PRACTICAL NURSING
Selective Admission Process
Application Dates – March 5, 2013 through May 16, 2013
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE EACH ACADEMIC YEAR. The Practical Nursing curriculum prepares individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide nursing care to clients and groups of clients throughout the lifespan in a variety of settings.
Graduates of this program are eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN), which is required for practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Employment opportunities include a wide variety of health care settings such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, physician’s offices, industry, and community health agencies.
APPLICATION PROCESS
It is the nursing applicants’ responsibility to ensure that all requirements are met by the established deadline. Nursing deadlines, guidelines, and policies apply equally to all students; thus, there can be no exceptions.
ALL APPLICANTS MUST APPEAR IN PERSON AT CAPE FEAR COMMUNITY COLLEGE. APPLICATIONS CANNOT BE TAKEN OVER THE TELEPHONE OR BY MAIL/WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE.
Steps 1 through 5 must be completed prior to filing your “Intent to Apply” to the Practical Nursing program. Students must:
1. Have an overall GPA of 2.5 or higher in all post-secondary coursework completed at Cape Fear Community College. After an “Intent to Apply” has been filed, you must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 to enter the program in the fall. If your CFCC GPA is below 2.5 and you have not been enrolled in CFCC for 3 consecutive years, you may be eligible for academic forgiveness. (See page 24 in the current 2012-2013 catalog.)
2. Complete the CFCC General Admissions Application.
3. Complete Placement Test, if required by the Admissions Office. Meet minimum cut-off scores on Placement Test.
4. Request official transcripts from a regionally accredited high school/GED agency and any colleges attended. High school/GED transcripts must indicate the date graduated. Official transcripts are those received either by mail or by hand delivery to CFCC in the original, sealed envelope from the awarding institution or agency. North Carolina public high school graduates may request their official high school transcripts be sent electronically to the Admissions Office via the College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC) website at www.cfnc.org. Home schooled students must submit a copy of the home school’s approved registration from the state in which they are registered, and an official transcript including the graduation date and documentation of completion of competency testing.
5. Request official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended be mailed to the Admissions and Records Office. These will be reviewed for possible transfer credit.
6. Meet with a counselor to schedule an appointment to take the Psychological Services Bureau (PSB) Exam and to complete an “Intent to Apply” form. The “Intent to Apply” form is not an application to
the Practical Nursing Program. Applicant must file the “Intent to Apply” and schedule the PSB exam on or prior to 5:30 pm on the last day of the application period.
7. Take Psychological Services Bureau (PSB) exam and meet the minimum percentile cut-off scores. Information about the PSB examination will be discussed later in the packet.
A $25.00 fee will be charged to take the Practical Nursing PSB exam. Applicants must appear in person at Cape Fear Community College. The PSB exam fee must be paid by check, cash or credit card at the time the PSB exam is scheduled. Rescheduling of PSB exams will only be considered in the case of extenuating circumstances (i.e. such as a medical emergency) and the applicant must provide documentation of the extenuating circumstance. The Director of Counseling MAY choose to issue a “Stand By Pass” for testing. A “Stand By Pass” does not guarantee admission to the test; Admission to the test may be determined by seat availability. Please check your academic and personal calendars before scheduling the exam.
MINIMUM ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
1. PLACEMENT TEST SCORES
To be considered for admission to the program, all applicants must meet the minimum requirements on the appropriate Placement Test*.
*Completion of English 111 or its equivalent and Math 141 or higher with a grade of “C” or better may eliminate taking a Placement Test.
ASSET Compass Accuplacer(CPT) SAT ACT
41 Writing 70 Writing 86 Sentence 470 Verbal or 19 English
41 Reading 81 Reading 80 Reading 470 Reading & 19 Reading
41 Numerical 47 Pre-Algebra 55 Arithmetic 470 Writing 20 Math
41 Elem Algebra 66 Algebra 75 Elem Algebra 500 Math
Or
41 Intermediate Algebra
If an applicant scores less than the minimum cut-off scores on an appropriate Placement Test, he/she will be required to complete the essential sequence of developmental courses/modules. If the student completes all of the required remedial courses/modules with a grade of “C” or better and/or a grade of “P” prior to the application deadline date and meets the other minimum requirements, he/she may be considered eligible to apply to the Program.
The Placement Test or any combination of Placement Tests may be taken twice in twelve (12) consecutive months and must have been taken in the last five years. Applicants who violate the testing policy will not be disqualified. However, when a nursing applicant has tested more than twice in twelve consecutive months, only the first two attempts will be considered in the application process. Placement test scores which violate the testing policy will be disregarded.
If the Placement Test has been taken at another community college (in the past five years), it is the student’s responsibility to ensure that the official scores are transferred to Cape Fear Community College.
Accommodations for testing due to a documented disability may be made with the Disability Support Services office (A-215) or call (910) 362-7012 or 362-7158.
2. PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES BUREAU (PSB) NURSING ADMISSIONS TEST
Students who meet the minimum requirements discussed above will be scheduled an appointment to take the PSB Practical Nursing Exam. Practical Nursing applicants may take the PSB one time per
application period. More information about the PSB will be provided when the student is scheduled for the PSB. There are several resources that can be used to help prepare for this exam such as a dictionary, 8th grade arithmetic textbooks, high school science textbooks, GED Study Guide, SAT Study Guide, and Nursing School Entrance examination study guides. In addition, the staff in the CFCC Learning Lab (910 362-7137) will be able to provide guidance and resource materials to help prepare for the PSB exam.
A study guide for the PSB Exam can be accessed at: http://www.cfcc.edu/testingservices/ (use lower case letters).
A $25.00 fee will be charged to take the Practical Nursing program PSB exam. Applicants must
appear in person at Cape Fear Community College. The PSB exam fee must be paid by check, cash or credit card at the time the PSB exam is scheduled. Rescheduling of PSB exams will only be considered in the case of extenuating circumstances (i.e. such as a medical emergency) and the applicant must provide documentation of the extenuating circumstance. The Director of Counseling MAY choose to issue a “Stand By Pass” for testing. A “Stand By Pass” does not guarantee admission to the test; Admission to the test may be determined by seat availability. Please check your academic and personal calendars before scheduling the exam.
In order to apply to the Practical Nursing Program, a student must meet the minimum score requirements on the PSB of the 30th percentile in each of the following six (6) areas: Verbal, Arithmetic, Non-Verbal, Spelling, Judgment and Comprehension, and Natural Science. Those who have taken the PSB in previous years should be aware that only those scores from the two most recent attempts within the last five years will be considered. The highest score in EACH AREA will be considered for points.
You will receive an official copy of your scores 3 to 5 days after you complete the PSB exam. If you have met the minimum scores of the 30th percentile in the six required areas, you will be invited to review your point count assessment after the application deadline and after all point counts are completed. You should expect to hear from the Counseling office early summer 2013.
PRACTICAL NURSING SELECTION PROCESS
The point system was implemented as an objective means for evaluating nursing applicants. ALL documents needed for points must be on file at CFCC prior to the application deadline of the program. No points will be awarded for documentation received after the application deadline.
Practical Nursing applicants will be ranked based upon points earned, and the students with the highest number of points will be selected. If two or more students have the identical point count total, the date that the “Intent to Apply” form was completed in the Counseling Office will be the determining factor.
1. Points For the PSB Exam
Points are based on the percentile scores of all seven (7) areas of the PSB Exam -- Verbal, Arithmetic, Non-Verbal, Spelling, Judgment and Comprehension, Natural Sciences, and the Vocational
Adjustment Index are used in calculating the total number of points earned in this section.
2. Points for grades earned
Prior High School or College Level Classes
College and/or high school courses completed prior to the application deadline with a grade of “C” or higher will earn the applicant points. (For point distribution, refer to the enclosed point count worksheet).
3. Total Points
Fifty percent (50%) of the applicant’s total points from the PSB exam will be added to fifty percent (50%) of the applicant’s total points from related high school/college classes and attendance at an information session will equal a total point count.
SPECIAL NOTES:
BIO 163, BIO 168 and BIO 169, must have been taken in the last five (5) years of start date of the Practical Nursing Program. Only the first attempt with a letter grade of “C” or better will be considered for the point count.
If students plan to take BIO 168 and 169 during the Practical Nursing program in lieu of BIO 163, both BIO 168 (with at least a grade of “C”) and BIO 169 (with at least a grade of “C”) must be completed by the end of the fall semester of the program.
All CFCC diploma graduates must demonstrate basic computer competency. Students may acquire basic computer competency by completing CIS 111 or 110, pass the Basic Computer Competency exercise offered through the Learning Lab (second floor, Health Sciences/Learning Resource Center) or take the CLEP test for CIS 110.
3. Points for Information Session
Two points will be awarded for attending one Information Session. No points will be awarded for sessions attended in previous years. Certificates of attendance must be filled out (by student) and collected by a counselor immediately after the information session in order for points to be awarded. Dates are as follows:
Monday, January 14, 2013 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Room L-107 Tuesday, February 19, 2013 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm Room L-107 Thursday, March 21, 2013 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm Room L-107 Monday, April 29, 2013 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm Room L-107
As stated earlier, applicants who have met the minimum 30th percentile scores in the required six (6) areas of the PSB exam (Verbal, Arithmetic, Non-Verbal, Spelling, Judgment and Comprehension, and Natural Science) will be invited to come in for a point count assessment. APPLICANTS WHO FAIL TO
ATTEND THIS POINT COUNT ASSESSMENT WILL WAIVE THEIR RIGHT TO CONTEST THEIR POINT TOTALS.
Applicant’s point counts are confidential. To protect your privacy, point count totals cannot be discussed on the telephone.
NOTIFICATION PROCEDURE
Twenty-five (25) new students may be conditionally admitted to the Practical Nursing Program each Fall semester. Students whose status is “alternate” are admitted to the program only if someone who was originally accepted, declines the offer of admission, or if someone who was originally accepted becomes disqualified (refer to disqualifying factors). If a student did not meet minimum requirements, was not accepted, or declined admission, he/she must re-apply the following year.
The 25 selected students will be notified when to complete the following information: 1. Medical Reports
All completed health/medical reports must be received by specified date noted in acceptance letter.
2. Drug Screen
A nine (9) panel urine drug screen is mandatory. Methadone will be included in the urine drug screening. Testing positive on the drug screen, or evidence of tampering with a
specimen, will disqualify a student from participation in the clinical assignment, thus resulting in dismissal from the PN program. Information on obtaining a drug screen will be
provided at orientation. For further information, students should see the “Drug and Alcohol Policy” in the 2012-2013 CFCC Student Handbook (pp. 58-59).
3. CPR
Students must also submit documentation of current 2 year CPR certification for health care providers (must include infant, child and adult). No online courses accepted.
4. Criminal Background Check
Clinical sites require a drug screening and a criminal background check prior to allowing students into the clinical setting (Any associated fees will be the responsibility of the student). In addition, certain criminal activity, as evident by a criminal background check may also disqualify a student from clinical participation. Please be aware that failure to participate in a clinical assignment based on either the drug screening or criminal background check will result in dismissal from the Practical Nursing Program. Cape Fear Community College will not accept the background checks. It is your responsibility to hold this report for the clinical site if needed. Information on obtaining a criminal background check will be provided at orientation.
A. PROGRESSION POLICY
Students admitted to the Practical Nursing Program must achieve or have achieved a “C” in each course in the curriculum in order to progress semester by semester.
Grading Policy
A Excellent 92-100
B Good 84-91
C Average 76-83
D Poor 68-75
Credits in the PN Program are determined as follows: Class 1hour credit for each hour class Lab 1 hour credit for three hours lab Clinical 1 hour credit for three hours clinical
A semester credit hour is equivalent to 16 hours of classroom instruction or 48 hours of laboratory or clinical instruction.
B. PHYSICAL AND COGNITIVE EXPECTATIONS OF A STUDENT NURSE
Nursing is a practice discipline with cognitive, sensory, affective, and psychomotor performance
requirements. For purposes of nursing program compliance with the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act, a qualified individual with a disability is one who, with or without reasonable accommodation or
modification, meets the essential eligibility requirements for participation in the nursing programs.
If a student believes that he or she cannot meet nursing program requirements without accommodations, the Disability Support Services office will determine on an individual basis, whether or not the necessary accommodations can be reasonably made. Further information regarding the physical and cognitive
expectations of a student nurse and CORE performance standards may be found in the student policy manual for nursing.
CFCC provides reasonable accommodations to otherwise qualified students with disabilities, as long as such disabilities, as determined on a case-by-case basis, do not preclude the student from meeting the qualifications considered essential to the program. The essential functions (Core Performance Standards) are listed below.
Students who feel they need accommodations should contact the Disability Support Services office in A-215 on the Downtown Campus or call 910 362-7158 or 910 362-7012.
CORE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
C. DISQUALIFYING FACTORS
Students may be denied admission to nursing programs for any of the following reasons:
A. Physical or emotional health, which indicates impairment in ability to provide safe nursing care to the public.
B. Conduct not in accordance with the standards of a licensed practical nurse: 1. has given false information or has withheld material information;
2. has used any drug to a degree that interferes with his or her fitness to practice nursing; 3. has deceived or defrauded the public;
4. has engaged in conduct which endangers the public health.
Accepted applicants will be required to take a nine (9) panel drug screen and have a criminal background check prior to starting the program. The college follows agency protocol regarding drug screening and criminal background checks. Without access to the clinical facilities, students will be unable to satisfactorily complete the nursing courses.
Students who register for practical nursing classes after acceptance and then withdraw before classes begin or during the first semester will be given the opportunity to apply ONLY ONCE MORE.
D. LEGAL LIMITATIONS OF LICENSURE
Students who enroll in the PN Program should be aware that their application for licensure at the completion of the program may be denied or restricted by the North Carolina Board of Nursing for the following
reasons:
The student practiced fraud or deceit in attempting to procure a license to practice nursing.
The student has been convicted of a misdemeanor/felony (excluding a minor traffic violation).
The student is mentally or physically incompetent or uses any drug to a degree that interferes with fitness to practice nursing.
The student engages in conduct which endangers the public health.
ISSUE STANDARD SOME EXAMPLES OF NECESSARY ACTIVITIES
(Not all Inclusive)
Critical Thinking Critical Thinking ability sufficient for clinical judgment Identify cause-effect relationships in clinical situations, participate in planning care.
Interpersonal
Interpersonal abilities to interact with individuals, families, and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds
Establish rapport with patients/clients and colleagues.
Communication Communication abilities sufficient for interaction with others in verbal and written form
Explain treatment procedures, participate in health teaching, document and evaluate nursing actions and patient/client responses.
Mobility Physical abilities sufficient to move from room to room and maneuver in small places
Moves around in patients rooms, work spaces, and treatment areas, administers cardiopulmonary procedures.
Motor Skills Gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to provide safe and effective nursing care
Calibrate and use equipment; position patients/clients.
Hearing Auditory ability sufficient to monitor and collect data Detect auditory alarm, emergency signals, auscultatory sounds, cries for help.
Visual Visual ability sufficient for observation and data collection necessary in nursing care
Observes patient/client responses (i.e. wound status, patient skin color change.)
Tactile Tactile ability sufficient for data collection and physical examine
Perform palpation and other functions of physical examination and/or those related to therapeutic intervention, e.g. insertion of a catheter.
NORTH CAROLINA BOARD OF NURSING
LICENSURE APPLICATION WITH PRIOR CONVICTIONS AND/OR DISCIPLINARY ACTION
As a regulatory agency, the Board of Nursing does not become involved in reviewing the applicant’s
conviction record until such time as application is made to take the national examination. On the application, the question is asked whether or not the applicant has ever been convicted of a misdemeanor/felony. If the response is yes, a certified copy of the criminal record and a detailed written explanation must be submitted. In addition, as of January 1, 2002 criminal background checks including fingerprints are required. Review of the record is made by the Board staff in accordance with guidelines established by the Board. The applicant may take the exam. After the Board staff reviews the record, one of several actions may occur.
1. There may be a request for additional information. 2. The license may be issued once the exam is passed.
3. The applicant may be notified that it will be necessary for him/her to appear before the Board of Licensure Committee. This may be necessary if:
A felony conviction occurred after the applicant entered the nursing program. The conditions of the conviction have not been satisfied.
The type and/or number of convictions bring into question the applicant’s ability to safely and competently practice nursing.
If an appearance before the Licensure Committee is required, the committee will make a decision and one of several actions may be taken:
1. The licensure is issued when the applicant is successful on the exam.
2. The licensure is issued with a probational status and the applicant will be told the reason and will have the right to address the Board concerning the decision.
COUNSELING
If you have questions or concerns regarding the selective admissions process, please contact a counselor in room A-220 or at the North Campus in NA-100.
CAPE FEAR COMMUNITY COLLEGE
2012-2013
TUITION & FEES
Payment methods: cash, check, money order, VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, financial aid or 3rd party sponsorship. All forms of payment must be received by the Business Office to be officially
registered.
Credit Hours
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Student Activity
Fees
Parking & Security
Fees
Technology Fees
1 69.00 261.00 $7.25 $10.00 $1.00
2 138.00 522.00 $9.50 $10.00 $2.00
3 207.00 783.00 $11.75 $10.00 $3.00
4 276.00 1044.00 $14.00 $10.00 $4.00
5 345.00 1305.00 $16.25 $10.00 $5.00
6 414.00 1566.00 $18.50 $10.00 $6.00
7 483.00 1827.00 $20.75 $10.00 $7.00
8 552.00 2088.00 $23.00 $10.00 $8.00
9 621.00 2349.00 $25.25 $20.00 $9.00
10 690.00 2610.00 $27.50 $20.00 $10.00
11 759.00 2871.00 $29.75 $20.00 $11.00
12 828.00 3132.00 $32.50 $20.00 $12.00
13 897.00 3393.00 $32.50 $20.00 $13.00
14 966.00 3654.00 $32.50 $20.00 $14.00
15 1035.00 3915.00 $32.50 $20.00 $15.00
16 or More 1104.00 4176.00 $32.50 $20.00 $16.00
PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY INSURANCE: $15.00 PER SCHOOL YEAR (HEALTH SCIENCE STUDENTS)
FULL TIME: 12 CREDIT HOURS ¾ TIME 9 CREDIT HOURS ½ TIME 6 CREDIT HOURS
Tuition is established by the North Carolina State Legislature and is subject to change without prior notification.
Special note regarding Financial Aid:
The Financial Aid office monitors a policy that is based on federal regulations that establishes a maximum time frame for completion of a program of 150 percent of the published length of an educational program. This means that as a student majoring in Pre‐Nursing or a Pre‐ Health Science program, you will need to pay careful attention to the number of hours you attempt prior to actual admission into your program of
choice. Depending on the number of hours that you have attempted prior to admission into Nursing or a Health Science program, you may not be eligible for enough financial aid to complete the program after you have been admitted.
To make sure you understand this policy and that you plan ahead in order to use your financial benefits in a wise and timely manner, please consult with the financial aid office located in the Galehouse building (Downtown) or the McKeithan Center (North Campus).
ESTIMATED EXPENSES
CAPE FEAR COMMUNITY COLLEGE
PRACTICAL NURSING PROGRAM
FALL 2013
FIRST SEMESTER (FALL)
TUITION/FEES (IN-STATE) $1,172.50
TUITION/FEES (OUT-OF-STATE) 4,244.50
LIABILITY INSURANCE 15.00
BOOKS 475.00
SYLLABUS 10.00
UNIFORM - BOUGHT BY STUDENT 155.00
STETHOSCOPE 35.00
SCISSORS 10.00
SHOES - BOUGHT BY STUDENT (INDIVIDUAL PREFERENCE) 50.00
LAB KIT 100.00
PHYSICAL 100.00
DRUG SCREEN 40.00
MISC. FEES 200.00
CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK (VARIES) 50.00
TOTAL IN-STATE $2,412.50 TOTAL OUT-OF-STATE $5,484.50 SECOND SEMESTER (SPRING)
TUITION/FEES (IN-STATE) $1,172.50
TUITION/FEES (OUT-OF-STATE) 4,244.50
BOOKS 40.00
SYLLABUS 10.00
MISC. FEES 140.00
TOTAL IN-STATE $1,362.50
TOTAL OUT-OF-STATE $4,434.50
THIRD SEMESTER (SUMMER)
TUITION (IN-STATE) $ 747.50
TUITION (OUT-OF-STATE) 2,667.50
SYLLABUS 10.00
PIN 50.00
LAMP 15.00
CAP 15.00
GRADUATION FEE 25.00
NCLEX – PN FEE 200.00 LICENSURE 75.00 CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK 38.00 MISC. FEES 140.00
TOTAL IN-STATE $1,315.50
TOTAL OUT-OF-STATE $ 3,235.50
TOTAL IN-STATE COST OF PROGRAM $ 5,090.50
TOTAL OUT-OF-STATE COST OF PROGRAM $13,154.50 Revised 7/2012
CAPE FEAR COMMUNITY COLLEGE 411 North Front Street
Wilmington, NC 28401-3910 APPLICANT’S NAME______________________________
STUDENT ID NO.___________________________________
POINT COUNT WORKSHEET
PRACTICAL NURSING
CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDENTS
Students are selected according to a point system.
SECTION A. HIGH SCHOOL/COLLEGE COURSE WORK
High School Senior with a GPA of 3.5 or higher (15 pts)____ High School or college biology with “C” or above (2 pts) ____
ACA 111 College Student Success Or
ACA 122 College Transfer Success
ACA classes must have been taken at CFCC to receive points (5 pts)____
Attended PN Information Session (2 pts)____ (Must attend during current application period to be
Awarded points)
*BIO 163 Basic Anatomy & Physiology (5 sem hrs) Or
*BIO 168 Anatomy and Physiology I (4 sem hrs) And
*BIO 169 Anatomy and Physiology II (4 sem hrs) A (15pts)___ B (10pts)___ C (5pts)____
*First attempt with letter grade of “C” or better will be considered for the point count.
PSY 150 General Psychology (3 sem hrs) A (15pts)___ B (10pts)___ C (5pts)____ PSY 241 Developmental Psychology (3 sem hrs) A (9pts)____ B (6pts)____ C (3pts)____ ENG 111 Expository Writing (3 sem hrs) A (9pts) ___ B (6pts)___ C (3pts)___ CIS 111 PC Literacy (2 sem hrs)
Or
CIS 110 Introduction to Computers (3 sem hrs) A (6pts)____ B (4pts)____ C (2pts)____
Total Score _______
50% of Total Scores _______
SECTION B. PSB NURSING ADMISSIONS TEST
Percentile Score Verbal ________ Arithmetic ________ Non-Verbal ________ Spelling ________ Natural Science ________ Judgment & Comprehension ________
Vocational Adjustment Index ________ Percentile Score Total ________
50% of Total Percentile Score ________
SUMMATION OF POINT TOTALS
Section A ________ Section B ________ Grand Total ________
* If students have the same total point count, the date that the “Intent to Apply” was completed in the Counseling Office will be considered.
** In the event the above point count tool does not succeed in clearly identifying students for admission, an interview process may be implemented.
This point count sheet is reviewed each year and is subject to changes.
