General policies related to students in the Associate Degree Nursing Program are consistent with those in effect for all students enrolled at Central Texas College and can be found in the Central Texas College Student Handbook and the Central Texas College Catalog. Support Services are available to students and information can be found in the Central Texas College Student Handbook and in the semester schedule bulletins.
Admission Policy
General Information
The Associate Degree Nursing Program (ADN) requires two calendar years. Upon successful completion students are eligible to receive an Associate of Applied Science Degree and become candidates for the National Council Licensure Examination-RN®. A candidate who successfully passes this exam is licensed to practice as a Registered Nurse (RN). The ADN Program curriculum provides a general education together with nursing education at a college level. The student receives classroom or online instruction and coordinated clinical experience in the nursing care of patients in area health care facilities under the supervision and guidance of the nursing faculty. Students are selected to enter the ADN Program in the Fall or Spring Semester. The ADN Program is approved by the Texas Board of Nursing (TBON) and is fully accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (ACEN).
Applicants for the program must follow the regular procedures for admission to Central Texas College. In addition, the following is required of all applicants for admission to the Associate Degree Nursing Program:
- All students must be TSI complete or exempt. For more information and assistance on the test, contact the office and refer to the current Central Texas College catalog.
- All Community Non-Native Speakers, International Student sand/or ESOL students must follow the requirements listed in the current Central Texas College catalog.
- Application to the ADN Program with copies of transcripts from all prior colleges attended.
- All required prerequisite courses on the current ADN Degree Plan, TSI completion/exemption verification, and HESI A2 exam scores must be submitted and/or verified by the eligibility deadline date for the semester which you are applying.
- Attain a minimum of a 2.8 overall (average) GPA (on a 4.0 scale) for CTC ADN Degree Plan lab science prerequisite/ co-requisite courses. Lab science courses over five (5) years old must be repeated. This includes any science courses that were repeated. This must be done by the eligibility deadline date.
- A student who has repeated a required science course more than once within the last five years and earned grades of less than a “C” will be ineligible for admission into the Associate Degree Nursing Program.
- HPRS 2300 courses greater than five years old will not be accepted. A student who has repeated HPRS 2300 more than once within the last five years and earned grades of less than a “C” (75%) will be ineligible for admission into the Associate Degree Nursing Program.
- Complete the HESI A2 Admission Assessment Exam by the eligibility deadline date. The HESI A2 is a computerized test which may be taken at the CTC Testing Center or
- Mandatory attendance is required at a Preadmission Information Session and Orientation Session with the Nursing Programs Director or designee during the semester all prerequisite courses are completed. In addition, the following must be on record in the DHS prior to your being scheduled for this meeting: CTC DHS application, HESI A2 exam scores, TSI completion/
- Candidates for admission to the ADN program are ranked and selected based upon the performance of the applicant pool for that semester to include:
- GPA for all CTC ADN Degree Plan prerequisite/ co-requisite courses whether taken at CTC or transferred from another college or university. (Minimum 2.8 required).
- GPA for all CTC ADN Degree Plan lab science prerequisite/co-requisite courses. (Minimum 2.8 required).
- HESI A2 pre-entrance exam cumulative scores.
- Pharmacology course grade and number of attempts.
- After selection for admission, but prior to registration, the following must be on record in the DHS office:
- See Policy, Standard and Timing for Drug Screening and Background Checks and Mandatory Immunizations for the ADN and VN programs
- Physical Examination using the CTC DHS form and must be completed no more than 90 days prior to the program start date. Please make certain that the activity level (limited or unlimited) and all required immunizations are noted on the physical exam form signed and stamped by the health care provider.
- Documentation of negative screening results for tuberculosis (TB) is required. Students must complete one of the following TB tests no more than thirty (30) days prior to the first day of first rotation period at any Facility: 2-Step Tuberculin Skin Test; QuantiFERON®-TB Gold in- Tube test (QFT-GIT or Q-Gold) or T-SPOT®TB test (T-Spot). Thereafter a 2-Step Tuberculin Skin Test; QuantiFERON®-TB Gold In-Tube test (QFT-GIT or Q-Gold) or T-SPOT®TB test (T-Spot) is required annually. Those who have had a previous positive TB skin test result will be required to submit a negative chest x-ray completed within thirty (30) days preceding first day of first clinical rotation period at any Facility. There after an annual negative chest x-ray will be required through program completion.
- Current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
- American Heart Association – Health Care Provider (BLS) and Military Training Network (MTN) are the only CPR courses that will be accepted. Please furnish the original card and a photocopy – front and back) – online certifications are not accepted.
- Proof of purchase for the required Lab Kit.
- Each prospective student must bear the cost of all the above requirements.
Additional Need-to-Know Information
- Students will be required to complete nationally standardized and referenced examinations throughout the curriculum and earn satisfactory scores based on national and school benchmarks on such examinations.
- Students without any prior nursing courses are required to complete the ADN program within three years of first RNSG course enrollment. Transfer students are required to complete the ADN program within three years of first time enrollment.
- Students will be required to attend a Pre-Admission session and Orientation session to fulfill admission requirements in the ADN program.
- Preadmission Information Session
- Nursing Program Orientation
- Success Camp (on-line - must complete mandatory assignments by designated date)
ADN Progression Requirements
In order to progress in the program, the following requirements must be met:
- Achieve a grade of “C” or better in all courses in the curriculum including general education and nursing courses.
- Achieve a minimum 75 percent course average “C or higher in all nursing courses.
- Achieve a minimum of 90% on dosage calculation exams within three attempts, in the clinical course prior to the second Friday of the semester in order to administer medications and to progress in the course.
- Successfully complete all prerequisites to each nursing course.
- Successfully complete co-requisites prior to or concurrently with nursing courses. If withdrawal occurs for any reason from any of the co-requisite nursing courses, withdrawal from the corresponding clinical course (Clinical Nursing I, II, III or IV) is required.
- Successfully complete all courses in each semester of the curriculum before progressing to the next semester courses.
- Approval/acceptance by each clinical facility for clinical rotations.
- Maintain current CPR certification AHA guidelines - Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification or Military Training Network.
- During progression through the Program, inform the CTC DHS Nursing Programs Director, Chair and/or designee of any mental or physical condition, illness, injury, surgery, pregnancy, etc. that would result in a change of the physical limitations status. Safety is a priority for the patient and health and wellbeing of students and faculty. Failure to inform the program may result in immediate withdrawal from the course or program. Medical care which results in student absence must include the physician’s return to class/clinical/lab documentation following illness, injury, surgery, pregnancy, or as required by faculty. Documentation must be mailed, emailed, or faxed directly from the healthcare provider to the CTC DHS.
- Tuberculosis Documentation repeated annually: 2-Step Tuberculin Skin Test; QuantiFERON®-TB Gold in- Tube test (QFT-GIT or Q-Gold) or T-SPOT®TB test (T-Spot). Thereafter a 2-Step Tuberculin Skin Test; QuantiFERON®-TB Gold In-Tube test (QFT-GIT or Q-Gold) or T-SPOT®TB test (T-Spot) is required annually. Those who have had a previous positive TB skin test result will be required to submit a negative chest x-ray completed within thirty (30) days preceding first day of first clinical rotation period at any Facility. There after an annual negative chest x-ray will be required through program completion.
- Maintain a negative 11-panel drug screen and criminal background check.
- Complete all standardized assessment and exit tests as required by the course syllabus.
- Demonstrate professional behavior in the classroom and clinical and lab in accordance with CTC Policy and the Texas Nursing Practice Act, and the TBON rules and regulations relating to nursing education, licensure and practice. Failure to adhere to these standards may result in disciplinary action which could include dismissal from the program.
ADN Transfer Student Admission Policy
- The Transfer student must meet general admission requirements of CTC and the DHS.
- Paperwork must be on file 6 months prior to the start date of the semester you are requesting entry.
- Apply in writing to the CTC ADN Admissions and Standards Committee requesting admission to the Program.
- Submit official or unofficial transcripts showing completed nursing courses along with grades. Nursing coursework cannot be over two years old.
- Provide CTC DHS with an official letter from the dean/ director of previous nursing school and last clinical professor validating safe nursing practice.
- Provide a syllabus or learning guide for each course requested for transfer credit to the DHS. These documents must detail course content, credit hours, lab hours, clinical hours, and skills.
- Acknowledge that placement in the nursing program will be dependent upon space availability and recommendations from the ADN Admissions and Standards Committee.
- A student dismissed from a previous nursing program for unsafe clinical practice will not be considered for admission.
- Once all requirements have been met, your record will be reviewed, and the final decision to accept or deny admission as well as your course placement and start date will be determined by the Admissions and Standards Committee.
- A letter granting transfer credit does not serve as acceptance into the CTC ADN program. All other DHS General Admission requirements must be met as well to be considered for full admission.
- Must complete 25% of the degree plan at CTC to meet residency requirements.
- Transfer students will only be accepted at the ADN I or ADN II semester in the program.
- After enrollment, a transfer student who does not successfully complete any nursing course or withdraws from a nursing course with a failing average will adhere to the readmission policy as detailed under “ADN and VN Readmission Policy.”
Part-Time Policy
There is no part-time option available in the ADN Program.
Associate Degree Nursing Readmission Policy
Readmission to any nursing course is dependent upon availability of class openings after current class progression; it is not automatic.
- ADN students who are unsuccessful in one course, or withdraw from a course or the program (for any reason) while in passing status, must return within 1 year. Those who do not return within that timeframe must reapply to the program as a new student and must meet all admission requirements in place at the time of re-application.
- Students must meet the current admission/progression requirements for their specific nursing entry track.
- Students must provide current physical, immunization, criminal background and drug screen information.
- Provide proof of physical examination or diagnostic tests as recommended or required to include physicians return to class/clinical documentation after illness, injury, surgery, or pregnancy etc.
- Any student who is requesting readmission to a clinical course, or who experiences a “break” from clinical for any reason will be required to provide a “Student Nurse Medical Release Return to Class/Clinical/Lab” form before being allowed to participate in a clinical course. The medical evaluation must take place within the thirty (30) day period immediately prior to the first day of the semester. Documentation must be faxed from the healthcare facility directly to the DHS. Safety is a priority for the patient and health and well-being of students and faculty. Failure to inform the program may result in immediate withdrawal from the course or program.
- If a student does not successfully complete any nursing course or withdraws from a nursing course with a failing average, the student may apply for readmission to the Nursing Program one time. Failure or withdrawal with a failing average, from any two RNSG or VNSG courses will result in ineligibility for readmission.
- Students who become ineligible for readmission may reapply to the ADN program after three (3) years. Students dismissed from a program due to safety violations (unsafe practice, Code of Conduct Violations (Professional code violations), or Civility/Affective Domain violations are ineligible for readmission.
- Consideration for readmission is based on the following:
- Faculty/team recommendation.
- Academic grade average and clinical evaluation.
- Reason(s) for failure, if applicable, or withdrawal
- Resolution of outside extenuating circumstances if applicable.
- Completion of remedial work and/or Admissions & Standards Committee (A & S Committee) requirements.
- An interview of the student may be recommended by the A&S Committee.
- Any student applying for readmission to the nursing program must request readmission, in writing, to the Admissions and Standards Committee and submit a written plan for success to be reviewed by the committee.
- Letter to the ADN/VN Admissions and Standards Committee written by applicant must include:
- Student Name
- Nursing course name(s) and number(s) to which seeking readmission
- Reason(s) for lack of success/progress in the course(s)
- Plan for success if readmitted (be specific)
- Semester and year seeking readmission
- Student signature and date
- Emailed to the course instructor and cc’ing the
- Nursing Programs Director by the deadline (end of term).
- The committee determines eligibility for readmission and notifies the student in writing. A student that does not submit an A&S Readmission Letter by the deadline is deemed ineligible for readmission. Final course grade, status and decisions will be determined by each DHS program’s Admissions and Standards Committee on a case-by-case basis.
Nursing Option for Articulating Student
Admission Policy
The Articulating Student must meet general admission requirements of CTC and the Department of Health Sciences ADN program.
- Apply to the ADN Program and provide copies of transcripts to the DHS from all prior colleges and universities attended to include an LVN/LPN and Paramedic transcript.
- All International or Community Foreign students must meet with an advisor at CTC in Academic Advising for English for Students of Other Languages assistance.
- Only transfer courses with a grade of a “C” or better will be considered for the CTC ADN Nursing Degree Plan.
- Maintain a current LVN/LPN license or Paramedic certification/licensure through Texas Department of State Health Services and or National Registry of EMT.
- Submit two work references or work appraisal forms (see info packet), as an LVN/LPN, or Paramedic both from a supervisor within the last two years. All applicants for this course must have been employed one year full-time or two years part-time as a GVN/LVN or Paramedic in the two calendar years prior to admission to the Nursing Option for Articulating Student Program.
- The work experience requirement for the Nursing Option for Articulating Student Program may be waived before entry into the Program provided the following requirements are satisfied:
- Graduation from the CTC Vocational Nursing Program, or CTC Emergency Medical Technology Paramedic Program within the last two years.
- Current and valid LVN/LPN license, or current Paramedic certification/licensure.
- Attainment of at least a “B” (or 80%) or greater overall average in the CTC Vocational Nursing Program or Emergency Medical Technology Paramedic Program.
- A letter from the Emergency Medical Technology Paramedic Program Director or VN Admissions and Standards committee chairperson recommending such a waiver.
- Appraisal forms (see program info packet) completed by 2 previous clinical faculty.
- Completion of all prerequisite courses listed on the Nursing Option for Articulating Student degree plan.
Progression Requirements for Nursing Option for Articulating Student Program
To progress in the program, the following requirements must be met:
- Achieve a grade of “C” or better in all courses in the curriculum including general education and nursing courses.
- Achieve a minimum 75 percent course average “C or higher in all nursing courses.
- Achieve a minimum of 90% on dosage calculation exams within three attempts, in the clinical course prior to the second Friday of the semester in order to administer medications and progress in the course.
- Successfully complete all prerequisites to each nursing course.
- Successfully complete co-requisites prior to or concurrently with nursing courses.
- Successfully complete all courses in each semester of the curriculum before progressing to the next semester courses.
- Maintain current CPR certification AHA guidelines - Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification or Military Training Network.
- Provide documentation of medical release to return to class/clinical/lab after mental or physical condition, illness, injury, surgery, and pregnancy, “break in clinical” etc that would result in a change of the physical limitations status. Documentation must be mailed, emailed, or faxed from the healthcare facility directly to the DHS. Safety is a priority forthe patient and health and well-being of students and faculty. Failure to inform the program may result in immediate withdrawal from the course or program.
- Tuberculosis Documentation repeated annually: 2-Step Tuberculin Skin Test; QuantiFERON®-TB Gold in- Tube test (QFT-GIT or Q-Gold) or T-SPOT®TB test (T-Spot). Thereafter a 2-Step Tuberculin Skin Test; QuantiFERON®-TB Gold In-Tube test (QFT-GIT or Q-Gold) or T-SPOT®TB test (T-Spot). Those who have had a previous positive TB skin test result will be required to submit a negative chest x-ray completed within thirty (30) days preceding first day of first clinical rotation period at any Facility. Thereafter an annual negative chest x-ray will be required through program completion.
- Maintain a negative 11-panel drug screen and criminal background check.
- Complete all standardized assessment and exit tests as required by the course syllabus.
- The Articulating Student must complete the nursing program within three calendar years of first enrollment in RNSG 1331 or its equivalent.
- Demonstrate professional behavior in the classroom and clinical and lab in accordance with CTC Policy and the Texas Nursing Practice Act, and the TBON rules and regulations relating to nursing education, licensure and practice. Failure to adhere to these standards may result in disciplinary action which could include dismissal from the program.
Readmission Policy for Articulating Students
Readmission to any nursing course is dependent upon availability of class openings after current class progression; it is not automatic.
- See Associate Degree Nursing Readmission Policy