferred. However, Registered Nurses with an active, unencumbered Maryland or compact RN license articulating to the baccalaureate level, are awarded a minimum of thirty (30) upper division nursing credits in the program they are entering. (http://mbon.maryland.gov/Pages/articulation.aspx)

Technical Standards

There are technical standards and skill requirements which students are expected to possess and demonstrate in order to be successful in this program. More information on these standards can be found on the Web page for this program.