Nursing Frequently Asked Questions

The Practical Nursing Program consists of one year (three semesters), and the Associate Degree Nursing Program consists of two years (four traditional semesters). The LPN-RN Transition Program consists of three traditional semesters. Both programs are highly competitive and the acceptance into the clinical portion of the programs require pre-requisite classes.

Students are admitted in both Fall and Spring semesters.

Due to the Clinical component, hands-on training skills, and simulated lab instruction, the majority of the nursing classes are not offered online. Two Nursing elective course are available to the Associate Degree students during the third clinical semester. Many pre-requisite and general education courses are offered in an online format.

The Practical Nursing Program offers classes that begin no earlier than 4:00 pm, if a student begins the program in the Spring semester. The ADN Nursing classes are held during the daytime. Some courses in the ADN program have a late afternoon class option.

The cost varies depending on the residence of a student, and the number of required courses that a student will be transferring to Tri-County Technical College (TCTC). The total number of credit hours for the Practical Nursing Program is 48, and the total number of credit hours for the ADN Program is 68. Tuition information can be found here: https://www.tctc.edu/paying-for-college/calculating-tuition-and-fees/tuition-for-fall-2020-summer-2021/

Additional fees are charged to purchase materials and supplies such as Pocket Nurse Kit; ATI , E-Value, drug screen, malpractice, Passport, course packet, program entrance, books, uniforms, lab supplies, and background checks. Details and prices are available in the TCTC Nursing Handbook, on page 17. https://tctc.edu/media/6723/2020-2021nursingstudenthandbook_final.pdf

No, due to the limit on number of students that could be placed at clinical facilities.

The TEAS test measures entry level skills and abilities of a students applying for nursing programs. The ATI vendor has developed the TEAS test and the TCTC Assessment Center administers the ATI TEAS Test for students entering the ADN Nursing program. This test is required for students who wish to submit a Nursing Clinical Entry Application. The objectives assessed on the TEAS exam are those which nurse educators deemed most appropriate and relevant to assess an applicant. More information is available at : https://www.tctc.edu/admissions/admissions-checklist/placement-testing/nursing-entrance-testing/

There is not a wait list to join the program, however, due to large number of applications and limited availability of sites for clinical training, the acceptance to the program is highly competitive. The program uses a point system to rank applications. Points are given for BSN coursework, GPA, TEAS test scores, semesters attended at TCTC, and residence. The students with highest point scores are accepted to the program in each semester. Students who are not accepted can continue to improve their point totals and re-apply in subsequent semesters. For more details please view the Pre-Nursing Workshop: https://www.tctc.edu/programs/career-programs/nursing/

Associate Degree Nursing students take the same NCLEX Nursing exam that BSN graduates take. The Bachelor’s degree is an educational piece, not a clinical skills component. The BSN is not an online program unless a student chooses a RN to BSN program after earning the ADN. In this case, the BSN can be completed online while working as a Nurse. Tri-County has agreements with over fifteen Universities where students can earn RN-BSN.