Nursing Programs*Changes to nursing admission requirements* |
Changes to the admissions requirements for the Traditional RN and LPN, and LPN Pathways programs will take place over the next two clinical cycles. Beginning with applications to the Summer/Fall 2009 clinical semester, applicants must achieve an overall 2.0 HCC GPA in order to qualify for admission. This requirement is in addition to specific grade requirements for prerequisite coursework, and other existing eligibility factors. If you are not planning to apply for the Fall 2009 Traditional RN or LPN clinical class, please be aware that future applicants will be required to take an additional step, beginning with new applicants for Fall 2010. The nursing program will implement a standardized entrance exam to qualify for admission to the clinical portion of the program. The test will involve a fee yet to be determined. These changes will be implemented to enhance the likelihood of student success. More information about these changes will be provided to students as soon as it is available. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with an academic advisor regarding the admission process. |
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. This is necessary to ensure adequate and appropriate clinical experiences.
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, 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 
