Nursing - NURS.AS

Applying to this Program

STCC ADMISSION 

Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) maintains an open-door general admissions policy. Applicants who have earned a high school diploma from an accredited institution or a recognized high school equivalency credential (GED or HiSET) are eligible for admission to the College.

Admission to the Nursing program, however, is selective. Applicants are chosen from a pool of candidates who meet the minimum academic requirements for admission. Due to limited space, meeting these requirements does not guarantee acceptance.

Although the Nursing program can be completed in four semesters, many students given the program’s rigor and competitive nature-choose to complete most or all non-nursing prerequisite courses before applying.

Please note that certain academically competitive programs, including Nursing, have additional admission requirements and specific application deadlines.

If you are an LPN, Paramedic, or Military Medic (300-F1 Combat Paramedic, Special Operations Combat Medic, Army Special Operations Medic, U.S. Army Special Forces Medical Sergeant [18D], or U.S. Marine Corps Special Operations Independent Duty Corpsman) interested in the one-year Accelerated Nursing Option, click the following link (coming soon) for more information.

For details about the Traditional Day Nursing Program, please see the information below.   

Step 1: Explore the Nursing Program

• Review Program Description: click here

• Review the  Nursing Curriculum: click here

Step 2: Attend a Nursing Information Session

• Nursing is a highly competitive program. We strongly recommend attending one of our monthly Nursing Information Sessions to help you prepare for the application process.

• To view the schedule and register for an upcoming session, visit: https://www.stcc.edu/apply/info-sessions

Step 3: Meet with an advisor

• Contact an academic advisor at advisor@stcc.edu for personalized guidance and to review your academic plan.

• You can also use the “Chat Now!” feature for immediate assistance-look for the chat icon at the bottom right-hand side of this page.

Applicants Are Reviewed and Evaluated Based on the Following Steps

Step 4: Complete Admission Prerequisites

1.  High School Transcript, HiSET or GED: Submit official transcript or documentation 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 II (grade 80 or higher), or its equivalent, at a high school or accredited college (STCC MAT 063  or MAT 097  ) OR
• Placement at the college-level math on an STCC placement exam(Accuplacer MAT-101) or (ALEKS 100p)** (see Note 2 below) OR 
• Completion of a college-level math course (100 or higher) with a grade of 77 or higher. 

• Applicants must meet or exceed the following minimum benchmark scores:
  • Math-69
  • Science-54
  • English-64
  • Reading-71
• The TEAS is offered at STCC. Register at: http://www.atitesting.com/  
• You may take the exam up to three (3) times per year.  Scores are valid for three years prior to the February 1 application deadline.
• If multiple attempts are made, submit all score reports; the highest score will be used for admission evaluation.
• Applicants who meet or exceed the benchmark scores are considered more competitive.  
• Preparation Recommendations:
• Use the ATI TEAS Preparation book, available in the STCC bookstore or on-line through ATI.   
• Allow at least 30 days between attempts to allow for remediation.   
• Do not wait until the final month to test.  The application deadline is February 1 of the application year. 

4. Complete the REQUIRED Nursing Checklist (see step 8 below)                                            

Step 5: Complete General Education Requirements (optional)

• Many applicants choose to complete some or all the general education courses prior to applying. 
• While this is not required, this reduces course load once admitted. 
• Complete more courses to strengthen your application.
• All nursing and non-nursing courses require a minimum of C+ or higher.
• Review the full Nursing Curriculum, including both nursing and non-nursing courses: Click here

Step 6: Begin Your Nursing Application

• All application materials must be received by the Admissions Office by February 1 of the application year.
• The STCC Nursing program admits once per year for a fall start and offers day classes only.
• For assistance with your application, contact:
  • Admissions Department at admissions@stcc.edu; OR
  • School of Health & Patient Simulation at shps@stcc.edu
  • Apply to the college, click here: APPLY TO STCC

STEP 7: Complete the Patient Care Employment Verification Form 

• If you have prior healthcare experience, complete this form to strengthen your application.

• While it is not required, direct care experience (e.g., CNA or PCT) is strongly recommended. 

• To DOWNLOAD the form, click here    Upload it to your Nursing Admission Checklist or submit it to the Admissions Office by February 1 to receive credit in the review process.  
• Optional but encouraged:  Complete a CNA or PCT course to gain healthcare experience and employment opportunities.These certifications may be required for admissions in the future.  

STEP 8: Complete the REQUIRED Nursing Admission Checklist

• Download and review the instructions first!  DO NOT complete the Nursing Admission Checklist before reading the printable/downloadable instructions. It will require you to upload documents.
• Click here for instructions.
• The checklist opens December 1st. All materials must be submitted for each year you apply. 
• This Nursing Admission Checklist is REQUIRED for application consideration.
• Email questions to shps@stcc.edu.
• Click to complete the online checklist. 

STEP 9: Review Common Clinical Placement Requirements

The following information and documentation are required after acceptance into the Nursing Program. Failure to meet any of these requirements will prevent a student from starting or continuing in the program. Additional requirements may be implemented at any time in response to state or federal regulations, college or program policy updates, or contractual obligations with clinical practice partners.

• College and Nursing Program Mandatory Health Records:  The Nursing Program uses a compliance tracking system through CastleBranch. The College maintains a separate health file for state health requirements.  Therefore records and forms must 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 follow this link Checklist Immunity Records-Nursing PreAdmission (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. Click here for the check list.  Serum titers 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.

• CORI/SORI: Required 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) to ensure a safe and protective environment for all clients, particularly members of vulnerable populations. Click here for additional information. 

• Drug Testing: 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. For more information regarding mandatory drug testing Click Here 

• CPR Certification:  Students are required to maintain a current American Heart Association BLS Healthcare Provider certification throughout the program. Certification must be valid on or before August 1st of the admission year. Information can be found on the AHA site: https://cpr.heart.org/en/courses/basic-life-support-course-options or the STCC Workforce Development page.

• 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/.  Students will be directed to upload their electronically signed technical standards to their myCB To Do List.  

• Fingerprinting: 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.

• Health Program Latex Policy:  Students must meet the requirements of the Health Program latex policy. Click here for Health Program Latex Policy. Read entire document for full policy information.

Other Information to Consider 

• Spring mid-term grades from the year of application are not considered for admission decisions.
• For repeated courses, the highest grade earned will be used in the admission review.
• Science courses that are older than five (5) years and three (3) months from the start of the program (fall of the application year) must be repeated. Each science course may be repeated only once within that time frame.
  • Note: If the applicant previously earned the minimum required grade, but the course is over 5 years and 3 months old, the requirement may alternatively be met by achieving a TEAS Science benchmark score of 54 or higher (submit official documentation with your checklist).

• General Electives: 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:

  • PHL-110  World Religions is transferable as a diversity or religion course

  • BIO-115  Nutrition

  • CHM-111  OR CHM-201  General or Organic Chemistry

  • MAT-115  Statistics

  • PSY-230  Abnormal Psychology

  • HIS-100 , HIS-110 , HIS-111 , HIS-115 , HIS-130  (A U.S. history course will be required for most advanced degree);

  • Foreign Language of your choice (many schools suggest Spanish).

How to strengthen your application (Examples of how to strengthen your application for admission to the nursing program).  

• Complete key science courses early:
  Successfully complete Anatomy & Physiology I & II and Microbiology prior to applying. Higher grades in these courses strengthen your application, as additional points are awarded for completed science coursework.
• Finish non-nursing co-requisites before applying:
  Completing at least the first-semester non-nursing co-requisite courses and ideally all non-nursing co-requisites prior to applying increases competitiveness and helps reduce your workload once admitted.​

Note: You may still apply if you have not completed all non-nursing co-requisites; however, most students complete the majority of these courses in advance due to the program’s rigor and competitive nature.

• Maintain strong academic performance:
  A grade of C+ or higher is required in all nursing and non-nursing courses. Earning higher grades in all co-requisite and general education courses strengthens your application.
• Enroll in Honors courses:
  Completing a science honors course and at least two additional honors courses in math, social science, or English demonstrates academic excellence.
• Take related Health Science (HSC) or Simulation (SMC) courses:
  Completing courses such as HSC 110, HSC 150/150L, SMC 125/125L, or HSC 116 (with a grade of C+ or higher) enhances preparation and competitiveness.
• Earn college credits at STCC:
  Students currently enrolled in, or who have completed, at least 12 credits of liberal arts, general education, or science courses at STCC receive additional consideration.
• Gain health care experience:
  • Direct patient care experience (e.g., CNA, Medical Assistant, EMT, Paramedic, or LPN) strengthens your application.
  • Indirect patient care experience (e.g., acute care unit secretary, cardiac monitor observer) is also valued.
• Hold prior degrees:
  Applicants who have earned previous college degrees may receive additional consideration.

Course Exemption/Substitution:  

Notification of Acceptance :  

• Attendance  
• Graduation  
• Student Rights and Grievances  
• Withdrawal  

Additional Requirements for Accepted Students

College programs involving potentially unsupervised contact with children, the elderly, or individuals with disabilities including clinical affiliations, internships, or field placements require completion of state and/or national background checks. These include, but are not limited to:

• Massachusetts Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI)
• Sex Offender Record Information (SORI)
• Seven-Year Residential History Search
• FBI Fingerprinting

The purpose of these checks is to maintain a safe and protective environment for all clients, particularly vulnerable populations.

• Students who decline to participate in background checks will be ineligible for clinical placement, which will prevent successful completion of the Nursing Program.
• Based on the results of the background checks, students may be deemed ineligible for academic or clinical participation. All results are reviewed by the College CORI Board, which determines eligibility for continued enrollment and clinical participation.
• Clearance to participate in college or clinical activities does not guarantee eligibility for licensure or employment after graduation. It is each student’s responsibility to verify licensure requirements through the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing (BORN).
• Individuals with prior court convictions must also meet the BORN Good Moral Character requirements for licensure. More information is available at: www.mass.gov/dph/boards/rn.
• Additional CORI/SORI checks may be required by affiliating clinical agencies prior to placement.

For more information: Contact the Office of the Dean, School of Health & Patient Simulation.

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: 

The Nursing Program uses a compliance tracking system through CastleBranch in conjunction with the STCC Health and Wellness Center.

• Students must submit required health documentation to both systems:
  • The STCC Health and Wellness Center (for state health requirements)
  • The CastleBranch Compliance Tracker (for program and clinical requirements)
• Upon acceptance, students will receive:
  • Instructions for setting up a CastleBranch account
  • A checklist of required health documents to upload
  • A list of records to be submitted to the Health and Wellness Center

Forms are available under “Health Forms for Each Program” on the STCC Health and Wellness Center website.
Questions may be directed to compliance@stcc.edu.

Important: Begin completing your health requirements immediately. Titers and vaccines are mandatory, and the process may take up to six months to complete. Students who fail to meet all health requirements will not be permitted to begin the program. 

• 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.

Drug Screening:

To ensure patient safety and uphold professional standards, all students enrolled in Health Professions programs must complete and pass a drug screening prior to clinical placement.

• The initial drug screening is covered by STCC program fees.
• Additional scheduled or random screenings may be required by clinical partners.
• Students must remain free from impairment caused by prescription or non-prescribed substances, including alcohol, marijuana, and cannabis-derived products.

      Procedures and Appeals:

• Students with a negative-dilute result must complete an observed re-test within 24 hours (or the soonest available appointment).
• Persistent inconclusive results will require a hair collection test.
• Students testing positive may file a written appeal within five (5) business days to the Director of Health Compliance.
  • Appeals must include documentation from a healthcare provider verifying prescribed medication details if applicable.
• Students may be responsible for additional testing costs related to an appeal.
• Students excluded for positive or unverified results may reapply after one year, subject to program criteria and review.

​CPR Certification:  

Students must maintain current CPR certification throughout the Nursing Program.

• Certification must be from the American Heart Association (AHA) - Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers (Professional Rescuer).
• Certification must be valid by August 15 of the admission year and renewed as required.
• Courses are available through STCC’s Workforce Development Center:
  CPR - Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers

Programmatic Technical Standards:

The Nursing Program’s Technical Standards outline the essential skills and performance abilities required for successful completion of all academic and clinical components.

• Standards must be met with or without reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Students seeking accommodations should contact the Office of Disability Services at (413) 755-4785, located in Building 19, Room 141.
  • More information: Office of Disability Services
• The Program Technical Standards Form (included in the admission packet) must be submitted to the Health and Wellness Center by July 1.
  • Location: Building 19, Room 177
  • Phone: (413) 755-4230

Latex Policy:

Students must meet the requirements of the Health Program latex policy.  Click on the link below for full policy information.

Important Notice:

The School of Health and Patient Simulation and the Department of Nursing reserves the right to rescind admission for any student who fails to meet, submit or maintain all pre- and post- admission requirements in accordance with college, program or clinical partner standards. 

Nursing Drug Screening 

Health Program Latex Policy 

Applying for Re-admission to this program

If a student leaves a health program for any reason, and intends to re-enter the following academic year into the semester in which they left, the student must follow the readmission process as outlined in the School of Health & Patient Simulation Readmission Policy. 

Click here to see full policy and procedures.

The student seeking readmission to a health program must submit a Letter of Intent to Return, to the Dean of Health & Patient Simulation Office (Building 20/Room 320) and to the Program Director, by November 16 for consideration for return in the spring semester, and by February 1 for consideration for return in the fall semester. These dates may change from year to year.

If a student intends to return to a health program after one full academic year has passed, the student must apply as a new applicant through the college admissions website https://www.stcc.edu/apply/.  

All students must follow the readmission policy and guidelines of their specific department/program.

(NURS.AS) Curriculum

The Nursing Program bases its curriculum on:

• The Nurse of the Future Nursing Core Competencies©, as set by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts http://www.mass.edu/nahi/documents/nofrncompetencies_updated_march2016.pdf.

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.

Academic Progression and Advanced Placement

Academic Progression/Matriculation 

In order for a student to progress in the Nursing Program at STCC, the student must achieve a minimum grade of 77% (C+) in each required course. In NUR-101, 121, 201 and 221 the student must pass the clinical portion of each Nursing course in order to qualify to take the final exam for the course. No student may take Exam 4 until their clinical evaluation is completed and they have successfully passed the clinical portion of the course.

• In NUR-101, 121, and 201 the student must complete and pass the clinical and lab portion of each Nursing course in order to progress. All labs must be successfully completed before Exam 4. 

• All co-requisite courses in the nursing program must be completed with a minimum passing grade of 77% prior to progression to the next semester specified in the nursing course of study. In the event a student fails or has not completed a co-requisite course in the nursing program of study, including NUR 204, NUR 124 and NUR 224, the student will not be able to progress in the program until the co-requisite course is completed successfully with a grade of C+ or better.

Advanced Placement 

LPN Applicants Seeking Advanced Placement: A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) with a current unencumbered license 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.  Requirements to challenge the NUR 101 course have been successfully met including the following:

• Hold a current LPN nursing license restrictions or violations.  (submit copy of license information)
• Have at least one year current work experience. (submit letter from employer)
• Admitted to the STCC nursing program. 
• Notified the nursing department of desire to challenge Nursing 1 course. 
• Attend both the Nursing Orientation and the Nursing 1 Orientation Success Workshop
• Successfully pass the Math exam
• Successfully pass the Kaplan exam.  

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:

• Contacting the testing center at testing-assessment-center@stcc.edu.  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- sfs@stcc.edu ) and pay $10 per credit.  The course is then added to your transcript as passed. 

• Additional Requirements:

  • 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.  (Must purchase Kaplan)
  • 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 
  • 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 is available.  
  • Register and successfully complete the Issue and Trends 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 General Information

• New graduate nurses often work in a variety of settings with opportunities in acute care, long term care and chronic care settings, and community settings to name a few.  

• 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. 

• Some students need to continue to work during the program.  We strongly recommended that students work part-time only (less than 16 hours per week) to be able to dedicate the necessary study and preparation time for this rigorous program.  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). 

• 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 - $1600

  • STCC Health Program fee (per semester):  $840.00

  • Skyscape Software package-$250.00

  • 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 and I-HUMAN $260 (combined cost)

  • Technology Requirements: 

    • Required: All admitted students are required to have a personal laptop computer. The minimum operational requirements are as follows: Nursing Program Laptop Specifications

    • NOTE: Google Chromebooks are not compatible with required exam software.

    • 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.

Educational Mobility Options (RN to BSN)

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. 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.                                                    

Students accepted into STCC’s associate degree program have various options for academic progression.  The RN to BSN (bachelor’s degree in nursing) program are the most common.  However, students holding other degrees may be able to progress to other advanced nursing degrees.   Learn more about the nursing articulation agreements with various colleges and universities:  Click on the links below to view future educational opportunities:

• BayPath University https://www.stcc.edu/media/departments/transfer/Nursing-Bay-Path-University.pdf
• Colby-Sawyer College https://www.stcc.edu/media/departments/transfer/RN-to-BSN-Colby-Sawyer-College.pdf
• Elms College: www.elms.edu/academics/academic-divisions/nursing/
• Fitchburg State University: https://www.stcc.edu/media/departments/transfer/Nursing-Fitchburg-State-University.pdf
• Salve Regina: Salve Regina RN to BSN   
• Southern New Hampshire University https://www.stcc.edu/media/departments/transfer-documents-and-pdfs/SNHU-BS-Nursing-articulation.pdf
• UMass-Boston https://www.stcc.edu/media/departments/transfer/RN-to-BSN-UMass-Boston.pdf
• Westfield State University School of Nursing: https://www.stcc.edu/media/departments/transfer-documents-and-pdfs/Nursing-Westfield-State-University-exp-8-20-web.pdf

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/

Accreditation, Licensing, and Outcomes

Approval

Accreditation

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  

Student Achievement/ Program Outcomes

Number of Graduates: 

Class of 2025: Pending

Class of 2024: 66

Class of 2023: 57

Class of 2022: 66

First Time Pass Rate on National Council Licensure Exam for Nurses (NCLEX):

Class of 2025: Pending

Class of 2024: 93%

Class of 2023:100%

Class of 2022: 91%

Students Completing the Program: 
(100%= [2 years/4semesters] and 150%= [3 years/5 semesters] completion rates by Year Entered Program).

Entered 2022: (100%):73%:(150%): pending

Entered 2021: (100%):51%:(150%) 64%

Entered 2020: (100%):57% (150%): 74%

 

Job Placement Rates (Graduates Obtaining Jobs):

Class of 2024: Pending

Class of 2023: 96%

Class of 2022: 85%

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. Click here for Info Session schedule.
   
• 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)
• Q: If I have not taken the TEAS test prior to the application deadline, will my application still be considered?

  • Possibly: If you have completed the HSC Foundations of Nursing Degree program and all courses are a C+ or higher, the TEAS for admission is waived.  

  • Otherwise, 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 completed the TEAS VI (Test of Essential Academic skills, Version 6 and/or Version 7) within 3 years of the application deadline.
  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
  • NOTE: Students who meet these minimum benchmark scores are more likely to be successful in the nursing program.
  • NOTE: The new one year Accelerated option for LPN’s and Paramedics does require that ALL TEAS minimum benchmark scores be completed for consideration for admission into the accelerated option.  
• 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.  Students meeting the benchmarks are more competitive. If your TEAS scores are minimally below the benchmmarks and you are competitive in other areas you may be considered.  If you haven’t met the minimum benchmarks in each section, you may take the TEAS up to 3 times in 1 year and the highest score for each section will be reviewed from all submitted 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. 
• 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 a current unencumbered license 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 scheduled orientation dates. Please see the website for complete details of the process. NOTE: The New One Year Accelerated option for LPN’s and Paramedics and Military Medics (300-F1 Combat Paramedic, Special Operations Combat Medic, and Army Special Ops medic,US Army Special Forces Medical Sergeant (18D), US Marine Corps Special Operations Independent Duty Corpsman )  does NOT allow an LPN to challenge the Nursing 1 course.  They must complete it.  
• 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 to reduce your workload due to the rigor of the program. NOTE:The New One Year Accelerated option for LPN’s and Paramedics  and Military Medic (300-F1 Combat Paramedic, Special Operations Combat Medic, and Army Special Ops medic,US Army Special Forces Medical Sergeant (18D), US Marine Corps Special Operations Independent Duty Corpsman )does require that ALL non-nursing co-requisites be completed for consideration for admission into the accelerated option.  
• 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)
  • Take 3 or more Honors courses applicable to Nursing and achieve a C+ or higher
• 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. 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 met the math benchmark score of 54 on the TEAS test (submit official document 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? 
  A: No 

• 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 requirements with associated rigor of coursework. The requesting student will be required to submit the course description and syllabus and any other information needed for the faculty/Director of Nursing to determine if it meets the requirements of the current required course.  

• Q: Can I transfer other courses, such as English, from another college?
  A: Yes. 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. Note: Health programs have additional fees due to the required clinical components.   The first semester of nursing is the most expensive due to additional costs such as but not limited to uniforms, stethoscopes, BP cuffs, lab bag with equipment, name tags, etc. 

• 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 16 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. Clinical days/times are randomly assigned. 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 a hybrid format. 

Program Personnel