Nursing Admission Requirements

special_admission

Admission Guidelines

The Nursing Program may be completed on a full- or part-time basis. Courses required by the Nursing Program curriculum (see Sequence of Courses) are taught throughout the year. Three classes are admitted each academic year (Fall, Spring and Summer).

Admission to the clinical component of the Nursing Program is very competitive and completion of minimum requirements does not guarantee admittance. After submitting the College application, applicants are advised to take non-nursing courses required by the Nursing Program curriculum (see Sequence of Courses) prior to submitting the Petition for Admission to the clinical component of the Nursing Program. The Petition for Admission demonstrates the applicant’s attainment of the Nursing Program Special Admission Requirements and Sequence One courses (see Sequence of Courses). Admission to the clinical component to the Nursing Program is based on a point system and ranking procedure. Points are awarded based on place of permanent residence, number of Nursing Program courses completed, courses completed at Montgomery County Community College, course grades, and the date of application. A Total Point Score is derived for each applicant and used in ranking applicants who submit a completed Petition for Admission for a given admission cycle. The website www.mc3.edu/aa/nsginfopack.pdf provides the Petition for Admission and more detailed admission guidelines and procedures. To learn more about the Nursing Program call 215-641-6671 (Central Campus) or 610-718-1906 (West Campus) for dates and location of Nursing Information Sessions.

Due to class size limitations, the College does not guarantee continuous enrollment between non-clinical courses and nursing clinical courses: i.e., A student may complete the required non-nursing courses and have to wait a period of time until there is space available in nursing clinical courses.

Special Admission Requirements

Students who wish to be considered for admission to the clinical component of the Nursing Program must present credentials in accordance with the following requirements:

  1. Submit a completed College application indicating nursing as the intended major (NR.GS).
  2. Submit high school transcript or GED scores. Applicants must have completed work equal to a standard high school course with a minimum of 16 units including:
    1. Two units of mathematics (one of which is algebra)
    2. Two units of science (one unit of biology and one unit of chemistry with a minimum grade of "C") with related laboratory or equivalent. Applicants without high school biology and/or chemistry can satisfy this requirement by completing BIO 121 and/or CHE 121 with a grade of "C" or better.
  3. In addition, one of the following must also be submitted:
    1. ACT score composite of a minimum of 18
    2. SAT score of a minimum of 800
    3. SAT I score of a minimum of 920
    4. SAT Reasoning minimum critical reading and math combined score of 920
    5. College transcript indicating at least eight (8) credits of science with a minimum grade of "B" and six (6) credits selected from the Nursing curriculum with an overall minimum grade point average of 2.5.
  4. Complete all science courses within ten years prior to enrollment in the first nursing clinical course, except Anatomy and Physiology I and II, which must be completed within five years of enrollment.
  5. Take the College's Placement Tests in English, Mathematics, and Reading and complete any required developmental courses with a grade of "C" or better.
  6. Submit official college transcripts for credit evaluation before registering for any courses at the College.

Advanced Standing

  1. Applicants considered for advanced standing include transfer students who were in good standing from collegiate professional nursing programs or diploma nursing programs, and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). All advanced standing applicants must submit documents for credit evaluation and determination of placement in the Nursing Program.
  2. Advanced standing applicants must meet all Special Admission Requirements and have successfully completed the equivalent of all courses in Sequences 1 and 2 of the Nursing Program curriculum.
  3. Applicants submit a completed Petition for Advanced Standing Admission (www.mc3.edu/aa/nsg). Admissions for advanced standing applicants is on a space available basis.
  4. LPN applicants ...
    1. Must have graduated from an accredited Practical Nurse Program and hold licensure as a practical nurse.
    2. Submit LPN transcript and any other college transcripts.
    3. Receive credit for NUR 110.
    4. May challenge Anatomy and Physiology I and II (BO 131 and BIO 132) through Excelsior College. A passing score of "C" or above is required on the challenge exam. LPNs who successfully challenge Anatomy and Physiology I and II and receive a minimum score of "B" may use this grade to meet Special Admission Requirements (8 credits of lab science courses with a minimum "B" grade in each course).
    5. Before registering for NUR 050, Nursing Role Transition, schedule the Nursing Placement Test for LPNs by calling 215-641-6646. Results of the Nursing Placement Test for LPNs determines the applicant's placement in either NUR 112 or NUR 211.
    6. Obtain a score of "C" or better on the Nursing Placement Test for LPNs to be eligible for enrollment in NUR 211. Note: All Sequence 3 courses must be completed prior to enrollment in NUR 211. Microbiology and Immunology (BIO 140) may be challenged through Excelsior College. A passing score of "C" or above is required on the exam. LPNs who successfully challenge Microbiology and receive a minimum score of "B" may use this grade to meet Special Admission Requirements (8 credits of lab science with a minimum "B" grade in each course).

Program Requirements

Upon acceptance to the clinical component of the Nursing Program, students are required to:

  1. Attend the mandatory Nursing Program Orientation.
  2. Purchase student liability insurance annually (approx. $35).
  3. Purchase the Nursing Program uniform, uniform jacket, shoes, hose, name pin (approx. $200).
  4. Purchase nursing laboratory supplies (approx. $50).
  5. Assume all responsibilities for transportation to and from the healthcare agency to which they are assigned for clinical experience.
  6. Have a physical examination, which includes documentation of selected vaccinations and a urine drug screen, within six months prior to entering the Nursing Program’s clinical component and annually thereafter.
  7. Maintain current CPR certification until completion of the clinical nursing courses by passing the American Heart Association’s Health Care Provider OR the American Red Cross’ Professional Rescuer course.
  8. Submit application for Child Abuse History Clearance and Criminal Record Check every two years (approx. $40). NOTE: a Child Abuse History will and a Criminal Record may exclude the student from participation in the clinical component of the Nursing Program.
  9. Complete a summative standardized examination at the completion of the Nursing Program (approx. $40).

Revised - February, 2007