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2020-21 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Nursing - NURS.AS
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 Return to: School of Health & Patient Simulation
Nursing is a profession which combines both the art and science of compassionate care for people of all ages, from all walks of life, in a wide variety of health care settings to promote health, prevent illness and to care for ill, disabled and dying people. Advocacy, promotion of a safe environment, research, participation in shaping health policy and in patient and health systems management, and education are also key nursing roles. (International Council of Nurses, 2014).
STCC Department of Nursing Philosophy:
Nursing education, at the associate degree level, is the minimum educational preparation for registered nurse practice. Students are viewed as self-directed in the learning process, interacting with educators and other health-care providers in attainment of nursing competencies. The graduate is prepared to communicate effectively and provide health promotion and health maintenance as well as administer direct care to persons and families with health problems.
Faculty guide students towards academic and career achievement in a positive, caring and encouraging environment. Faculty responsibilities include: supporting nursing ethical and practice standards, acting as an advocate in promotion of the profession, providing a role model for students, and demonstrating a commitment to professional growth.
STCC offers an Associate Degree in Nursing. We prepare students for careers as Registered Nurses. Student graduating from our program are eligible to take the licensing exam by the National Council Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become registered nurses (RN).
Our program admits new students each Fall and is designed as a two year (four semesters) day-time program. Although the curriculum is laid out over four semesters, we strongly encourage students to complete the non-nursing courses prior to applying to the program.
The STCC Nursing curriculum is rigorous and includes classroom lectures, a nursing skills laboratory, participation in patient simulation in our nationally recognized SIMS Medical Center (www.simsmedicalcenter.com), and clinical rotations each semester which take place in a variety of hospitals and health care agencies in the Springfield and the Pioneer Valley region of Western MA.
Although the STCC Nursing Program is a day-time program, clinical experiences may be scheduled during both evening and weekend hours.
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Accreditation
The STCC Nursing Program is approved and regulated by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing: http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/departments/dph/programs/hcq/dhpl/nursing/
Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing
239 Causeway Street, 2nd Floor,
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: 617.973.0900 or 800.414.0168
The Associate Degree nursing program at Springfield Technical Community College at One Armory Square located in Springfield, Massachusetts is accredited by the:
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000
The most recent accreditation made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Associate Degree nursing program is Continuing Accreditation.
View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at http://www.acenursing.us/accreditedprograms/programSearch.htm
Licensing
Graduates of the nursing program receive an Associate of Science in Nursing degree, and are eligible to take the computer-based adaptive National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN®). This test is offered through: NCLEX Testing with Pearson VUE; Pearson VUE delivers the NCLEX examination for the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).
- The Board of Registration in Nursing (MA BORN) in Massachusetts is the state agency that issues nursing licenses. The mission of the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing is to protect the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the Commonwealth through the fair and consistent application of the statutes and regulations governing nursing practice and nursing education.
- For all Nursing program applicants, please read the information provided on the MA BORN web site regarding the requirement for all licensed nurse to meet the definition of Good Moral Character, that you will need to attest to when applying for a license after graduation:
http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/departments/dph/programs/hcq/dhpl/nursing/licensing/good-moral-character-requirements-for-licensure.html
What can you do with this degree?
Registered Nurses assist in providing safe, quality care to patients who are sick, injured, convalescent, and disabled, and provide compassionate care and support for the dying and their family. Graduates will be prepared for employment in multiple health care settings such as: hospitals/medical centers; private medical practices; home care; hospice care; long term care/nursing homes; assisted living facilities; schools; clinics; rehabilitation facilities.
Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Department of labor and industry, jobs in healthcare are steadily on the rise due to the aging world’s population. We are already seeing shortages of nurses, but by the year 2020, the nation will have a shortage of more than 8000,000 nurses. Nursing can be a rewarding career in many ways.
Student Achievement
- Number of Graduates
- Class of 2020=84
- Class of 2019=90
- Class of 2018=73
- Class of 2017=80
- First time pass rate on National Council Licensure Exam for Nurses (NCLEX): (Report period April- March)
- April 2019-March 2020: 81%
- April 2018-March 2019: 88%
- April 2017-March 2018: 84%
- Students Completing the Program: (100%[2 years] and 150%[4 years, 5 semesters] completion rates) by Year Entered Program.
- 2018: (100%):70%
- 2017: (100%):72% (150%):88%
- 2016: (100%):60% (150%):77%
- 2015: (100%):66% (150%):80%
Applying to this Program
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All materials for application must be received by the Admissions Office no later than February 1 of the application year to receive acceptance into the Fall class.
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Fall start only, day classes
- Nursing is a very competitive program. We strongly recommended you attend one of our monthly Nursing Information Sessions in advance to help prepare for your application. For a schedule of upcoming Nursing Information Sessions click here.
- If you have questions or need guidance in applying to the Nursing Program, you can contact the Admissions Department at admissions@stcc.edu or the School of Health & Patient Simulation at shps@stcc.edu.
- NURSING INFORMATION SESSIONS will be held on the following dates, please use this link to register https://www.stcc.edu/apply/info-sessions/.
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February 18, 2021 12:00- 1:00 PM
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April 15, 2021 12:00-1:00 PM
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June 17, 2021 12:00-1:00 PM
Admission Prerequisites
1. High School Transcript, HiSET or GED (official transcript or documentation to be submitted to the Admissions office)
2. Math Requirement:One of the following must be completed within the last five(5) years and three (3) months*
- Completion of Algebra 2 (grade 80 or higher), or its equivalent, at a high school or accredited college OR
- Placement at the College-math level on an STCC placement exam (see Note 2 below) OR
- Higher level math course (grade of 77+)
*NOTE 1 : If the applicant met the minimum grade requirement for the course, but the course grade is over 5 years/ 3 months old (from the start of the program), the applicant can alternatively satisfy the math requirement if they meet ONE of the following:
- Met the math benchmark score of 69 on the TEAS test (submit official document with checklist)
- Actively working as an LPN or paramedic (submit signed letter from employer on official letterhead with checklist)
- Has previously earned a college degree, associate degree or higher (submit official final college transcript with checklist)
**NOTE 2:Being waived from taking the STCC math placement exam due to high school GPA, DOES NOT meet the Nursing Program math requirement.
3. Successful completion of TEAS VI (The Test of Essential Academic Skills, version 6)
- This assessment test is offered at STCC.
- Registration link: http://www.atitesting.com/
- It is strongly recommended that the preparation book be utilized. The book is available in the STCC bookstore or on-line through ATI.
- It is recommended that individuals not attempt to retake the TEAS test prior to 30 days since the last sitting, allowing time for remediation. The highest score earned will be applied for admission evaluation if multiple attempts are made.
- Do not wait for the last month to test. FEBRUARY 1ST of the application year is the deadline.
- Successful completion is meeting or exceeding grading benchmarks. Benchmarks (minimum scores) for the program are as follows :
- Math-69
- Science-54
- English-64
- Reading-71
- Students are able to take the exam up to three (3) times per year to meet the benchmark scores. Scores are good for three (3) years prior to February 1 application deadline. If taken multiple times, submit all score reports.
- Priority will be given to applicants who have met the minimum TEAS benchmark scores. However, scores falling below the minimum benchmark scores will be considered if the scores are competitive within the applicant pool.
4. Complete the required Nursing Admission Checklist. Opening December 1st! Click here to complete the checklist on-line.
NOTE: Do NOT complete the above on-line checklist until you have reviewed the printable/downloadable version of Instructions for Completing the Nursing Admission Checklist.
All materials must be submitted for each new application year.
NOTES:
- Spring mid-term grades of application year are not considered for admission.
- Highest grade is considered for repeat courses.
- Science course over five years and three months old by the start of the program (fall of application year) must be repeated. Each science course can be repeated only once within that time frame (If you have sciences greater than 5 years 3 months old you may be given consideration if you are competitive in other areas.)
NOTE: If the applicant met the minimum grade requirement for the course, but the course grade is over 5 years/3 months old, the course will be be accepted if the applicant meets ONE of the following:
- Met the science benchmark score of 54 on the TEAS test (submit official document with checklist)
- Actively working as an LPN or paramedic (submit a signed letter from employer on official letterhead with checklist)
- Has previously earned a college degree, associate degree or higher (submit official final transcript with checklist)
- The following courses are examples that will satisfy the General Elective requirements and are helpful for students considering an RN to BSN track, these are not the only courses that will be accepted as an elective. Any questions contact Academic Advising at 413 755-4769 or the School of Health & Patient Simulation email at shps@stcc.edu:
- Patient Care Experience: A type written letter on official letterhead from an employer for any applicant with direct and indirect health care experience.The letter should describe the direct patient care job experience and length of time in that position. No other letters of reference or recommendations should be submitted.
- How to strengthen your application: (The following are examples of how to strengthen your application for admission to the nursing program. The more you have completed, the stronger your application which makes you a more competitive applicant).
- Completing Anatomy & Physiology 1&2 prior to applying.
- Completing at least all first semester co-requisite courses prior to applying.
- Completing ALL co-requisite courses prior to applying. (NOTE: you may still apply if you have not completed all co-requisites)
- Earning higher grades in all co-requisite courses.
- Students currently enrolled AND/OR who have completed 12 credits of liberal arts/general education and science courses at STCC.
- Prior experience with direct patient care (Examples: Presently working as a CNA, Medical Assistant, EMT, Paramedic, LPN).
- Prior experience with indirect patient care.(Examples: Acute care unit secretary or cardiac monitor observe)
- Earning previous degree(s).
- Earning previous degree(s) in healthcare.
- Completing an HSC or SMC course (HSC 110, HSC 150/150L, SMC 125/125L)
- Acceptance letters are mailed out to students in early April. Although regular classes begin in September, accepted students must attend two mandatory sessions in the spring and early summer.
- A one day orientation is held in mid-May
- A three day Student Success work-shop held in mid-June
- NOTE: If you are unable to attend, you may forfeit your admission to the program.
- Transfer Students: Any student wishing to transfer from another accredited School of Nursing must meet all admission requirements for the Nursing program at STCC. All requests for transfer are evaluated on both an individual and seat-available basis. The only Nursing course that may be transferable is Pharmacology, this must be approved by the instructor prior to granting credit.
LPN Applicants Seeking Advanced Placement
A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) with current registration with the MA Board of Registration in nursing (BORN) must first apply and be admitted as a student into the STCC Nursing Program. Once admitted, the student has the opportunity to challenge the Nursing 1 Course. This will allow the LPN the opportunity to validate knowledge of concepts usually presented in the Fundamentals of Nursing which is the foundation for subsequent nursing courses. Exams will be scheduled and administered at a date determined by the Nursing Department following the Nursing orientation. Certain requirements must be met in order to take the challenge exams. See below:
- Hold a current LPN BORN license in Massachusetts without restrictions or violations.
- Have minimally one year current bedside nursing work experience.
- Admitted to the STCC nursing program.
- Notified the nursing department of desire to challenge Nursing 1 course once admitted.
- Attend both the Nursing Orientation and the Nursing 1 Success Workshop
- Successfully complete the Math exam. (You may only take the exam once. No retakes are permitted).
- Successfully complete the Kaplan exam.(You may only take the exam once. No retakes are permitted).
Note: Both the Kaplan fundamentals exam and the NUR 101 math exam must be successfully passed. All LPNs who successfully complete the challenge examination will be granted credit for Nursing 1 (8credits) however are required to pay for the granted credits. This information will then be reflected in your final transcript. The accepted LPN with advanced placement must take NUR 124 (1Credit) during the fall semester. This course must be completed before entering the spring semester.
Successfully challenging out of NUR 101 will require the following:
- Go to the testing center building 17 room 425 to pay the fee of $7.50 with a check or money order only. They will give you a letter/receipt saying you passed.You will then bring that letter/receipt to the cashier’s office (student accounts) and pay $10 per credit. The course is then added to your transcript as passed.
- Additional Requirements or Restrictions:
- Make an appointment to meet with the Director of Nursing or designee to discuss an educational plan to assist with transitioning into the program as an LPN.
- Complete required Kaplan testing during the fall semester as directed.
- Strongly encourage completing the Kaplan focused review assignments to assist with completion of the Integrated Kaplan exams.While this is not required it will help familiarize student with Kaplan program and assist with the adequate preparedness for the start of Nursing 2.
- Attend the Nursing Process Workshop
- Coordinate with the nursing 1 team leader other days throughout the semester that you may want to attend - with approval only.
- May not participate in clinical or lab
- May participate with permission in agreed upon classes.
- May participate in clinical simulation if space available.
- Register and successfully complete the Issues in nursing class this fall.
- Complete all the health and onboarding requirements as outlined in orientation.
- Attendance and punctuality is required.(You must arrive on time for assigned classes/exams and you must complete all other program requirements within the allotted time.Failure to meet deadlines could jeopardize your ability to continue in the nursing program).
- Regularly accessing and reviewing your STCC email is required for good communication.
- Completion of this Educational plan is required as part of the conditions for challenging NUR 101 course as an LPN.
- Contact Team leaders or Director of Nursing as needed with questions or concerns.
Additional conditions may be required and will be determined by the Director of Nursing.
Applying for Re-Admission to this Program
Students who leave this health program before completing it may apply for re-admission. Students reapplying to the program must submit a Readmission Application, a petition for readmission, and transcripts for any courses they completed at Colleges other than STCC while waiting to be readmitted to the program. Students will be eligible to receive up to a maximum of one re-admission. Click here for information about the re-admission policy and process.
Additional Requirements for Accepted Students
- CORI/SORI: College programs involving potentially unsupervised contact with children, the disabled, or the elderly, including fieldwork (a clinical affiliation, internship, externship, or field placement) with a private or public healthcare provider or daycare provider, will be required to undergo state-wide and/or national criminal background checks, including but not limited to: Massachusetts Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) and Sex Offender Record Information (SORI), Seven (7) year residential Search, and FBI Fingerprinting checks. The purpose of the background check is to ensure a safe and protective environment for all clients, particularly members of vulnerable populations.
Students choosing not to consent to the required background checks will be ineligible to participate in fieldwork involving vulnerable populations. Ineligibility to participate in fieldwork will affect a student’s ability to successfully complete the program and be removed from the program.
Based upon the results of the background checks, a student may be deemed ineligible to participate in academic or clinical activities, which may impact a student’s ability to successfully complete program requirements. Background checks are reviewed by the College’s CORI Board. The CORI Board determines eligibility to participate in academic and/or clinical activities. Students have the right to appeal the determination of the CORI Board by filing a written appeal with the Vice President of Student and Multicultural Affairs within 10 business days of receiving the CORI Board’s determination.
Furthermore, please be advised that eligibility to participate in College academic and/or clinical activities following a background check does not guarantee eligibility to sit for a professional credentialing examination(s) or for employment upon program completion. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the certification or licensure board for a particular healthcare or other service profession to determine the standards that must be met for credentialing, licensing and/or employment in that field.
All accepted nursing students must undergo CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) and SORI (Sexual Offender Record Information) or other relevant check(s). Dependent on the findings, participation in the Nursing program or clinical affiliation related thereto may be denied. For further information, please contact the Office of the Dean. Note: Additional CORI/SORI checks may be required by affiliating agencies prior to clinical placement. Individuals with previous court convictions must also meet the eligibility requirements of the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing for licensure. Prospective students should review the Good Moral Character CMR set by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing. For further information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/dph/boards/rn
- Fingerprint: Some clinical agencies require fingerprinting in addition to CORI/SORI. The cost of this is approximately $39.00 and is to be covered by the student.
- Mandatory Health Records: Starting fall 2021, the Nursing Program is implementing a NEW compliance tracking system through CastleBranch. Records and forms will need to be submitted to BOTH the STCC Health and Wellness Center in addition to the CastleBranch nursing program compliance tracker. Upon acceptance students will receive directions to set up a CastleBranch account and will be provided with a checklist of health records that will need to be uploaded to Castlebranch. A list of the health records to submit to the Health and Wellness Center will also be provided. To request this documentation, please contact compliance@stcc.edu. The Nursing Program reserves the right to rescind the admission status of any student not meeting, as well as not submitting, all post-admission requirements in a timely manner.
- IMPORTANT: We encourage you to begin completing the health requirements now and save a copy of your record. Please review the onboarding requirements. Titres and vaccines are required. This process could take up to 6 months or more to complete. You must meet ALL requirements or you will not be able to begin the program.
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Drug Screening:The School of Health & Patient Simulation is committed to providing high quality education and excellent clinical experiences to students in the health professions. Students are expected to perform at their highest functional level during all educational and clinical experiences in order to maximize the learning environment and ensure patient safety. Thus a student’s performance at all times must be free of any impairment caused by prescription or non-prescribed drugs including alcohol, marijuana, and cannabis-derived products. Students enrolling in Health Professions programs are required to undergo and pass a drug screening analysis in order to be eligible for placement in a clinical facility. STCC student program fees cover the cost of this screening. Additional scheduled and random drug and/or alcohol screenings may be required depending upon clinical facility and/or program guidelines.
Students who are notified of a negative-dilute result will submit to an observed urine drug test within 24 hours of the previous test (or soonest appointment made available to STCC Health Compliance by the testing agency) in order to confirm the negative or positive finding status of the drug screening. If a student continues to receive a negative-dilute or inconclusive drug screening result, the subsequent drug test will be of the hair collection method until a conclusive negative or positive result is confirmed.
Students with a positive drug screening may challenge the results by filing a written appeal to the College’s Director of Health Compliance within five (5) business days of notification of the test results. An appeal by a student who claims that the positive test was due to a prescription drug and was unable to clarify this matter with the medical review officer (MRO) from the drug testing lab shall include evidence from a health care provider of the type of prescription, dates of permissible use and dosage amounts. Students may be responsible to pay for additional drug screening conducted as part of an appeal. Students excluded from a program due to a positive screening, failure to submit appeal, denied appeal, or refusal to submit to a screening may re-apply for re-entry into a program after one year. Requests for re-admission will be considered on a case by case basis and in accordance with the program criteria.
- CPR Certification: Students are required to maintain CPR certification (American Heart Association Professional Rescuer) throughout the entire nursing program. Certification must be valid on or before August 15 of the admission year and annually thereafter unless the certification covers a multi-year window. CPR Certification is available through STCC. Information can be found at: Health Care Training: https://www.stcc.edu/wt/healthcare-programs/
- Programmatic Technical Standards: Technical Standards reflect performance abilities and essential skills that a student must demonstrate in order to successfully complete the requirements of a specified program. These Standards must be satisfied by all students in all aspects of the program, with or without reasonable accommodations, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), including in the classroom, laboratories, and externship. If you are an individual with a documented disability who seeks reasonable accommodations, please contact the Office of Disability Services at (413) 755-4785 or stop by Building 19, Room 141 as soon as practicable for information concerning the College’s accommodation process. Additional information can also be found on the Office of Disability Service’s website: https://www.stcc.edu/resources/academic-support/ods/. Please note that Program Technical Standard forms found in your admission acceptance packet must be submitted to the Health and Wellness Center by July 1. The Health and Wellness Center is located in Building 19, Room 177 and can be reached at (413) 755-4230.
- Students must meet the requirements of the Health Program latex policy. Click on the link below for full policy information.
- The School of Health and Patient Simulation and the Department of Nursing reserves the right to rescind the admission status of any student not meeting all pre- and post- admission requirements.
Nursing Drug Screening
Health Program Latex Policy
(NURS.AS) Curriculum
The Nursing Program bases its curriculum on:
Our Nursing graduates will meet the program outcomes and can be viewed here: Nursing Program Outcomes .
NOTE:
- Segments of the Nursing courses are planned in conjunction with the clinical agencies, and may deviate from the College hours.
Total (NURS.AS) Curriculum Program Credits: 70
Honors Program
All qualified nursing students are encouraged to participate in the Honors Program.
Matriculation and Advancement
Matriculation Status
Note: The Nursing Program has developed a leveled math content area that is integrated into the nursing curriculum.You will be required to prove proficiency in medication dosage calculation by successfully passing an exam with a grade of 90 or better each semester in order to progress through the program.
In order for a student to matriculate in the Nursing Program, the student must maintain a quality point average of 2.30 (C+) or 77% in each nursing course and non-nursing courses.
The final course grade is calculated as follows:
- The average of three term exams and a final cumulative exam will equal 80% of the final grade. The grade of a special project will equal 10% of the final grade. The Kaplan exams will equal 10% of the final grade. A final course grade of 2.30 (77%) or better is required to pass the course.
- A student must pass the clinical portion of the course in order to qualify to write the final exam (grading for clinical portion is Pass-Fail). Transcript grade for clinical failure will be recorded as F.
- An average of 2.30 (77+) on these exams is required to pass the course. The final course grade, if below C+ or 77 will be recorded as a letter grade with transcript stamped: NOT ELIGIBLE FOR MATRICULATION IN NURSING and the DATE.
- No more than one failed nursing course may be repeated.
Eligibility for Promotion
- Students must attend scheduled lectures and clinical rotations, simulation and the skills lab.
- Students must pass academically and clinically.
- Students must achieve a minimum grade of “C+” (77+) in all other required courses, in order to be eligible for graduation.
- Students must pass a medication dosage calculation exam each semester.
Additional General Information
- New graduate nurses often work in a variety of settings with opportunities in Long Term care and chronic care settings, rather than critical care environments.
- Students with previous or current health care experience may have an easier transition in the program. Applicants with direct patient care-experience will be given extra consideration during our selection process.
- If you need to work while studying in the program; we strongly recommend direct patient care jobs. Also, for students without prior hands-on patient care you should consider part-time work directly with patients (e.g. work as a Certified Nurse’s Aide or other similar position).
- Some students need to continue to work during the program. We strongly recommended that students work part-time only (less than 20 hours per week) to be able to dedicate the necessary study and preparation time for this rigorous program.
- Work schedules need to remain flexible to accommodate the students nursing program needs. We cannot accommodate students’ work and other scheduling requests.
- STCC Graduates are eligible to become licensed in any or all of the United States and its properties.
- There are additional costs associated with enrollment in the Nursing Program. These are approximate costs through the STCC bookstore (and may be covered by Financial Aid) and include, but are not limited to:
- Books and Software Resources - $1400
- STCC Health Program fee (per semester): $840.00
- Skyscape Software package-$260.00
- 1st semester costs include: uniform, lab coat, student Nurse ID, stethoscope, BP cuff and lab kit
- Uniform: $71.00 to $91.00 per set
- Lab coat: $35-$45.00
- Student Nurse ID- $14.00
- Stethoscope: $85.00-$110.00
- Blood Pressure Cuff: $50.00
- Lab Kit: $ 350.00
- STCC Nursing Graduation Pins: $45.00-$250.00 (4th semester)
- NCLEX and state RN License Application fees: $550.00 (4th semester)
- Drug Testing: $70 each time tested.
- Fingerprinting: $39
- Kaplan Testing: $200.00
- i-HUMAN: $90.00 per semester
Technology Requirements
- Recommended: All admitted students are required to have a personal laptop computer. The minimum operational requirements are as follows: Nursing Program Laptop Specifications
- Required: Each student will also need to have a handheld electronic device. Acceptable devices are: iTouch, AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, or any other handheld device with the ability to download applications and textbooks.
Additional information will be made available to all admitted students and fully explained at the nursing orientation for new students.
Seamless Transition and Advanced Degrees
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) recognizes that nurses are vital to the successful transformation of our health care system, and that nurses prepared with Associate Degrees in Nursing (ADN) are essential to the delivery of health care. An additional recommendation is that the ADN degree be a first step in career-long academic progression. Nurses should achieve higher levels of education and training through an improved education system that promotes seamless academic progression. The IOM recommends the proportion of nurses with a baccalaureate degree be increased by 2020. STCC and other Nursing education programs in Massachusetts are working collaboratively toward meeting that goal to make it easier for ADN Registered Nurses to obtain advanced degrees.
Learn more about the nursing articulation agreements with baccalaureate programs such as American International College, BayPath University, Becker College, Chamberlain College, Elms College, Fitchburg State University, Framingham State University, Salem State University, the University of Massachusetts - all campuses, Westfield State University and Russell Sage College in New York. Students accepted into STCC’s associate degree program are also accepted into the bachelor’s degree nursing program of their choice to complete a four year course of study.
Additionally, STCC nursing graduates transfer to many other colleges and universities offering advanced degrees. Students entering STCC holding accredited bachelor, masters degrees or higher degrees may qualify for entry to a Masters in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice degree upon completion of the associate degree from STCC. Individual advising will occur.
Limitless opportunities are possible. Click on the links below to view future educational opportunities:
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Strategic Partnership: STCC has a strategic partnership with the National League for Nursing (NLN) through their ACES EXPRESS program for Nursing faculty and students. http://www.acesxpress.org/
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q&A for Nursing program
General questions/questions prior to application:
- Q: I am interested in the nursing program. How do I get more information about the program?
A: There are monthly information sessions offered by the Admissions Office and it is strongly encouraged that you attend an information session. Refer to the STCC website for further information regarding the program course of study etc. Due to COVID, there will now be virtual information sessions offered.
- Q: Is there a nursing advisor that I can talk to in order to answer my questions regarding application to the program?
A: Please review the website. If questions persist, STCC has a dedicated academic Counselor for the Nursing Department, Ms. Elisabeth Cantor, and you may call and make an appointment with her at 413-755-4769. The office is in Building 19 Room 235. If she is not available, any of the Academic Advisers may assist you.
Admission questions:
- Q: If I have not met the Admission pre-requisite requirement for Math by the application deadline, will my application still be considered?
A: You must have met the requirement in one of the ways identified. If it is over 5 years/3 months from the start of the program. You can still satisfy the requirements if you meet one of the following:
- Met the math benchmark score of 69 on the TEAS test (submit official document with checklist)
- Actively working as an LPN or paramedic (submit signed letter from employer on official letterhead with checklist)
- Has previously earned a college degree, associate degree or higher (submit official final college transcript with checklist)
- Q: If I have not taken the TEAS test prior to the application deadline, will my application still be considered?
A: Unfortunately, no. You must have taken, and received results, from the TEAS prior to the application deadline to be considered for admission with the current admission pool.
- Q: What are the requirements for the TEAS test?
A: You must have successfully completed the TEAS VI (Test of Essential Academic skills, Version 6).
There are preparation books available directly from ATI or in the STCC college bookstore. These are encouraged.
Benchmarks for the TEAS VI (minimum score) for the program are below:
- Math: 69
- Science: 54
- English: 64
- Reading: 71
- Q: What should I do if I didn’t meet the benchmark for the TEAS test? Can I still apply to the nursing program?
A: You may still apply but it is unlikely that you will be accepted if you haven’t met the minimum benchmarks in each section. You may take the TEAS VI up to 3 times in 1 year and the highest score for each section will be reviewed from all testing transcripts.
- Q: Are there different entry points, for example starting in the spring semester, for the nursing program?
A: No, There is a single entry point of the fall for all levels of the program. The only caveat is if a LPN successfully passes the 101 challenge exam and begins the program in the second semester in the spring.
- Q: I currently work as a LPN, is there a bridge program offered at STCC or am I required to complete all of the semesters as outlined in the program?
A: A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) with current registration with the MA Board of Registration in Nursing (Ma-BORN) must first apply and be admitted as a student into the STCC Nursing Program. Once admitted, the student has the opportunity to challenge the Nursing 1 Course. This will allow the LPN the opportunity to validate knowledge of concepts usually presented in the Fundamentals of Nursing which is the foundation for subsequent nursing courses. Exams will be scheduled and administered at a date determined by the Nursing Department following scheduled orientation date. Please see website for complete details of the process.
- Q: Do I need to have all of the co-requisite courses, such as microbiology and human growth and development, completed prior to applying to the program?
A: No, you do not need to have all the co-requisite courses completed prior to applying. However, it does strengthen your application and it is encouraged to complete all co-requisites prior to the start of the semester due to the rigor of the program.
- Q: How can I strengthen my application?
A: In order to strengthen your application within the current applicant pool: (examples, list is not exhaustive)
- Completing A&P 1&2 prior to applying
- Completing at least all first semester co-requisites prior to applying.
- Completing ALL program co-requisites prior to applying.
- Earning higher grades in all co-requisite courses.
- Students currently enrolled AND/OR who have completed 12 credits of liberal arts/general education and science courses at STCC.
- Prior experience with direct patient care STRONGLY ENCOURAGED (such as presently working as a CNA, have successfully completed the CNA course, Medical assistant, Paramedic, EMT, or LPN)
- Earned previous degree(s)
- Previous degree in healthcare
- Take HSC (110 & 150 only) or SMC course
- Prior experience with indirect patient care (acute care unit secretary or cardiac monitor observer)
- Q: What should I do if my science courses are older than 5 years?
A: There are multiple answers to this question depending on your situation. First let me tell you that the age of a course is looked at from the start of the program back and nursing has a fall start date. Here are a couple common situations:
- If you completed your science course in the spring of a particular year (example: 2015) and your program starts September 2020 - Technically your sciences would be 5 years and three months old. This is OK! You are good to apply for the program.
- If your Sciences are older than 5 years and 3 months, you can still satisfy the requirement If you met the minimum grade initially and meet one of the following:
- Met the math benchmark score of 54 on the TEAS test (submit official document with checklist)
- Actively working as an LPN or paramedic (submit signed letter from employer on official letterhead with checklist)
- Has previously earned a college degree, associate degree or higher (submit official final college transcript with checklist)
- Q: Does being waived from taking the STCC Math Placement exam due to high school GPA meet the math prerequisite requirements for the Nursing program?
- A: No, you must meet one the identified requirements.
Transcript questions
- Q: I earned a C in a co-requisite course, such as microbiology, but currently work in a health care setting. Do I still need to retake the course?
A: Yes! The Department of Nursing requires a C+ in co-requisite courses with a minimum grade of a 77.
- Q: Can you make substitutions for courses if I have another degree or have taken classes elsewhere?
A: Yes, but again the courses must have a grade of C+ or higher to be considered for transfer or substitution with a higher number course. Each substitution will be considered by the Director of Nursing on a case by case basis.
- Q: Do other nursing courses transfer to STCC from other programs?
A: No, with the exception of pharmacology if it has met the 3 credit requirement with associated rigor of course work. Again, the Director of Nursing will make the decision of denial or acceptance of the pharmacology transfer on a case by case basis after reviewing the syllabus of the course taken.
- Q: Can I transfer other courses, such as English, from another college?
A: As long as you have a grade of a C+ or higher from an accredited institution of Higher Education, you can transfer one or all of the co-requisite course.
Tuition & Fees
- Q: What should I expect, once I am accepted to the nursing program, for tuition and fees each semester?
A: The current approximate tuition and fees for the program are listed on the STCC website under the nursing program additional general information.
- Q: Other than financial aid, are there other avenues that are available to help pay for the program?
A: In addition to financial aid, there are scholarships available through the STCC Foundation, located in Garvey Hall/Building 16 Room 267.
Program questions
- Q: Is there a part-time option for the program?
A: This is a full-time program that requires your commitment to the rigor and expectations of the program. It is suggested that you work less than 20 hours a week in order to have the time to meet the program requirements.
- Q: Are there classes/clinical/labs offered at non-traditional course hours?
A: There are some course experiences that are offered at non-traditional class hours. For example, many of the clinical experiences are 12 hour shifts and there are some evening opportunities offered during the first year. There is no guarantee for requested hours. It is the student’s responsibility to make arrangements to attend all class/clinical/lab and simulation experiences as assigned in order to be successful in the program.
- Q: Can I continue to work my full-time job while enrolled in the program?
A: Nursing coursework is complex and requires a personal commitment. Part-time employment may be appropriate, but will need to be flexible in order to accommodate school requirements. Students are encouraged to balance their employment and school responsibilities.
- Q: Are there online courses offered within the nursing program?
A: Currently the nursing program offers in-class options for the majority of the nursing core courses with the exception of NUR-204 which is offered in both face to face format and a hybrid format. Due to COVID, the methodology in which courses are taught is fluid. ALL methods are fully supported and help the student meet course competencies and end of program learning outcomes.
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Tornado Warnings.