Nursing Programs*New Nursing Testing Requirement* |
Beginning with applications to the Summer/Fall 2010 clinical semesters, applicants must successfully complete the Evolve Admissions Assessment. This requirement is in addition to specific grade requirements for prerequisite coursework, and other existing eligibility factors. More information about the test will be provided as available. Please visit our nursing testing web page for updates. LPN Pathway applicants will continue to take the Acceleration Challenge Exam I. |
Program Information
Howard Community College offers several nursing programs:
Various schedule options exist, including day and evening clinical schedule options for some programs. (Clinical coursework for the Accelerated RN option is offered during the day only.) When applying to the nursing program, students select either a day or an evening/weekend schedule. Due to the growth of the nursing program, and programs statewide, the Nursing Education Program is no longer able to guarantee that all clinical rotations will be held within the selected option. To ensure appropriate and adequate clinical experiences, day students may have some clinical sessions on weekends or evenings, and evening/weekend students may have some clinical sessions on weekdays depending on clinical site schedules. Clinical assignments are based on clinical agency availability as determined by the agency.
Graduates are eligible to sit for their respective National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX). In 2006, 94 percent of HCC's traditional registered nursing students pased the licensure exam on the first try; students in the accelerated RN program had a success rate of 100 percent. Students in the LPN program had a success rate of 100 percent on their licensure exam.
Prospective applicants must attend a nursing information session as a first step in the enrollment process, before meeting individually with an academic advisor. Admission to HCC's Nursing Program involves initial (general) admission to the college and subsequent admission to clinical nursing coursework. Students must submit a supplemental application to apply for the clinical component of the program. Admission to clinical nursing coursework is based upon fulfillment of all prerequisite coursework with appropriate GPA, successful completion of the admissions assessment, legal residency, and space availability (as well as fulfillment of the terms and conditions of specific articulation agreements when applicable). The application cycle runs between September 15 and February 15 each school year.
Readmission to the nursing program requires a special application process. Students who are unsuccessful in the nursing program must see an allied health advisor to reapply and discuss readmission policies and procedures.
Paying for your Nursing Education
Nursing has been designated as a Health Personnel Shortage Incentive Grant program. Legal residents of Maryland can enroll in the nursing program at the in-county tuition rate. Howard County residents receive preference for admission to nursing programs within specific admission periods.
Students pursuing nursing programs at HCC are eligible to apply for endowments and scholarships through the college, as well as for the new State Workforce Shortage Student Assistance Grant offered by the Maryland Higher Education Commission. Applications and scholarship information are available on HCC's Financial Aid Services website.
Nursing Links
