Admissions to Nursing Programs
Nursing Programs and options offered at SCC:
• Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) – Generic Students
• Practical Nursing (PN) – Generic Students
• Advanced Placement Option (Transition to ADN for Licensed Practical Nurses)
• Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) to Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Online Option
Sampson Community College follows special admission procedures for nursing programs and options offered. Applicants seeking entry to the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN), Practical Nursing (PN) programs, or the options listed above must meet additional admission requirements beyond those established for general College admission. Students who provide false information when applying to any of the program options, will be disqualified for admissions.
Students interested in enrolling in one of the nursing programs or options must complete the following admissions requirements and application process as stated.
ADN & LPN (Generic)
Additional Admissions Requirements for ADN and PN Programs:
1. Evidence of successful completion of ALL prerequisite courses with a grade of “C” or better. Prerequisite courses are:
- a. Chemistry
- High school or college Chemistry (CHM-092 or higher) with respective labs
- b. Biology
- High school or college Biology (BIO-110 or higher excluding BIO-168 & BIO-169) with respective labs
- c. Math
- An unweighted high school GPA of 2.8 or higher within the last 10 years OR
- Placement test scores, transition studies, or college credit showing mastery of Tier 2 in MAT-003 or higher
- d. English
- An unweighted high school GPA of 2.8 or higher within the last 10 years OR
- Placement test scores, transition studies, or college credit showing mastery of Tier 2 in ENG-002 or higher
Each of these (a – d) should be completed within the past ten years or associated with a degree or diploma (if high school courses, 10 years by graduation date).
2. Submit an SCC admissions application.
3. Applicants must have successfully completed a North Carolina approved Certified Nurse Aide I program and be currently listed on the North Carolina Nurse Aide I Registry with no substantiated findings.
4. Current CPR Certification – American Heart Association Basic Life Support Provider Course. Certification card is required (no certificates are accepted). Certification in CPR must remain current throughout the nursing curriculum.
5. Students who have completed courses within their program of study (Associate Degree Nursing or Practical Nursing) prior to enrolling in the program must have earned a grade of “C” or higher to be considered for acceptance into the Nursing Program.
6. Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
7. Completion of the ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills Test (TEAS). Test scores are valid for three calendar years. Two retakes per calendar year are permitted. The most recent score will be used. This is true regardless of testing site. Applicants must obtain an Academic Preparedness level of Proficient, Advanced, or Exemplary to be eligible for admission. SCC does not accept non-proctored TEAS examination scores.
8. A student may have two admissions into the ADN program, the PN program, the Advancement Placement option, or the LPN to ADN online option.
ADN and PN Application Process
Students seeking admission to the nursing program (Associate Degree Nursing or Practical Nursing) must complete the following steps by January 31st to be considered for the Fall semester. All applicants meeting the requirements for consideration will be reviewed after the deadline. The College reserves the right to extend the application period when warranted.
1. Students who have completed all prerequisites and achieved the required ATI TEAS scores must submit their ATI TEAS score report, ATI TEAS transcript, and CPR card as supporting documents in the online application portal. All applications and supporting documents must be submitted through the online link.
2. Complete the Admissions Requirements Checklist located in the application portal.
3. Applicants from previous years who met the program requirements must submit an updated SCC admissions application and resubmit their Admissions Requirements Checklist.
Review Process for ADN and PN Application
Admission into the Nursing Programs is a competitive selection process for a limited number of students. Fully qualified students will be ranked based on a point system. Points will be awarded for the ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (ATI TEAS) and other criteria. Using a point system that assigns numerical values to specific criteria, all applicants will be ranked. Acceptance into the ADN or PN programs will be based on the highest cumulative scores. In case of a tie, the earliest date of the submission of the application will be used to select applicants for admission to the program.
ATI TEAS Testing Policy ADN and PN
All nursing applicants must achieve a proficient, advanced or exemplary level on the ATI TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills Test) to be eligible to apply to the nursing programs.
The ATI TEAS must be completed within three years of the applicant’s application date. Two retakes per calendar year are permitted. This is true regardless of testing site. When retesting, applicants must repeat all sections of the test. Scores from more than one test will not be split, mixed or combined. When retesting for higher scores, the most recent score will be used.
The examination is offered by Sampson Community College and payment is due prior to testing. The examination cost is set by the company. The fee is non-refundable and non- transferable. Registration and scheduling of the ATI TEAS is the responsibility of the applicant. The exam can be taken at SCC or online via remote proctor.
Testing will begin in the fall semester and will end January 31st of each academic year. Students seeking admission into the nursing programs (Associate Degree Nursing or Practical Nursing) will need to complete the admission prerequisites courses and requirements by January 31st of the year in which entry is desired. The college reserves the right to extend testing after January 31st.
Point System for ADN and PN Applicants
1. Points for ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills Test (TEAS) - All applicants will be awarded points for admission based on the scores earned for the ATI TEAS.
2. Points for College Course Work - Applicants who have completed six or more hours of ADN curriculum course or PN curriculum course work will be awarded points for admission based upon the grades received. For purposes of this computation, the GPA will be calculated based on all co-requisite courses attempted within the curriculum.
3. Residents of Sampson County- Applicants who are residents of Sampson County will receive 2 additional points.
4. Points for Associate Degree or higher- Students who have received an associates degree or higher will receive 5 points.
5. Active Medical Certification for the following:
o Verifiable by uploading your current medical certificate to your nursing program application portal. Expired certifications will not be considered. Applicants will receive two points per certification. There will be a maximum of 6 points awarded for medical certifications.
o EMT or Paramedic (North Carolina, National Registry, or evidence of related military training)
o Nurse Aide II
o ECG Technician
o Certified Medical Assistant (American Association of Medical Assistants Certification or evidence of related military training)
o Medical Laboratory Technician (American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification or American Medical Technologist or evidence of related military training)
o Surgical Technician (Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting or evidence of related military training)
o Registered Health Information Technician (Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education or evidence of related military training)
o Certified Respiratory Therapist or Registered Respiratory Therapist (National Board for Respiratory Care or evidence of related military training)
o Radiographer or Radiation Therapist (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists or evidence of related military training)
o Other relevant medical or health related certifications
Clinical Requirements
Students admitted to these programs must comply with the requirements set by outside clinical agencies which may include a criminal background check, drug screen, physical, and/or specific vaccines. Decisions about an individual student’s presence in the clinical environment are made by the clinical agencies. The results of the background check and drug screen may determine if a student is eligible to enter clinical agencies. Students are responsible for the cost of the background check and drug screen. Applicants should be aware that a student must be able to enter and/or remain in all clinical agencies to progress within the program.
If a clinical site denies a student placement in their facility, the student would be unable to complete the required clinical components of the course; therefore, the student will be withdrawn from all NUR courses and will not be allowed to progress in the program.
The background check and drug screening must be completed by the specified date. Failure to complete the process as specified will jeopardize enrollment in the program. Applicants to the nursing program should be aware that if they have pled guilty to or have been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor (other than a minor traffic violation) the NC Board of Nursing may restrict or deny licensure. The NC Board of Nursing requires criminal history checks for each person applying to practice nursing in the state of North Carolina.
Advanced Placement
Advanced Placement Option Application Process (Transition to the Associate Degree Nursing program):
Licensed Practical Nurses may be granted advanced placement into the third semester (summer) of the Associate Degree Nursing program under the following conditions:
1. Candidates must show evidence of a current unencumbered North Carolina license to practice as an LPN. License must remain unencumbered while enrolled in the nursing program.
2. Candidates must have been employed for the last 2 years as a LPN or have graduated from a PN program within the last year. A letter of reference and the Employment Verification completed by your current employer is required.
3. Submit an SCC admissions application. The application must be completed in its entirety by all students, including current SCC students.
4. Submit official transcripts from all previous schools, including high school, to the Admissions Office.
5. Complete all first-year related course work for the Associate Degree Nursing program earning a “C” or better, with a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or above (
ACA-122,
BIO-168,
BIO-169,
PSY-150,
PSY-241). Preference will be given to students who have completed all related courses with a GPA of 2.50 or better. Refer to the Associate Nursing program brochure for a list of related courses.
6. Submit the following documents to the online application portal by January 31st:
o Advanced Placement Application – the Advance Placement Application may be obtained through the online portal.
o ATI PN Comprehensive Predictor Exam (90% or higher Probability of Passing NCLEX)
o Copy of American Heart Association Basic Life Support Provider CPR card.
o Work verification form (if applicable).
7. Upon admission to the Associate Degree Nursing Program, complete a Physical Examination form (supplied by the nursing department), including the practitioner’s examination section.
8. Students admitted to this program must comply with the requirements set by outside clinical agencies which may include a criminal background check, drug screen, physical, and/or specific vaccines. The results of the background and drug screen may determine if a student is eligible to enter clinical agencies. Students are responsible for the cost of the background check and drug screen. Applicants should be aware that a student must be able to enter and/or remain in all clinical agencies to progress within the program. If a clinical site denies a student placement in their facility, the student would be unable to complete the required clinical component of the course; therefore, the student will be withdrawn from all NUR courses and will not be allowed to progress in the program. The background check and drug screening must be completed by the specified date. Failure to complete the process as specified will forfeit enrollment in the program.
9. Applicants to the nursing program should be aware that if they have pled guilty to or have been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor (other than a minor traffic violation), the NC Board of Nursing may restrict or deny licensure. The NC Board of Nursing requires criminal history checks for each person applying to practice in the State of North Carolina.
10. Applicants for the AP option must assume responsibility for confirming that required documents, official transcripts, scores, and grades have been submitted by the application deadline.
LPN to ADN Online Option
The LPN to ADN online/hybrid option is a unique two semester online/hybrid option which includes a clinical component. Although primary instruction will be delivered via the Internet, students may be required to come to campus for specified activities such as orientation and tests. It is a limited enrollment associate’s degree program.
1. Applicants must have 2000 hours experience in the role of an LPN in a medical/surgical or emergency medicine unit of an acute care hospital or skilled nursing facility within the last 2 years. There are NO exceptions to this requirement. Clinics, infirmaries, doctor’s offices, hospice, prisons, and home health care do not meet this requirement.
2. Hold a current unrestricted LPN license in NC (or compact state).
3. CPR certified: American Heart Association – Basic Life Support Provider Course. Card required.
4. The LPN to ADN online option requires that ALL of the following ADN support classes are completed (earning a “C” or better) at a regionally accredited institution:
GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS PRIOR TO ADMISSION
Course
Prefix Course Title Credit Hours Degree (A45110OL)
BIO-169 Anatomy and Physiology II
4
X
PSY-150 General Psychology
3
X
PSY-241 Developmental Psychology
3
X
Total Credit Hours 23 23
5. Students will be required to complete the CREW course test with a passing score before beginning the program. Due to the nature of the LPN to ADN Online Option, students must possess effective computer skills, have an active e-mail address and access to a computer meeting the minimum standards for online education and be willing and able to purchase and install appropriate software. SCC’s hardware/software requirements can be found in the SCC Distance Learning Handbook.
6. Submit the following documents to the application portal by January 31st.
o LPN to ADN Online Option Application
o Verification of Practice Forms signed by your employers from the last two years
o ATI PN Comprehensive Predictor Exam scores (94% or higher Probability of Passing NCLEX)
o Copy of American Heart Association Basic Life Support Provider CPR card.
7. Submit the SCC Application for Admission and ALL official transcripts to the Admissions Office to begin the file review process by January 31st of the year desiring admission.
8. Students applying to the LPN to ADN online option must achieve a score of 94% Probability of Passing NCLEX PN on the ATI exam. Please submit a copy of your passing exam scores with your application. Scores are acceptable for a period of three years.
9. Eligible applicants not accepted will not be carried over to a waiting list for the following year and must re-apply in the next LPN to ADN online cycle.
10. Each of the two LPN to ADN courses require 144 hours of clinical practice, UNPAID, and under the supervision of an RN. This may be arranged in the student’s place of residence and possibly within the current place of work but may not be within the same unit of employment. All clinical experiences must be within North Carolina and the nursing faculty must make final approval of facilities and preceptor(s).
11. Upon successful completion of the two semesters, the student will graduate at the end of Spring Semester with an Associate Degree in Applied Science in Nursing and be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Exam – RN.
12. LPN to ADN applicants must assume responsibility for confirming that required documents, official transcripts, scores, and grades have been submitted by the application deadline.
ATI PN Comprehensive Predictor
In addition to general admission requirements, students requesting admission to the LPN to ADN options will be required to validate their nursing knowledge and skills. Applicants should complete the ATI PN Comprehensive Predictor under the supervision of a proctor. Students must make a minimum probability of passing the PN NCLEX score of 90% on the predictor to be eligible for advanced placement or a minimum score of 94% for the LPN to ADN online option.
Testing will begin in the fall semester and will end by January 31st of each academic year. The college reserves the right to extend testing after January 31st. The examination is offered at Sampson Community College or it can be taken online via remote proctor. SCC only accepts exams administered by a proctor. Students are allowed three attempts to test per academic year, regardless of location.
The examination cost is set by the company and is the responsibility of the applicant. Applicants will not be allowed to take the exam without photo identification. The College’s website includes additional information regarding registration, cost, and dates for the exam.
Point System for LPN to ADN Applicants
1. Points for ATI PN Comprehensive Predictor- All applicants will be awarded points for admission based on the scores earned for the ATI PN Comprehensive Predictor.
2. Points for College Course Work - Applicants will be awarded points for admission based upon the combined GPA in co-requisite courses.
3. Residents of Sampson County- Applicants who are residents of Sampson County will receive 2 additional points (For advanced placement only, does not apply to the online option).
4. Former SCC Nursing Graduates- Applicants who have graduated from an SCC nursing program will receive 2 additional points.
5. Points for associate degree or higher- students who have received an associates degree or higher will receive 5 additional points.
6. Active Medical Certification for the following:
o Verifiable by uploading your current medical certificate to your nursing program application portal. Expired certifications will not be considered. Applicants will receive two points.
o EMT or Paramedic (North Carolina, National Registry, or evidence of related military training)
o Certified Medical Assistant (American Association of Medical Assistants Certification or evidence of related military training)
o Medical Laboratory Technician (American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification or American Medical Technologist or evidence of related military training)
o Surgical Technician (Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting or evidence of related military training)
o Registered Health Information Technician (Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education or evidence of related military training)
o Certified Respiratory Therapist or Registered Respiratory Therapist (National Board for Respiratory Care or evidence of related military training)
o Radiographer or Radiation Therapist (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists or evidence of related military training)
o Other active medical certifications or licenses
Appeal for Non-Acceptance/Admission Decision Policy
The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for the appeal process for applicants who have been denied acceptance into a special admissions program within Sampson Community College. The policy aims to ensure that applicants have the opportunity to request a review of their denial decision based on specific grounds.
Scope
This policy applies to all applicants who have been denied acceptance into a special admissions program offered by Sampson Community College.
Grounds for Appeal
Applicants may appeal a denial decision based on one or more of the following grounds:
• Procedural errors or irregularities in the admission process.
• Allegations of bias or discrimination during the admission process.
• Other compelling reasons as deemed appropriate for appeal.
Appeal Process
The Appeal Process shall include the following steps:
• Submission of Appeal
o The applicant must submit a formal written appeal to the VP of Academic & Student Affairs within 5 business days from denial notification.
• Appeal Review Committee
o An Appeal Review Committee shall be formed to review the appeal. The committee shall consist of impartial faculty members and administrative staff not involved in the initial admission decision.
• Review of Appeal
o The Appeal Review Committee will consider the appeal, review relevant documents, and may request additional information from the applicant or other parties involved.
• Decision Notification
o The Appeal Review Committee will render a decision based on the merits of the appeal and notify the applicant of the outcome in writing within a reasonable timeframe.
Appeal Decision
The decision of the Appeal Review Committee shall be final.
Confidentiality
All information related to the appeal process, including applicant submissions and committee deliberations, shall be kept confidential to the extent possible, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.