Nursing

Associate Degree Nursing (RN)

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Nursing FAQ

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How long does it take to complete the program?
What are the most important aptitudes or skills for a student considering nursing as a vocation?
When should I apply to the nursing program?
How do I apply?
When is the application deadline and when does the program start?
When I apply do I need to send in all official transcripts?
How many students apply and how many are accepted?
What are my chances of getting into the program and how can I be as strong a candidate as possible?
Is there a wait list for the program?
How can I have transfer credits evaluated for equivalency?
How can I learn more about the program?
Do I have to be a nursing assistant?
Can you tell me where I can find a nursing assistant (NAC) course?

How long does it take to complete the program?

It usually takes students approximately 1.5 to 2 years (full-time) to complete the preliminary requirements, depending on initial assessment test levels. If accepted, the program itself takes 2 years.

What are the most important aptitudes or skills for a student considering nursing as a vocation??

Registered Nurses must be able to think critically and analyze complex information and situations. Because problem solving ability is linked to high performance in the sciences, and because the nursing curriculum is science-based, most nurses enjoy and/or excel in science. Also important are a strong sense of empathy and excellent communication skills. Finally, many nurses work long shifts, so physical and intellectual stamina is essential.

When should I apply to the nursing program?

Students are welcome to apply to the nursing program at anytime. However, because a non-refundable $40 application fee is required, you should spend some time deciding whether nursing is the right major for you before applying. Also, keep in mind that even if you apply early, you will not be included in the selection process until you have completed minimum requirements (see Applying to the program).

Once students have applied, their files remain active as long as they are completing courses toward nursing. Their progress will be tracked until they are eligible for selection. (Students completing their preliminary requirements at other schools must submit updated transcripts quarterly to keep their file current.)

Students with transfer credits are encouraged to apply early, so official feedback can be provided regarding transferability of coursework.

How do I apply??

You will need to submit the Clark College Application for Admission, the Statement of Intent for Nursing, a $40 application fee, and official transcripts from all colleges attended. Once all official transcripts have arrived, your application will be reviewed, and you will be sent a checklist letter telling you what courses you have left to take.

When is the application deadline and when does the program start?

Although the nursing program starts Fall, Winter and Spring, there are only two application deadlines per year, October 1st and April 1st. Students who apply and meet minimum requirements by the October 1st deadline will be evaluated for a possible start the following Spring or Fall. Qualified applicants applying by April 1st will be evaluated for a possible start the following Winter. (Selection always takes place six to twelve months in advance.)

When I apply do I need to send in all official transcripts?

Yes. It is Clark College policy that students must submit official transcripts from all colleges attended. An evaluation will not be completed until all transcripts have arrived.

How many students apply and how many are accepted?

Clark College accepts 48 Nursing students Fall, Winter and Spring, for a total of 144 per year. For recent selection statistics, refer to Nursing Selection Statistics on the Nursing web page.

What are my chances of getting into the program and how can I be as strong a candidate as possible?

The nursing program is a competitive, limited entry program. Students must apply, meet minimum requirements, and be evaluated by specific criteria. It is important for students to consider that not everyone who applies to the program is accepted, and students who apply at more than one nursing school increase their odds of acceptance.

The factors that have the biggest impact on competitiveness at Clark College are:

Science Grade Point Average-Statistics show that a student's science GPA is directly linked to performance within the nursing program
Courses completed-Students who have more required courses complete gain more points toward selection than students who have completed only the minimum requirements
Applicable Grade Point Average-The applicable GPA is calculated using all required courses (including the sciences)
Nursing Assistant Certification (NAC)-Students who submit their NAC credential number with their nursing application (Statement of Intent) will gain points toward selection. For more information, see "Do I have to be a Nursing Assistant Certified?" below.

For a worksheet describing the point system by which nursing students are ranked, refer to Calculate Your Nursing Points on the Nursing web page.

Is there a wait list for the program?

No. All qualified students are notified of acceptance/non-acceptance approximately eight weeks after the application deadline. The Nursing Department also selects and notifies a list of alternate students. These students may be pulled into the program if spots become available. Students who are not accepted into the program or designated as alternates must return the reply form indicating they wish to be included in the next selection process in order to keep their application active. Students can be included in selection three times. If not accepted during this time, they are referred to the Health Occupation advisor to discuss the possibility of re-applying.

How can I have transfer credits evaluated for equivalency?

The Advising Center can provide unofficial evaluation of credits. To verify that a Health Occupation advisor will be in the office on a specific day, feel free to call the Advising Center front desk staff at (360) 992-2345.

For an official evaluation of transfer credits, please refer to When should I apply? and How do I apply?

How can I learn more about the program?

Check the nursing web page to find out when the next group session for new and transfer nursing students will be held. You may also contact the Advising Center at (360) 992-2345, and ask to speak to a Health Occupation Advisor.

Do I have to be a nursing assistant?

Yes, students accepted into the nursing program must complete a Nursing Assistant course or have a current state Nursing Assistant Certification (NAC). However, keep in mind that in order to receive points toward selection, an applicant must possess current certification as a Nursing Assistant Certified and submit their credential number on their nursing application (Statement of Intent).

Can you tell me where I can find a nursing assistant (NAC) course?

Clark College Continuing Education Nursing Assistant Certified Course. Contact Verna Goll at (360) 992-2743 for more information.