Practical Nurse Program Application

Application Deadline

Applications for Spring semester are due on or before October 15.

Applications for Fall semester are due on or before June 15.

General Application Information

Please review the application process document carefully prior to submitting this application. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all documentation is complete and submitted as directed. Thirty students will be accepted each semester. Applicants will be notified of status for admission during the month following application deadline.  Incomplete Practical Nursing program applications will not be considered for admission.

To be considered for admission, applicants must complete the Practical Nursing program online application attach the following:

An academic advisor will review your preparation in Mathematics and English with you. You’ll be guided to appropriate preliminary coursework to give you the greatest chance of success in this program. All identified developmental course needs must be completed prior to admission to the Practical Nursing program.

• Completion of and proof of state accredited high school diploma, home school diploma, or GED.
• If the student has completed 9 or more semester credit hours of college level work, college GPA will be used to calculate admission GPA score. If the student has completed less than 9 semester credit hours of college level work, the high school GPA (or total GED score) will be used in calculating the admission GPA score.
• Applicants are solely responsible for completing and/or submitting the following items:
  • MECC application for admission to the college
  • FAFSA (free federal financial aid application) annually
  • MECC Practical Nursing Program Application (Spring Semester deadline is October 15; Fall Semester deadline is June 15.)
  • For students currently enrolled in any curricular non-nursing coursework during the semester of program application, application processing will be completed upon grade posting.
  • A copy of high school transcript or GED scores and all college transcripts must be submitted as an attachment to the Application for Practical Nursing online program application. https://www.mecc.edu/practical-nurse-program-application/
  • A copy of TEAS testing scoring sheet must be uploaded with the online application. Please ensure that your name and all scores are visible in the attachment
• It is the sole responsibility of the applicant to ensure the program application file is complete and all supporting documents have been uploaded as part of the online program application process.
• It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all contact information recorded in the Student Information System is up to date.
• Completion of an online Practical Nursing Program Application is required for each academic year for which the applicant is interested in being considered for admission.

Special Note

The State Board of Nursing has the authority to deny licensure to any applicant who has violated any of the provisions of 54.1-3008 of the Code of Virginia. Any student entering the Practical Nursing program who has committed any legal offenses other than minor traffic violations should discuss these matters with the Program Director of the Practical Nursing program prior to application.

Admission to Practical Nursing program is based upon:

• Demonstrated competency in math, English, and science by one or more of the following:
  • All required developmental course work must be completed prior to program admission.
  • » Readiness for NUR 135 (minimum testing scores of MTE 1-3 or MDE 10) or completion of NUR 135 (C or better course grade)
  • » Readiness for ENG 111; or completion of ENG 111 (C or better course grade)
  • Biology with a lab (high school or college) with a “C” or better. Applied biology and/or ecology does not satisfy this requirement. PNE 155, BIO 1, BIO 101 or BIO 102, BIO 141 or BIO 142, BIO 145, or NAS 171 will meet the admission requirements. For successful nursing training, recommended biology courses are:
    • BIO 141 & 142 or PNE 155 or BIO 145 or NAS 171
  • Cumulative GPA will be calculated using a points value system. GED recipients will be ranked according to their general equivalent diploma scores. Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 or its equivalent required to be considered for admission. 

     

TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) entrance testing: Applicants must complete all sections of the TEAS test. The individualized adjusted score will be calculated using a points value system.  A minimum of 45% individual adjusted score must be required to be considered for admission. Students can choose to submit previously completed TEAS testing scores. Testing scores must be dated within two (2) years of the program application.

Scheduling a TEAS testing date:

• Scheduling a TEAS examination:
  • Go to TEAS examination scheduler and click on the TEAS registration form link.
  • Complete this form to register for a date and time to take the TEAS assessment.
  • After you submit the form, you will receive an email outlining scheduling information within 48-72 hours.
• Testing fee: $75.00. (price subject to change).
  • Paying for TEAS testing: Fees for TEAS testing must be paid by credit card, debit card, or prepaid card in the Student Services Testing Center.
  • Please bring one of these methods of payment with you on the day of your test.
  • Student Services staff will assist test takers in processing online payment.

TEAS study guides and resources:

• Please visit our MECC Wampler Library for study guides to use to best prepare to take the TEAS.
• Other resources and practice tests, some free, may be found online by using search terms such as “TEAS Study Guides” or “Free Online TEAS Practice Tests”.

General Education Course Requirements:

• These are the required Practical Nursing Program curricular general education courses that will be used to earn points towards program admission.
• Courses must be successfully completed with a grade of “C” or higher for admission points values.
• Students are highly encouraged, but not required, to complete this coursework prior to submission of program application.
• Curricular non-nursing program courses will be calculated using a points value system.

Certified Nurse Aide additional points possible: CNAs with active certification and six months verified work experience are eligible for additional points. Criteria for GPA, TEAS, and general program admission requirements must be met to receive the additional points towards the program application process. CNAs wishing to receive these additional points must submit required documentation as an attachment to the online Practical Nursing program application process. Required documents include:

• Copy of Board Certification
• An official letter from Human Resources verifying length of work experience (1,000 hours or 6 months minimum), area of experience, and contact information
• All documentation will be verified by the program director.

Selection of Cohort:

Applicants, submitting applications on time, will be admitted by highest to lowest scores. Applications received after the deadline may be considered: 1) if the cohort is not filled or 2) when current enrollment grades are posted.

Applicants must have a minimum scoring rubric total of 10 to be considered for admission. Click here for scoring matrix.

Nondiscrimination Policy

Mountain Empire Community College (MECC) is an open entry institution. Its mission is to provide quality higher education and workforce training programs and services that are financially and geographically accessible and meet individual, business, and community needs. The following pathways exist:

MECC is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment and education opportunity. No person shall be discriminated against in the terms and conditions of employment, personnel practices, or access to and participation in, programs, services, and activities with regard to race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, or membership or activity in a local commission as defined by law.

Harassment of an individual or group on the basis of race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, or membership or activity in a local commission has no place in a learning or work environment and is prohibited. Sexual violence has no place in a learning or work environment. Further, MECC shall work to eliminate violence in all its forms. Physical contact by designated system, college, and university staff members may be appropriate if necessary to avoid physical harm to persons or property.

Lack of English skills will not be a barrier to admission or participation.  In order to eliminate barriers, we take appropriate measures to assess each student’s ability to participate and benefit through placement testing and counseling.  Based on the assessment and counseling, students are then provided with campus services or a referral to community services to be better prepared for successful participation.

Nondiscrimination Coordinators:

• Title IX Coordinator – Ron Vicars, Room 136, Godwin Hall, 276-523-7478
• Title IX Deputy Coordinator (Students) – Lelia Bradshaw, Room 133, Holton Hall, 276-523-9107
• Title IX Deputy Coordinator (Employees) – Val Lee, Room 138, Godwin Hall, 276-523-9079
• Disabilities Coordinator – Dale Lee, Room 131, Holton Hall, 276-523-9108

This information is available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities. Consumers with hearing or speech disabilities may contact us via their preferred Telecommunications Relay Service.

* The information contained above is subject to change. Questions about the application should be directed to Lena Whisenhunt, Program Director, 276-523-9022.