Admissions

We admit via a competitive admissions policy, and for more info please see the online College Catalog.

Special Note

The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) has adopted a new common, concept-based curriculum for all nursing programs in the system. Effective Summer Semester 2018, the new ADN curriculum will be in effect. It is crucial that prospective students monitor the program's webpage and seek guidance from the nursing admissions advisor or advising center staff regarding admission requirements and general education course requirements.

Purpose

The associate degree program is designed to prepare the student to utilize the art and science of nursing to provide care to patients in a variety of health settings by serving in the roles of caregiver, teacher, advocate, and coordinator of the nursing team. Graduates of the program are eligible to apply to take the examination required for licensure as a registered nurse (R.N.).

Employment Opportunities Include:

Clinics
Civil Services
Health Departments
Home Health Care
Hospitals
Hospice
Industries
Long Term Care Facilities
Physicians' Offices
School Systems

Admission Requirements

Students are admitted annually to begin the program in August. Early application is recommended due to limited enrollment. In addition to the general requirements for admission to the college, entry into the Associate Degree Nursing Program requires the following:

Application to New River Community College
Attendance at a general information session for nursing.
High school graduation or completion of GED.
One unit of high school biology and one unit of high school chemistry ( or equivalent developmental course(s)) completed prior to February 15.
Placement tests for reading, writing, and math with appropriate scores; completion of necessary developmental courses by February 15.
Curricular GPA of 2.5 or higher.
TEAS score 45th percentile or higher.
Early application is recommended due to limited enrollment.

The DEADLINE for COMPLETE FOLDER submission for the Traditional RN track is: February 15 for students taking the TEAS at NRCC. If taking your TEAS test at another institution, an official copy must be submitted by February 15.

Applicants should note that the Virginia Board of Nursing has the authority to deny licensure to an applicant who has violated any federal, state, or other statute. Examples include conviction of a felony or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, and alcohol or drug related issues. A student making application to the nursing program who has been convicted, or pled guilty or nolo contendere to any illegal offenses other than minor traffic violations should contact the program director prior to beginning the program. The Virginia Department of Health Professions, Virginia Board of Nursing is located at Perimeter Center, 9960 Maryland Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23233 (Phone 804-367-4515).

Applicants should note that all healthcare agencies require a criminal background report and negative urine drug screen prior to participating in clinical activities. A healthcare agency may deny clinical participation for findings on the reports. Some healthcare agencies also require that students be finger-printed. Affiliation agreements prevent the placement of a student who is denied clinical participation at one facility into a clinical group at another agency. Inability to meet the clinical requirements prevents the student from satisfactorily achieving the course objectives, resulting in failure of the course. Criminal background checks will be completed following acceptance into the program and prior to beginning any nursing (NUR) classes. Both criminal background checks and urine drug screening must be done adhering to a specific policy and process, and data provided by other means are not acceptable. Further information will be provided on actions to take following acceptance into the nursing program. Prospective students are responsible for all associated costs.

Student Responsibilities

An initial health form must be completed and submitted. To comply with the contractual stipulations of some clinical agencies, a urine drug screen with negative results is required. A repeat health form must be completed annually thereafter.
The student must purchase student nurse malpractice insurance which is available through the college.
The student is responsible for costs associated with textbooks, uniforms, accessories, lab supplies, and required achievement testing.
The student is responsible for transportation to clinical sites. Clinical experiences may be scheduled during day and evening hours, and weekday or weekends, depending on availability of clinical facilities.
The student must obtain and maintain CPR certification throughout the program. Initial CPR certification can be achieved by successfully completing HLT 105. Please note: CPR certification courses must be either American Heart Association Healthcare Provider, or Red Cross CPR for Professional Rescuers.
The student is liable for costs incurred as a result of accidents/incidents in the clinical or laboratory setting that may require medical attention.
The student is responsible for fees associated with the application to take the exam for a Registered Nurse license.
The student is responsible for fees associated with criminal background reports.
The student is responsible for the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) test fee, which is non-refundable.

Progression Through The Program

A grade of "C" or better is required in all NUR and BIO courses. A rating of "satisfactory" is required for the clinical aspect of all nursing courses with associated clinical components. A student who receives a grade of "D", "F", or "W", or an unsatisfactory clinical rating will be required to retake the course to attain the minimum passing grade. Progress through the program will be impeded due to course pre-requisites. See Course Offerings for more information.

Readmission Requirements

Readmission to the program is dependent upon clinical placement availability in the desired class. Prior to readmission the student must:

Notify the Program Head in writing with readmission request as soon as possible in the semester prior to readmission.
Have a 2.5 cumulative GPA at the time of readmission.

Readmission to the program is not assured. The Program Head will contact the student with a determination on readmission status. Students absent from the program for more than one calendar year may be required to audit one or more of the previously credited courses prior to readmission. Students absent from the program for three or more calendar years must repeat all nursing courses.