Nursing Admissions Information
Applicants to the clinical nursing (Accelerated RN, Traditional RN/LPN) must successfully complete the HESI Evolve Clinical Nursing Admissions Assessment. This requirement is in addition to specific grade requirements for prerequisite coursework and other existing eligibility factors. Visit the nursing testing webpage for more information.
Howard Community College offers several nursing programs, which have additional admissions requirements.
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.
Please note graduates who successfully complete the nursing courses of the program they were admitted to and receive a passing score on the exit examination are eligible to be considered by the Maryland Board of Nursing to write the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX) for Practical Nurse or Registered Nurse licensure. 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.
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 (subject to change). 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 (subject to change). Applications and scholarship information are available on HCC's Financial Aid Services website.
More Information
- RN to BSN Transfer Opportunities
- Information for Admitted Students
- Get Involved! Join the Nursing Club through Student Activities