Registered Nursing (RN) Admissions
The associate of arts degree in nursing prepares graduates for careers as registered nurses, with the opportunity to transfer to Maryland public colleges and universities to pursue the bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program.
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 accepted for the fall and spring semesters during different application cycles.
Steps to Apply
- Sign up to attend one of our nursing information sessions.
- If not already a current HCC student, submit an HCC application for admission.
- New to College: Take placement tests, if applicable: Students may be exempt from the placement test if they have transcripts showing completion of college-level English and/or math at another academic institution, qualifying High School GPA or SAT/ACT test scores. Please speak to an admissions coach to review your options.
- Pass a nursing entrance exam with the appropriate score. Visit this link for all of the details from The Test Center.
- Beginning March 2025 HCC will administer the ATI TEAS as an admissions requirement for Traditional and Accelerated Programs. Students already registered to take the HESI A2 will have until February 14th to schedule and take their exam. If students are unable to take the HESI A2 by that date, they must contact the Test Center at tcnursing@howardcc.edu.
- If students have already taken the ATI TEAS and have passing composite scores of 66.5% and a required score of 69% in Reading and Math can begin having scores transferred beginning October 2024.
- Complete the required required prerequisite coursework with appropriate minimum coursework and overall college GPAs.
- Have Prior Credit: Submit official college transcripts from all colleges attended and CLEP or AP exam scores, if applicable, by October 15 (rolling admission) or December 15 (regular admission). Complete the Official Transcript Evaluation Form and submit to the Office of Admissions and Advising (RCF-242) or online.
- Complete the supplemental application for admission to the Traditional Registered Nursing Program and submit online. The application fee is $25. The application cycle for nursing runs between September 15 and February 15 of each school year, with the February date as the final submission deadline.
- The Traditional RN Supplemental Application will be available Septemeber 15 - February 15 each year. Click here for directions.
- To be considered under the first admission period, applicants must complete the assessment and all prerequisite coursework by February 15.
- To be considered under the second admission period, applicants must complete the assessment and all prerequisite coursework by the end of the Spring semester.
Clinical Requirement
- A drug screening and criminal background check will be required prior to enrollment in any nursing and allied health clinical course in order to ensure the safety of patients in the clinical setting. Students who do not comply with the drug screening and criminal background check are ineligible for placement in clinical agencies and are not able to progress in the clinical program. It is the student’s responsibility to know whether they are eligible for licensure. If a student has a criminal background, it is the students’ responsibility to explore whether the background will prohibit them from being licensed and employed in the health care industry. HCC faculty and staff are not able to provide legal advice. If you have any questions about your background, you may wish to discuss this matter with legal counsel.
- Students are not required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination to accept a clinical seat. However, students who decline the COVID-19 vaccine should be aware that clinical site availability may be limited due to partner facility requirements. Clinical placements are not guaranteed for students who choose not to be vaccinated, which may impact progression and completion of their program.
- As of Fall 2022, ALL students are required to show proof of health insurance. HCC does not provide or sponsor health insurance for students.
RN Degree Program Documents
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Additional Information
- RN to BSN Transfer Opportunities
- Special Benefits - the Health Personnel Shortage Incentive Grant Program provides greater accessibility to specific healthcare education programs at the in-county tuition rates
- Admitted Students - what you need to know to prepare for your program