Registered Nursing

Program Information

The Associate of Applied Science Registered Nursing program provides students with knowledge and competencies for the professional practice of nursing. Students are instructed in the provision of nursing care clients across the lifespan. Clinical experiences are provided at area hospitals and health care agencies.

Students who have satisfactorily completed the program when meeting eligibility requirements by a licensure board may sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nursing (NCLEX-RN®). The Associate of Applied Science Registered Nursing program is approved by the Alabama Board of Nursing. The program has a competitive admissions process.

Effective May 31, 2023, this nursing program is a candidate for initial accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. This candidacy status expires on May 31, 2025.

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000

http://www.acenursing.com/candidates/candidacy.asp

Occupational Choices

The Bureau of Labor Statistics published the following prediction: “Employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 6 percent from 2021 to 2031.” There were 3.13 million registered nurses employed in the U.S. in 2021. That number will grow to 3.31 million by 2031. The largest employers of registered nurses were 59 percent who worked in hospitals, 18 percent in ambulatory healthcare services, 6 percent in nursing and residential care facilities, 5 percent in government, and 3 percent in state, local, and private educational services.

Source:  Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, May 14, 2024.

Average Full-Time Wage

In May 2023, the median annual wage for registered nurses was $86,070. Consequently, the highest 10 percent earned approximately $132,368, while the lowest 10 percent earned less than $63,720.

Source:  Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, May 14, 2024.

Admission Criteria

Admission Requirements and procedures may change without prior notice. Please check with the Health Sciences Divion and/or website for updates.

Applicants should complete and submit an Associate of Applied Science Registered Nursing Program application and request copies of college and high school transcripts sent directly to the College’s Admission Office.

Minimum admission standards include:

1. Unconditional admission to the college (must complete college application).
2. Receipt of the completed application for the nursing program by the established deadline for admission.
3. Minimum 2.50 GPA required on academic core courses.
4. Minimum of 2.50 high school GPA for students without prior college work (GED acceptable in lieu of high school transcript).
5. Math and Science courses must be within a 5-year period of application to the nursing program for eligibility requirements.
6. Good standing with the College, including a minimum overall cumulative GPA of 2.50.
7. Meeting the essential functions.
8. Official results of the ACT (a minimum of 18 composite score National or Residual) OR a minimum score of 58 on the TEAS test must be submitted to the Registrar’s office with a copy submitted into the application email portal. The writing component of the ACT is not required for consideration for admission to the nursing program. The ACT composite score has no time limit. The TEAS test score must be 3 years or newer from the application deadline. ACT Superscores are not accepted by the Nursing program for admission.
9. Take the ACCUPLACER placement examination as indicated (exceptions may apply).
10. Official results of the ACT (a minimum of 18 composite score is required) must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office with a copy attached to the nursing program application. The writing component of the ACT is not required for consideration for admission to the nursing program.
11. Transfer students must be in good standing from the transferring institution with a letter from the Program Director and a minimum of 2.50 cumulative GPA with nursing courses no more than one year from the date of application. Acceptance of transfer students into the program is not guaranteed.

Nursing Program Selection Criteria

Points for grades in the following nursing required core general educational courses are as documented:

• A = 3 points, B = 2 points, C = 1 point
• ENG-101 English Composition
• MTH-100 Intermediate College Algebra (or higher-level math)
• BIO-201 Anatomy & Physiology I (BIO 103 is a pre-requisite for this course)
• BIO-202 Anatomy & Physiology II
• ORI-101 College Orientation

An additional 10 points may be awarded as determined by the individual college policy and procedure.

A minimum 2.50 GPA is required in the core general educational courses for the nursing program. Not all courses may have been completed at the time of admission to the nursing program; however, students may experience less conflict in scheduling classes if general education classes are completed prior to entering the professional phase of study. Core general educational courses taken in high school as dual enrollment will be used in GPA calculation.

Associate Degree Nursing general education courses:

• ENG-101 English Composition I
• MTH-100 Intermediate College Algebra (or higher-level math)
• BIO-201/202 Anatomy & Physiology I & II
• BIO-220 Microbiology
• PSY-210 Human Growth & Development
• SPH-106 or 107 Fundamentals of Oral Communication or Public Speaking

Humanities elective:

• ART-101 Art or MUS-101 Music Appreciation
• PHL-106 Intro to Philosophy
• PHL-206 Ethics & Society 
• REL-100 History of World Religions
• SPA-101 Intro to Spanish I

Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA at current, native institution or cumulative 2.5 GPA at institution from which student is transferring.

ACT- minimum requirement of a composite score of 18 points or minimum TEAS score of 58.

Minimum 2.5 cumulative high school GPA for students without prior college courses (GED as applicable).

Meeting the essential functions of nursing; The Alabama Community College System Essential Functions for nursing. The essential functions document must have the signature and date of review by medical personnel (e.g.MD, DO, NP) affixed. The requirements for meeting essential functions for the nursing program can and may be requested periodically during the nursing program by the nursing faculty as indicated. If a nursing student cannot meet essential function requirements, the student may be withdrawn from the nursing program.

Applicants choosing the RN/1+1 Nursing Program will conclude after the end of the fifth semester of study. Students who have satisfactorily completed the first 3 semesters of the program will receive a certificate and, when meeting eligibility requirements by a licensure board, may sit for the NCLEX-PN. Students who have satisfactorily completed 5 semesters of the program will receive an associate degree and, when meeting eligibility requirements by a licensure board, may sit for the NCLEX-RN.

Transfer Policy

The transfer policy applies only to students desiring to transfer between Alabama Community College System institutions. It does not apply to students wishing to transfer from other institutions. Questions regarding this policy should be directed to the nursing program director. Acceptance of transfer students into the program at TSCC is not guaranteed.

Awards Available

Associate of Applied Science
Registered Nursing

Program Contact

Dr. Debra Lett, PhD, MSN, MPA, RN
Director of Nursing/Instructor
334-420-4497
Location:  Trenholm Campus - Bldg. B

The College regularly evaluates student learning outcomes for each program as part of ongoing planning and evaluation.

Estimated Program Length & Cost *

Estimated Testing Fees:  $3500 per semester

* Tax not included.  Prices are subject to change without prior notice; the cost of books may vary considerably among suppliers.  The cost of general education books is in addition to the total listed above.  The length of the program is based on full-time status of 12-15 credit hours per term.  Enrollment in transitional-level general education courses will alter the length of the program.