Howard Community College's associate of arts degree in nursing is designed to prepare new graduates to assume careers as registered nurses in a variety of health care settings. The program is accredited by the National League for Nursing and approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing.

Completion of the program and recommendation by the director of nursing entitles graduates to be considered for admission to the National Council Licensing Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).  The associate of arts degree in nursing articulates into Maryland public colleges and universities with bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) programs. This provides an exceptional opportunity for students interested in entering the nursing field as soon as possible who also have the goal of furthering their education and professional advancement.

The clinical component of the Traditional RN program begins in the fall (day and evening/weekend options) and the spring (day only) semesters, and lasts for two years.  Applications are only accepted for the fall semester.

Steps to Apply to the RN Program

• Sign up for a required nursing information session.
• Submit an HCC application for admission.
• Take placement tests:  All prospective nursing students must take the college's English placement test except those students who have completed a U. S. bachelor's degree at an accredited institution.
• Successfully complete the Clinical Nursing Admission Assessment. 
  • To be considered under the first admission period, applicants must complete this assessment and all prerequisite coursework by February 15.
  • To  be considered under the second admission period, applicants must complete this assessment and all prerequisite coursework by the end of the Spring semester.
• Complete the required course work with appropriate minimum prerequisite and overall GPAs.
• Submit official college transcripts from all colleges attended: Complete an official transcript evaluation form and submit to the Office of Admissions and Advising (RCF-242).

• Complete a supplemental application for admission to the Traditional Registered Nursing Program and submit to the Office of Admissions and Advising (RCF-242). The application fee is $25.  The application cycle for nursing runs between September 15 and February 15 of each school year.  February 15 is the final deadline.

RN Downloads

To view the Portable Document Format files (PDFs) from this site, download a free Acrobat Reader.  You will need to install Acrobat Reader on your computer before viewing PDF files.

• Program information booklet
• Nursing Program requirements
• Anatomy & Physiology competency exam forms

RN Links

• Information sessions
• Request information
• Health Sciences Division
• RENEW Program
• RN to BSN Transfer Opportunities
• Special benefits
• Information for Admitted Students