Nursing Program FAQ1. How do I apply to the HCC Nursing Program?
First, contact the Admissions Office at Howard Community College. Information sessions are scheduled on a regular basis. Applicants to the nursing program must have:
- a high school diploma or an equivalency certificate (GED),
- completed a placement test in English or earned a bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. institution of higher education,
- completed a mathematics placement test,
- completed developmental coursework in mathematics and English,
- completed specified required general education courses.
2. Is it possible to be admitted to the nursing program with advanced standing?
Yes. Admission or readmission to the HCC Nursing Program with advanced standing is contingent upon specified criteria and available space. The following qualifications, listed in order of priority, will determine placement.
- Students who interrrupted their studies after successfully completing courses and returned within three years
- First-repeat students who are returning within a three-year time period
- Students who have passed a proficiency test(s) for a previous course(s)
- Students who qualify for the LPN transition course (NURS-103)
- Second-repeat students who meet requirements
- Transfer students
3. If I am at the top of the priority list of students seeking admission with advanced standing, may I assume that I will most likely be admitted to the nursing program?
Not necessarily. Students are accepted according to availability of spaces in the program, however proficiency and LPN transition students who are not seated for the semester of application will be given priority status for the following year.
4. How do you select a student for advanced standing if there is more than one individual within a particular candidate grouping?
The following criteria for selection within a grouping will be considered if all students within a particular candidate grouping cannot be seated for the semester of application:
- Adherence to procedures for withdrawal and readmission to the same curriculum option (practical nurse or associate degree)
- Reason for withdrawal and existing factors that contribute to the student's potential successful completion of the program
- Course average in previous course attempted
- Average on nursing proficiency tests
- Date of completed application to the nursing program for LPN transition and transfer students
5. What is a proficiency examination?
The HCC Nursing Education Program offers an examination for each of its first four courses: NURS-130, NURS-132, NURS-133, and NURS-134. The purpose of these examinations is to allow candidates who have had previous education in nursing, and/or a related nursing field, the opportunity to 'test out' of these courses and receive Howard Community College credit.
6. How is the proficiency examination structured?
Proficiency examinations consist of three distinct segments:
- Multiple-choice items from the units of study in NURS-130, NURS-132, NURS-133, and NURS-134. To receive credit, you must achieve a weighted average of 75 percent on the examinations.
- Computational examination. The candidate must achieve a passing grade on this test.
- Psychomotor skills examination. T he candidate must satisfactorily pass the skills in NURS-130, NURS-132, NURS-133, and NURS-134.
Upon successful completion of the three portions of each proficiency examination, the candidate will be eligible to receive HCC credits and enter the succeeding course.
7. Does successful completion of the proficiency examination guarantee admission to the HCC Nursing Program?
No. Candidates will be admitted into subsequent courses only if there is space available and if they have completed the necessary prerequisites. A transition course (NURS-099) must be completed before entering with advanced standing.
8. Are there admissions options for a licensed practical nurse interested in continuing study toward an associate degree in nursing?
Students who are licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and have graduated fewer than three years ago from an approved LPN school or are working in the health care field as an LPN are eligible for credit award through the LPN Pathway. These students:
- must have completed prerequisite courses for NURS-233 and NURS-234,
- must successfully complete two acceleration challenge examinations,
- must enroll in NURS-103, Transition into Nursing II, a five-credit course offered during the summer sessions
LPNs may also be admitted to NURS-103 through a statewide Direct Articulation Agreement. Licensed practical nurses who graduated within the last five years from an articulated program receive college credit for first-year nursing courses after completing the NURS-103 transition course.
9. What are the admission requirements for graduates of the Howard Community College Practical Nurse Program who wish to continue study toward an associate degree in nursing?
Slots are available for practical nurse graduates to proceed directly into the associate degree program. Selection of students to progress directly into the second year of the associate degree program is competitively based upon NURS-130, NURS-132, NURS-133, and NURS-134 course averages and general education coursework completed.
10. What constitutes "successful completion" of NURS-103?
An average of 75 percent or above is necessary to be successful in NURS-103. Pathway students who successfully complete NURS-103 are eligible for admission into the second year of the nursing program.
11. Are there any enrollment prerequisites for the Advanced Concepts in Practical Nursing course, NURS-140?
The following criteria for acceptance to progress into Advanced Concepts in Practical Nursing, NURS-140, are listed in order of priority:
- All students who were accepted into the Practical Nurse Certificate option and who complete NURS-133 and NURS-134 with an average of 75 percent or above.
- Students who wish to stop after the first year of the registered nurse program and will not be continuing directly to second-year courses.
- First-repeat students who were unsuccessful in NURS-140, NURS-233, NURS-234, NURS-235, or NURS-236, and have fulfilled requirements.
- Second-repeat students who meet requirements.
A student in the registered nurse tract may apply to participate in NURS-140 by March 15. Rank for seating will be determined by lottery during the last week in March. Students will be formally notified regarding acceptance into NURS-140 at the end of the spring semester.
12. As Howard Community College offers both a day and an evening/weekend nursing program, may a student change options each semester?
No. A student is admitted to the day program or the evening/weekend program and is committed to that scheduling option throughout the nursing program.
13. Will my Associate Degree in Nursing earned at HCC transfer toward a Bachelor of Science Degree in nursing?
Yes. Graduates from the Nursing Program at Howard Community College are eligible to apply for direct articulation to all public and most private colleges and universities in Maryland that offer a program leading to a bachelor of science degree in nursing (BSN degree). Registered nurses with an active unencumbered Maryland or compact RN license are awarded a minimum of thirty upper division nursing credits in the program they are entering, and may transfer up to 60 lower-division general education credits. It is possible for a student to receive a maximum total of 90 credits.
14. What is the grading policy for the nursing program at HCC?
To pass the HCC nursing courses, the student must have a weighted exam average of 75 percent. If the weighted average of exams is below 75 percent, the student will receive either a "D" or an "F" grade for the course. Grades on tests and papers may not be contested after seven (7) school days.
15. Are nursing students required to pass a drug computation examination?
Yes. All students must pass a drug computation examination each of the first three semesters in order to pass the respective nursing course. Computations include questions on the apothecary, metric, and general household measurement systems. The student will be solving drug problems that have been seen in actual patient situations.
16. Are there any other requirements for passing a nursing course?
Passing a nursing course includes:
- Passing a computational exam,
- Obtaining a weighted exam average of 75 percent,
- Obtaining an overall passing average with a grade of "C" or better including written assignments,
- Satisfactory completion of campus laboratory skills exams.
- Satisfactory performance in the clinical area, which includes the clinical evaluation period.
17. What is considered "satisfactory performance" in the clinical area?
Several performance indicators are considered critical to patient safety and must be maintained for a satisfactory clinical evaluation. Performance indicators are specific to each nursing course. The following list will serve as a good example:
The student is...
- Punctual to clinical and lab evaluations;
- Prepared for clinical and submits required work on time;
- Interacts professionally with clients, significant support person(s), faculty, peers, and agency personnel;
- Reports a significant change in the client's condition immediately to the instructor and assigned nurse;
- Initiates and maintains therapeutic communications with client and/or significant support person(s).
- Maintains an environment conducive to client and personal safety;
- Safely administers all medications and therapies according to agency policies and professional guidelines after notifying the instructor;
- Protects confidential information;
18. Is there a grievance policy for students?
Yes. Students who have academic complaints, such as a grade dispute or other issues related to instruction, are encouraged to seek resolution directly with the faculty member involved. If a student wishes to contest a grade, it must be done within seven (7) school days after the grade is returned to the student. If the issue is not resolved informally, there is a formal procedure for resolution of student concerns. A Student Academic Complaint Form is available in the division offices and the counseling center.
19. What type of clinical experiences are part of the nursing program?
Students must complete at least one semester assigned to a city hospital and at least one semester in a community hospital during the last three semesters. Clinical agencies are located in the suburban and Baltimore City area.
20. Is transportation to clinical agencies provided by the college?
No. All students are responsible for their own transportation to and from clinical experiences. Attendance at scheduled sessions is required. Excessive lateness or absence will result in course failure, as will unsatisfactory clinical performance. Allow one hour interval between the end of a clinical time and the beginning of a class on campus.
21. Is there a dress code for clinical?
Yes. All nursing students are required to wear the Howard Community College uniform.
- The complete uniform for female students includes either the dress or pants suit; white lapeled lab coat; white stockings; white professional nursing shoes; and a school patch sewn securely on the left sleeve of both the uniform and lab coat. The student's name pin should be worn on the left chest area of the uniform or lab coat.
- The complete uniform for male students includes a white uniform and white lapeled lab coat with the school patch sewn securely on the left sleeve; white socks with white professional shoes, or black socks with black shoes. The student's name pin should be worn on the left chest area of the uniform or lab coat.
Uniforms not purchased through Howard Community College are strictly forbidden, as are flesh-colored hose, socks (when worn with dress), athletic or tennis shoes, clogs, sweaters, fanny packs, visible tattoos, excessive make-up and jewelry. One [1] earring stud may be worn in each ear only.
Students are expected to wear clean shoes and a clean, pressed uniform at all times. Hair is to be kept up or pulled back and secured neatly so as not to interfere with patient care. Students may not wear acrylic or false nails of any kind in the clinical setting. Natural nails must be clipped short (1/4 inch from the edge of the skin). Nail polish, if worn, must be smooth and not cracked or chipped. Clear and pale pink polish may be worn.
22. Will I need any special equipment for clinical?
All students are required to have bandage scissors, a stethoscope, and a watch with a second hand.
23. Are there any other requirements for clinical?
Yes. All nursing students must:
- have a current American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR card that will not expire prior to the end of the program of study;
- have an annual tuberculin skin test or chest X-ray that will not expire prior to the end of the academic year;
- provide proof of immunity against both Rubeola (measles), Rubella (German measles), mumps, and varicella (chicken pox), either through vaccination or a titer indicating immunity;
- sign a waiver indicating that they have been advised to be immunized against Hepatitis B but have declined if they have not received the Hepatitis B vaccine. (NOTE: Hepatitis B vaccine is strongly recommended). Students who have completed the Hepatitis B vaccine series must have a titer to confirm immunity;
- have health insurance or be prepared to assume responsibility for personal medical expenses. (NOTE: If emergency care is provided to students at a hospital, it will be at the student's expense.)
24. What type of learning resources are available for nursing students?
The college provides several resources:
- The learning centers, located on the second floor of the James Clark Library Building, support the instructional program of the college with audio-visual, computer, library, and video services.
- The library provides over 40,000 items of media, including books, videotapes, filmstrips, films, computer software, and models for the use of students and faculty. The library provides access to current and backfile issues of more than 700 journals and newspapers covering all major areas of study. Materials are available in hard copy and on-line formats. The library provides access to numerous databases and free access to the Internet.
- Student Support Services staff will provide tutoring and workshops to improve academic success. Tutoring is available to students in career programs such as nursing. Students should apply for assistance through the support services office. Workshops are conducted on a periodic basis on such topics as study skills, note-taking, and time management.
- Students may receive tutorial assistance with their writing skills in the Write Room, located on the second floor of the Nursing Building.
The Nursing and Allied Health Study Lab is located in Room N-228 on the second floor of the Nursing Building. The study lab offers computer and audiovisual equipment to assist students in completing assigned activities.
- The nursing skills labs are located in Rooms N-208, N-224, and N-232. Hours of operation are posted outside of each lab. Students sign up for practice and evaluation time and are also encouraged to use open lab time for practice.
- Financial assistance is also available for nursing students. The Baker, Durkan, Kittleberger, and Hallinan scholarships are specifically designated for nursing students. State and federal monies may also be awarded. Some scholarships are based on financial need, whereas others require a specific grade point average or commitment to work after graduation. Students may obtain information about these funds through the HCC Financial Aid Office.
25. Are there any student associations specifically for nursing students?
Yes. The Nursing Club is a student-sponsored club with a faculty advisor. The club's activities are governed by student interests and community and college requests. Second-year students share and initiate club activities with incoming first-year students. The club offers many opportunities for leadership training and professional development.
26. Does HCC have a Pinning Ceremony for graduates of the Nursing Program?
Nursing Recognition was originated in 1974 by the first graduating class. Each year since that time, the students have voted to hold the ceremony at commencement time. The class has traditionally chosen to receive pins during this ceremony.
The Practical Nurse Program graduates are recognized through a pinning ceremony as established by the first graduating class in 1995.
Nursing Recognition and the Pinning Ceremony are student activities organized with the assistance of a faculty advisor and elected class representatives. The college administration assists in the funding of these activities.
