For additional information regarding this program, contact Cathy Norris, Director of Nursing Phone: 704-216-3701 / Email: Full-Time Faculty Information: Please refer to the Faculty Directory Listing.

Click here for Practical Nursing Admissions Checklist

Part of the admission requirements is attending an information session in your field of interest - students are required to attend one health information session the year prior to admission. These are held three times a year; generally in March, June, and September, but times may vary. No appointment is required. The next scheduled sessions are:

Nursing:
  Associate Degree Nsg.
  Practical Nursing

Submit an “Interest Form” to the Admissions Office February 1 – October 1 of the previous year. Interest Forms will be available at the Information Session in Student Services or at the Health Programs website.

Meet admission requirements (1-7) prior to January 1 of the year to be admitted.
Example: Applicant wants to be considered for admission August, 2009:
(1) applicant must complete admission criteria (1-7) prior to January 1, 2009;
(2) applicant must submit an interest form February 1-October 1, 2008.

Applicants will be admitted based on a competitive selection process.

All applicants who are not accepted must re-submit an Interest Form during the following time period of February 1 - October 1, to be considered for the next year’s class.

Attend one (1) of three (3) Nursing Information Sessions offered by the nursing education faculty annually, in order to make informed decisions regarding their program selection (must be within one year of the admission date).

At the end of the Information Session, all applicants must complete the “Program Survey” form and must sign the “Statement of Understanding Regarding Acceptance for Clinical Training” during the Advisement Lab. The clinical training statement pertains to submission of a required criminal history report and mandatory drug screen. Please realize that for admission to the program, a criminal background check will be required. A negative review may prevent students from participating in clinical practice (which means that they cannot complete program requirements). FAILURE TO ATTEND WILL DELAY THE ADMISSION PROCESS.  Applicants should direct all questions regarding the program requirements to their assigned nursing faculty advisors. All applicants will be required to sign in.

Submit evidence of high school graduation and transcript of grades, as well as GED scores, and college transcripts, if applicable. In regards to transfer credit (or credit previously earned at RCCC), related courses within the nursing curriculum – BIO and PSY – must be within 5 years of January 1 of the admission year.

Present evidence of successful completion of the following within the last five years:

Be academically prepared to enroll in ENG 111, Expository Writing, and show proficiency in the mathematics area (Algebra I). All applicants for admission into the nursing programs can satisfy this requirement by meeting one criterion from each of the following areas: NOTE: Placement test scores, remedial course work, and demonstrated proficiency in mathematics (Algebra I) must be acquired within the last 5 years of January 1 of the admission year.

SAT Writing score of 500 or ACT Writing score of 21 (completed within 5 years of January 1 of the admission year)

Satisfactory completion (grade C or higher) of a college level (associate degree or higher) course in English composition (or)

SAT Reading score of 500 or ACT Reading score of 21 (completed within 5 years of January 1 of the admission year)

Satisfactory completion (grade C or higher) of at least one college-level (associate degree or higher) math course (or)

Satisfactory completion (grade C or higher) of at least one college-level (associate degree or higher) math course within the last 5 years (or)

The applicant is limited to testing twice in a twelve-month period (initial test and one re-test).  Placement test requirements can be met by successfully completing the remedial courses recommended after COMPASS/ASSET testing.  Students who have withdrawn from the nursing education program due to academic reasons may be required to re-test and meet minimum acceptable scores.  Specific placement re-test requirements will be based on individual academic deficiencies (see PN Competency Standards). Applicants should check with the Admissions Office if they have any questions related to testing.

Provide evidence of successful completion of a current, non-restrictive North Carolina Nurse Aide I listing. Student must remain current in NC Nurse Aide I listing throughout the nursing program. For information on Nurse Aide I training, contact RCCC Continuing Education at 704-216-3657.

Applicants meeting admission requirements (1-7) prior to January 1 and submitting an Interest Form from February 1 – October 1 of the previous year will be eligible for the Health Occupations Basic Entrance Test (HOBET). The college reserves the right to extend the deadline date if necessary to secure qualified applicants for program admission. Testing dates will be provided.

Applicants not offered Tentative Program Placement will be ranked, placed on an alternate list and will be admitted in that order, if space becomes available. Applicants remaining after the fall class has been filled will not be carried over to a waiting list the following year(s); they will have to reapply, meet current admission requirements, retest, and will be ranked with the applicants for the next year.

When items 1-8 have been successfully met, the applicant’s file is reviewed by the Admissions Committee and tentative program placement is established. Full acceptance/admission into the Nursing program is not granted until the applicant completes the following items:

Satisfactory completion of the Readiness for Nursing course  (grade of 77 or higher) that will be offered through the Continuing Education Program. All applicants will be required to attend one of three five-week sessions offered. Days and times will be provided through Continuing Education. In order to get credit for the course, no absences are permitted. The sessions will be scheduled beginning the month of April and ending during the first of July. Class sessions will be restricted in class size to no more than 35 per class. Early registration is advised in order to ensure enrollment and to meet the prerequisite for admission into the nursing programs.

Criminal Background History Report as required by clinical sites. RCCC Admission Office will provide directives for securing the report.

Completed physical examination form (exam within the last 6 months) that provides evidence of satisfactory physical, emotional, and mental health. Pre-admission drug screening is required (see Evaluation of Physical and Emotional health guidelines and Procedure Regarding Acceptance for Clinical Training for Health Programs). Problematic areas will be handled on an individual basis by the Director of Nursing Education after consultation with clinical affiliates.

Certification in basic life support, CPR, at the Health Care Provider level (adult, child, and infant). Certification can be obtained through Continuing Education and must be maintained throughout the NUR course sequence.

All applicants’ admission data, including health form, CPR verification, and criminal background check, must be finalized ten (10) business days prior to the first day of fall semester due to required diagnostic testing and reporting of results. Final approval for admission has to be granted by the Director of Nursing Education.

When problematic, physical, or mental health conditions exist, faculty may require timely medical reports from the student’s physician confirming that the individual is physically and mentally competent to enter, or continue, in the Nursing program.

Students unable to continue in the Nursing Program course sequence may re-apply to the Nursing Program one time.  The student desiring to reapply to the program must do so within one year and will be re-evaluated for program placement based on individual circumstances and program requirements.

Meeting the current admission, advanced placement and graduation requirements in effect at the time of re-application. (HOBET scores that are within two years of re-entry and are at or above the current passing national average will be exempt in satisfying this PN admission criteria).

Final approval for re-entry has to be granted by the Director of Nursing Education following a thorough review of the student’s record by the nursing faculty.  The Director of Nursing Education will communicate the faculty’s decision to the Admissions Committee.

Students applying to enter the program in an advanced placement status must follow requirements stated in the Advanced Placement Policy and stipulations specified for admission.  Failure to meet pre-requisite requirements will result in denial of admission.  Advanced placement for college transfer students is for first level courses only in order to meet RCCC residency requirements.  Final approval for advanced placement admission has to be granted by the Director of Nursing Education following a thorough review of the student’s record by the nursing faculty.  The Director of Nursing Education will communicate the faculty’s decision to the Admission Committee.