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 four sites (Roane County Main Campus, Oak Ridge Branch Campus, Knoxville Health Sciences Center, and Pellissippi State's Magnolia Avenue Campus). 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 500, Atlanta, GA, 30326, tel. 800-669-1656.

Costs

The cost of registration, uniforms, textbooks, liability insurance, licensing examination fee, and physical exam averages approximately $2,000 per year. The greatest expenses can be expected in the first and last semesters. All expenses are subject to change.

Roane State Tuition & Fees

Besides normal tuition & fees, other expenses include:

• Books: Contact the RSCC Bookstore for titles and prices
• NSG pre-admission test: $29
• Supplies: approximately $150 (uniforms, clinical and lab supplies)
• Liability insurance: $15
• Physical Exam and immunizations
• Health Care Provider level C CPR certification
• Testing: $40 per semester
• Criminal background check: $65
• State Board Fee: $200
• Board application: $100
• Criminal background check for Board of Nursing: $56
• Nursing Pin: $50
• Graduation fee: $25
• Review Course (recommended): $300

Nursing Admissions Policies

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. Apply for acceptance into the Nursing Program by completing a Nursing Application and submit it to the Nursing Department before the program deadline date. No Health Science application is required. The Nursing Department will begin building a file for you that must be completed before the program deadline date of the year in which you wish to enter the program. THE APPLICATION DEADLINE DATE FOR NURSING IS THE THIRD FRIDAY IN JANUARY. This means to be accepted into the program and begin Nursing classes in August, you must have all paperwork and all official transcripts from other colleges submitted by the third Friday in January in order to be considered for the class that begins in the fall.

2. Take the Nursing Pre-Admission test. You will be notified of the test dates. This test measures general knowledge. This is given 4-5 times a year. If you have not heard about the test date by the application deadline, call the Nursing Department, 865.882.4605.

3. Complete MATH 1130 or a higher level math course before the application deadline. You must also complete a minimum of 12 hours from the NSG Curriculum prerequisites.

4. After the program deadline date, the Nursing Admissions committee will review the applications and select students based on:

• Completed student file in the Records and Registration Office
• 12 hours completed out of the NSG curriculum
• Miminum 2.75 GPA
• Grade of C or above in MATH 1130 OR higher level math course
• Passing score on pre-admission test

Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program. Students meeting minimum criteria will be considered competitively based on general education courses completed and GPA. Preference will be given to Tennessee residents.

Students accepted into the program will be notified by letter in early May.