How to Apply

ADN Applicants MUST have the following documents on file by MARCH 1 for the FALL semester consideration or by OCTOBER 1 for SPRING semester consideration. LPN to ADN Bridge applicants must have the following on file by MARCH 1.

ADN Information

The Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program prepares an individual to become a professional registered nurse (RN). The RN may supervise Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), nurse technicians, certified nursing assistants, and/or medical assistants. The RN provides direct patient care and assists in making decisions regarding plans of care for individuals and groups. The associate degree RN takes general support courses that are transferrable for a baccalaureate in nursing degree. A graduate of the ADN program is conferred the Associate in Applied Science Degree and is eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become an RN. The program is accredited by the Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) and National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).

A selection of applicants is made by the ADN admission committee using a competitive selection process based on the nursing program’s admission requirements and residency. Applicants are ranked according to ACT composite score, GPA on degree-required courses, NLN PAX-RN score and residency. Preferential consideration is given to in-district residents (Forrest, Hancock, Jeff Davis, Lamar, Marion and Pearl River counties) followed by out-of-district residents, then out-of-state residents. Acceptance is based on space availability. Letters of acceptance will be mailed by April 15th for Fall semester and by November 15th for Spring semester.

Critical Elements for Performance

An applicant seeking admission to the ADN program must meet physical and psychological requirements essential to providing nursing care:

• Stand for prolonged periods, up to eighty percent of clinical time
• Walk, bend, stoop, kneel, squat, push, pull, lift and reach overhead
• Possess sufficient gross and fine motor coordination to perform nursing procedures
• See, talk, and hear with sufficient acuity to perform patient care
• Tolerate exposure to disinfectants, soap, cleansers, plastic and other materials used in protective equipment and for performing procedures
• Process information accurately and make appropriate decisions
• Demonstrate appropriate and respectful interpersonal/communication skills

An individual should give careful consideration to the psychological and physical demands of the program prior to making application. In addition, applicants must be able to demonstrate rational and appropriate behavior under stressful conditions. The clinical nursing experience may place an individual under considerable mental and emotional stress as he or she undertakes responsibilities and duties impacting patients’ lives.

1. SEND TO PRCC ADMISSIONS OFFICE
1. APPLICATION TO PRCC:
   If not a current PRCC student, complete a PRCC application and mail to address on form, or go on-line to PRCC’s website at www.prcc.edu before the ADN application deadline. Nursing Department will verify your eligibility as a PRCC student.
2. GED OR HIGH SCHOOL TRANSCRIPT:
   An official high school transcript from an accredited high school with computed GPA or GED test score must be on file in the PRCC Admissions office before the ADN application deadline.
3. COLLEGE TRANSCRIPTS:
   Official transcripts of all colleges previously attended must be on file in the PRCC Admissions office before the ADN application deadline. Any college degree(s) must be noted on transcript. Nursing Department will need an unofficial copy.
4. AMERICAN COLLEGE TEST (ACT) SCORE:
   • A required ACT score must be on file at the PRCC Admissions office before the ADN application deadline.
   • An Enhanced ACT score of 18 is the minimum score used in the selection process.
   • If the ACT is below 18, the applicant must have 12 college semester hours of the ADN general education courses completed (Must include: College Algebra and Anatomy & Physiology I with Lab) with a minimum grade point average of 2.5 (Mississippi IHL Admission Standard).
   • The highest composite ACT score on file with the PRCC Admissions office will be used for the selection process.
   • An applicant who has previously earned a baccalaureate or higher degree may enter without an ACT by completing all the required ADN general education courses with grades of “C” or better and having an overall 2.5 grade point average (Mississippi IHL Admission Standard).
   • If the ACT has not been taken, information regarding test dates can be obtained from the Counseling Advisement and Placement Center (601-403-1250) located in Crosby Hall, Poplarville Campus.
   • SAT conversion scores cannot be used.
   • Applicants entering the nursing program must have completed, be enrolled in, or be eligible to take College Algebra and Anatomy & Physiology I with Lab determined by the ACT sub-score and PRCC requirements.
   • LPN to ADN Bridge applicants – please follow ADN APPLICATION requirements in this packet
2. SEND TO NURSING EDUCATION ADMISSIONS OFFICE
1. ADN APPLICATION:
   • Complete the ADN application located in the back of this packet in black or blue ink and sign in front of a Notary Public.
     NOTE: This form may not be copied or faxed.
   • Attach a small current picture to the upper right-hand corner of the application. The picture may be a copy of a school ID, driver’s license, or work ID.
   • All application requirements must be on file on or before the deadline.
   • Incomplete forms will not be accepted.
   • An LPN applying for the fall or spring ADN program or the summer LPN to Bridge course must have a copy of a current non-restricted license and a completed LPN Employer Verification & Recommendation Form (in packet) in the PRCC Department of Nursing Education admissions office by the deadline date.
   • Reapplication is required each semester if not selected.
2. NLN PRE-ADMISSION EXAM-RN (PAX-RN):
   • Applicants will not be considered without an NLN PAX-RN test score on file.
   • To register for the NLN PAX-RN exam, follow instructions listed in the NLN Pre-Admission Exam-RN (PAX-RN) section in this packet.
   • LPN to ADN Bridge applicants see the required NLN PAX-RN requirements in the LPN to ADN Bridge information section in this packet.
   • This test may be retaken once every 6 months (fall or spring). Test dates will be listed on the NLN Website.
3. LPN EMPLOYER VERIFICATION & RECOMMENDATION FORM:
   The LPN Employer Verification & Recommendation Form from this packet must be completed by LPNs applying for either the ADN program or LPN to ADN Bridge Course. Other applicants are not required to provide this information.
4. COLLEGE TRANSCRIPTS:
   A copy of all college transcripts must be on file in the Department of Nursing Education admission office by the ADN application deadline. Any college degree(s) must be noted on transcript. NOTE: Official transcript(s) must be filed in the PRCC Admissions Office before application deadline.
5. ATTENDED ANOTHER NURSING PROGRAM (ADN OR BSN):
   • An applicant that has attended another nursing program must provide a letter from the dean or director of any ADN or BSN program attended stating date of eligibility to return by the application deadline. The letter must be sent to the address on the front of this packet, attention Department of Nursing Education.
   • An applicant that is not eligible for immediate return must wait 5 years from the exit date to apply as a new student to the PRCC ADN program.
6. TRANSFERRING NURSING CREDITS FROM ANOTHER NURSING PROGRAM:
   • The application deadlines for transferring applicants are February 1 for fall consideration and September 1 for spring consideration.
   • Transferring applicants must meet all PRCC admission and ADN program requirements.
   • The applicant must submit a syllabus for each completed nursing course (including course description, course objectives, credit hours, and daily objectives) for review to the Department of Nursing Education Admissions Office by the deadline.
   • Upon review of completed syllabi, the applicant may be required to take additional nursing course work in order to meet PRCC and ADN program/graduation requirements. Each applicant’s request of transfer will be reviewed on an individual basis.
   • In order to receive the PRCC Associate in Applied Science degree, a minimum of twenty-five (25%) of the required ADN curriculum hours must be completed at PRCC.
   • Applicants will be admitted on space availability; if admitted into the program, student will be expected to meet and maintain all ADN program requirements.
3. IMPORTANT ADN INFORMATION:
   1. GRADE POINT AVERAGE (GPA) & ADN GENERAL EDUCATION COURSES:
      • The GPA is computed on only the completed required ADN general education courses. Developmental courses, General Biology I with Lab, and a computer course required for graduation will not be included in the GPA.
      • LPN to ADN Bridge applicants see: the GPA requirements in the LPN to ADN Bridge Course information section in this packet.
      • A currently working Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) who submits an LPN Employer Verification & Recommendation Form and a copy of a current non-restricted license will have no time restrictions on ADN general education courses.
      • ADN general education course grades submitted through the end of the college spring and/or summer semesters will be used to compute the GPA for the upcoming Spring admission consideration, and grades submitted at the end of the Fall semester will be used to compute the GPA for the upcoming Fall admission consideration.
      • All college general education courses required by the ADN program must be completed with a grade of “C” or better.
      • An applicant does not have to complete all the required ADN college general education courses before applying. To better prepare the applicant for the ADN program, it is recommended that College Algebra, General Psychology, and Anatomy & Physiology I & II with Labs be completed prior to selection and/or beginning NUR 1111.
      • An applicant, who has attended another nursing program, will also have their nursing course grades included in the GPA.
      • Completion of the required ADN college general education courses does not in itself guarantee admission to the ADN program.
      • Allied Health Anatomy & Physiology I and II with Labs cannot be used for the ADN program.
      • High School applicants should check with their counselors concerning college courses that can be taken during the high school year.
   2. PRCC COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
      • General Biology I with Lab (BIO 1133 and 1131 or BIO 1134) must be completed prior to taking Anatomy & Physiology I with Lab and prior to taking Microbiology with Lab. A student may waive General Biology I and Lab, if the student meets one of the following criteria:
        • AP Biology Exam with score of 3 or better
        • Successfully passing a comprehensive final examination in the subject area with a score of “70 or higher” and proving proficiency in lab techniques with a score of “70 or higher”
        • See “credit by examination” in college catalog
      • For graduation with Associate in Applied Science degree, Computer Concepts (CSC 1113 or BAD 2533) must be passed or computer proficiency must be documented.
      • General Psychology (PSY 1513) is a prerequisite to Human Growth & Development.
      • Questions regarding prerequisites should be directed to the Counseling Advisement and Placement Center office at 601-403-1250.

   Required ADN General Education Courses

   MAT	1313	College Algebra	3
   PSY	1513	General Psychology	3
   BIO	2513	Anatomy & Physiology I (completed within the last 5 years)	3
   BIO	2511	Anatomy & Physiology I Lab (completed within the last 5 years)	1
   BIO	2523	Anatomy & Physiology II (completed within the last 5 years)	3
   BIO	2521	Anatomy & Physiology II Lab (completed within the last 5 years)	1
   EPY	2533	Human Growth & Development (completed within the last 10 years)	3
   ENG	1113	English Composition I	3
   BIO	2923	Microbiology (completed within the last 5 years)	3
   BIO	2921	Microbiology Lab (completed within the last 5 years)	1
   SPT	1113	Public Speaking I	3
   SOC	2113	Introduction to Sociology (completed within the last 10 years)	3

   3. NOTIFICATION OF ACCEPTANCE/DECLINATION:
      • Letters of acceptance and/or declination will be mailed to all applicants by the end of November for spring and by the end of April for fall program entry.
      • Further instructions will be included with the letter of acceptance.
      • If not accepted, a new application must be completed and filed with the Department of Nursing Education admissions office by the appropriate deadline to be considered for the next semester.
   4. CARDIO PULMONARY RESUSCITATION (CPR):
      • Certification is required yearly while in the ADN program.
      • Accepted courses include the American Heart Association Basic Life Support Healthcare Provider or the Red Cross Professional Rescuer.
      • On-line or Community CPR courses are not accepted.
      • Further information will be provided at the ADN program new student orientation.
   5. CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK:
      • Upon acceptance into the ADN program, a criminal background check will be required.
      • A Mississippi Criminal Background Check letter from a Mississippi medical agency employer and processed through the Mississippi Department of Health will be accepted if within two years from the date of the letter.
      • Other states are not accepted. Clearance from a police department is not accepted.
      • Pearl River Community College reserves the right to deny admission to any applicant having been convicted of a felony. Admission is offered pending a clear criminal background check. (See information sheet)
      • Further information will be provided at the ADN program new student orientation.
   6. PRCC CATALOG:
      • A current PRCC catalog may be obtained from the PRCC Guidance and Recruitment Office at 601-403-1197, the Poplarville Campus Counseling Advisement and Placement Center at 601-403-1250, the Hattiesburg Center at 601-554-5500, or the Hancock Center at 228-467-2761 or go to www.prcc.edu to view the latest catalog.
   7. REGISTRATION INFORMATION:
      • Register with an ADN advisor at all registrations.
      • Current applicants should call or go by the Department of Nursing Education Admissions Office at early registration time to discuss classes before registering.
      • New students on campus may request an ADN advisor by calling 601-403-1017 or go by the Department of Nursing Education Admissions Office on the Poplarville campus.
   8. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR SPECIFIC PROGRAMS OF STUDY AT PRCC:
      • Students enrolled in Associate Degree Nursing and Allied Health programs are required to maintain full- time academic status. Noncompliance with this policy may result in dismissal from the program. Full-time students are defined in accordance with Pearl River Community College policy as students enrolled in a minimum of twelve (12) semester hours in a regular term.
   9. NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT:
      • Pearl River Community College offers equal education and employment opportunities. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, or disability.
      • Any person needing to request accommodations, special assistance, or alternate format publication, please contact Tonia Moody, ADA/Civil Rights Coordinator, 601-403-1060, or tmoody@prcc.edu.
   10. REQUIRED IMMUNIZATIONS:
       • The following list of immunizations must be complete or in progress at the time classes begin. These immunizations must be current and remain current for the length of the program.
         • TUBERCULOSIS SKIN TEST or CHEST X-RAY (annually)
         • MUMPS-MEASELS-RUBELLA (MMR)
         • VARICELLA (Chicken Pox)
         • TETANUS, DIPTHERIA, PERTUSSIS (only Tdap is acceptable)
         • HEPATITIS B VACCINE (3 required, if series not complete, must sign a declination form)
         • INFLUENZA (annually during flu season; if not received, must sign a declination form)
       • Further information will be provided at the ADN program new student orientation.
   11. CLINICAL SITES:
       • Clinical sites will be located within a seventy-five (75) mile radius of the Pearl River Community College Poplarville Campus. Students will be provided with a wide range of clinical experiences to meet course and program objectives.