• HESI (Nursing Pre-Admission) Registration
• LPN Challenge Exam
• Nursing in Tennessee

Overview

The Roane State Associate of Applied Science Degree Program in Nursing is two years of intensive study in patient-centered nursing care. Graduates are eligible to apply to take the state examination to become Registered Nurses (RNs). The graduate nurse is able to provide highly skilled nursing care to patients and families in a variety of health care settings. The course of study includes both classroom and clinical aspects of nursing.

During the first year, students spend six hours per week in a clinical setting as well as six hours per week in the nursing lab. During the second year, the clinical rotation requires twelve hours per week in a clinical setting. The small clinical groups allow students individualized attention and clinical instruction. Students are instructed by highly qualified, professional nursing faculty.

Besides our traditional Nursing Program, also available at Roane State is the LPN Mobility Program, which provides current LPN's with a path to become an RN. Availability of the LPN Mobility Program is dependent on the number of qualified applicants each year.

Work Settings

Nurses provide and manage care in a variety of settings including hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, community agencies, health maintenance organizations, outpatient care facilities, doctors offices, etc.

Licensure to Practice

Upon successful completion of the Nursing Program, the graduate is eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN), the state licensing examination. Successful completion of this exam is required to practice as a Registered Nurse.

Location

Nursing classes, as well as the Nursing Program offices, are located on three sites (Roane County Main Campus, Oak Ridge Branch Campus, Knoxville Health Sciences Center). Roane State is affiliated with most hospitals in the area as sites for clinical practice. Students must provide their own transportation to these facilities.

Accreditation

The Nursing Program at Roane State is fully approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, GA, 30326, tel. 404-975-5000.

Costs

The cost of registration, uniforms, textbooks, liability insurance, licensing examination fee, and physical exam averages approximately $2,400 per year. The greatest expenses can be expected in the first and last semesters. All expenses are subject to change.

Roane State Tuition & Fees

Nursing Admissions Policies

Nursing Admissions Policies (RSCC Catalog)

Steps to enroll at RSCC as a Nursing Applicant

1. Submit an RSCC Admissions Application pay a one-time $20 application fee. Indicate on the application you are interested in nursing.
2. Submit required proof of immunizations.
3. Submit OFFICIAL transcripts from all high schools or colleges you have attended to the Office of Records and Registration. An official transcript is one that is in an unopened sealed envelope from the high school or college.
4. If you are under 21, and have taken the ACT test within the last 3 years and your score on all parts is 19 or better, you will NOT be required to take the COMPASS placement test to determine if you need any remedial/developmental classes. If you are over 21, you WILL be required to take the COMPASS test. The RSCC Counseling Center can tell you the times and locations where the tests will be given.
5. See your advisor to help you prepare a degree checklist. Your advisor information can be found on RaiderNet.
6. At this point you can begin completing all remedial/development courses and/or General Education courses. However, you must be accepted into the Nursing program before you can begin taking classes with a NSG prefix.

Steps to be accepted into the RSCC Nursing Program

1. Submit the online Nursing Program application, available in RaiderNet. The application deadline is the third Friday in January.
2. Take the nursing pre-admission test. The test is waived for applicants who have completed a college degree from an accredited college by the time their nursing application is submitted.
3. Complete at least 12 credit hours from the general education requirements in the nursing curriculum with a minimum GPA of 2.75. The 12 credit hours completed must include a required math course (see below) with a grade of C or better. These hours must be completed by the application deadline.

After the program application deadline, the nursing admissions committee reviews the applications and selects students based on:

• Completed student file.
• 12 hours completed out of the general education courses in the nursing curriculum as of the application deadline
• Minimum 2.75 GPA
• Grade of C or above in MATH 1130 or Math 1530 or higher-level math course
• Grade of C or above in science courses
• Passing score on pre-admission test

Students accepted into the program will be notified by RaiderNet by May.