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)
Students applying to the clinical component of the nursing program must take the NET test, within 3 years of clinical application deadline. Some other tests may be substituted with the permission of the Program Head for Nursing. LPNs with a valid unrestricted LPN license, nationally certified paramedics, and individuals with a baccalaureate or higher degree are exempt from the NET testing requirement.
To be considered for admission to the nursing clinical, there is a minimum score of 50% on the NET examination, which must be achieved. Those who do not meet the minimum score on Form A may NOT retake the test and may be advised of other educational opportunities in the health care field, the test may only be taken once.
The fee for this test must be paid in the BRCC Business office prior to taking the test. The current cost is $20 per test. Business office hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Copies of a review book for the NET examination are available in the BRCC library for one-week checkout. Overdue books are charged $1.00 per day overdue fee. If books are not returned on or before their due date, you may not be eligible for clinical application.
You must bring a picture ID, your payment receipt and #2 pencils on the day of the test. No calculators are allowed. No cell phones in the Learning Assistance Center
If you have a documented disability or temporary disabling condition that will prevent you from taking the test under normal conditions, contact the Coordinator of Disability Services, Ext. 2252.
2008 NET Dates
The test will be made available beginning July 1, 2008 and will be available until February 6, 2009.
Upcoming Nursing Information Sessions:
Free to the public. No registration required