Nursing
Admission Procedure:
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Because the program is implemented at the main campus in Cumberland and at the secondary site at the Pineville/Middlesboro campuses, an applicant pool is created for each site.
Admission to the nursing program is open to all qualified students regardless of economic or social status, and without discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, marital status, beliefs, age, national origin, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability (refer to Technical Standards Section OF THIS DOCUMENT.)
APPLY TO PROGRAM
- 1. Attend a pre-admissions conference with the nursing program coordinator or the coordinator’s designee. A pre-admissions conference is an informational session that usually lasts 30-40 minutes. The nursing application form is distributed at these sessions to individuals who wish to apply for admission to the program. There is no waiting list, nor do we carry applicants from year to year. Therefore, applicants must attend a preadmission conference each time they wish to be considered for acceptance into the nursing program. No appointment is necessary to attend a conference.
- 2. Submit the following documentation to the Admissions Office by:
- · March 1 to apply for day-time mobility program or
- · November 1 for the evening /weekend practical nursing program:
- a. Current Application for admission to the college. Note: If you did not attend SKCTC during the previous semester, you must complete a new college application form.
- b. Application for admission to the Nursing Program. (This form will be distributed at the pre-admissions conference).
- c. High school transcript indicating that the applicant has or will complete a high school course of study or a passing GED official score report.
- d. Transcripts of all postsecondary work completed at all institutions, including SKCTC transcripts.
- e. Results of ACT or equivalent. Note: The ACT Residual Score can only be accepted if the test was taken at SKCTC.
Note: you may be admitted to the program before completing the pre-requisite classes, however, the courses must be successfully completed before enrolling in the Nursing 101 course.
Admission Criteria
All applicants meeting the appropriate academic requirements and technical standards shall be considered equally for admission to a college or to the nursing program regardless of race, color, religion, gender, marital status, national origin, age, sexual orientation, or mental or physical disability. Preference may be given to applicants:
- 1. who demonstrate above average standing in high school or on the GED
- 2. with an ACT composite score of 20 or its equivalent
- 3. who have completed 12 or more credit hours in the approved curriculum with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better from any regionally accredited college.
A point system is used to implement the admission criteria with weights assigned to the ACT, the GPA, and hours in the nursing curriculum. Additional points are given to applicants who have completed the Anatomy and Physiology and math courses.
In addition to the above credentials committee members may review the applicant's file and use their professional judgment to determine whether or not file information (high school records, ACT history, courses taken, etc.), has any bearing on the applicant's credentials and ranking
Recommendations will be made by majority vote. Robert’s Rules of Order will govern the proceedings of the committee.
The committee will create an alternate list to fill the vacant slots created by applicants who decide not to accept admission to the program.
Selection of students to the nursing program will be made by the President of the college or his designee after considering the recommendations of the Admissions Committee. .
Advance Standing
Licensed practical nurses who have practiced at least one full year within the past three years and hold a current unrestricted license for practical nursing may be admitted to the second year of the program following completion of the pre-requisite general education courses and the LPN-ADN Transition course.
Readmission
- 1. In order to be considered for readmission by the Nursing Admissions Committee, the applicant must meet current admission guidelines; submit a written request to the Nursing Coordinator, and request in writing two letters of recommendation from nursing faculty. (One letter must be from a clinical instructor.)
- 2. A student may be readmitted to each level (PN and ADN) of the Academic/Career Mobility Program in Nursing one time. The Nursing Admissions Committee may recommend readmission a second time, if a student furnished sufficient evidence of remedial study, additional preparation or resolution of factors contributing to unsuccessful course completion.
- 3. Licensed Practical Nurses who graduated more than three (3) years prior to readmission at the Associate Degree level shall provide verification of current employment. Current employment shall be defined as one (1) year full-time employment as an LPN within the last three years. The employment in nursing shall be defined as patient/client contact and shall be verified by the employing agency/agencies using the standardized verification of employment form.
- 4. Licensed Practical Nurses who graduated more than three years prior to readmission at the Associate Degree level, but were not employed as an LPN for at least one (1) full year within the past three years must repeat all nursing courses unless the applicant has demonstrated current competency by passing exams equivalent to comprehensive course final examinations (both written exams and clinical skills).
- 5. An applicant for readmission who is not licensed as an LPN, and more than three years have elapsed since initial enrollment in the first nursing course of any nursing program, must repeat all nursing courses unless the applicant has demonstrated current competency by passing exams equivalent to comprehensive course final examinations (both written exams and clinical skills).
Transfer
Applicants who have attended another nursing program, or wish to transfer from one KCTCS Nursing Program must:
- a. Meet all admission requirements of the receiving institution.
- b. Notify the Coordinator of the Nursing program in writing, stating reason for transfer and anticipated entry date.
- c. Have a faculty member from the program previously attended submit a letter of recommendation to the receiving institution.
Filing Procedure
Applicants must request that: 1) student issued transcripts (including SKCTC transcripts), 2) high school transcript or GED scores, 3) and ACT scores be sent to you. You must then submit these documents and the spring 2005 class schedule (if applicable), along with the Nursing Application Form, at ONE TIME to:
Cookie Baldwin
Admissions Office
Southeast Community College
700 College Road
Cumberland, KY 40823
NOTE: OFFICIAL COPIES OF TRANSCRIPTSMUST ALSO BE ON FILE IN THE REGISTRAR'S OFFICE.
ACCREDITATION
The Practical Nursing Program and the Associate Degree Nursing Program are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. National League for Nursing, 61 Broadway, 33rd Floor, New York, NY 10006, Telephone number (800) 669-1656, Ext 153.
This is a great time to be a nurse. Few of life careers offer more rewards, diverse opportunities and excitement then the nursing profession.
Nursing is a profession based on knowledge, care, commitment, and a special strength of character. Nurses are the backbone in the healthcare and have been voted by the public as the number one trusted profession.
At Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College We offer an Academic/Career Mobility Program in Nursing designed as a seamless curriculum with two exit points: Practical Nursing and Associate Degree Nursing.
Students are admitted to the program twice a year. March 1 is the deadline for applying for admission for classes that begin in August. In order to apply for admission you have to attend preadmissions conference. Preadmission Conference Dates
Each January, a class will be admitted for individuals who wish to pursue nursing at the practical nursing level. Application deadline is November 1. In order to apply for admission you have to attend preadmissions conference. Preadmission Conference Dates
To learn more about our nursing program read the information on this web site. For learn more about nursing in general go to www.discovernursing.com
Program Description
ABOUT THE COLLEGE
Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College is member of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) and accredited by the Commission on Colleges, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). Tel: 404-676-4501.
ABOUT THE NURSING PROGRAM
The program is structured as an Academic/Career Mobility Program in Nursing and is implemented at the college’s main campus in Cumberland and at a secondary site on the Pineville/Middleboro campus. The nursing program at each location adheres to the approved curriculum of the Academic/Career Mobility Program; however, each site has a degree of autonomy on implementing the program objectives.
The Academic/Career Mobility Program in Nursing provides a seamless educational option in nursing with two exit points allowing students to choose a career as an LPN or RN. The program is implemented in a shared framework; however, distinct parameters have been established that support the PN and RN scopes of nursing practice. The curriculum is structured around a clearly defined organizing framework and provides the foundation for a competency-based approach to nursing education through the utilization of interactive and student-focused learning strategies. Content and performance-based outcomes for the nursing courses are selected, developed, and leveled from simple to complex. Students who successfully complete the first year will receive a diploma qualifying them to apply for licensure as practical nurses. Following successful completion of the second year, students will receive the Associate in Applied Science Degree in Nursing qualifying them to apply for licensure as registered nurses.
TECHNICAL STANDARDS
Nursing at the technical level involves the provision of direct care for individuals and is characterized by the application of verified knowledge in the skillful performance of nursing functions. All students should possess:
- 1. sufficient visual acuity, such as is needed in preparation and administration of medications, and for the observation necessary for patient assessment and nursing care;
- 2. sufficient auditory perception to receive verbal communication from patients and members of the health team and to assess health needs of people through the use of monitoring devices such as cardiac monitors, stethoscopes, IV infusion pumps, Doptones, fire alarms, etc.;
- 3. sufficient gross and fine motor coordination to respond promptly and to implement the skills, including the manipulation of equipment required in meeting health needs.
- 4. sufficient communication skills (speech, reading, writing) to interact with individuals and to communicate their needs promptly and effectively, as may be necessary in the individual’s interest; and
- 5. sufficient intellectual and emotional functions to plan and implement care for individuals.
CRIMINAL CONVICTION RECORD
The Kentucky Board of Nursing requires that all criminal convictions (misdemeanors and felonies) be reported at the time of application for licensure. The Board has the power to deny a nursing graduate the right to take the licensure exam to an individual with a criminal history that involves acts bearing directly on the practice of nursing.
In order to comply with clinical requirements of affiliating health care agencies, a drug screening test and criminal background check will also be required of all students admitted to the program. Affiliating agencies may deny the student with a criminal background and students who fail the drug screening test the right to participate in clinical learning experiences at their facilities.
PROGRESSION IN PROGRAM
Progression in the nursing program is contingent upon achievement of a grade "C" or better in each biological, nursing and mathematics course and maintenance of a cumulative 2.0 grade point average or better (on a 4.0 scale). Students must also possess the technical standards identified above.
EXPENSES AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
In addition to tuition, students are responsible for transportation to and from the various clinical sites, purchasing liability insurance, books, uniforms, and other supplies. Any student seeking financial aid should contact the Financial Aid Office at any of the college campuses.
TRANSFERABILITY OF CREDIT
General education course are transferrable to and from most colleges and universities. The acceptance of nursing course is generally based on the transferring institution’s assessment of the content and skills of a specific nursing course.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Why the program is called an Academic/Career Mobility Program? It is called an Academic/Career Mobility Program in Nursing because it provides a seamless educational option in nursing with two exit points allowing students to choose a career as an LPN or RN.
2. Does this mean the program prepares me to be an LPN and an RN? Yes, the program prepares you at both levels. When you complete the first year of the curriculum you will receive a diploma qualifying you to apply for licensure as a practical nurse. Following successful completion of the second year, you will receive the Associate in Applied Science Degree in Nursing qualifying you to apply for licensure as a registered nurse.
3. If my goal is to be an RN, do I have to take the LPN licensure exam after completing the first year? No. The diploma you will have earned allows you to take the NCLEX-PN if you drop out of the ADN program.
4. If I decide to continue to the ADN level, but do not complete the program, can I go back and take the NCLEX-PN? Yes. The diploma you will have earned allows you to take the NCLEX-PN if you drop out of the ADN Program.
5. Do I have to be on the Kentucky Medicaid Nurse Aide Registry? It depends on your situation. If you are admitted to the program, you must demonstrate one of the following prior to enrolling in NRS 101 Nursing Care I in the fall semester.
a. Proof of active status on the Kentucky Medicaid Nurse Aide Registry or
b. NNA 100 or an equivalent nursing course within the past 3 years.
Note: It is anticipated that beginning fall semester 2009 all applicants will be required to be on the Kentucky Medicaid Nurse Aide register. You are encouraged to get work experience as a CNA.
6. Do I need CPR certification? Yes. A CPR certificate for Health Care Providers must be obtained prior to enrolling in the first nursing course and certification must be kept current throughout the program.
7. Where can I take the ACT? The ACT is administered at the Cumberland, Middlesboro, and Whitesburg campuses. Contact Student Services to make an appointment to take the exam. Academic Support Services at these campuses have materials to help you prepare for the exam.
8. What are the requirements for progression in the program? Progression in the nursing program is contingent upon achievement of a grade "C" or better in each biological, nursing and mathematics course and maintenance of a cumulative 2.0 grade point average or better (on a 4.0 scale). Students must also possess the technical standards identified above.
11. Where are clinical learning experiences conducted? Clinicals are conducted in health care agencies primarily located in Harlan, Bell, Letcher, Knox, and Laurel counties. While we attempt to assign clinicals closest to your home, this is not always possible because class size and available resources. Therefore, travel is dependent upon where you live and the location of your assigned clinical. You will be rotated through several clinical sites.
QUESTIONS ASKED BY LPNS
1. If I’m already an LPN, do I get advance standing credit? Yes, the program provides an opportunity for practicing licensed practical nurses to pursue an education to become registered nurses. Licensed practical nurses who graduated within three years of admission to the program, or have practiced at least one full year within the past three years and hold a current unrestricted license for practical nursing will be admitted to the ADN associate degree level.
In order to enroll at the ADN Program, you have to compete of the pre-requisite general education courses and the LPN-ADN Transition course. You will receive credit for NRS 101 and NRS 102.
2. When do I take the LPN-ADN Transition course? LPNs who are admitted to the program take the course during the summer session. The course is offered as an Internet course.
3. What courses will I need completed prior to enrolling in the ADN Program? You will need to have completed all the general education courses identified in the first year of the curriculum and the LPN-ADN Transition course.
4. Will the anatomy and physiology, math, and psychology courses I took in the practical nursing program at the vocational/technical school transfer? No. You will have to take these courses at the community college/university level.
5. How long will it take me to complete the program? If you have all the required general education courses, you will complete the nursing program in a summer session (LPN-ADN Transition course) and two semesters (NRS 203 and NRS 204).
Employment Opportunities
According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN),
"The United States is in the midst of an unprecedented shortage of registered nurses. This shortage is expected to persist because of the increasing demand for Health Care as baby boomers approach retirement; the aging nursing workforce; and the decline of interest in nursing as a career because of expanding opportunities for women in previously male-dominant professions."
According to the United States Bureau of Labor, Job opportunities for RNs are expected to be very good. Employment of registered nurses is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2012, and because the occupation is very large, many new jobs will result. In fact, more new jobs are expected be created for RNs than for any other occupation. Thousands of job openings also will result from the need to replace experienced nurses who leave the occupation, especially as the median age of the registered nurse population continues to rise.
Employment of LPNs in nursing care facilities is expected to grow faster than the average. Such facilities will offer the most new jobs for LPNs as the number of aged and disabled persons in need of long-term care rises. In addition to caring for the aged and the disabled, LPNs in nursing care facilities will care for the increasing number of patients who will have been discharged from the hospital, but have not recovered enough to return home.