BRCC Nursing Program
If you are interested in learning more about the nursing program at BRCC, plan to attend one of our information sessions.
The BRCC nursing program is a 65 semester credit course of study leading to an AAS degree (Associate in Applied Science in Nursing). Associate degree nursing programs, such as the one at BRCC, are designed to prepare selected students to perform direct patient care primarily in acute care (hospital) settings.
There are two other types of basic nursing programs besides the associate degree course of study. A diploma nursing program is offered by a hospital school of nursing and consists of three years of study. The graduate of a diploma program is eligible to take the State Board of Nursing licensing exam, but is not awarded an academic degree. Like associate degree nurse graduates, the diploma nurse performs bedside nursing care in an acute care setting. A baccalaureate nursing program consists of 4 years of study at a college or university. Graduates are prepared not only to do basic nursing care, but also to function in leadership roles within an acute care setting and as care givers in the community for example, as a home health care nurse). Baccalaureate graduates are awarded a B.S.N. (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) upon completion of their course of study and are eligible to study for an advanced degree in nursing.
Pre-Clinical Prerequisites
All nursing applicants must have completed high school Biology, Chemistry, and Algebra. If any or all of these classes were not taken and successfully passed with a "C" or above, they may be taken at BRCC to correct the deficiency. These BRCC courses are: BIO 101, CHM 101, and MTH 03. If the math placement test shows a deficiency, you may be required to take developmental work in MTH 02 and MTH 03. These courses must be taken prior to acceptance in the nursing clinical component.
Program Options
The Nursing Program at BRCC offers three options for the potential student:
- The Nursing Department now offers an opportunity for recent high school graduates and other eligible adults to complete the Nursing degree program in two years of full time attendance (5 semesters including Summer). This will be a rigorous and academically challenging program for a limited number of students each year.
- For those students who need some prerequisites, and/or must work and wish to attend part-time. This option can take three years or longer because the student may wish to take only one pre-clinical class per semester.
- For those students who are LPN's, need some prerequisites, and/or work and wish to attend part-time. This option can take two years or longer.
All of these options are fully explained in regularly scheduled Nursing Information Sessions.
Admission
All prerequisites must be completed for application consideration. These include:
- Application to BRCC
- High school credit in Biology, Chemistry, Algebra (with a minimum grade of C in each).
- SAT scores of:
530 - Verbal
520 - Math
OR
BRCC College Preparedness Testing (Compass) scores of
81 + Reading
76 + Writing
34 + Arithmetic
36 + Algebra - High school transcript required. Current high school students must submit a transcript. (A final transcript will be required in June for high school candidates with tentative acceptance).
- NET Test - Nursing Entrance Test taken at BRCC (fee required). A minimum score of 50% is required on both Math and Reading Comprehension.
- Two reference forms from either teachers or employers.
- Nursing Information Session
Prospective students should pick up an application in mid-November in F-106 (Nursing Office). Directions for the application process are contained in the packet. Successful candidates will be notified by letter in late March. Classes will begin in late August.
Nursing Entrance Test (NET)
The NET Test is required for admission to the nursing clinical component. The NET (Nursing Entrance Test) is a general, comprehensive assessment tool which evaluates several areas. These include: basic math skills, reading comprehension, learning style, social interaction and stress level profile. This test will help us in evaluating the essential academic and social skills of nursing applicants. If you need to take Math 02 or 03, it is recommended that you take this test after completing Math 03. To be considered for admission to the nursing clinical, there is a minimum score of 50% on the NET test which must be achieved. Those who do not achieve the minimum score may retake Form B of the test. Those who do not meet the minimum score may be advised of other educational opportunities in the health care field. Contact the Nursing department ( Ext. 2326) to register for the test. The required fee must be paid in the BRCC Business office prior to taking the test. Business office hours are Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Copies of a review book for the NET test are available in the BRCC library for check-out.
2007 NET Dates
September 13,
9:00 a.m.
Test B
Contact Michele Funkhouser (F106) extension 2326 for pre-registration and payment
Upcoming Nursing Information Sessions:
Free to the public. No registration required