Nursing FAQ
Below are some frequently asked questions and answers concerning the nursing program which may assist you.
Can't find the information you're looking for? Contact our pre-nursing advisor, Christina Hinz.
Question: Chemistry: Do I need to take college-level chemistry?
Answer:
- Yes, all nursing students need to complete college-level chemistry
- SCC's nursing program requires Chemistry 108 (or equivalent)
- College level chemistry requires a math pre-requisite (Math 0085 or a score of 75.5 or above on the Elementary Algebra portion of the assessment test)
Question: Which Chemistry courses will meet the pre-requisite for the nursing program?
Answer:
- Each college may have a different numbering system for their courses. Chemistry 108 is the SCC pre-requisite. Most 100 level Chemistry courses from other colleges may be accepted if the course is a transferable general education course. Transfer students should be in contact with the Transfer Specialist to have their transfer work evaluated.
Question: If I already had Nutrition do I have to repeat it?
Answer:
- If you took the Practical Nursing Program at SCC, the Nutrition was only 1 credit and was not a general education course. It was taught by nursing faculty and previously was a technical nursing course. In the new pathway the nutrition course is required only for RN students and it is a 3 credit general education course.
Question: Some students had to take math, why didn’t I?
Answer:
- To be allowed to register for college-level chemistry, students need to score 75.5 or above on the elementary algebra portion of the Accuplacer test. If the score is below 75.5, students must take the appropriate college readiness math class. The class is determined by the student's score on the Accuplacer.
Question: If my CNA certificate expired do I have to take the class over?
Answer:
- To meet the pre-requisite for the nursing program a student must have taken Basic Nursing (verified by transcript) within 5 years or have a current certificate. If the certificate has expired, the student may test out (for a fee) or take the course over. The CNA testout registration is done through the Customized Training Office.
Question: What type of CPR is required for the nursing program?
Answer:
- Health Care Provider CPR (includes one person, two person CPR, Infant, Child, Adult, and Obstructed Airway).
Question: When can I apply to the nursing program?
Answer:
- The application process for students wishing to begin semester one nursing courses in fall 2009 or spring 2010 will begin in January, with a deadline date of February 15, 2009.
- The application process for students wishing to begin semester three (RN mobility students) in fall 2009 or spring 2010 will begin in January, with a deadline date of February 15, 2009.
- Applications to the core-nursing program are accepted once per year.
Question: How do I apply to the nursing program?
Answer:
- Apply to SCC first then attend a meeting as posted or fill out application materials found on-line under the "how to apply" tab and submit it to the nursing office by the deadline.
Question: What if my application is incomplete?
Answer:
- Incomplete applications will not be considered. Be sure to include all requested information and copies at the time of application.
Question: How many students do you typically admit to the nursing courses each semester?
Answer:
- On the North Mankato campus we accept 24 students that are qualified to start semester one of the nursing curriculum. On the Faribault campus we accept 18 students.
- On the Faribault campus we accept 18 students that are qualified to start semester three. On the North Mankato campus we accept 24. This includes students progressing directly from semester two and returning practical nursing graduates. Students that successfully finish semester two are not required to re-apply if they plan to enter semester three the following semester.
Question: Do I have to take the transition course before I start the RN program?
Answer:
- Only if you stop out for a semester or more. Student progressing steadily from the PN to the RN program are not required to take the transition course.
Question: What is the ranking criteria for acceptance to the nursing program?
Answer:
- Application to the nursing program is a competitive process which involves a point system. To find out detailed information on the ranking process/point system, click Nursing Handbook in the menu on the left of this page. The Nursing handbook covers the point system in detail.