Accelerated ADN Program for Vocational Nurses (October), AAS

(NOTE: A criminal background clearance is required before acceptance into this program.)  See packet for info.

Prior to submitting an application, an applicant with a criminal history must have a cleared Declaratory Order letter from the Texas Board of Nursing (BON). Information is available at http://bon.state.tx.us/pdfs/forms_pdfs/initial_licensure_recognition_pdfs/declaratoryorder_pdfs/DOAPP2014.pdf. Please be aware this may take a year or longer and Howard College has no control over the process. Plan accordingly in order to meet the application deadline of the program for which you are applying.

This program has been designed to provide a career mobility program to upgrade the skills of licensed vocational nurses. The curriculum will enable the qualified Vocational Nurse graduate to acquire an Associate Degree in Nursing in an accelerated period of time.

Application deadline is April 1 and September 1. Admission and selection criteria can be obtained by requesting an application packet from the Department of Nursing, Howard College, 1001 Birdwell Lane, Big Spring, TX 79720, (432) 264-5070.

Admission Criteria Specific to the Accelerated ADN Program

Prior to actual admission into the Associate Degree Nursing Program, applicant must have successfully completed 21 hours of required support courses with a final grade of “C” or above:

PSYC 2314 - Lifespan Growth and Development 
BIOL 2301 - Anatomy and Physiology I (lecture) 
BIOL 2101 - Anatomy and Physiology I (lab) 
BIOL 2302 - Anatomy and Physiology II (lecture) 
BIOL 2102 - Anatomy and Physiology II (lab) 
BIOL 2320 - Microbiology for Non-Science Majors (lecture) 
BIOL 2120 - Microbiology for Non-Science Majors (lab)  

BIOL 2301  and BIOL 2302  must have been taken within ten (10) years of the admission date. If older than ten years, course may have to be repeated or a minimum competency score be attained for entrance.

Pre-testing

Students seeking admission to the Associate Degree Nursing Program must schedule a time with the Testing Coordinator to take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS). The TEAS test can be taken once every 30 days. The maximum number of times the TEAS may be taken is three (3). TEAS scores greater than five (5) years of age will not be accepted. TEAS scores will be accepted from other schools only if mailed or emailed directly to the Howard College ADN offices from the administering school. Student’s scores are evaluated by the nursing staff. The student may be advised to take preparatory course work in various skills that are designed to enhance success in the program. An Adjusted Individual Reading Score of 70% must be attained.

All applicants to the Howard College Accelerated ADN Program who have met the requirements for admission to the college will be evaluated according to the criteria specified. Each applicant will be forwarded to the selection committee. However, meeting requirements does NOT guarantee admission to the program. The following criteria will be used for admission to the RN program:

1. Completed application and folder.
2. Official transcripts showing a “C” or better in all Prerequisites.
3. TEAS scores

In the event the number of applicants exceed set ratio for faculty and preceptors, admission will be made on the basis of total points. Students will be ranked on the basis of total points from Prerequisite grades and TEAS scores. Applications expire after selection is made and any student not selected or who declined admission must file a new application to be considered for the next year.

It is the applicant’s responsibility to submit all required documents, to make all appointments, and to pay all fees for testing. Students may be required by a clinical facility to submit to a random selection for a drug screening test. Students may be required by a clinical facility to submit to a background check and fingerprinting. If a student does not pass the background check or drug test and is unable to attend clinical, the student will be unable to fulfill the course requirements and possible failure of the course  may occur. It is not the responsibility of the nursing faculty of Howard College to make alternative arrangements for clinical hours.

Admission Requirements

1. Completed application form for admission into the Accelerated ADN Program by April 1 and September 1.
2. An official VN transcript sent to nursing.
3. An official transcript from each college/university attended (other than Howard College) sent to nursing.
4. Results of the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) (administered by STEPS learning center). The maximum number of times the TEAS may be taken is three (3). TEAS scores greater than five (5) years of age will not be accepted. TEAS scores will be accepted from other schools only if mailed or emailed directly to the Howard College ADN offices from the administering school.
5. Transfer of Prerequisite credits is contingent upon approval by the Coordinator of Nursing and the Dean of Guidance and Counseling. Nursing courses taken in another institution will be reviewed and evaluated by the Nursing office.
6. Successful clearance of a criminal background investigation.  See packet for info.
7. Proof of at least 2 doses of the Hepatitis B series.
8. Proof of Varicella (chickenpox). Proof can be either medical records or preferably series (2 doses).

Following completion of the above by the designated deadline of April 1 and September 1, the applicant will be considered for the selection pool. An applicant’s file is not complete until all of the above documents have been submitted.

If accepted to the accelerated nursing program:

1. Prior to the first class day students are required to have:
   1. A physical examination (completed after March 1 or September 1 of the year of admission).
   2. The results of a TB tine-PPD (completed after March 1 or September 1 of the year of admission).
   3. MMR titer-proof of immunization.
   4. Tetanus vaccination (proof of within the past 10 years).
2. Hepatitis B vaccine series (3) doses or serologic proof of immunity to Hepatitis B.
3. Current CPR certification or American Heart Association for Health Care Providers, BLS course, current within 1 year.
4. Proof of health/hospitalization insurance by first class day.
5. Current VN license to practice in the state of Texas or valid work permit for new graduates. New graduates must take and pass the state board exam prior to the Fall semester, failure to accomplish will result in suspension from the program.
6. Complete the Nursing Success Camp.

Health Insurance

Students enrolled in the Nursing Program are required to purchase health insurance prior to the beginning of clinical experiences and to maintain such insurance for the duration of their enrollment.

Courses

Courses marked with * are considered co-requisite courses. Please see Howard College Nursing Student Policies regarding co-requisite courses and Progression of Students/Continuation of Students within the nursing program.