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Frequently Asked Questions about Nursing Careers
Nursing as a Career Choice
What skills and characteristics do I need to become a Registered Nurse?
Nurses need to have strong critical thinking, decision-making, communications, and interpersonal skills. Nurses must be able to accurately assess a patient’s condition and needs, develop a solid strategy to care for that patient, and competently perform a wide range of high-level skills. They must be able to provide non-judgmental care to people of varied cultural backgrounds and be committed to practicing in a safe and ethical manner (www.nursesource.org/staff.html). Nurses often are required to work long, irregular hours, often working double shifts or staying on call 24 hours a day. At times, this career may be exposed to highly infectious diseases and handle sharp objects, needles, and blood.
Where do Registered Nurses work?
Registered Nurses work in a variety of hospital units and community programs.
What is the salary range for Registered Nurses?
According to the North Carolina Employment Security Commission online, the average yearly earnings for Registered Nurses in NC is $41,100 - $73,500. The median yearly salary in NC is $54, 100 (data from 2007- http://www.careerinfonet.org/).
What are the educational pathways to becoming a Registered Nurse?
The Registered Nursing program at Haywood Community College prepares you for healthcare careers treating the sick and injured in hospitals, doctor’s offices, clinics, and public health agencies. Graduates of this program are eligible to apply to take the National Council of State Boards on Nursing Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).
What is the nursing program like?
This is a two-year program (after completing any pre-nursing course requirements). Our nursing courses include classroom instruction and supervised clinical hands-on experience in health care settings. Clinical locations vary and students must be prepared to travel outside the area for clinic. Clinical hours may be days, evenings, weekends, or summers.
What is the deadline for the program?
The application period for the Associate Degree Nursing program is January 31 of the year that you are applying.
How many people apply to the program?
On average, Haywood Community College receives approximately 265 applications for the Associate Degree Nursing program.
How many people qualify for the program?
An example of the 265 applicants for 2009, we had 83 qualified applicants that satisfied all requirements on the Admissions Nursing Criteria sheet.
When you do accept students to the Associate Degree Nursing program?
Accepted freshman students will be notified by April 15 for the fall program.
Does the Associate Degree Nursing program have a wait list?
We do not have a waiting list. Acceptance is based on the admissions criteria point system created by the Nursing Department. The top 46 freshman students based on the admissions criteria point system receive an interview. After the interview, the students with the top 25 points will be accepted.
Does the College accept any AP scores in lieu of specific pre-requisites?
If a student has taken Advanced Placement course(s) in high school and the respective examination and receives a grade of three (3) or higher on the exam, he/she can receive college credit. The recorded results of the Advanced Placement Examination should be sent to the Director of Enrollment Management.
Can I apply for the Associate Degree Nursing program if I live out of the state?
Yes, but part of the admissions criteria point system is residency. Students living out of the state would receive zero (0) points toward the admissions criteria point system.
How many people are accepted into the Associate Degree Nursing program (RN)?
The freshman (day course schedule) program accepts 25 students for each fall class. The advanced placement program accepts 9 students in the day course schedule program pending available slots are filled.
Pre-requisite Course Questions:
Do I need to have pre-requisite courses finished before I apply for the Associate Degree Nursing program?
No, pre-requisites will need to be completed by the end of fall semester or before the January 31 deadline.
Can I take pre-requisites at another college?
Yes, students can transfer pre-requisite coursework from another regionally accredited college. Please check with the Enrollment Management Office if you have questions about coursework.
Is there a time limit on pre-requisite courses?
No, the college does not have time limits on pre-requisite coursework.
How will I know if you will accept my transfer credits?
Students will need to submit official college transcripts to the Enrollment Management Office and the Nursing Director will evaluate your transcripts.
How Do I Get Started - Application Process
When is the admissions application available?
The admissions applications are available from February 1-January 31 online at www.haywood.edu, then click Prospective Student.
Do I need to mail my admissions application or can I hand deliver it?
Students can apply on line at www.haywood.edu or hand deliver to the Enrollment Management Office located in the Student Center (1500 Building).
Is there an application fee?
There is not an admissions application fee.
If I am denied admissions can I re-apply?
Yes, students who are denied admission can re-apply for the following year. Students are notified after the admissions deadline of their status. All students who want to re-apply must do so each year for the Associate Degree Nursing program. If you complete additional coursework at another college, you will need to submit official college transcript(s) showing the additional coursework completed.
What is the General Education Associate-Pre-Nursing Program?
Students generally will apply for this program and take any developmental coursework, pre-requisite coursework, and enroll in the general education courses within the Associate Degree Nursing program. The advantage of being a General Education Associate-Pre-Nursing Program student is that your academic advisor is a nursing faculty member.
Where do I send my admissions application and transcripts?
For freshman students, send your application and official high school transcript or GED scores to the Enrollment Management Office, Haywood Community College, 185 Freedlander Drive, Clyde, NC 28721.
For transfer students, send your application and official high school transcript or GED scores and your college transcripts to the Enrollment Management Office, Haywood Community College, 185 Freedlander Drive, Clyde, NC 28721.
How many transcripts will I need to send?
Students must submit an official high school or GED scores to the Enrollment Management Office. Current high school seniors should have their school submit an interim transcript showing work through the first semester of the senior year by January 31. A final transcript must be submitted within one month of graduation.
What is required if I am a transfer student?
Students must submit official transcript(s) from any regionally accredited postsecondary institution(s) previously attended mailed to the Enrollment Management Office. If pre-requisite coursework is required, the transcript must be received in the Enrollment Management Office by January 31 deadline.
Do I get extra points with having my CNA/EMT/Paramedic or Medical Assisting, etc?
Yes, please refer to the Nursing Admissions Criteria sheet at www.haywood.edu, click on Enrollment Management, Nursing Enrollment.
Do I need to provide the documentation for my CNA, etc?
Yes, it is the student’s responsibility to submit the documentation to the Enrollment Management Office prior to the January 31 deadline. https://www.ncnar.org/
Are there any admissions testing requirements?
Yes, students will need to satisfy the Accuplacer which consists of reading, sentence skills, arithmetic and elementary algebra and the Health Occupations Aptitude Examination which consists of Academic Aptitude, Spelling, Reading comprehension, Natural Science, and Vocational Adjustment. Please review to the Nursing Admissions Criteria score sheet at www.haywood.edu, click on Enrollment Management, Nursing Enrollment.
What are the satisfactory scores needed on the Accuplacer test?
Reading 80; Sentence Skills, 86; Arithmetic 55; and Algebra 55
How do I schedule an Accuplacer test date?
Testing for students is available Monday-Thursday (9:00 am, 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm) by appointment. Please call the (828) 627-4503 to schedule an appointment.
Is there a study guide for the Accuplacer?
Yes, go to www.haywood.edu under Prospective Student, Enrollment Management, Enrollment Procedures or go to www.testprepreview.com/accuplacer_practice.htm. (*Note that there is an underscore between accuplacer and practice in the web address).
Is there a study guide for the Health Occupations Aptitude Exam?
Yes, a study guide in available in the college bookstore. Approximate cost for the study guide is $36.11.
Is there a cost to register for the Health Occupations Aptitude Exam?
Yes, the cost to register for this examination is $15.
How do I register for the Health Occupations Aptitude Exam?
Prior to September 15th, students will receive a registration card from HCC’s Education & Career Development Services. After September 15th, students who apply for the Nursing Program will receive HOAE registration cards from the Enrollment Management Office. Students will return the registration card with payment to Education & Career Development Services with a selected test date. The Education & Career Development Services will send a confirmation postcard or email (when available).
How can I get a Nursing Admissions Criteria score sheet?
Go to www.haywood.edu, Prospective Student, click on Enrollment Management, Nursing Enrollment.
Do you accept SAT or ACT scores in lieu of taking the Accuplacer?
Yes, students with recorded scores of SAT Critical Reading 500, SAT Math 500 or ACT Composite of 21.
If a transfer student has completed ENG 111 and MAT 115 or higher with a grade of “C” or better, does this waive the Accuplacer?
Yes, students will need to submit official college transcript(s) from regionally accredited colleges reflecting these courses. (The official college transcript must provide a grade of ”C” or better not just show the course as transfer credit.)
What pre-requisite courses are required?
Provide an official transcript showing evidence of general biology, general chemistry, and algebra of a grade of “C” or better at the high school level or higher.
How many points does the Health Occupations Aptitude Examination count?
This test counts as a total of 25 points which is broken down into 5 points for each of the 5 sections.
Will I need to provide letters of recommendation?
No, students do not need to submit recommendation letters since it is not considered for the admissions criteria point system.
Will you accept any hours that I volunteered in the hospital?
No, students do not need to submit documentation of volunteer hours since it is not considered for the admissions criteria point system.
Qualified Applicant Questions:
Is there an interview?
Yes, the top 46 qualified applicants will receive an interview. Notification for interviews will be mailed out by the Nursing Department in March.
After I complete all the admissions requirements by the deadline, what are my chances of getting into the Associate Degree Nursing program?
There is no way to predict the chances of a student getting into the nursing program since it depends on many variables in the qualified applicant pool. Please refer to the admissions criteria score sheet at www.haywood.edu, Prospective Student, Enrollment Management, Nursing Enrollment.
What GPA will guarantee my acceptance since the program is so competitive?
There is no GPA that will guarantee a student’s acceptance into the Associate Degree Nursing program. There are many variables that contribute to the total admissions criteria point system.
Academic Advising for Pre-Nursing Students:
What is the purpose of academic advising?
Academic advising supports Haywood Community College’s educational objectives of guiding each student to achieve their educational goals.
How do I get an advisor?
Each pre-nursing student is assigned an academic advisor within the student’s major by the departmental assistant. If you have any questions, please call the Health & Human Services (Nursing) department at (828) 627-4651.
What does my academic advisor do?
The academic advisor assists a student in achieving educational goals. The advisor maintains advisee records, are knowledgeable about academic information, guides the student with the registration process, refers to appropriate campus and community resources, and encourages students to complete the degree for graduation.
How soon can I see an academic advisor?
Due to staffing limitations and peak workloads in the semester, students are encouraged to plan ahead. Contact the Nursing Department at (828) 627-4651.
How do I prepare for my academic advising appointment?
After you receive your acceptance letter for the General Education-Pre-Nursing Associate program, then you can call the Nursing Department to schedule an appointment. Early registration dates are located on the website or posted on the electronic sign each semester.
Do I need to meet with an advisor before registering for courses?
Yes, advising is required for all enrolled students registering in Haywood Community College courses.
What is the cost for the General Education – Pre-Nursing Associate program?
See in-state tuition costs and out-of-state tuition costs at www.haywood.edu, Prospective Student, Enrollment Management, Tuition & Fees for Curriculum Students.
Is financial assistance an option?
Yes, students can complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form on line at www.fafsa.ed.gov or pick up a form in Student Development Services office on campus.
How long does it take to complete the Associate Degree Nursing program?
It takes 5 semesters to complete the day course schedule.
Will an accepted nursing student be assigned a different advisor?
Yes, after acceptance into the Associate Degree Nursing program, students are assigned a different adviser from the General Education-Pre-Nursing Associate Program.
What semesters does the college offer the Nursing Transition class for advanced placement (LPN) students?
Generally, this course is offered in the summer and fall semesters only. This is a requirement prior to entering the advanced placement nursing program.
When will advanced placement nursing students be notified of acceptance into the program?
The admissions freshman (basic) nursing requirements must be completed by January 31. The additional requirements from the advanced placement (LPN) applicants are due by the end of spring semester. Students are notified mid-May of acceptance into the program.