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PIERCE COLLEGE
ASSOCIATE DEGREE IN NURSING
LPN/BRIDGE APPLICATI ON PACKET
PROGRAM STARTS FALL, 2015
P r i o r i t y Ap p l i c a t i o n D u e D a t e i s
W e d n e s d a y , Ap r i l 1 5 , 2 0 1 5
W e w i l l a l s o b e a c c e p t i n g a p p l i c a t i o n s
U n t i l t h e c l a s s i s f u l l
The Pierce
College Puyallup Associate Degree Nursing Program’s mission is to provide students with a
comprehensive, quality education based upon current professional practice and incorporating respect of
the individual, to meet the diverse needs of our community.
WORKSHOP FOR LPN/BRIDGE 2015 APPLICANTS
Application Workshop: Fri. March 6, 2:00 – 4:00pm Room AAH 130
Arts and Allied Health Building
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Table of Contents
Letter from the Director………..….……..3
Overview of the Program...…...4
Prerequisites………..…….……4
Nursing Program Curriculum………..….…….5
Application Process and Deadlines………..…….…..7
Application Checklist………..………....8
Application……….….…...11
Documentation of Prerequisite Courses………….….…….13
Recommendation Forms………..……15, 17
Guidelines for Personal Statement………..………..19
Guidelines for Functional Resume……….………...20
Instructions for Kaplan Admissions Exam……….………...21
Appendices
A: Course Equivalencies for Prerequisites….…...23-26
B: Estimated Program Costs……….…………27
Financial Aid Information……….………...28
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LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR
It is my pleasure to welcome you to Pierce College Nursing Program application process.
The application process for the Pierce College Nursing Program is challenging yet rewarding.
Our aim is to ensure that all individuals have an equal opportunity to “shine” during this process;
we support prospective students in their endeavor toward achieving the next step in the
academic journey toward becoming a professional registered nurse and obtaining an Associate
Degree in Nursing.
You will find that the Pierce College Nursing Program is outstanding and distinctive. We
are built on a foundation of respect for all individuals in our community. We strive for a diverse
student cohort and believe in
developing each student’s unique abilities. Our commitment to
quality nursing education and teaching excellence prepares learners to live and work
successfully as registered nurses in an ever-changing healthcare environment. We are also
proactive in designing curriculum preparing the Pierce College nursing graduate to further his
or her education at a four-year college or university and obtain a bachelor degree in nursing.
I urge you to take advantage of the rich resources that are available to you at Pierce
College during this application process. Nursing is a rewarding career choice, and our
application and selection process is rigorous. The faculty and staff of the Pierce College Nursing
Program support you in this endeavor and we encourage you to ask questions throughout the
process.
Sincerely,
Emily Mize, PhD, MN-CNS, RN
Director, Nursing Programs
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Program Overview
Pierce College offers the Associate Degree in Nursing for students who wish to become Registered Nurses. This program begins with a strong foundation in basic nursing concepts and skills, from which students then advance to more complex nursing concepts and skills. A solid base in the natural and social sciences is included to provide students with a greater understanding of patient care in a variety of settings. During the course of the program, students receive experience in acute care, maternal/child, acute care specialties, community and mental health settings.
Upon completing the nursing program, the graduate is eligible to take the NCLEX-RN examination in order to be licensed as Registered Nurses in their state of residence. Licensed Registered Nurses qualify to be employed as entry-level nurses in hospitals, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, clinics, health care providers’ offices, and home care agencies. In addition, Pierce College ADN graduates have the option of enrolling in the BSN Completion program at UW-Tacoma or St. Martin’s University.
Prerequisites
PREREQUISITES (minimum qualifications) RECOMMENDED COURSES The following courses must be completed with a grade of
3.0 (B) or better. All prerequisites and recommended courses must be completed within seven years of the date of the student’s application. (See below for exception)*
The following courses are strongly recommended as they greatly enhance the prospective nursing student’s chances for success. These courses must be completed with a grade of 2.0 (C) or better. (See below for exceptions)*
Course Number
ENGL& 101 Course Name English Composition I Credits 5 Course Number MATH& 146 Course Name Statistics Credits 5 BIOL& 241 Human Anatomy & Phys I 6 World Language Language 121 & 122 10 BIOL& 242 Human Anatomy & Phys II 6
BIOL& 260 Microbiology 5
CHEM& 121 Intro to Chemistry 5
PSYCH& 200 Human Lifespan Development 5 CHEM& 131 Intro to Organic and
Biochemistry 6
NOTE: All courses have pre-requisites that cannot be waived. It is critical to work closely with a pre-nursing advisor
.
*Please Note: The 7-year limitation on ENGL& 101 and PSYC& 200 may be waived if the course was completed as part of a degree from an accredited institution of higher learning. There is no time limit on the World Language requirement. Two years of the same high school foreign language will also satisfy this requirement. Native speakers can satisfy this requirement following UW guidelines. (See Nursing advisor for details)
Completion of the prerequisites enables the student to apply to the nursing program and does not
constitute acceptance into the nursing program. Each prerequisite courses can only be repeated once,
and a withdrawal is considered as one attempt at the course. It is recommended that the previous courses
be completed by spring 2015, and the official transcript on file prior to July 1, 2015.
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Course Equivalence of Prerequisite Courses from Other Colleges
If transferring in a course from another educational institution, the courses must be equivalent to a Pierce
College course. Please see the Course Equivalency chart in the appendix for Washington State
community college, technical college and university courses that meet Pierce College course objectives.
These listed in the appendix meet Pierce College nursing program prerequisites. [Note that courses with
an ampersand (“&”) in the course number are common course numbers throughout the Washington State
community and technical college system and is considered the same course by all community and
technical colleges in Washington State.]
If your prerequisites were completed outside of Washington State or are not listed, please
contact the Pierce College Pre-Nursing & Allied Health Advisor for information regarding the waiver form.
The process for determining course equivalencies may include evaluation of the syllabus of the course
taken, and this may involve other departments. Therefore, please allow additional time for this process.
It is the applicant’s responsibility to be sure all courses are evaluated prior to the application deadline, so
contact the pre-nursing advisor with any questions well in advance of the application deadline.
ASSOCIATE IN NURSING
Nursing Program Curriculum
Each ADN course must be completed with a minimum 2.7 GPA and all courses must be completed in the designated quarter.
FIRST YEAR
SECOND YEAR
Quarter I (13 credits) Quarter IV (13 credits – ADN students, 17 credits – for LPNs )
HSCI 114 Therapeutic Communication in
Healthcare 3 NURS 210 Advanced Topics in Nursing I 4
Settings NURS 211 Advanced Nursing Clinical
Practice 6
HSCI 116 Pharmacology for Allied Health 4 NURS 214 Advanced Concepts in Family- 3 NURS 111 Fundamentals of Nursing Practice 3 Centered Nursing Care
NURS 112 Fundamentals of Nursing Clinical
Practice 3 NURS 218 ADN Articulation Seminar (Bridge) 4
Quarter II (14 credits) Quarter V (14 credits) NURS 121 Intro to Med./Surgical/Psychiatric
Nursing 4 NURS 222 Professional Nursing Clinical Practice 5 NURS 122 Intro to Nursing Clinical Practice 5 NURS 223 Advanced Psychiatric Nursing 3 NURS 125 Family Centered Nursing Care 3 NURS 224 Professional Role Transition 3 NURS 230 Advanced Topics in Nursing II 3
Quarter III (14 credits) Quarter VI (12 credits)
NURS 130 Intermediate
Med./Surgical/Psychiatric 6 NURS 233 Acute Care Nursing Practicum 8
Nursing HSCI 235 Issues & Trends in Healthcare 4
NURS 132 Intermediate Nursing Clinical Practice 6 Management
Total Credits (Quarters I, II, III) 37 Total credits (Quarters IV, V, VI)
Total Credits (Quarters I, II, III, IV, V, VI) includes theory, lab, preceptorship and service-connected learning
39-43 76-83
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*Or have proof of unencumbered Washington State LPN license* Or Certificate of Completion from a Washington State approved practical nurse training program
Total Credits including required prerequisites 108-136
Total credits (Quarters IV, V, VI) for Bridge students only 43
Previous Degrees
For students with previously earned Certificates, Associate or Bachelor degrees, the seven (7)-year limit
for non-science prerequisite courses may be waived for credits earned within that degree. Only the
Nursing Program Director or Pre-Nursing Advisors at Pierce College Puyallup may consider exceptions
to this requirement, and it is the responsibility of the applicant to obtain a waiver prior to the application
deadline (Pre-Nursing Advisor will prepare the form). This waiver will then be added to the Course
Prerequisite Listing Form in the application packet after submission.
Other Programs and BSN Completion
Requirements for other nursing and BSN completion programs in the area may be different. If you are
planning to apply to other programs in addition to this one, or intend to complete a Bachelor of Science
in Nursing, please contact the nursing program at the two or four-year college to which you wish to
apply. Because admission into nursing programs is competitive, we except many of our applicants will
apply to other nursing programs as well.
Any information provided in this packet is subject to change without notice. Please keep abreast of departmental changes by visiting your advisor regularly, attending information sessions and
visiting the program website often.
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Application Process and Deadlines
Kaplan Entrance Exam taken
Prior to submitting application
Priority deadline for application submission
April 15, 2015
Applications processed and evaluated
Upon receipt through May 1, 2015
Applicants notified of status
Estimated June 1, 2015
Accepted students notified of ‘clinical passport’ requirements
Estimated June 1, 2015
Proof of spring or summer class completion (official transcript)
July 1, 2015
Clinical Passport requirements due
August 15, 2015
Classes Start
September 21, 2015
Any changes in the dates will be posted on the Pierce College nursing website.
NOTE: Dept. hours on campus change during the summer months. Please refer to the following
website as you plan your application timetable or follow-up questions.
www.pierce.ctc.edu/ephone/department
.
Send Completed Application Packet To:
Pierce College Puyallup
ATTN: Stania Kasjan/Nursing
Arts and Allied Health Bldg.
Room 252
1601 39
thAve. SE
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Application Checklist
Applications due from LPN’s: April 15, 2015
For Fall 2015 Admission
Date of Postmark determines submission date.
□
Admission to Pierce College
All nursing programs applicants must have Pierce
College Student ID #. Admissions forms can be
obtained on-line at
www.pierce.ctc.edu
.
Former students need to reactivate their status.
Pierce College admission/application fee $25
Processing of this admission and issuance of student ID
# takes 72 hours.
If student ID # was prior to 2009, you will need to
reapply
□
Pay Nursing Program
Application Fee
Payment must be paid to Pierce College Puyallup
Cashier PRIOR to applying.
Receipt indicating
payment must be included with the application. Do not
send the check to the Nursing Dept. or include the
check in your application packet. Pay it directly to the
Cashier before applying and include receipt in packet.
If you are mailing in your application, checks must be
mailed separately to: Pierce College Puyallup/Cashier
1601 39
thAve. SE Puyallup, WA 98374 (you may
request that a copy of your receipt be forwarded to the
Nursing Office -- they just email it to me.
NOTE
–
Cashier’s office may not be open on Fridays during the
summer).
To ensure proper filing, please send payment early, if
possible, so that you may follow up with the Nursing
Program Office before the application deadline.
□
Nursing Program Application
□
Program Application
□
Receipt from Pierce College Cashier showing
nursing application fee paid
□
Course Prerequisite Listing Form
□
Professional Recommendation
□
Personal Recommendation
□
Personal Statement
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□
Kaplan Score (if not taken at Pierce College)
□
Sealed Official Transcripts from every college
attended, and high school transcript.
□
Documentation of current course enrollment (if
completing prereqs after application deadline)□
Documentation of Unencumbered LPN License
□
Course Waiver. Documentation of course
equivalence (if course not listed in Appendix)
Recommended:
Proof of 1
stHepatitis B Injection (in a series of 3 – as it takes 6 months to complete the series)
Must have documentation from medical facility administering injection.
2
ndin series must be done prior to starting program
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Pierce College
Associate Degree in Nursing
Program Application
Priority Deadline April 15, 2015
Please answer the following questions:
Yes
No
1. Have you ever been accepted to, attended, dismissed or withdrawn
from any nursing program?
2. Have you or are you presently prohibited from any healthcare facility?
3. Are you ineligible for rehire at any previous position or healthcare
facility?
(Continued on next pate)
Pierce College
Student ID #
*Social Security #
Name
Last First Middle
Previous
Names
DOB:
mm/dd/yy
Mailing
Address
Street Address Apt #
City State Zip Code
Primary Phone
Cell Phone
Email Address
Emergency
Contact
Relationship
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Declaration of Ability to Meet Essential Qualifications:
It is essential that nursing students be able to perform a number of physical activities during the clinical portion of the program. These will include, but are not limited to the following: effective communication, lifting/transferring patients, observation/assessment of clients using the physical senses, standing for long periods, performing bending activities, and executing movements required to care for patients in all health care settings. The clinical experience also places students under considerable mental and emotional stress as they undertake responsibilities and duties that impact patients’ lives. Students must be able to demonstrate rational and appropriate judgment and behavior under stressful conditions. Individuals should carefully consider the mental and physical demands of the program prior to applying.
I certify the following to be true:
I have provided true, correct and complete information with this application. I have read and understand the information included in this application packet.
I have read and understand the Declaration of Ability to Meet Essential Qualifications and certify that I will be able to perform the essential functions as a nursing student in the Pierce College Puyallup Associate Degree in Nursing Program.
Applicant Signature Date _______________________________________________________________
Applicant Name (please print)
*Your social security number is confidential and, under a federal law called the Family Education Rights Privacy Act, the college will protect it from unauthorized use and/or disclosure. In compliance with state/federal requirements, disclosure may be authorized for the purposes of state and federal financial aid, Hope/Lifetime Learning tax credits, academic transcripts, assessment or accountability research.
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Documentation of Prerequisite Courses
Please fill out this sheet completely. Applicant’s Spring and Summer course registration information must accompany this form (if prerequisites remain to be taken). If any of the following prerequisites were taken at an accredited Washington State college, their equivalencies can be found on the Course Equivalency Chart. It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide proof of equivalency if courses were taken at an institution that is not listed on the equivalency form. Equivalency must be reviewed and approved by the Nursing Program Director or Coordinator prior to application deadline. When seeking a waiver for coursework taken at a non-Washington college, a course description, syllabus, or course outline must be submitted. All official transcripts (excluding Pierce College) must be sent to Pierce College Nursing Office. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that these documents are received prior to the application deadline. Transcripts may be hand carried by the applicant as long as they are in their original sealed envelopes.
College
Course
College name you attended or plan to attend QTR/Year taken or plan to take (i.e. Fall 2003) Course # you took or plan to take (i.e. CHEM 121) Course name you took or plan totake (i.e. Inorganic Chemistry) Number of credits earned Specify Credit type: (quarter or semester)
- Official use Only-
Course Grade Last “7” Years Equivalent Received English Composition (ENGL&101) Anatomy Physiology I (BIOL& 241) Anatomy Physiology II (BIOL& 242) Microbiology (BIOL& 260) Inorganic Chemistry (CHEM& 121) Organic Chemistry (CHEM& 131) Dev. Psych (PSYCH& 200) Statistics. (MATH& 146) Foreign Language (or high school
Equivalent)
List ALL Colleges Attended:
Rcv’d Date: Copy
Do you have a prior degree? _ASSOC. BA/BS___ Major ______What Year?______ . I have completed the Kaplan Entrance Exam: Date Institution . Applicants Signature Date
Pierce College Student ID #
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Professional Recommendation Form
Pierce College Associate Degree in Nursing Program
PLEASE PRINT:
I, ___________________________________, Nursing Program applicant, give my permission to
(Applicant’s Name)
___________________________________, to complete this reference form and return it to me in a
(Recommending person’s name)
sealed envelope with her/his name written across the back seal.
---
TO THE PERSON MAKING THE RECOMMENDATION:
Please respond to the following questions carefully in the space provided. If you need additional
space, please respond to each question separately on ONE sheet of paper. Generic letters of
recommendation will not be accepted. The Nursing Program carefully considers all recommendations
for nursing applicants, and as much insight, detail and clarity in answering the following questions will
be of great benefit to the applicant. Thank you very much.
► Describe the professional traits that this applicant possesses that you would look for in a nurse taking care of you or one of your family members.
_________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________
___________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
► Describe the applicant’s work ethic and competence. You may comment on his/her perseverance, dependability, initiative, teamwork, punctuality and his/her dedication and commitment to quality performance, workmanship or product.
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
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► Speak to the applicant’s leadership ability, character, and well-roundedness.__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Please complete the following:
I have known the applicant for _________________ years and _________________ months. (Approximations OK) During this time the applicant was a ____________________________________ (student, employee, co-worker, etc.) of mine at ________________________________________________ (name of school, business or other organization). Please Print Your Name _______________________________________________________________ Title _______________________________________________________________ Company or Organization ________________________________________________________ Phone _______________________________________________________________
Alternate Phone (if applicable) _______________________________________________________________
E-mail _______________________________________________________________
Signature ____________________________________________________ Date _______________________
NOTE
:
Please mail – or deliver - the completed form BACK to the Applicant. Please seal the envelope and write your name across the seal. The Applicant will need to include your recommendation in their Application Packet – which then needs to arrive in our office no later than Wednesday, April 15, 2015.
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Personal Recommendation Form
Pierce College Associate Degree in Nursing Program
PLEASE PRINT:
I, ___________________________________, Nursing Program applicant, give my permission to
(Applicant’s Name)
___________________________________, to complete this reference form and return it to me in a
(Recommending person’s name)
sealed envelope with her/his name written across the back seal.
---
TO THE PERSON MAKING THE RECOMMENDATION:
Please respond to the following questions carefully in the space provided. If you need additional
space, please respond to each question separately on ONE sheet of paper. Generic letters of
recommendation will not be accepted. The Nursing Program carefully considers all recommendations
for nursing applicants, and as much insight, detail and clarity in answering the following questions will
be of great benefit to the applicant. Thank you very much.
► Describe the personal and ethical traits that this applicant possesses that you would look for in a nurse taking care of you or one of your family members.
_________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________
___________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
► Describe the applicant’s potential for service to his/her community.
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
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► Nursing school can be challenging and stressful, yet rewarding. Describe the applicant’s potential to succeed as an adult learner. Please comment on the applicant’s support system and his/her ability to adapt to change.__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Please complete the following:
I have known the applicant for _________________ years and _________________ months. (Approximations OK) During this time the applicant was a ____________________________________ (student, employee, co-worker, etc.) of mine at ____________________________________________________ (name of school, business or other organization).
Please Print
Your Name _______________________________________________________________
Title _______________________________________________________________
Company or Organization ________________________________________________________
Phone _______________________________________________________________
Alternate Phone (if applicable) _______________________________________________________________
E-mail _______________________________________________________________
Signature ____________________________________________________ Date _______________________
NOTE:
Please mail - or deliver- the completed form BACK to the Applicant. Please seal the envelope and write your name across the seal. The Applicant will need to include your recommendation in their Application Packet – which then needs to arrive in our office no later than Wednesday, April 15, 2015.
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Personal Statement
Pierce College Associate Degree Nursing Program
Instructions:
In your personal statement, please respond to
all
questions.
Please answer each question separately.
Applicants are allowed one page for Question
1A, one page for Question 1B, and two pages for Question 2.
The personal statement must be written in 11-12 point font size, double-spaced, and Times
New Roman font style on an 8½ x 11 standard sheet of paper.
At the bottom of EACH page
print and sign your name.
The Personal Statement MUST specifically address the following:
1. Since nursing continues to be the #1 high-demand health occupation, it is critical that
applicants to nursing programs make an “informed” decision and know this is what they really
want to do. This question is the opportunity to describe not only the intrinsic motivators but
also extrinsic motivators that you have pursued to help you develop realistic expectations of
this profession. Intrinsic motivators could include: personal desire, skills, strengths, attributes,
self-knowledge and personal growth gained through life’s challenges and significant
emotional events, etc. Extrinsic motivators could include: work or volunteer experiences in a
nursing care environment, job shadowing, informational interviews with RN’s (currently
working), or nursing research about scope of practice and changing trends in nursing
practice).
Question 1A:
Describe the factors that influenced your decision to choose nursing as a
career. Be sure to include intrinsic motivators as well as extrinsic motivators.
(1 page maximum)
Question 1B:
Illustrate how you are a good fit for our program and, in turn, how our program
would be a good fit for you. (1 page maximum)
2. With the changing demographics in our region, the nursing profession is faced with an
increasingly diverse patient clientele. Nursing requires an understanding of
underrepresented cultural, racial and social groups along with awareness of economic issues
related to healthcare. As a result, there is a growing need for nursing professionals who are
sensitive to language barriers and human differences.
Question 2:
Describe your experiences working and interacting with diverse groups of
individuals. Share the lessons you feel you’ve learned from these experiences. (2
pages maximum)
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Directions for Functional Resume
Pierce College Associate Degree Nursing Program
Functional Resume (Keep as close to 1 page as possible) (Not an employer
based/chronological)
A functional resume enables you to highlight the skills and accomplishments as well as work and life
experiences that best relate to your job objective (becoming a Registered Nurse). By creating relevant
skill headings, you can incorporate all the experiences that have contributed to each listed skill i.e.
co-curricular activities, life experience, family, work history, job shadowing, volunteer work, prior
schooling, etc. Include our 4 “C’s.”: care, competence, compassion, cultural awareness and sensitivity.
You are encouraged to seek out resources about writing functional resumes online, in our libraries, or
in the Job Connections area of the Advising Centers at Fort Steilacoom or Puyallup campuses.
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Directions for taking the Kaplan Admissions Exam
Pierce College Associate Degree Nursing Program
The Kaplan Entrance Exam
is offered at the Puyallup Campus testing center five (5) days a week.
Please call the Testing Center at 253-840-8341 or 253-840-8343 to schedule an appointment. They
are open M-TH 8-5:00 with the last apt. at about 2:30 and on Fri. 8-3:00, with the last apt. at about
12:30.
The cost is $25.00 – payable at the Cashiers Office.
There will NOT be a minimum required score. We will be retrieving your score through our Nursing
Kaplan account and it will be added to the other required elements in your application to our program.
The test must be taken within 1 year of the application date and only one (1) repeat is allowed.
If you take the test at another institution, you will need to request an official transcript of your Kaplan
test results and include it in your application packet.
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Appendix A
Course Equivalency Chart
Community College Courses
Inorganic Chemistry
Microbiology Anatomy & Physiology I Anatomy & Physiology II English Composition Statistics (Transfer-Ready Requirement) Lifespan Development (Transfer-Ready Requirement) Organic Chemistry (recommended)
Bellevue 101 BIO 250 BIO 260 BIO 261 101 171 204 102 Big Bend 101 215 BIO 210 BIO 211 101 103 OR 161 210 102 Cascadia 120 BIOL 215 BIO 210 BIO211 101 135 206 220 Centralia 101 BIO 211 ZOO 251 252/253 ZOO 101 108 240 102 Clark 111 BOI 240 BIO 231 BIO 233 BIO232 101 203 211 112
CLOVER PARK TECH
--- --- --- --- 101 MAT 200 ---
Columbia Basin 110/110.1 BIO 260/260.1 BIO 221/221.1 222/222.1 BIO 101 143 240 120/120.1 Edmonds 101 BIO 250/L BIO 230 BIO 231 100 240 --- 102 Everett 101 BIO 250 BIO235 BIO 237 101 281 203 102 Grays Harbor 101 BIO 211 BIO 208 BIO 209 101 260 220 102 Green River 101 BIO 210 A&P 205 A&P 206 110 256 210 102 Highline 121 BIO 250 BIO 231 BIO 2323 WRIT 101 210 215 122
Lake Washington 101 215 211 212 101 120 105 102 Lower Columbia 111 BIO 257 BIO 221 OR ZOO 121 BIO 222 OR ZOO 122 101 210 205 112
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Community College Courses Inorganic ChemistryMicrobiology Anatomy & Physiology I Anatomy & Physiology II English Composition Statistics (Transfer-Ready Requirement) Lifespan Development (Transfer-Ready Requirement) Organic Chemistry (recommended) N.W. Indian College
111 BIO 245 BIO 242 BIO 243 101 107 201 112
Olympic 121/121L BIO 260 BIO 250 BIO 251 101 281 224 122/122L Peninsula 101L BIO 240L BIO 201/L BIO 202/L 111 281 225 102L
PIERCE COLLEGE
121 MICRO 260 BIO 241 BIO 242 101 146 200 131
Renton Technical College
CHEM 140 BIO 210 BIO 220
BIO 221 101 210 PSY 210 --
or BIOL 140 Seattle
Central
CHE 101 BIO 280 A&P 213 A&P 214 101 109 206 CHE 102
Shoreline 101 BIO SCI 215 210 211 101 MATH 108 204 220
Skagit Valley 131 BISC 215 BISC 242 BISC 243 101 108 110 132 S. Puget Sound 101 BIO 211 BIO 205 BIO 206 WRIT 101 108 220 102 South
Seattle
CHE 101 BIO 280 ANP 213 ANP 214 101 240 206 CHE 102
Spokane or Spokane Falls
101 OR 161 MBIOL 231 A&P 242 A&P 243 101 221 201 162
Tacoma C.C. 101 BIO 201 BIO 220 BIO221 101 108 206 102
or BIO 240/ 241/ 242
Walla Walla 107 BIO 230 BIO 210 BIO 211 101 201 103 108 + 109 Wenatchee
Valley
110 BIO 223 BIO 221 BIO 222 101 201 201 111
Whatcom 115 BIO 240 BIO 270 BIO 271 101 240 216 251
Yakima 109/110 BIO 232 BIO 230 BIO 231 101 Business BA 256 Stats
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University Courses
Inorganic Chemistry
Microbiology Anatomy & Physiology I Anatomy & Physiology II English Composition Statistics (Transfer-Ready Requirement) Lifespan Development (Transfer-Ready Requirement) Organic Chemistry (recommended) Central WA University
111/111L BIOL 322 BIOL 355 BIOL 356 101 (4cr) 311 313 (4 cr) 112/112L
Eastern WA University
161 BIO 335 BIO 232/ 233/ 234 101 NURS 318 380 162
Gonzaga 101 & 101/L BIOL 170/170L EXSC 241/241L EXSC 242/242L 101 NURS 320 NURS 492 220 Northwest SCIE 1204/1201
SCIE2104 SCIE 2203/1 SCIE 2203/1 1013 2003 PSYC 2563 SCIE 1213/1211
Pacific Lutheran U.
104 BIO 201 BIO 205 BIO 206 101 STATS 231 320 105??
Seattle Pacific U.
CHM 1211 BIO 3351 BIO 2129 BIO 2130 1101 HSC 4044 or M 1360
2470 CHM 1330
Seattle U.
101 BIO 220 BIO 200 BIO 210 110 NURS 202 or 244
322 102
St. Martin’s
141 BIO 351 BIO 328 BIO 329 101 201 205 & 305 201/201L Univ. of
Puget Sound
110 BIO 350 BIO 221 BIO 222 101 271 273 & 274 250
Univ. of WA 120 MICRO 301 BIOL 118/119 BSTR 301 111, 121 or 131 QMETH 201 or STAT 220 NURS 201 220 Walla Walla College
101 BIO 222 BIO 201 BIO 202 121 &122 206 215 & 216 102/103 WA State
University
101 MBIOS 101 BIOL 251 BIOL 315 101 STAT 212 HD 101 102
Western WA University
115 BIO 345/346 BIO 348 BIO 349 101 240 230 251
Whitman 125/135 339 111 120 110 107 110 126 Whitworth CH 101/101L
or
CH 161/161L
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Most Washington community colleges are participating in the Common Course Numbering System as of January 1, 2009. This chart is to be used for courses taken Summer, 2008 or after at any of the schools listed below. For courses taken at a State of Washington school not listed below, you must refer to the above chart and cross-reference it with the chart below.Bates, Bellevue, Bellingham, Big Bend, Cascadia, Centralia, Clark, Clover Park, Everett, Grays Harbor, Lake Washington, Olympic, Peninsula, Pierce, Renton, Seattle Central, Seattle North, Seattle South, Shoreline, Skagit, South Puget Sound, Spokane, Spokane Falls, Tacoma, Wenatchee, Whatcom, Yakima.
Intro to Chemistry Microbiology Human A&P I Human A&P II English Composition Intro To Statistics (Transfer-Ready Requirement) Lifespan Development (Transfer-Ready Requirement) Intro to Organic/ Biochemistry (recommended)
CHEM& 121 BIOL& 260 BIOL& 241 BIOL& 242 ENGL& 101
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APPENDIX
Estimated Program Cost
Washington State Nursing Programs
Pierce College Associate Degree in Nursing Estimated Program Costs
The following information is based on the current Pierce College Winter tuition table and
Amazon.com list prices for new textbooks. The information provided is subject to change without
notice and does not include sales tax.
Initial Pre-Program Costs (estimated)
Application Fee
$65.00
(LPN – RN $50.00)
HIV/AIDS Training, CPR/First Aid Certification
Cost varies
Immunizations, Titers and Health Assessment - Health Insurance
Cost varies
Pierce College Nursing Student Uniform (2 sets)
.
$80-100.00
Clinical Supplies (lab coat, shoes, socks, long sleeve shirt, stethoscope,
watch, etc.)
$200.00
Kaplan Entrance Exam
25.00
~ $ 400
Estimated Current Costs for Tuition
(
Tuition calculated for Washington state residents.
)
Tuition
Books
Fees
Lab Fee
Total
Quarter I
$1332.62
$ 400
$ 85
$ 75
$ 1892.62
Quarter II
$1275.38
$ 400
$ 85
$ 75
$ 1835.38
Quarter III
$1275.38
$ 400
$ 85
$ 75
$ 1835.38
Quarter IV
$1332.62
($1561.58 LPN-RN)
$ 400
$ 85
$ 75
$ 1892.62
($ 2121.58)
Quarter V
$1389.86
$ 400
$ 85
$ 75
$ 1949.86
Quarter VI
$1275.38
$ 400
$ 85
$ 75
$ 1835.38
Total Estimated Costs
$ 11,535.24
This estimate does not reflect any upcoming tuition increase.
(Additional fees and supplies may occur and the cost would vary)
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FINANCIAL AID, SCHOLARSHIPS AND LOANS
Financial Aid may be available to assist you. Deadlines are strictly adhered to, so students are encouraged to apply early.
Pierce College Puyallup Financial Aid 1601 39th Avenue S.E.
Puyallup, WA 98374 (253) 840-8398 Federal School Code: 005000 http://www.pierce.ctc.edu/financialaid/ Grants & Loans
All award ranges listed here are valid for the current academic year and are only listed as a general indication. Federal Pell Grants
Federal Pell grants are awarded only to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor’s degree. To determine if you are eligible, the U.S. Department of Education uses a standard formula to evaluate the information you report on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This formula produces an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) number that appears in the upper right portion of page one on your Student Aid Report (SAR). This number will determine if you are eligible for a Pell Grant. The amount of your award will depend on your Expected Family Contribution, your enrollment status (part or full time), and whether you attend college for a full academic year. You may not receive Pell Grant funds from more than one school at a time. Your Pell Grant will be used to pay your tuition and fees with any remaining funds paid to you after the academic quarter begins.
Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)
These awards range from $100 to $600 per academic year and are intended for undergraduate students proving the greatest financial need (as demonstrated by the Expected Family Contribution listed on your Student Aid Award). There funds are paid via check to students after the quarter begins.
State Need Grant
The State Need Grant helps low income undergraduate students pursue degrees. To be eligible, a student’s family income cannot exceed 65 percent of the state’s median family income. The grant amount at Pierce College ranges from $1,153-2690 per year. Students who have already earned an AA or BA are not eligible for this grant. State Need Grant recipients must be enrolled for a minimum of six credits each quarter.
Day Care Grant
These funds are used to assist students with child care expenses. State of Washington resident status is required. Pierce College Grant
These funds are used to assist students with tuition, fees, books and living expenses. State of Washington resident status is required.
Tuition Waiver
This program pays resident tuition for students who are residents of the State of Washington and meet certain eligibility criteria. Tuition waivers do not include fees and no refunds will be issued to students.
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Federal Perkins LoansA Federal Perkins loan is a low interest loan for both undergraduate and graduate students with financial need made with funds from the federal government and Pierce College. Pierce College is your lender, and you must repay this loan to the college.
Depending on when you apply, your level of need and the availability of funds, Pierce College may lend you up to $3000 for an academic year. You will be paid by check after the beginning of the academic quarter.
Repayment of your loan will begin after you cease attending Pierce College at least half time (six credits or more). You will have a nine month grace period before your first payment becomes due.
Each student borrower is provided with specific information on any deferment and cancellation provisions that apply to the loan when you borrow and during your exit interview when you leave school.
Stafford Loans
These loans require that you complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
The funds are loaned by banks to the student. Loans are repaid after you graduate, leave school or drop below half-time enrollment (six credits); you will have a six month grace period before you begin repayment.
If you have financial need remaining after you have been awarded grant, work and scholarship funds, you can borrow Stafford Loan funds. This type of loan is subsidized, which means that the government pays the interest while you are in school, during the grace period and when you qualify for deferments.
If you do not have demonstrated financial need, you may be eligible to receive an unsubsidized loan. Unlike the subsidized loan, you are responsible for the interest from the time the unsubsidized loan is disbursed until it is paid in full. You can choose to pay interest or allow it to accumulate and be capitalized (that is, added to the principal amount of your loan).
Loan funds are sent to the school for you on a quarterly basis by the lender. Students receiving their first loan for their first term of college attendance cannot be paid the funds until 30 days after the quarter begins.
For eligibility guidelines and current base loan amounts please refer to our financial aid website at www.pierce.ctc.edu/dist/grants/loans. More information can be found at
http://studentaid.ed.gov/types/loans/subsidized-unsubsidized. PLUS Loans (Parent Loans)
PLUS loans allow parents who have an acceptable credit history to borrow funds to pay the educational expenses of a child who is a dependent student enrolled at least half-time. The yearly limit on a PLUS Loan is equal to your cost of attendance minus any other financial aid you receive from Pierce College or other organizations. Contact the Financial Aid Office (http://www.pierce.ctc.edu/financialaid/contact.php3) for more information.
Scholarship Opportunities
The Pierce College Foundation administers private scholarships for Pierce College students. These scholarships are awarded based on need, academic ability, artistic talent, vocational goals, and/or other factors. Information on newly funded scholarships will be posted in the Financial Aid office.
The Pierce College Foundation acquires private funding for the college, provides enhancements to college programs, improves access for students, and promotes the college to the community. For more information about the Pierce College Foundation, visit the Foundation Web site (http://www.pierce.ctc.edu/foundation/)
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Frequently Asked Questions1. WHAT IS THE COST OF THE NURSING PROGRAM.
The current cost is approximately $11,000 - 13,000 for six quarters. This does not include the tuition for any prerequisites. A breakdown of specific costs is included in the application packet.
2. IS THIS AN LPN OR RN PROGRAM?
Pierce College awards an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), which qualifies graduates to take their NCLEX-RN licensure exam. Any student only seeking practical nurse training will be referred to an LPN Program within the area.
LPN’s with an unencumbered Washington State Practical Nurse license are eligible to apply to our LPN-RN Bridge program. Please contact our office for more information on the LPN-RN Bridge Program.
3. ARE THE PRE-REQS THE SAME AS OTHER 2-YEAR NURSING PROGRAMS IN THE PUGET SOUND? The majority of the requirements are identical, especially in the sciences. The differences are:
Completion of Statistics (Pierce College Math& 146 ) – (Transfer-Ready Requirement)
Completion of Foreign Language 121 and 122, or 2 years of High School foreign language, or native language speaker – (Transfer-Ready Requirement)
Recommended: Organic and Biochemistry (Pierce College CHEM& 131)
No requirement for Speech or additional Social Science
4. DO YOU HAVE PRE-NURSING CURRICULUM PLANNING SHEETS AVAILABLE FOR PLANNING OUT MY CLASSES?
Advisors at any of the Pierce College campus sites have information sheets available for advising/class planning purposes. We encourage you to work closely with a trained pre-nursing advisor to map out an Education Plan for the recommended sequence of your pre-nursing classes.
5. WILL ADMISSIONS BE DECIDED SOLELY ON GRADES?
Because space is limited, a selective admission process based on a point system will be used. The point system is based on ongoing data that supports diversity and predicts success in nursing programs. Grades and courses taken will be a qualifying factor, or minimum criteria for applying. The scored components of the application will be the personal statement, additional courses taken, and Kaplan Admission Test scores will be included in the application scoring process.
6. WILL THERE BE A WAITING LIST? No. A wait list will not be established.
Individuals are selected starting with the applicant with the highest number of points and moving down the list until all class spaces are filled. The exact number of points required for admission will vary from year to year depending upon the number of applicants, the number of applicants placed on each priority list, and range of awarded points. An alternate list will be established to fill in possible vacancies for each class start, but this list will NOT be carried over to the next year. Non-accepted applicants will need to re-apply.
7. WILL IT HELP TO HAVE YOUR AA COMPLETED?
Not necessarily. Any ADN graduate planning to enroll at UW-T to complete the BSN will be encouraged to finish their AA or the new Associate’s Degree in Pre-Nursing, but admission to the Pierce College ADN Completion Program will only require the pre-requisite courses listed.
8. WILL TAKING ALL OF MY PRE-REQS AT PIERCE COLLEGE GIVE ME AN ADVANTAGE?
As long as applicants have completed the equivalent of all the nursing pre-requisites, it doesn’t matter where they were taken as long as all the coursework is transferable to Pierce College. A Pre-requisite Course Equivalency Chart is included in this packet..
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9. HOW MANY TIMES CAN I REPEAT A PRE-REQ COURSE?Students will be allowed ONE repeat of each course within the past 7 years and the highest grade will be used. Courses with a “W” (withdrawal) will be counted as “one take” in our repeat policy.
10. IS THERE A MINIMUM GPA REQUIREMENT?
Each required pre-requisite course (ENGL& 101, A&P I with lab, A&P II with lab, Inorganic Chemistry, Microbiology and Psych 200) must be completed with a minimum grade 3.0 (B) or better.
The Transfer-Ready courses and the recommended courses must each be completed with a minimum grade 2.0 (C) or better.
11. WHY IS THE PIERCE COLLEGE NURSING PROGRAM THE ONLY ADN PROGRAM THAT RECOMMENDS A STATISTICS COURSE?
Research has shown that the biggest reason students fail nursing school is weak math and science aptitude – integrally linked to the high levels of critical thinking and reasoning which nurses have to use on the job every day. We will also be encouraging students to go on for their BSN, which requires statistics.
12. WILL YOU HAVE A TIME LIMIT ON THE PRE-REQUISITES?
Yes, coursework cannot be older than seven (7) years. Exception: if a student has completed a two or four-year academic degree, some non-science credits earned as a requirement for that degree may have the time limit waived. Applicants who qualify for this type of waiver must obtain waiver approval through the nursing program PRIOR to the application deadline. Please contact the Nursing Program Office to complete the proper waiver paperwork.
13. HOW MUCH TIME WILL STUDYING WHILE IN PRE-NURSING AND NURSING COURSES REQUIRE? Each chemistry, biological science, or nursing course requires approx. 20 hours a week per 5 quarter credits which includes time in lecture, lab or clinical site, plus study time. Some of the non-science classes require approximately 15 hours per 5 credits. Students, who work more than 20 hours per week, have significant responsibilities for parenting, and/or other commitments should plan to take no more than one science at a time. The Associate Degree in Nursing program itself is a full time program. No part time option is currently available. All on-campus nursing classes will be held during the day; clinical experiences may be scheduled in the day or evening.
14. WILL PIERCE COLLEGE BE OFFERING ANY NURSING INFORMATION SESSIONS TO GET GUIDANCE REGARDING THE APPLICATION PROCESS?
Monthly nursing information sessions will be offered throughout the year in Puyallup. Check the program website (www.pierce.ctc.edu/nursing),for specific dates, times, and locations. An application workshop specifically tailored for LPN students planning to apply for the fall 2015 will be scheduled and details will be given in the application packet and on our website.
15. WILL MY CREDITS FROM TECHNICAL COLLEGES TRANSFER TO PIERCE COLLEGE?
Prospective students need to be very careful about where they take their prerequisite courses. Please refer to the last entry on the Course Equivalency Chart or contact your advisor for details on transferable credits. Students who plan to earn their LPN license and apply to the Bridge program may take their LPN coursework at a technical college. Please see the list of Washington State Nursing Programs (included in this packet) for LPN programs and contact information.
16. IS THE PIERCE COLLEGE NURSING PROGRAM ACCREDITED BY ACEN.
Yes. We have received full national accreditation from ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc.) as well as approval from the Washington State Department of Health Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission.
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17. WHY IS THE NURSING DEPARTMENT LOCATED AT THE PUYALLUP CAMPUS?Since the Pierce College at Puyallup already had a Nursing Lab for teaching the nursing assistant course, it was much more cost-effective to simply add the equipment needed to teach RN students. The Puyallup campus also filled the need to have an Associate Degree in Nursing available in eastern Pierce County. Even though nursing continues to be a high-demand occupation, the Tacoma/west Pierce County hospital facilities are already heavily utilized by nursing students attending PLU, TCC, Clover Park, and Bates Technical College.
18. CAN I WORK WHILE GOING THROUGH THE ACTUAL NURSING TRAINING PHASE?
We encourage all nursing students to plan ahead so they can focus all their efforts for six quarters into nursing school. Even though some students must still work to keep benefits or support their families, it is critical that the employer be very aware of the school requirements. The classes, and especially the clinical rotations, cannot be arranged around work schedules. The quality of learning and retention definitely suffers when students are trying to function on little sleep and little time to study. The inability to build critical theory foundations could jeopardize not only passing one of their nursing classes, but possible the NCLEX for their RN licensure.
