Nursing

ASSOCIATE DEGREE NURSING (ADN) PROGRAM

The Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Program at Wallace Community College Selma is designed to prepare students to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and to become professional nurses prepared to meet the health care needs of individuals of all ages at any point on the health-illness continuum. The ADN curriculum incorporates general academic courses in addition to the nursing courses.  Methods of instruction within the nursing courses include classroom instruction, laboratory experiences, and guided clinical experiences in varied health care agencies.  ADN graduates are prepared to fulfill entry-level positions as staff nurses and may be employed in a variety of settings such as outpatient clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, physician's offices, and home health care agencies.  Salaries are varied, dependent upon location, job description, skill, and individual attributes.

The ADN program offers two educational options for an Associate Degree in Nursing:

1. The Generic Program offers beginning nursing students the opportunity to complete the Associate in Applied Science Degree (Nursing) in five semesters.  Students entering the generic program are not required to have any prior knowledge or skills in nursing.
2. The Mobility Program is designed for Licensed Practical Nurses and enables them to complete the Associate in Applied Science Degree (Nursing) in three semesters.

Graduates of both options may be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN.  However, graduation from this program does not guarantee eligibility to take the National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse.  The Alabama Board of Nursing has the option of denying eligibility to any candidate who fails to produce evidence of good moral character, such as, but not limited to, an arrest or conviction of a criminal offense or for driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol.  Any questions regarding this matter may be directed to the Director of Health Sciences at Wallace Community College Selma.  Selection of each class is made by the Nursing Admissions Committee.

ADN students are required to have an overall grade-point average of 2.0 (“C”) from WCCS in order to graduate. In addition, students must have a grade of “C” or better in the didactic (theory) and clinical/laboratory components of all nursing courses. Special grading criteria are in effect for all nursing courses. The grading criteria for all courses with the prefix NUR are as follows:

A	=	90	-	100
B	=	80	-	89
C	=	75	-	79
D	=	60	-	74
F	=	59	-	and below

Physical, cognitive, psychomotor, affective, and social abilities are required in unique combinations to provide safe and effective nursing care. The applicant/student must be able to meet the essential functions with or without reasonable accommodations throughout the program of learning. Admission, progression, and graduation are contingent upon one's ability to demonstrate the essential functions delineated for the nursing programs. The nursing programs and/or its affiliated clinical agencies may identify additional essential functions. The nursing programs reserve the right to amend the essential functions as deemed necessary.  In order to be admitted and to progress in the nursing program, one must possess a functional level of ability to perform the duties required of a nurse. Admission or progression may be denied if a student is unable to demonstrate the essential functions with or without reasonable accommodations.  Applicants must submit the completed Essential Functions Form prior to enrollment in the program and must update as applicable.

All students are required to have a physical examination before entering the program and again on a yearly basis. Students acquiring medical conditions needing continuous medical management during the course of the program may be required to present a signed statement from their physician stating it is permissible for them to continue in the program. These students must be physically able to complete all clinical requirements as scheduled. In addition, all students are required to have a negative drug screen (at the students’ expense) in order to participate in the clinical component of a nursing course.  The random drug screen will be scheduled by the ADN Department.  Students are advised that if health or behavioral problems (physical, mental, emotional) become evident during the student’s enrollment in the program, the Director of the Health Science Programs can request, at the student’s expense, that an appropriate, professional evaluation be made of the student’s behavior. Students in the Nursing Program shall abide by and be governed by both the rules and regulations of the Nursing Program as stated in the Health Sciences Student Policy Handbook and the Student Handbook of the College.  The Alabama College System endorses the Americans with Disabilities Act.  In accordance with College Policy, when requested, reasonable accommodations may be provided for students with disabilities.

The ADN Program has received full approval from the Alabama Board of Nursing and continuing full accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Further information regarding the ADN Program and its accreditation status may be obtained by telephoning (404)-975-5000 or by writing to ACEN 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, Georgia 30326

ADN Admission Criteria for Generic Students

Applicants admitted into the ADN Generic Program each fall semester will be selected from high school graduates/GED recipients, students currently enrolled at WCCS, and students transferring from other colleges, according to established criteria.  Space available at clinical sites and student-teacher ratios required by the Alabama Board of Nursing limit the number of applicants accepted each year.

 

General Requirements for Admission:

1. Application Deadline: June 5 prior to the fall semester in which the student desires consideration for admission.

2. Applicants must submit the following to be eligible for the ADN Generic Program which begins in the fall semester of each year:

3. Application for admission to the College.

4. Application Packet for admission to the Generic Program which is obtained from the Office of Admission and Records (334) 876-9295, or the WCCS website.  If the Application Packet is found to be incomplete, the applicant will not be considered for entrance into the ADN Program.

5. Official transcript(s) from all college(s) attended must be sent to the Office of Admissions and Records

6. Unofficial transcript(s) from all college(s) attended must be enclosed in the Application Packet

7. Official high school transcript or GED scores if no college-level courses have been completed

8. Be in good standing with Wallace Community College Selma (2.0 or higher GPA)

9. A minimum of 2.5 GPA for nursing required academic core courses and a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA at current, native institution or cumulative 2.0 in the institution from which students are transferring.

10. A minimum of 2.5 GPA cumulative high school GPA for students without prior college courses (GED will be used if applicable).

11. A Minimum of 18 ACT composite score National or Residential.

12. Meet Essential Functions required for nursing

13. WCCS Health form signed by a physician or nurse practitioner.

14. Applicants must be eligible to enroll in ENG 101, MTH 100, and BIO 201.

Specific Requirements for Admission:

After meeting all minimum requirements, applicants are ranked using a point system based on:

1.    ACT Score. There are 36 points possible. No limit on when the ACT Test was taken.

2.    Points for grades in the following nursing required core general education courses are as documented:

 

Generic	A	B	C
ENG101	3	2	1
MTH100	3	2	1
BIO201	3	2	1
BIO202	3	2	1

OR

Points for grades in selected high school courses if the applicant has not attended college. (Maximum 54 points).

 

	A	B	C
Highest Level Biology (including A&P)	3	2	1
Algebra II or Higher Level Math	3	2	1
Chemistry	3	2	1

3.    Additional points (Maximum 10) - Students may be awarded up to 10 additional points as follows: Current enrollment or previously earned credit at WCCS (graduate of the WCCS Program) = 3 points. Completion of PN Program at WCCS = 4 points. Completion of BIO220 = 3 points (A), 2 points (B) and 1 point (C). In order to increase one’s chances for successful progression, we strongly recommend that students complete all academic courses before entering this program. Admission to the Associate Degree Nursing Program is competitive, and the number of students is limited by the number of faculty and clinical facilities available.  Meeting minimal requirements does not guarantee acceptance.  The selection of each class is made by the Nursing Admissions Committee. All applicants will be notified by mail of their eligibility or ineligibility.

ADN Admission Criteria for Mobility Students

Applicants admitted into the ADN Mobility Program each summer semester will be selected from applicants who are graduates of an accredited Practical Nursing Program and are currently licensed in the State of Alabama.

1. Application Deadline:

March 1st of the year prior to enrollment

2. General requirements for admission:

      Applicants must submit the following to be eligible for the ADN Mobility Program which begins in the summer semester of each year:

1. Application for admission to the College,
2. Application Packet for admission to the Mobility Program which is obtained from the Office of Admissions and Records (334-876-9295). If the Application Packet is found to be incomplete, the applicant will not be considered for entrance into the program,
3. Official transcript(s) from all college(s) and technical school(s) attended must be sent to the Office of Admissions and Records,
4. Unofficial transcript(s) from all college(s) and technical school(s) attended must be enclosed in the Application Packet,
5. A valid, unencumbered Alabama LPN License,
6. Meet Essential Functions required for nursing,
7. WCCS Health form signed by a physician or nurse practitioner,
8. Be in good standing with Wallace Community College Selma (2.0 or higher GPA),
9. A minimum of 2.5 GPA for nursing required academic core courses and minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA at current, native institution or cumulative 2.0 in the institution from which student is transferring,
10. A minimum of 18 ACT Composite score National or Residual,
11. Must complete the following courses with a “C” or higher, prior to enrollment in the LPN to RN Mobility Program:

MTH100 College Algebra (or higher math, i.e. Pre-Calculus, Finite Math, etc.) (3 credit hours)

BIO201 Human Anatomy & Physiology I (4 credit hours)

BIO202 Human Anatomy & Physiology II (4 credit hours)

ENG101 English Composition (3 credit hours)

PSY210 Human Growth and Development (3 credit hours)

SPH106 or SPH107 Fundamentals of Oral Communication/Fundamentals of Public Speaking (3 credit hours)

*NUR209 Concepts for Healthcare Transition Students

*This course is mandatory for all PN/RN mobility students who have graduated from a practical nursing program more than one year ago and/or in the old curriculum and/or from a practical nursing program outside of the Alabama Two-Year College System. After successful completion of NUR209, PN/RN mobility students will receive six (6) hours of credit for NUR 209. Once the mobility program is successfully completed 15 non-traditional credit hours will be awarded.

Additional Requirements upon Admission:

Both the Generic and the Mobility students must meet the following requirements after admission into the Associate Degree Nursing Program:

1. All students must purchase professional liability insurance which is provided through a group policy.
2. All students must submit proof of current CPR certification during the first week of each semester which must remain current for the entire semester.
3. All students are required to attend the scheduled in-service program on blood-borne pathogens. Each student must sign a statement signifying initiation/completion or refusal of the hepatitis vaccine series prior to the first clinical assignment within the curriculum.
4. All students are required to complete a Medical Liability and Release Form prior to the first clinical assignment.
5. In order to meet the requirements of clinical agencies, all students are required to have a completed background check prior to the first day of class.  This is to ensure a safe environment for both the students and the public.  Students who have not completed the background check by the first day of class will be required to withdraw from the ADN program.  If any information is found that would negatively affect your enrollment status, you will be required to withdraw from the A. D. N. program.
6. All students are required to have a drug screen prior to the first clinical assignment at a time designated by the ADN department.

Specific requirements regarding Associate Degree Nursing Policies are contained in the Health Science Student Policy Manual Handbook.

Progression

All students entering the ADN program are governed by the policies in the College Catalog, the Health Science Student Policy Manual Handbook, and the clinical facilities to which they are assigned for clinical practice.

1. In order to satisfactorily progress in the nursing program, the student must:

1. Maintain a grade of C or better in all required general education and nursing courses and maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA from WCCS.
2. Unless completed previously, students must complete all required general education courses according to The Alabama Community College System Nursing Education curriculum. Any exceptions must be approved by the health science program director.
3. Maintain ability to meet essential functions for nursing with or without reasonable accommodations.
4. Maintain current CPR at the healthcare provider level.
5. Adhere to the WCCS Conduct Code and the Code of Ethics for Professional Nurses. The nursing faculty reserves the right to determine legal, moral, emotional, or performance behaviors that may cause harm to a client. Additionally, the Health Science Department reserves the right to permanently dismiss from the program any student who is refused the use of the facilities by a clinical agency.
6. Submit an updated WCCS health form annually.
7. Adhere to the current Health Science Program attendance policy.
8. Obtain the required WCCS student uniform.      

2. If a student withdraws or makes a D or an F in a nursing course, the student cannot progress in the nursing course sequence until the course is repeated successfully. Course repetition will be based on instructor availability and program resources.
3. A student who has been dismissed from a specific program (ADN/PN/Mobility) can apply for admission as a new student to any nursing program within the Alabama College System, provided:
   1. the student meets current entry requirements;
   2. the student was not dismissed from the previous program for disciplinary reasons or for unsafe/unsatisfactory client care in the clinical area.
4. Definition of a new student

A new statement is defined as:

1. A student who has never been previously accepted to either a PN Program or an ADN Program; or
2. A student who has failed or withdrawn from one or more courses in two separate semesters is required to repeat the entire nursing curriculum from its beginning;
3. More than one (1) year has elapsed since enrollment in any nursing course.
4. Students previously dismissed from a nursing program for disciplinary reasons and/or unsafe/unsatisfactory client care in the clinical area will not be allowed reinstatement to the nursing program.

PROGRESSION POLICY

In order to progress in the nursing program, the student must:

1. Achieve a grade of “C” or better in all required general education and nursing courses.
2. Be acceptable by clinical agencies for clinical experiences.
3. Maintain ability to meet essential functions for nursing with or without reasonable accommodations.
4. Maintain current CPR at the health care provider level.

Reinstatement

Students who experience non-progression in the nursing program and who desire reinstatement in the program must apply for reinstatement to the program.  A student must request reinstatement within one year from the term of non-progression to be eligible for reinstatement.  Students dismissed from the program for disciplinary reasons and/or unsafe client care in the clinical area will not be allowed reinstatement to the nursing program. 

Reinstatement to the nursing program is based on space availability and is not guaranteed.  Selection for reinstatement is based on GPA in nursing program required courses. Students must adhere to nursing curriculum and program policies and procedures in effect at the time of reinstatement.  Reinstatement can be denied due to, but not limited to, any of the following circumstances:

                1.  Space unavailability;

                2.  Refusal by clinical agencies to accept the student for clinical experiences;

                3.  Twelve months have elapsed since the student enrollment in a nursing course;

Criteria for Reinstatement

1.  Demonstrate a 2.0 GPA in nursing program required courses.

2.  Student has had no more than one non-progression since program admission.

3.  Demonstrate acceptable skills proficiency.

4.  Meet acceptability criteria for placement at clinical agencies for clinical experiences.

5.  Demonstrate ability to meet essential functions for nursing with or without reasonable accommodations.

6.  Demonstrate current CPR at the healthcare provider level.

Process for Reinstatement

1.  Students should first schedule an appointment with a nursing faculty/advisor to discuss eligibility for reinstatement.

2.  Students must apply for reinstatement to the nursing program and submit the application by published deadlines.

3.  Students must apply for readmission to the college if not currently enrolled.  College readmission must be accomplished by published deadlines.

4.  Update immunizations, CPR, drug testing and background screening according to program policy.

Readmission

Students not eligible for program reinstatement may apply for program admission as a new student.  If accepted, all nursing program courses (NUR prefix) will have to be taken.  

TRANSFER POLICY

The transfer policy applies only to students desiring to transfer between Alabama Community College System institutions.  It does not apply to students wishing to transfer from other institutions.

Criteria for Transfer

1. Must meet minimum admission standards for the nursing program.
2. Must possess a grade of C or better in all nursing program required courses taken at another institution and possess a minimum of a 2.0 cumulative GPA at time of transfer.
3. Dean/Director of previous nursing program must provide a letter of eligibility for progression in previous nursing program.
4. Must comply with all program policy requirements at accepting institution.
5. Complete at least 25% of the nursing program required courses for degree /certificate at the accepting institution.
6. Must meet acceptability criteria for placement at clinical agencies for clinical experience.
7. Acceptance of transfer students into nursing programs is limited by the number of faculty and clinical facilities available.  Meeting minimal standards does not guarantee acceptance.
8. Student selection for transfer is based on GPA in nursing program required courses.

TRANSIENT STUDENT POLICY

The transient policy applies only to students desiring to transfer between Alabama Community College System institutions. It does not apply to students wishing to transfer from other institutions.

Criteria for Transient Status

1. Must meet minimum admission standards for the nursing program.
2. Must possess a grade of C or better in all nursing program required courses taken at another institution and possess a minimum of a 2.0 cumulative GPA.
3. Dean/Director of previous nursing program must provide a letter of eligibility for progression in previous nursing program.
4. A student enrolled at another institution must secure permission from that institution by submitting an application for admission to the College and a Transient Student Form completed by an official (Nursing Program Dean/Director) of the primary institution.
5. Transient students must complete a Transcript Request Form at the end of the term before a transcript will be issued to the primary institution.
6. Must comply with all program policy requirements at accepting institution.
7. Must meet acceptability criteria for placement at clinical agencies for clinical experience.
8. Acceptance of transient student into a nursing program is limited by the number of faculty and clinical facilities available.  Meeting minimal standards does not guarantee acceptance.
9. Student selection for transient status is based on GPA in nursing program required courses.

Program Completion

Students completing NUR 112, NUR 113, NUR 114, and NUR 115 and required academic courses will be awarded a Practical Nursing certificate.  Students who have completed required academic courses and continue in the program through completion of NUR 211 and NUR 221 will be awarded an Associate Degree in Applied Science.  Students are responsible for meeting all the progression and graduation requirements.

PN Progression

Students completing NUR 112, NUR 113, NUR 114, and NUR 115 at an institution that only offers a PN program and who wishes to transfer to another institution to complete the ADN degree, requires 25 percent course completion at college of graduation.  Students who cannot meet the 25 percent course requirement must apply for the Mobility Program and take the transition course to meet the 25 percent course requirement.

ADN Student Transfer to PN Program

Associate Degree nursing students may apply for admission to the third semester of the practical nursing program after they have completed the first two semesters of ADN coursework—MTH 100, ENG 101, BIO 201, BIO 202, and PSY 210—with a grade of C or better. Students who elect to transfer to the last semester in the practical nursing program will be required to meet the current program admission/readmission requirements. Students will be admitted on a space available basis to the Practical Nursing program.

To be eligible for this option:

1. Students must complete a transfer/readmission form.
2. Have a minimum of a 2.0 cumulative GPA at the current institution.
3. Meet clinical record/health record requirements.
4. The last clinical nursing course, in which the student was successful, cannot be more than twelve months old.
5. Students will be ranked on cumulative GPA for the purposes of transfer/readmission to the PN program.
6. Students who have two attempts in the RN program are only allowed one attempt in the PN program.
7. Students who are successful may apply for the PN to RN Mobility Option as outlined in the college catalog.
8. If unsuccessful in the PN transfer option, the student must meet current admission/ progression requirements.

Tardiness

Punctual attendance is required in the ADN program. A student who is not in the class/lab/clinical at its beginning will be counted tardy. Three tardies will count as one absence and will be applicable to excessive absence policies.

Transfer Students:

Students wishing to transfer must:

1. Meet the entry and progression requirements of the institution and the nursing program.

2.  Provide evidence that all required general education and nursing courses maintain a grade of “C” or better taken at another institution and maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA.

1. Alabama College System Standardized Nursing Curriculum courses will be transferred without review of the course syllabus.
2. Nursing courses from any other institution are accepted only after review by the accepting institution to ensure content consistency.

3.  Must be a student in good standing and eligible to return to the previous nursing program.

4.  Provide a letter of recommendation from the Dean/Director of the previous program.

5.  Complete at least 25 percent of the total program at the accepting institution.

6.  Acceptance of transfer students into nursing programs is limited by the number of faculty and clinical facilities available.  Meeting minimal requirements does not guarantee acceptance.

7.  Validation of skills and knowledge may be required to determine program placement.

Upon admission into the Associate Degree Nursing Program, students will be provided with pertinent information including appropriate cost of textbooks, uniforms/supplies, physical examinations, background screening, drug screening and other expenses for the year. Students are required to purchase the nursing uniforms specified by the Health Sciences Department. All curricular information will be provided to students prior to the start of the semester during preprogram orientation. Students are expected to adhere to deadline dates.

 

CURRICULUM

Credit hours are determined by the average hours designated per week for theory, laboratory, and/or clinical practice over a 16-week semester. The number of credit hours for courses in the listing below is determined by the number of hours designated as theory (1:1 ratio), experimental laboratory (1:2 ratio), skills laboratory (1:3 ratio), and clinical practice (1:3 ratio). Students are required to have an overall grade point average of 2.0 in order to graduate.

The curriculum plan must be followed in sequence. General education courses (academics) must be taken in the semester listed or may be completed prior to the required semester.

ACADEMIC COURSES REQUIRED FOR THE GENERIC ADN PROGRAM

• BIO 201 Human Anatomy & Physiology I (4 credit hours)
• BIO 202 Human Anatomy & Physiology II (4 credit hours)
• BIO 220 General Microbiology (4 credit hours)
• MTH 100 Intermediate College Algebra or a higher level Math (3 credit hours)
• ENG 101 English Composition I (3 credit hours)
• PSY 210 Human Growth & Development (3 credit hours)
• SPH106/107 Fundamentals of Speech (3 credit hours)
• Humanities/Fine Arts Elective (3 credit hours)