Nursing Program

Nursing Program Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

General

iconWhat is the nursing program of study?

Please view the college's course catalog for the complete list in the program worksheet. The worksheet is available online from the TMCC course catalog.

iconIs the TMCC nursing program accredited?

The program is accredited through the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). The accrediting agency for NLN, maintains information on TMCC's nursing program with regard to tuition, fees and length. NLNAC's contact information is 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 500, Atlanta GA 30326. Telephone: 404-975-5000. Students may contact NLNAC directly.

iconWhat degree does the nursing program offer?

On completion of the associate of applied science in nursing degree requirements contained in the current course catalog, the student will be eligible to apply to take the state licensure examination leading to practice as a registered nurse.

iconWhat do I have to complete prior to applying to the nursing program?

  1. Take BIOL 190 and 190L, BIOL 223, BIOL 224 and BIOL 251 (Anatomy and Physiology I and II and Microbiology) and MATH 120. These must be completed prior to application. An equivalent course from another college is acceptable, but must be approved with a course substitution. See an Academic Advisor for more information. An overall GPA of 3.0 is required for BIOL 223, 224, 251. These three courses also must have been completed within the five years prior to application.
  2. Submit official transcripts of all previous college work.
  3. Grade point average of 2.75 or better on a 4.0 system on all lower division level college courses.
  4. Take the HESI Admission Assessment (A²) PDF icon
  5. Complete course work in Medical Terminology or pass a test on medical terminology, administered at TMCC.
  6. Provide evidence of current or past certification as a certified nursing assistant, or a transcript or certificate of completion of a certified nursing assistant course.

iconAre there additional requirements after acceptance into the nursing program?

Yes, the following must be submitted to the nursing program on or before the first day of class of entry year and then continuously updated.

  1. 1. Evidence of a negative TB status.
  2. 2. Proof of current immunity against rubella, measles, mumps, diphtheria tetanus, varicella, and hepatitis-B.
  3. 3. Current CPR/healthcare provider.
  4. 4. Proof of major medical insurance.

iconWhat is the approximate cost for the nursing program?

Students enrolled in the nursing program follow the fee schedule and refund policy described in the current TMCC course catalog. These costs are approximate and subject to change. The approximate cost of the nursing program is posted on the nursing program cost webpage. Current fees are posted on the admissions and records website.

iconAre there scholarships for nursing students?

Yes, students should apply for scholarships prior to being admitted to the nursing program as the scholarship deadline is March 1. Many scholarships are earmarked for nursing students only and are available through the TMCC financial aid and foundation offices. Apply through TMCC's financial aid office.

iconWhat are the requirements for international students for the nursing program?

F-1 (and other) non-immigrant students:

All F-1 students who wish to seek admission to the nursing program must first be enrolled in an associate of arts or associate of science degree program. If the student is accepted to nursing and wishes to have F-1 visa status, new financial documentation must be presented for the nursing program and a new I-20 document must be issued for that program.

For more information, please contact International Student Services.

iconCan I take non-nursing courses prior to being admitted to the nursing program?

Yes, General education support courses should be taken prior to acceptance into the program if at all possible. Students may benefit by completing support courses prior to entering the program, as the time requirements of the program are considerable. The course schedule outlining both nursing and non-nursing courses is located in the TMCC course catalog.

iconAre there waivers for BIOL 190?

Contact the biology department for information on waivers.

iconAre there background checks and drug screens required for the nursing program?

Yes, background checks, fingerprints and drug screens are a requirement of some clinical facilities with which TMCC has a contract for nursing student clinical experience.

If a student declines, or if the background check or drug screen is unsatisfactory to the facility, the student will not be permitted to participate in the clinical portion of the program. Current and prospective students are advised that they will be withdrawn from the program if clinical requirements are not able to be met for any reason.

TMCC will not be responsible for obtaining background checks or drug screens and will not receive the results of any background investigations.

iconIs there a mandatory orientation for the nursing program?

Yes. Accepted students must attend a mandatory orientation session prior to the start of the semester of entry into the program. Students will be notified of the date, time and location of the session.

iconWhat is the rationale for requiring certification as a nursing assistant and medical terminology for admission?

Teaching of personal care skills and vital signs is not included in the nursing program curriculum. However, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (2008 Practice Analysis, NCSBN) has identified many nursing activities that are required of nurses that incorporate the need for personal care skills. Proficiency with vital signs is a component of certified nursing assistant and other allied health professional training, but personal care is only taught to Certified Nursing Assistants. Such things as intake and output, passive and active range of motion and positioning are incorporated in certified nursing assistant training, and are activities that registered nurses perform as well. Providing end of life care, post mortem care, applying restraints, and protecting clients from falls and injuries are more examples of skills that are required of both certified nursing assistants and registered nurses.

In addition, the use of approved abbreviations and medical terminology is required of certified nursing assistants and registered nurses. Nursing students must be able to read and understand medical records.

iconWhat are the requirements for RN licensure upon graduation?

Nursing program graduates are eligible to apply for licensure in the state of their choice. Each state has specific criteria for licensure eligibility requirements. It is the student's responsibility to contact the state of their choice to ascertain eligibility requirements. Graduation from an accredited program is only one of the requirements and does not mean automatic licensure as a nurse. Graduates should be aware that the State of Nevada licensure application contains five questions, which may impact their ability to obtain licensure in Nevada. These five questions have to do with:

  1. revocation, denial or suspension of a license or certificate;
  2. conviction of a criminal offense;
  3. problems with drug or alcohol use;
  4. treatment for mental illness; and
  5. physical disability which could impair ability to practice nursing.

For further clarification, students/graduates should contact the Nevada State Board of Nursing.

iconWhat happened to the year-round nursing program?

The year-round nursing program has been temporarily discontinued due to a decreasing demand for registered nurses in the Northern Nevada area as well as a decreased budget for the college over the recent years. The need for this program will be evaluated periodically and reinstituted when the economy improves and job demand increases.

iconWhat are the differences between the fast-track and traditional nursing programs?

The traditional nursing program spans four semesters, beginning in the fall of each year.

The year-round nursing program spans four semesters beginning when the previous year-round class ends and includes summer semester. Students who are successful graduate in four continuous semesters. Students who apply for the fast-track program must have a degree from an accredited college.

There is no difference between the content and courses in the traditional program and fast track program.

iconWhere can I get help for the nursing program?

TMCC students may also wish to discuss career options with an academic advisor, counselor or career advisor. These free student services are available at four of the college's sites: the Dandini Campus, 7000 Dandini Blvd, in the V. James Eardley Student Services Center; the TMCC Meadowood Center, 5270 Neil Rd.; the TMCC IGT Applied Technology Center, 475 Edison Way; and the TMCC High Tech Center at Redfield at 18600 Wedge Parkway, Building B.

iconDo you still have questions about the nursing program?

Please contact the nursing program or attend a free TMCC nursing program orientation. Dates are posted on the college's online calendar

HESI

iconWhat is HESI?

Health Education Systems, Inc. (HESI) A2 Admission Assessment is a timed, computerized test that consists of six academic exams: reading comprehension, vocabulary and general knowledge, grammar, basic math skills, biology and anatomy, and physiology. The test also has a learning style/personal profile assessment.

iconWhat’s on the HESI Exam?

The test consists of Reading Comprehension (38 questions), Vocabulary and General Knowledge (50 questions), Grammar (50 questions), Math (50 questions), Anatomy and Physiology (A&P) (25 questions), and Biology (25 items). The test also has a learning style/personal profile assessment.

iconWhere can I find the testing dates for HESI Exam?

Please visit the TMCC Nursing department's webpage for more information regarding testing dates.

iconWhat do I need to bring for the HESI Exam?

All students registered for the HESI exam will be given a testing ticket and have a detailed e-mail sent to them. This testing ticket and e-mail will outline information regarding testing day procedures and instructions.

iconWhat do students need to register for the HESI Exam or the Medical Terminology Test?

Students will need a valid Government issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, military id, etc), be a current TMCC student, have a valid email address and have proof of payment for the exam (receipt).

iconHow long is the HESI Exam?

There is a maximum time limit of six (6) hours to complete this exam.

iconHow much does the HESI Exam cost?

The cost of the exam is $70.00

iconWill there be refunds for either the HESI Exam or the Medical Terminology Test?

There will be no refunds permitted for either the HESI Exam or the Medical Terminology Test.

iconDo students have to register in person or can they register by e-mail for the HESI Exam?

Students must register in person for the HESI exam. The following information is required to schedule the exam: name, e-mail address, phone number, TMCC student ID number, and receipt number (received from the Controller’s office upon payment of the testing fee). For more information please contact Testing Services.

iconIs it possible to reschedule a HESI Exam?

Due to the high demand of this exam, there will be no rescheduling of appointments. Please ensure that you select your testing dates carefully. Students who must reschedule will forfeit their testing fee and must pay for a new testing appointment.

iconCan students transfer their HESI Exam or Medical Terminology Test scores to/from another institution?

No, the TMCC Nursing Program customized the components of the HESI Exam and the Medical Terminology Test specifically for this program. As a result, students who take the exam outside of TMCC have not necessarily tested under the same testing parameters. In addition, other institutions may require different components that TMCC does not use, making test scores invalid for their programs.

iconWhat if I need accommodations for taking the either the Hesi Exam or the Medical Terminology Test?

Qualified, self-identified students with documented disabilities have the right to free accommodations. Call TMCC's Disability Resource Center at 775-673-7277, TTY 775-673-7888 or visit their office in the Red Mountain Building room 315 for more information.

iconIs there a study guide for the HESI Exam?

Yes, study guides are available for purchase at the TMCC Bookstore. In addition there are also two copies on reserve in the TMCC Library.

iconWho is eligible to retake the HESI Exam?

Any applicant who has already taken the HESI exam and received a score below 75 is eligible to retake the exam. Students can only retake the sections where they scored below 75.

iconWhat do students need to register to retake the HESI Exam?

Applicants must show a copy of their HESI V1 results to Testing Services, in addition to a valid Government Issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, military id, etc). You must also be a current TMCC student, have a valid email address, and have proof of payment for the HESI V2 exam fee (receipt).

iconIf I retake the HESI Exam, do I retake just the section(s) where I scored below 75, or can I retake the entire exam?

Only those scores for the repeat sections that were previously below 75 will be used to calculate the new score.

iconIf I retake the HESI Exam, will the nursing program take the higher score or the average score for each section?

Only those scores for the repeat sections that were previously below 75 will be used to calculate the new score.

iconWhat date(s) are open to retake the HESI Exam (V2)?

The HESI Exam V2 will be available on each testing date that has been reserved for HESI V1.

Medical Terminology Test

iconWhat is the Medical Terminology Test?

The test consists of 50 commonly used medical terms (including multiple choice prefixes, suffixes, and stems commonly found in medical records) that would be found in a medical office or health care setting.

iconWhere can I find the testing dates for the Medical Terminology Test?

The Medical Terminology test is done on a walk-in basis Monday through Friday between 9 am and 3:30 pm (check the Testing Services Calendar). Applicants will need to present their vailid Government issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, military id, etc) and proof of payment for the Medical Termiology Test.

iconHow long is the Medical Terminology Test?

There is a maximum time limit of one hour to complete this exam.

iconHow much does the Medical Terminology Test cost?

The cost of the exam is $40.00.

iconIs there a study guide for the Medical Terminology Test?

Any Medical Terminology textbook can be used as a study guide, or you may make use of online resources.

iconWill there be another test date for students who want to take the Medical Terminology Test a second time?

Students are only allowed to take the Medical Terminology Test twice. The Medical Terminology test is done on a walk-in basis Monday through Friday between 9 am and 3:30 pm (check the Testing Services Calendar).

iconWho is eligible to retake the Medical Terminology Test?

Any applicant who has already taken the test exam and received a score below 75 is eligible to retake the exam. The repeat exam is a different version.


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