1 | Page TARRANT COUNTY COLLEGE AAS Degree in Nursing ...

TARRANT COUNTY COLLEGEAAS Degree in NursingApplication PacketSpring 2014 AdmissionThe following items must be submitted by September 30, 2013 for your file to be complete. Coursesthat you are currently enrolled in are not considered. For science courses, only the first two attempts inthe same course will be considered (the highest grade will be used in GPA calculation). A minimumgrade of C must be made in all general education and Nursing courses.The following courses marked by * below must be completed at the time of application.CHEM 1406 * Essentials of General/Biological ChemistryBIOL 2401 * Anatomy & Physiology IBIOL 2402 * Anatomy & Physiology IIBIOL 2420 * MicrobiologyMATH Competency *Applicant must meet Texas Success Initiative (TSI) requirements. For additional information, visithttp://www.tccd.edu/Student_Services/Advisement/TSI.htmlOnly the four sciences and math competency listed above must be completed for application,however it is strongly recommended that the student have all prerequisites completed. If theremainder of the general education courses listed below are not completed prior to enrollment in theNursing courses, they must be completed to meet graduation requirements.ENGL 1301 English Composition IENGL 1302 OR PSYC 2314Complete one course onlyEnglish Composition II or Life Span Growth and DevelopmentPSYC 2301 Introduction to PsychologyPHED 1164 Concepts of Physical ActivitySPCH 1311 or 1315 or 1321Complete one course onlyFundamentals of Speech Communication, Public Speaking, Interpersonal Communication, orBusiness & Professional Communication.To be selected by student from core curriculumComplete one course onlyHumanities/Fine Arts Elective (Complete one 3 hour course)PLEASE NOTE:• All Biology courses must have been completed within five (5) years of application to the program.• All science courses require a lab.• Select Humanities/Fine Arts elective from TCC Core Curriculum list found in TCC catalog.• All students applying to the Nursing Program must take the Health Education Systems Inc. (HESI A2)Test. Scores from the TEAS Test will no longer be accepted.1 | P a g e

1. ALL applicants must be current TCC students at the time of application to the Nursing Program.Applicants do not have to be enrolled in a TCC course, but must complete the general TCC applicationprocess and be a current TCC student.2. ALL official transcripts from a college or university other than TCC must be received and evaluatedby TCC at the time of application to the Nursing Program. Log on to Web Advisor and under AcademicLinks click on “Transcript Evaluation Request.” Once this process has been completed, you will receivenotification via email.***All INTERNATIONAL TRANSCRIPTS must be evaluated by Tarrant County College at the Trinity RiverCampus, 300 Trinity Campus Circle, Fort Worth, TX 76102. (roomTREF 3104). This request forevaluation must be made at least 2 months in advance of your application to the Nursing Program.Courses from another country cannot be considered for the Nursing Program without an officialtranscript evaluation. You must pay all costs for international transcript evaluations by the NationalAssociation of Credential Evaluation Services (NACRS) and have an official transcript evaluation sent tothe International Admissions Office which is located at the TCC May Owen Center, 1500 Houston Street,Fort Worth, TX 76102. Please contact 817-515-5232 for further information.3. Submit a copy of your Nursing Program Degree Audit with your application. All required coursesmust be passed with a grade of C or higher. A degree audit can be completed by the applicant in WebAdvisor or with a TCC Advisor or Counselor. Official transcripts from all colleges must be evaluated priorto application. Files are not complete if all transcripts from other colleges or universities have not beensubmitted. If you do not have a transcript evaluation from TCC at the time of your application, you mustsubmit official transcripts and course descriptions of the four required science courses taken at otherinstitutions. The information on course descriptions can be found here: www.collegesource.org4. View Information Presentation. The Information Presentation session is not required. It is highlyrecommended that you view the presentation on our website before completing the packet.5. Go to the Trinity River Campus Testing Center to sign up for the HESI A2 Test. Information regardingthe HESI A2 test is addressed in this packet. The 4 hour HESI A2 Test includes math, readingcomprehension, vocabulary & general knowledge, and grammar. The Learning Styles and PersonalityStyle sections will also be given, but not included in scoring. The cost is $37. Availability is limited. Signup early.6. Complete Declaratory Order Process (if required). If you answer “no” to the questions on theenclosed Nursing Eligibility Information Form please sign, date, and return the information form withyour application. If you answer “yes” to any of the questions, it will be necessary for you to be clearedby the Texas Board of Nursing prior to applying to the TCC Nursing Program. This review process cantake a minimum of three months to two years depending on the case. This petition is a formal disclosureto the Board of any eligibility issues that may disqualify you from taking the NCLEX examination forlicensure. Go to www.bon.state.tx.us/ – click on Download Other Applications and Forms and scrolldown to Candidates for Licensure. Click on the Declaratory Order Form and Fingerprint Card. You arerequired to submit the letter from the Board which states you have successfully completed theDeclaratory Order process with your application packet.7. Statement of Student Responsibility. Read, sign, and return the Statement of Student Responsibility.2 | P a g e

8. Submit the Immunization Form with information on all completed immunizations. Provide proof ofthe required immunizations with your application. Please note: the Hepatitis B and Hepatitis Avaccination should be started as soon as possible as it requires three doses and six months betweenthe first and third dose for Hepatitis B and six months between the first and second dose of Hep A.9. Submit application packet and HESI A2 test scores to the Trinity River East Campus Advising &Counseling Center. You must submit your application packet and HESI A2 Test scores together.INCOMPLETE PACKETS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.For the January/ February application period, HESI A2 test scores must be dated August 1, 2011or later. If the HESI scores are dated prior to August 1, 2011, a new test must be taken.10. Fast Track Option: Applications are accepted only during the January / February applicationperiod. The Fast Track Option is an accelerated 15 month program offered to students who are alreadylicensed/ certified as an LVN or Paramedic. Due to the fast pace of this option, it is stronglyrecommended that the applicant completes all general education course requirements beforeadmission to the program. Those students accepted into the program will attend a Fast Track Optionorientation. Students will take a series of three examinations during the first summer session that coverthe first semester of the Nursing Program (RNSG-1413-Foundations for Nursing Practice, RNSG-1460-Clinical Foundations for Nursing Practice and RNSG-1105-Nursing Skills). An optional non-creditpreparatory course “Building Foundations for Nursing” is offered through Nursing Continuing Educationto prepare students for the exams. Students will only be allowed to test once and must pass all threeexaminations. A fee is charged for each examination and grade posting. Students receive credit for thethree courses listed above and will enter into Mental Health Nursing the second summer session. Theywill enter Common Concepts of Adult Health in the fall. Submit a copy of your current license orcertification.Advising & CounselingTrinity River East Campus for Health ProfessionsNursing Department817-515-1055 (Advising) 817-515-2453nursing.advising@tccd.edu1. Application2. Nursing Eligibility Information Form3. Statement of Student Responsibility4. Immunization Form5. Nursing Program Degree Audit6. Official transcripts and science course descriptions from other institutions if the transcriptevaluation has not been completed.7. HESI Test scoresAll of the above information must be received by September 30, 2013Please turn in application and HESI A2 Scores in person to the nursing office.3 | P a g e

Students who have completed an application will be notified by email regarding their status byDecember 1, 2013. It is imperative that you keep us advised of changes to your name, email address,physical address and telephone numbers4 | P a g e

Statement of Student ResponsibilityI acknowledge that this application contains policies, regulations, and procedures in existence at thetime of publication. I also acknowledge that Tarrant County College and the Department of Nursingreserve the right to make changes at any time to reflect current Board of Trustees policies,administrative regulations and procedures, and applicable State and Federal regulations. Furthermore, Iunderstand that the information included in this packet does not constitute a contract expressed orimplied, between any applicant, student, or faculty member, and Tarrant County College.I have read and understand the admission process for the Nursing Program. By submitting anapplication, I agree to abide by the admission requirements of the Nursing Program. I accept fullresponsibility for submitting a complete nursing admission packet prior to or by the designatedapplication filing deadline, and I understand that I cannot be accepted into the Nursing Program until Ihave completed all of the admission requirements.Once I have submitted my application packet, I understand that it is my responsibility to inform thenursing admissions personnel of any change in my status, email address, address, telephone number,intentions to enter the program, or any other information that would affect my entrance into theNursing Program.I acknowledge that once admitted to the program, I will be assigned to clinical rotations at area healthcare facilities, which will require proof of personal health care insurance coverage and proof ofimmunizations and/or immunity to selected communicable diseases, as well as tuberculosis screening.I am aware that, according to Dallas - Fort Worth Hospital Council Guidelines, I will be required toundergo a criminal background check and mandatory drug screening prior to admission to the NursingProgram. I understand that clinical facilities require, for each clinical rotation, written verification thatstudents, listed by name, meet all criteria required by the Dallas - Fort Worth Hospital CouncilGuidelines, to include: Negative criminal background check Negative drug screen Current immunizations, and TB screening Current Healthcare Provider BLS (CPR & AED) Program completion card from American HeartAssociation Successful completion of Dallas-Fort Worth Hospital Council Standard Hospital StudentOrientation TestI understand that the purpose of this program is to prepare me to be eligible to write the NCLEX-RNlicensing examination to become a registered nurse. In order to be eligible, I must hold a high schooldiploma or General Education Development certificate. Furthermore, it is my responsibility to notify theTexas Board of Nursing prior to admission to the Nursing Program, if I have ever been denied licensureby a licensing authority for nurses; have ever had disciplinary action taken against me by alicensing/certifying authority; have ever been convicted of a crime other than a minor traffic violation;am unable to safely practice professional nursing due to physical or mental disability/illness which mayendanger the health and safety of persons under my care; have been hospitalized or treated forchemical dependency within the past five years; am currently an intemperate user of drugs or alcohol;have ever been issued a Declaratory Order by the Board of Nurse Examiners for the State of Texas; or if I7 | P a g e

have ever taken the State Board Test Pool Examination, National Council Licensure Examination forRegistered Nurses, or the Canadian Nurses Association Testing Service Examination. If so, I will need topetition in writing, and provide requested documents to the Board of Nurse Examiners for the State ofTexas in order to be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN examination. This review and eligibility approval maytake 12-24 months to obtain from the Board of Nurse Examiners for the State of Texas who will assess afee to the individual for review. Board of Nurse Examiners for the State of Texas approval is requiredprior to acceptance into the Nursing Program.____________________________________Applicant Signature___________________Date8 | P a g e

TARRANT COUNTY COLLEGENURSING DEPARTMENTPHYSICAL EXAMINATION AND IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTSIn order to comply with the Texas Administrative Code (Title 25 Health Services, Rules 97.61-97.72)regarding immunization records for students enrolled in health-related programs, the followingguidelines are now in force for applicants to the Tarrant County College Nursing Program. Nursingprogram applicants must present the following documentation.IMPORTANT NOTE: Failure to submit the completed Tarrant County College Nursing Department’s*physical examination form, immunization records, and a photocopy of the required American HeartAssociation CPR certification card will result in the applicant’s disqualification from entering thenursing program.I. Physical Examination and Immunization RecordThe completed physical form (*distributed after selection and acceptance) verified by a physician ornurse practitioner will document:□ The applicant’s physical examination results which must be dated less than nine (9) months priorto the applicant’s anticipated entry to the health occupations program; and,□The date of each required immunization and/or date of a positive titer result for each.NOTE: If immunization records have been recorded on separate documentation such as ahospital printout, health department card, office call invoice, etc., a clear photocopy of thatdocumentation may be attached to the Physical Examination and Immunization Record form.A. Physical ExaminationThe physical examination form must be completed by a physician or nurse practitioner and mustdocument the applicant’s medical history, health questionnaire, and results of a physical examination.B. Tuberculosis ScreeningAn intradermal PPD (Mantoux) “skin” test is required for all applicants. The PPD must be currentwithin twelve (12) months of the applicant’s anticipated entry into a health occupations program.When accepted to a health occupations program, a student must be current on the screening andrepeat the PPD every twelve (12) months for the duration of his/her enrollment in the program.If the PPD indicates a positive reaction, documentation must indicate the induration of the test siteand the applicant must also obtain a chest x-ray verifying the absence of active disease. The chest x-ray must be current within one (1) year of program entry. The chest x-ray will then be valid for two(2) years while the student is enrolled in the program. Individuals who have received the BCGinjection or who have a history of tuberculosis or a positive PPD result should obtain a chest x-rayrather than the PPD.9 | P a g e

C. ImmunizationsAn applicant must have completed the following immunizations prior to submitting their applicationaccording to the indicated guidelines and schedules. Documentation of a titer (blood test) with specificlab values verifying immunity or sero-positivity is also acceptable for Measles, Mumps, Rubella,Varicella, and Hepatitis B.** MCV4: This immunization is required for all TCC students who are under 21 years of age and arenewly enrolled or have had a break in enrollment of one long semester. It must have been received atleast 10 days PRIOR to the first day of the semester. A unique form must be completed by the providerand submitted to the Registrar before registration may be allowed. (see the TCC Website under“Meningitis”)1. Measles – Two (2) doses of measles (“rubeolla”) vaccine is required either in separateinjections or in combination with mumps and rubella (“MMR”) or with a titer that proves serologicimmunity. Both measles immunizations must have been received after January 1, 1968.2. Rubella – One (1) dose of rubella vaccine is required either in a separate injection or incombination with measles and mumps (“MMR”) or with a titer that proves serologic immunity.3. Mumps – One (1) dose of mumps vaccine is required either in a separate injection or in combinationwith measles and rubella (“MMR”) or with a titer that proves serologic immunity.4. Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis (“Tdap”) – One (1) dose of Tdap is required within the past ten (10)years. The documentation must clearly indicate that a Tdap was received. NOTE: A standard Tetanusor Tetanus/Diphtheria (Td) is not accepted.5. Varicella (chickenpox) – Two (2) doses of varicella vaccine are required or documentation of apositive titer (blood test) with the lab values report. NOTE: A statement from a physician or parentindicating the student’s previous varicella disease history is no longer accepted.6. Influenza – One dose of a flu vaccine is required annually; watch for further instructions.7. Hepatitis B series – Three (3) doses of Hepatitis B vaccine are required per the timetable below:Initial doseSecond dose one month after the initial doseThird dose five months after the second dose8. Hepatitis A series –Two (2) doses of Hepatitis A vaccine per the timetable below:Initial doseSecond dose six months after the initial doseIf an applicant fails to adhere to the above schedule, the series may have to be repeated.NOTE: An individual must have received the first two Hepatitis B and the first Hepatitis A injectionsand documentation submitted with their application materials. The third and final dose ofHepatitis B and final dose of Hepatitis A must be scheduled to be received prior to the start of thenursing program. Documentation of the third Hepatitis B injection or a positive Hepatitis B titermust be presented to the Nursing office before the student will be registered for their programcourses.10 | P a g e

II. ExceptionsExceptions from meeting certain immunizations requirements are allowed for such circumstances asmedical conditions (i.e. pregnancy), religious beliefs, etc. Applicants must present documentation asindicated below with their nursing program application materials. Requests for exceptions arereviewed on an individual basis.In the case of immunization exemptions for pregnancy, all temporarily deferred immunizations mustbe received and documented with the Nursing office no later than the start of the first semester of thenursing program.NOTE: The inability to receive all required immunizations and health screenings required mayprevent a student from entering a health occupations program.A. Medical ExceptionsThe applicant must present a statement signed by their physician with personal knowledge of theapplicant’s medical history. The statement must indicate in detail that a specific vaccine poses asignificant health risk to the individual. If the statement requests exemption from the Hepatitis Bseries, the applicant must also complete a separate waiver form (available in the TREC Nursing Office)to accompany the physician’s statement.Unless the statement specifies that a lifelong condition exists, the exemption is valid for one yearonly from the date of the signed statement. In the case of pregnancy, the exemption is valid onlyfor the duration of the pregnancy and the signed statement must indicate the anticipated date ofdelivery.B. Exceptions Based on Religious Belief/Reasons of ConscienceThe applicant must obtain an Exclusion Affidavit from the Texas Department of State Health Servicesfor each immunization in question by submitting a written request and including the applicant’s fullname and date of birth. The written request must be mailed to the following agency:Texas Department of State Health ServicesBureau of Immunization and Pharmacy Support1100 West 49 th StreetAustin TX 78756The affidavit form will be mailed to the applicant who must complete and sign the form which mustinclude the basis for the exception. The affidavit will be valid for a two-year period. The signedaffidavit must be submitted with the applicant’s Physical Examination and Immunization Record form.NOTE: These exemptions may not be recognized by all hospital affiliates at which healthoccupations students are assigned for their clinical experiences. A student may be required to receiveall screenings and immunizations for a health care facility.NOTE: Applicants to the Nursing program are responsible for retaining a photocopy of all physicalexamination and immunization documentation for their personal records. Once this documentationhas been submitted to the Nursing Office and the applicant is accepted to the Nursingprogram, the documentation becomes the sole property of the Nursing Department and will not bereturned to nor photocopied for the applicant, their instructors, or any other party.11 | P a g e

Tarrant County College Nursing ProgramSELECTION AND ADMISSION INFORMATIONThe Nursing Program is a very popular option at TCC with a reputation for consistently high passing ratesof TCC graduates on the licensure exam. The applicant pool has been so competitive in recent years thatmany applicants who have the potential to be excellent nurses are not admitted because of the spacelimitations.The number of students admitted to the Nursing Program each year is limited by learning experiencefactors that allow the program to maintain quality instruction, safe practice in the clinical, and theavailability of a variety of resources. TYPICALLY FOUR TIMES AS MANY PEOPLE APPLY FOR ADMISSIONAS CAN BE ACCEPTED. For this reason, a special procedure for application and selection is used.Application and admission to the Nursing Program is a separate process from application and admissionto TCC. Admission to the College does not ensure admission into the Nursing Program. Only thosestudents who have been admitted to the Nursing Program may enroll in the specialized courses taughtby the Nursing Department (those with RNSG course number prefixes).The application process and application periodsThe TCC Nursing Program admits three classes each year. One class begins in the fall, one in the spring,and a Fast Track class begins in the summer (an accelerated program for LVNs or Paramedics). TheNursing Program application packets for the Fast Track class and for the fall class are available on theTCC website during January and February. Application packets for the spring class are available Augustand September. It may take several weeks to gather materials and to complete all aspects of theapplication process, so applicants are advised to begin the process as early as possible to meet theapplication deadline.To apply for the Nursing Program, you must have completed CHEM 1406-Essentials of General andBiological Chemistry, BIOL 2401 – Anatomy & Physiology I, BIOL – Anatomy & Physiology II, BIOL 2420 –Microbiology, and meet the math competency listed below. Any course in progress at the time ofapplication will not be considered.The math competency requirement: Applicant must meet Texas Success Initiative (TSI) requirements.For additional information, visit http://www.tccd.edu/Student_Services/Advisement/TSI.htmlIf you answer “yes” to any of the Nursing Eligibility Questions, it will be necessary for you to be clearedby the Texas Board of Nursing (TBON) prior to applying to the TCC Nursing Program. This petition is aformal disclosure to the Board of any eligibility issues that may disqualify you from taking the licensureexamination. This review process can take a minimum of three (3) months to two (2) years dependingon the case. Go to http://www.bon.texas.gov/olv/ – click on Download other paper applications andforms. Scroll down to “Candidates for Licensure” and click on Declaratory Order Form and Fingerprintcard. Additionally, it will be required for you to turn in with your application, a copy of letter from theTexas Board of Nursing stating that you may sit for the licensure examination.Only those applicants who have completed the entire application process by the deadline areconsidered for admission to the Nursing Program. However, completing the application process doesnot ensure admission to the program.13 | P a g e

Selection based on the evaluation of specific criteria.A selection committee reviews the Nursing Program applications. Applicants are selected according tothe following criteria, listed in random order: Scores on the HESI examination. GPA on the science courses. All science courses, except Chemistry 1406, must have beencompleted within five years of application to the Nursing Program. Nursing Eligibility Question Sheet Student Statement of Responsibility Sheet Immunization FormApplication/selection information cannot be given by phoneThe selection committee notifies all applicants by email to the student’s TCC email of their admissionstatus -- accepted, alternate, or not accepted - the first part of May for the fall class and by the first partof December for the spring class. Because of federal privacy laws, acceptance information cannot begiven over the phone. It is imperative that a current mailing address be included on the applicationform. Notify the Nursing Office immediately of any email address, address or telephone numberchanges.If any of those selected for the program do not accept their appointments, applicants on the alternatelist will be contacted. Vacancies may occur as late as the week before the start of the semester.Alternates are selected using the same criteria as outlined previously for selection. More alternates areselected than needed to fill the vacancies that usually occur.Since all applicants cannot be accepted into the TCC Nursing Program, it is important that an applicantconsider the available alternatives in the event he/she is not selected. A counselor is an importantresource in helping explore available options. Applicants who would like to be advised regardingalternative future career plans should call the Trinity River Campus Advising and Counseling Center.Advising & CounselingTrinity River East Campus for Health ProfessionsNursing Department817-515-1055 (Advising) 817-515-2453nursing.advising@tccd.eduOther admission requirements if selected to the Nursing Program: All immunizations must be completed Completed Physical form Negative Drug Screening Negative Criminal Background Check Current CPR certification as a Healthcare Provider. Only the American Heart Association (CPR)Certification for Healthcare Providers will be accepted Proof of Health InsuranceReapplication to the Nursing Program is not restricted14 | P a g e

Applicants who have never entered the Nursing program may reapply as many times as they wish. Reapplicantsare evaluated using the same criteria as first-time applicants. It is neither an advantage nor adisadvantage to be a re-applicant. Tarrant County College is an Equal Opportunity institution whichprovides education and employment opportunities on the basis of merit and without discriminationbecause of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, or marital status.15 | P a g e