Nursing

Associate in Applied Science Degree
Traditional Nursing Program
5 Semesters/Two Academic Years (with a Practical Nursing Certificate following the 3rd Semester)

Practical Nursing Certificate –
3 Semesters/One Academic Year

The nursing program is an integral part of Northeast Alabama Community College (NACC) and accepts the mission statement and the goals of NACC. The nursing curriculum combines general education and nursing education courses. The Associate in Applied Science Degree is awarded by Northeast to the student who successfully completes all requirements of the nursing program. Students in the program are eligible after successful completion of the first three semesters for the Practical Nursing (PN) certificate. There is also a stand-alone, 3-semester PN Certificate program. 

The graduate of the associate degree program is eligible to apply to the State Board of Nursing to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) leading to licensure as a registered nurse. The review of the application by the State Board of Nursing determines eligibility of the applicant to take the licensure examination.

Completers of the stand-alone practical nursing program or the first three semesters of the traditional program are awarded a certificate and are eligible to apply to the State Board of Nursing to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEXPN) leading to licensure as a practical nurse. The review of the application by the State Board of Nursing determines eligibility of the applicant to take the licensure examination.

Legal requirements for licensure in the State of Alabama are listed in the Alabama Board of Nursing Administrative Code. The applicant for licensure examination should be aware that eligibility for initial and continuing licensure in Alabama includes questions concerning such matters as convictions of criminal offenses, convictions for driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol, treatment for mental illness, treatment for chemical dependency, disciplinary action by a state board of nursing, placed on a state/federal abuse registry, or courtmartialed, disciplined, or administratively discharged by the military. The application to take the licensure examination may be denied by the State Board of Nursing if all the requirements as listed in the Alabama Board of Nursing Administrative Code are not met by the applicant. Although these policies refer specifically to Alabama, other states have similar stipulations regarding licensure. Individuals must meet the following criteria for initial licensure as a nurse.

1. Complete all requirements for graduation from an approved nursing program.
2. Receive approval by the State Board of Nursing to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
3. Achieve a passing score on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).

Accreditation Status

Approved by Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees 
Approved by Alabama Board of Nursing
Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

Traditional Nursing Program Admission Requirements

1. Unconditional admission to the College. In order to be unconditionally admitted, the Admissions Office must receive official transcripts of all attempted college work.
2. Complete application to the Nursing Program by the published deadline. It is the student’s responsibility to verify all required documentation has been received by the published deadline. 
3. A minimum of 2.5 grade point average (GPA) for nursing required core academic courses.
4. Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA at current institution (which includes all course work completed) and/or cumulative 2.5 GPA at institution from which student is transferring.
5. A minimum of 2.5 grade point average (GPA) cumulative high school for students without prior college courses (GED will be used if applicable).
6. A minimum of 18 ACT composite score.
7. Eligibility for ENG 101, BIO 201, and MTH 100 as determined by college policy. 
8. Good standing with the college.
9. Must meet ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA for nursing.

*Admission requirements for the stand-alone PN program are the same as the traditional nursing program, except no minimum composite ACT score is required. 
Admission to the nursing program is competitive and the number of students accepted is limited by the number of faculty and clinical facilities available. Meeting minimal requirements does not guarantee acceptance.

Should the student decline acceptance or be denied admission based on qualifications, he/she must re-submit an application by published deadline of the following academic year. It is the student’s responsibility to adhere to the admission requirements described and verify all required documentation has been received by published deadline. Students should contact a nursing advisor for clarification, if needed.

IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE STUDENT TO KEEP THE NURSING APPLICATION UPDATED. APPLICANTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO VERIFY COMPLETION OF PROFILE PRIOR TO THE FILING DEADLINE.

 Traditional Nursing Program Selection Criteria

After meeting all minimum requirements, applicants are ranked based upon a point awarded system as follows:

Additional Criteria:

• Student must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 on Core Academic Courses.
• All Core Academic Courses DO NOT have to be complete for program eligibility.
• Core Academic Course GPA is calculated on courses taken or accepted in transfer and appearing on your NACC transcript. GPA may be calculated on <4 of these courses.
• If you have not taken any of these Core Academic Courses, your high school GPA is used. Cumulative High School GPA must be minimum of 2.5 for students without prior college courses (GED will be used if applicable).
• Cumulative GPA must be 2.5 at NACC or transferring institution. 
• Must be unconditionally admitted to NACC. In order to be unconditionally admitted, the Admissions Office must receive official transcripts on ALL attempted college work.
• Must have a minimum of 18 ACT composite score.
• Must meet the Essential Functions/Eligibility Criteria for nursing as determined by Healthcare Provider.
• If not already completed, student must be eligible to take ENG 101, BIO 201, and MTH 100 the first semester accepted into the nursing program.

Stand-Alone Practical Nursing Program Selection Criteria

After meeting all minimum requirements, applicants are ranked based upon a point awarded system as follows:

Program Requirements:

1. The student must comply with legal, moral, and legislative standards in accordance with the Alabama Board of Nursing Administrative Code.
2. The student is required to follow Federal HIPAA regulations regarding client confidentiality and privacy. Student must respect the client’s right to privacy by protecting confidential information unless obligated to disclose in a court of law under proper authorization or legal compulsion (Alabama Board of Nursing Administrative Code). Students may be recommended for dismissal from the nursing program for failing to comply with this requirement.
3. The student must follow the testing policy which is available in the course syllabi and the Nursing Student Handbook.
4. The student may be recommended for dismissal from the nursing program when not adhering to the policies and procedures of the facility to which they are assigned, Quality Safety Education Standards for nurses, or the program standards for client safety.
5. A rating of unsatisfactory in clinical performance will result in a grade of “F” for that course regardless of any other grading component in the course.
6. The student who has been determined to be UNSATISFACTORY in providing safe effective client care in the clinical area may not be allowed readmission or reinstatement into the nursing program.
7. The student is expected to be academically honest. Any student found guilty of cheating may be recommended for dismissal from the program with a grade of “F.”
8. The student will have professional liability insurance throughout the nursing program. Fees are included in tuition.
9. The student must show documentation of current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification at the healthcare provider level prior to placement in a clinical agency.
10. The student is required to obtain a health evaluation by a qualified health practitioner on the form provided by the nursing department. The student must show evidence of certain vaccinations through records or titers prior to clinical participation. (MUST BE UPLOADED TO THE ONLINE CREDENTIALING SERVICE BY THE PROVIDED DEADLINE.)
11. The student is required to obtain an evaluation of the Essential Functions/Eligibility Criteria as determined by a qualified health practitioner on forms provided by the nursing program. The evaluation must be submitted to the online credentialing service by the provided deadline. Additional health examinations may be required depending on physical or psychological alterations which may occur during the program of study.
12. The student is highly encouraged to receive a series of three Hepatitis B vaccines, obtain a Positive titer or sign a declination policy provided by the nursing department.
13. The student is required to submit to a pre-clinical drug screen at a time designated by the nursing faculty. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in a recommendation for dismissal from the program. Random drug screens may be required should the student exhibit behaviors indicative of substance abuse during a clinical experience or during on campus clinical lab. Admission drug screen and annual drug screen fees are included in tuition. Any additional drug screen is performed at the student’s expense. A positive drug screen will prohibit the student from completing the clinical requirements of the nursing curriculum and the student will be recommended for withdrawal from the nursing program and/or referred to the Dean of Student Services for the disciplinary process. A student with a prior positive drug screen may apply for readmission or reinstatement to the nursing program with provided evidence of completion of an approved treatment program. (See Nursing Student Handbook for detailed policy).
14. The student is required to submit to a criminal background check prior to placement in a clinical facility, which is required by clinical agencies. Students who have a positive background check will not be allowed to complete the clinical component of the nursing course and would be recommended for withdrawal from the nursing program.
15. The student must be registered prior to attending class. Children are not allowed in the classroom, clinical lab or computer lab at any time.
16. The student is required to participate in testing programs and remediation included throughout the nursing curriculum.

Course Grade:

A course grade will be determined based on theory and clinical performance. Students must achieve a grade of “75%” or above in each required nursing course to continue in the nursing program. A grade below “75%” will result in a “D” or an “F” depending on the numerical score.

Attendance Policy for Nursing Students:

Students are expected to attend all classes for which they are registered. Students who are unable to attend class regularly, regardless of the reason or circumstance, should withdraw from the class before poor attendance interferes with the student’s ability to achieve the objectives required in the course.

Theory/Clinical/Laboratory

See Nursing Student Handbook for detailed attendance policies.

Responsibility to Agencies

All students are assigned to various health care agencies for clinical experiences. Students must follow the policies and procedures of the health care agencies and must be acceptable to those agencies. The student is responsible for complying with the policies and procedures required by the agencies which provide for the safety and welfare of the clients. Failure, by the student, to meet this requirement will mean the student is excluded from a required clinical experience. The student may be recommended for withdrawal from the nursing program and/or will result in a formal complaint being filed against the student with the Dean of Student Services. (See Nursing Student Handbook for detailed policies).

Student Organizations and Activities:

Students enrolled in the nursing program participate in campus organizations as well as social, cultural and college activities the same as other college students. In addition to the regular activities at the College, students in nursing may belong to the National Student Nurses’ Association.

Additional Expenses:

These expenses are approximate and in no way reflect expenses each individual student may incur during the program. This list is not all inclusive.

• Uniforms, lab coat, stethoscope, and blood pressure cuff, etc. (Approx. $350)
• Professional liability insurance ($20 each Fall semester)
• Textbooks and other resources (Approx. $1,200 throughout the program)
• Miscellaneous books and other resources (Approx. $500)
• Laboratory packet (Approx. $65 each semester)
• Evaluation of Essential Functions/Eligibility Criteria, Physical & Health Questionnaire by Healthcare Provider (Approx. $200)
• Online credentialing service (Includes Credentialing & Criminal Background Check) (Approx. $100)
• Required (immunizations or titers, approx. $200-$350)
• Drug Screening Tests ($45 each Fall semester)
• Testing and learning resource fees (Approx. $600 per semester)
• Transportation to and from clinical agencies

Additional expenses anticipated during the final semester of the nursing program are approximate. They are as follows:

Progression Policy for the Nursing Program

In order to continue in the nursing program, the student must meet the following criteria:

1. Maintain a grade of “C” or better in all required general education and nursing courses.
2. Unless completed previously, students must complete all required general education courses according to The Alabama Community College System Nursing Education curriculum.
3. Be acceptable by clinical agencies for clinical experience.
4. Maintain ability to meet Essential Functions/Eligibility Criteria for nursing with or without reasonable accommodations.
5. Maintain program health requirements.
6. Maintain current CPR course completion at the Healthcare Provider Level.
7. Students with an unsuccessful attempt in a nursing course (W, D, or F) cannot progress until the course is repeated successfully. Course repetition will be based on instructor availability and program resources.

Non Progression:

1. A total of two unsuccessful attempts in two separate semesters (D, F, or W) in the nursing program will require the student, who is eligible to return, to apply for admission to the nursing program.
2. Students who have a withdrawal or failure in a nursing course and are eligible to return to that course will be considered for reinstatement to the program.
3. A student may be reinstated to the nursing program only one time. Reinstatement must be within one year from the semester of non-progression. Reinstatement is not guaranteed due to limitations in clinical spaces. All nursing program admission standards must be met.
4. A student must have a 2.5 cumulative GPA at the current institution for reinstatement.
5. If a student has a documented extenuating circumstance that should be considered related to a withdrawal or failure, this student may request a hearing before the Nursing Admissions Committee or other appropriate college committees for a decision on repeating a course (reinstatement) or readmission to the program.

Reinstatement:

In order to be reinstated, a student must:

1. Schedule an appointment with a nursing faculty/advisor to discuss eligibility for reinstatement.
2. Apply for readmission to the College if not currently enrolled. College readmission must be accomplished by published deadlines.
3. Apply for reinstatement to the nursing program by the end of the semester following the term of withdrawal or failure in the nursing program.
4. Demonstrate competency in all previous nursing courses successfully completed with validation of clinical nursing skills and/or written/computerized exams.
5. Student must have a 2.5 cumulative GPA at the current institution for reinstatement.
6. Meet acceptable criteria for placement at all clinical agencies for clinical experiences.
7. Adhere to nursing curriculum or program policies and procedures in effect at the time of reinstatement.
8. Update immunizations, demonstrate current, accepted CPR course completion at the Healthcare Provider Level, background check, and drug screening according to program policy.
9. Reinstatement to the nursing program is not guaranteed. Reinstatement may be denied. Possible reasons for denial include, but are not limited to, the following:
   1.  Grade Point Average (GPA) is less than 2.5 from courses completed at current institution.
   2. Refusal by clinical agencies to accept the student for clinical experiences.
   3. Over twelve (12) months have elapsed since the student was enrolled in a nursing course.
   4. Failure to demonstrate competency in all previous nursing courses successfully completed.
   5. Space unavailability in a course in which the student wishes to be reinstated.
   6. Previous disciplinary actions related to unsafe client care and/or unprofessional/unethical behavior
10. Dismissal from the previous program for disciplinary reasons and/or unsafe and or unsatisfactory client care in the clinical area may prohibit reinstatement or admission back into the nursing program.
11. Additional requirements for remediation or satisfactory completion of a student success seminar may be required by the nursing program.

Readmission:

Students not eligible for program reinstatement may apply for program admission as a new student and must submit all application criteria. If accepted as a new student, the student must take or retake all nursing program courses. Students who are not in good standing, such as those who withdrew or were recommended for dismissal for disciplinary reasons and/or unsafe client care may not be eligible for readmission. Students must adhere to the nursing curriculum and program policies and procedures in effect at the time of readmission.

Transfer Policy:

The transfer policy applies only to students desiring to transfer between Alabama Community College System institutions. It does not apply to students wishing to transfer from other institutions.

1. Must meet minimum admission standards for the nursing program.
2. Must possess a grade of “C” or better in all required nursing program courses taken at another institution and possess a minimum of a 2.5 cumulative GPA at time of transfer.
3. Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA at current institution (which includes all course work completed) and/or cumulative 2.5 GPA at institution from which student is transferring.
4. Dean/Director of previous nursing program must provide a letter of eligibility/letter of good standing for progression in previous nursing program.
5. Must comply with all program policy requirements at accepting institution.
6. Complete at least 25% of the nursing program required courses for degree/certificate at the accepting institution.
7. Must meet acceptability criteria for placement at clinical agencies for clinical experience.
8. Acceptance of transfer students into nursing programs is limited by the number of faculty and clinical facilities available. Meeting minimal requirements does not guarantee acceptance.

NACC Nursing Program Essential Functions/Eligibility Criteria

The Alabama Community College System endorses the Americans with Disabilities Act. In accordance with college policy, when requested, reasonable accommodations may be provided for individuals with disabilities.

Physical, cognitive, psychomotor, affective, and social abilities are required in unique combinations to provide safe and effective nursing care. The applicant/student must be able to meet the essential functions/eligibility criteria with or without reasonable accommodations throughout the program of learning. Admission, progression, and graduation are contingent upon one's ability to perform the essential functions/eligibility criteria delineated for the nursing programs with or without reasonable accommodations. The nursing programs and/or its affiliated clinical agencies may identify additional essential functions/eligibility criteria. The nursing program reserves the right to amend the essential functions as deemed necessary.

In order to be admitted and to progress in the nursing program one must possess a functional level of ability to perform the duties required of a nurse or meet eligibility requirements. Admission or progression may be denied if a student is unable to perform the essential functions/eligibility criteria with or without reasonable accommodations.

The essential functions/eligibility criteria delineated are those deemed necessary by the Alabama Community College System nursing programs. No representation regarding industrial standards is implied. Similarly, any reasonable accommodations made will be determined and applied to the respective nursing program and may vary from reasonable accommodations made by healthcare employers. The essential functions/eligibility criteria delineated below are necessary for nursing program admission, progression, and graduation and for the provision of safe and effective nursing care. The essential functions/eligibility criteria include but are not limited to the ability to:

1.     Sensory Perception

• Visual
  • Observe and discern subtle changes in physical conditions and the environment
  • Visualize different color spectrums and color changes
  • Read fine print in varying levels of light
  • Read for prolonged periods of time
  • Read cursive writing
  • Read at varying distances
  • Read data/information displayed on monitors/equipment
• Auditory
  • Interpret monitoring devices
  • Distinguish muffled sounds heard through a stethoscope or other assistive technology
  • Effectively hear to communicate with others

  • Hear and discriminate high and low frequency sounds produced by the body and the environment

• Tactile
  • Discern tremors, vibrations, pulses, textures, temperature, shapes, size, location, and other physical characteristics
• Olfactory
  • Detect body odors and odors in the environment

2.     Communication/ Interpersonal Relationships

• Effectively communicate and interact with others, from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds
• Work effectively in groups
• Work effectively independently
• Discern and interpret nonverbal communication
• Express one's ideas and feelings clearly
• Communicate with others accurately in a timely manner
• Obtain communication from a computer

3.     Cognitive/Critical Thinking

• Effectively read, write, and comprehend the English language
• Consistently and dependably engage in the process of critical thinking in order to formulate and implement safe and ethical nursing decisions in a variety of healthcare settings
• Demonstrate satisfactory performance on written examinations including mathematical computations without a calculator

• Satisfactorily achieve the program objectives

4.     Motor Function

• Handle or manipulate small delicate equipment/objects without extraneous movement, contamination, or destruction
• Move, position, turn, transfer, assist with lifting or lift and carry clients without injury to client, self, or others
• Maneuver in small/tight spaces
• Push/pull heavy objects without injury to client, self, or others
• Coordinate hand/eye movements
• Stand, sit, bend, walk or otherwise move about for 6-12 hours in a clinical setting performing physical activities requiring physical energy without jeopardizing the safety of the client, self, or others
• Walk without a cane, walker, or crutches
• Function with hands free for nursing care and transporting items
• Transport self and client with or without the use of electrical devices
• Flex, abduct and rotate all joints freely
• Respond rapidly to emergency situations
• Perform daily care functions for the client
• Coordinate fine and gross motor hand movements to provide safe effective nursing care
• Calibrate/use equipment
• Execute movement required to provide nursing care in all health care settings
• Perform CPR and physical assessment
• Operate a computer

5.     Professional Behavior

• Convey caring, respect, sensitivity, tact, compassion, empathy, tolerance, and a healthy attitude toward others
• Demonstrate a mentally healthy attitude that is age appropriate in relationship to the client
• Handle multiple tasks concurrently
• Perform safe, effective nursing care for clients in a caring context
• Understand and follow the policies and procedures of the College and clinical agencies
• Understand the consequences of violating the student code of conduct
• Perform all duties safely and understand one is subject to discipline for willful violation of safety standards
• Meet qualifications for licensure by examination as stipulated by the Alabama Board of Nursing
• Pose no direct threat to self or others
• Understand that hostile and threatening behaviors toward others is unacceptable and is subject to discipline up to and including dismissal from the nursing program
• Function effectively in situations of uncertainty and stress inherent in providing nursing care
• Adapt to changing environments and situations
• Remain free of chemical dependency
• Report promptly to clinicals and remain for 6-12 hours on the clinical unit
• Provide nursing care in an appropriate time frame
• Accept responsibility, accountability, and ownership of one's actions
• Seek supervision/consultation in a timely manner
• Examine and modify one's own behavior when it interferes with nursing care or learning​​​​​​​