Nursing (ADN), A.A.S.

(CIP 51.3801)

281-756-5630

Purpose: The program seeks to prepare graduates who are critical thinkers and competent practitioners. As Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) graduates, they will practice within the defined roles and competencies of the Associate Degree nurse. In response to community and societal needs, they will be prepared to care for individuals and families in structured settings. Courses are presented according to their content and effectiveness toward successful fulfillment of state board competencies.

Upon the successful completion of a minimum of two (2) academic years and all program requirements, the graduate is eligible to make application to write the National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

The program is approved by the Texas Board of Nursing (BON) and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (ACEN). The mission of the BON is to protect and promote the welfare of the people of Texas by ensuring that each person holding a license as a nurse in the State of Texas is competent to practice safely. The ACEN is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as the national accrediting body for all types of nursing education programs. The Associate Degree nursing program at Alvin Community College located in Alvin, Texas is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Associate Degree Nursing program is Continuing Accreditation.

Texas Board of Nursing (BON)
George H.W. Bush State Office Building
1801 Congress Avenue, Suite 10-200
Austin, TX 78701
512-305-7400
http://www.bon.texas.gov/

ACEN
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
404-975-5000
https://www.acenursing.org/

A person who has been convicted of or received deferred adjudication for anything other than a minor traffic violation, has been diagnosed with mental illness, or has a history of substance abuse, should contact the Texas Board of Nursing for licensure eligibility criteria. Individuals with felonies are ineligible for admission to the ADN Program.

Admission Requirements:

A new class begins each fall and spring semester. Applications are available at www.alvincollege.edu/adn during the application period. Application periods are typically in March and September. Refer to the website for the specific dates of each application period. Qualified applicants are admitted according to space available. To be considered for admission to the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Program, the applicant must:

1. Be fully admitted to Alvin Community College.
2. Submit an ADN application to the ADN department during the application period.
3. Submit, by the application deadline, proof to the ADN department of having met the following minimum admission standards:
   1. HESI A2 test score of 78 or higher on the cumulative and a 78 or higher on the Reading section. The following HESI A2 sections must be taken: Math, Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary and General Knowledge, Grammar, and Anatomy and Physiology. Section scores may be combined from more than one HESI A2 test. All HESI A2 section scores must be less than or equal to 5 years old as of the ADN application deadline. Beginning January 2022, ADN applicants may repeat individual HESI-A2 sections no less than 90 days apart. Students may submit two HESI-A2 exams from a twelve-month period. Each exam submitted must be at least 90 days from any prior HESI exam section attempt for the new section score to be considered. For any HESI-A2 section(s) repeated less than 90 days apart, the earlier section score is counted and the latter section score is not, regardless of which section score is the highest. For any HESI-A2 section(s) repeated 90 or more days apart, not exceeding the maximum of twice a calendar year, the highest section score is counted. For tests taken prior to January 2022, sections may be repeated no less than 30 days apart. For any HESI-A2 section(s) repeated less than 30 days apart, the earlier section score is counted and the latter section score is not, regardless of which section score is the highest. This policy applies regardless of the testing location.
      (The ADN department does not accept HESI A2 score reports from students. HESI A2 score reports are automatically available to the ADN department if the HESI A2 is taken at Alvin Community College. If the HESI A2 is taken elsewhere, the applicant must pay a fee to Elsevier to have the official score report sent to the ADN department.)
   2. TSI (Texas Success Initiative) requirement satisfied as determined by ACC’s testing and placement policies. Transfer students must meet the transfer institution’s TSI requirements if not enrolled at ACC.
   3. Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better in nursing and nursing curriculum courses.
   4. Receipt of at least two (2) of the three (3) immunizations for Hepatitis B or proof of Hepatitis-B immunity (positive HBsAB) by application deadline. The series of three (3) immunizations must be completed by the start date of the program.
4. Attend one of the mandatory ADN Applicant meetings discussing specific program policies and requirements held during the application period.
5. Submit to the ACC Registrar’s office official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended. No academic course with a grade below C is accepted for transfer credit in the ADN program. Academic courses include composition/written communication, social/behavioral/biological sciences, humanities, and visual/performing arts. Do not submit college transcripts to the nursing office. Applicants with credits from institutions outside the United States must have their foreign transcripts evaluated by one of the approved companies listed in the Evaluation of Credit from Foreign Institutions section of the College Catalog. The ADN department will use the evaluation company’s report when assessing the applicant’s foreign credits and grades. The applicant must submit the original evaluation report to either the ADN department or the Admissions Office by the nursing application deadline. Any out of state transcript must be evaluated by an advisor at least 45 days prior to the application deadline. Make an appointment at: Advising@alvincollege.edu.
6. Have completed or be in-progress taking the prerequisite courses of BIOL 2401 , BIOL 2402 , PSYC 2301 , and ENGL 1301 .
7. Students are ineligible for admission if at the time of application transcripts reflect more than one (1) D or F in a nursing (RNSG or VNSG) or nursing curriculum science course (BIOL 2401, 2402, and 2420) taken within five years of the application deadline. This includes both RNSG  and VNSG courses regardless if the course is in the ACC ADN curriculum. The student is ineligible even if the course is repeated and the student earns an A, B, or C in the subsequent attempt.
8. A student is ineligible for admission to the ACC nursing program if he/she has been dismissed for unprofessional or unethical conduct while previously enrolled in a health occupation program.

Selection for Admission

Admission to the ADN program is competitive. After the application deadline, applicants are ranked primarily according to the number of completed courses in the ADN curriculum, the GPA of those courses, and HESI A2 test scores. Priority admission is given to applicants who: 1) achieved high standardized test scores (HESI A2) and 2) earned a high GPA in the ADN curriculum academic coursework. Additional consideration is given to applicants who: 1) complete ADN curriculum courses without repeating or withdrawing from courses in the last five years from the application deadline; 2) complete ADN curriculum courses at ACC; 3) completed BIOL 2420 ; 4) hold a current certificate in a health profession (for example, but not limited to: CNA, CMA, EMT, dental assistant, etc.) 5) hold a Bachelor’s or higher degree from an accredited college or university; and, 6) reside in the ACC tax district.

Program information:

1. BIOL 2401  and BIOL 2402  must be taken within five years of application deadline. BIOL courses completed more than five years prior to the application deadline must be repeated or the student may demonstrate competency through the National League for Nursing (NLN) exam. This exam may only be taken once and if the student does not pass on the first attempt the courses will have to be repeated. Contact the Testing Center for information about the examination.
2. Requirements to be completed after initial acceptance and before the start of the program include:
   1. Complete the prerequisite courses of BIOL 2401 , BIOL 2402 , PSYC 2301 , and ENGL 1301 .
   2. Complete two criminal background checks. A social security number is required and will be verified during the background checks. The first is a DPS/FBI background check that the Texas Board of Nursing requires on all accepted nursing students. The second background check is done by a private firm and is required by clinical affiliates. A satisfactory criminal background check as determined by the requirements of the Texas BON and clinical affiliates is required for final admission into the ADN program. See ADN application packet for further information about BON background check procedures. Individuals with felonies are ineligible for admission. A person with a criminal history other than a felony may be eligible to be considered for admission if:
      1. The Texas Board of Nursing indicates in a letter that a petition for “Declaratory Order” (DO) was received and the individual is eligible to apply to take the licensure examination. The BON website, www.bon.texas.gov, contains eligibility questions and the link to the Nurse Portal to submit the DO. And,
      2. The ADN clinical affiliates permit the person to practice in their agency.
   3. CPR Certification from American Heart Association: Basic Life Support (BLS) for Health Care Providers.
   4. Physical examination. Form provided by the department.
   5. Up-to-date immunizations as required by the Texas Department of Health and clinical affiliates (measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, varicella, hepatitis “B” series of 3 immunizations, seasonal flu; positive titer is required for hepatitis B following semester 1 and others as required by clinical affiliates.) The COVID vaccine is required by clinical facilities.
   6. Negative tuberculin screen (yearly) [Initial testing must be a 2-step skin test or Quantiferon Gold blood test.]
   7. Negative drug test.
   8. Purchase of a school uniform and lab supplies.
   9. Health insurance is required beginning the 2nd semester for Traditional students and the 1st semester for Transition students.
3. Each student is required to pay for standardized, computerized exams administered throughout the program, as well as testing software used to administer unit and final exams.
4. Students attend various clinical sites in the Houston/Galveston region throughout the program. Clinical times/days vary each semester and include weekend and evening hours.
5. Statutory law (Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 53) requires the Alvin Community College nursing and allied health programs to notify prospective applicants and future healthcare professionals a licensing/credentialing authority may suspend or revoke a license/credential, disqualify a person from receiving a license/credential, or deny to a person the opportunity to take a licensing/credentialing examination on the grounds that the person has been convicted of certain criminal behavior.

Transfer of Nursing Credits:

1. Courses accepted for transfer must be similar in content and credit to the ACC course(s).
2. No grade below a “B” in any (RNSG) nursing course is accepted for transfer.
3. Transfer applicants who, in the last 2 years, were enrolled in a professional nursing program and attempted/completed nursing course(s) with clinical component(s), are considered for admission on a space available basis. Applicants must:
   1. Apply and meet the criteria for admission to the ADN program at ACC during an application period.
   2. Have a written recommendation from the Dean/Director of their previous nursing program.
   3. Demonstrate competency in previously completed nursing courses prior to admission through our Prior Learning Assessment process. Applicants will take a written departmental examination and a clinical skills competency demonstration to be awarded transfer credit. The tests will be administered once per semester and evaluated by a faculty review committee. Contact the department for test dates.

Progression / Dismissal Policies:

1. Students will abide by the current ADN admission, curriculum, and program requirements at the time they are admitted to the Associate Degree Nursing Program.
2. Once a student has enrolled in the ADN Program, all nursing courses and related courses must be completed in proper sequence as shown in the catalog and degree plan. The program must be completed within three (3) years of the initial acceptance.
3. No grade below a C in nursing curriculum science and nursing courses will be acceptable for progression.
4. In order to receive a grade of C, a minimum grade of 75% must be attained in each nursing course.
5. Once enrolled in the ADN program, it is expected that enrollment is continuous. Students with a break in enrollment must apply for readmission. A break in enrollment includes: 1) Receipt of a grade of D, F, or W in a nursing course requiring a repeat of the course, 2) Withdrawal from a nursing course with a clinical component, and/or 3) Non-enrollment in a nursing course for one (1) or more semesters (excluding summer).
6. A student who withdraws from a nursing course with a related clinical component must withdraw from the corresponding course.
7. A student who receives a grade of D or F in a nursing course with a related clinical component will be assigned the grade of “R” in the corresponding course. The student must, if eligible, re-enroll in both the theory and clinical sections of that course. Each semester’s co-requisite RNSG courses must be completed with a minimum grade of C in order to progress.
8. A student must achieve an overall GPA of 2.0 in all courses in the nursing curriculum in order to progress to the next nursing course.
9. A student will be terminated from the ADN Program if he/she has received more than one (1) D or F in a nursing course. This includes courses which have been repeated and a passing grade (A, B, or C) received in a subsequent attempt, regardless of the college or university where the initial grade (D or F) was received.
10. Co-requisite courses must be completed for a student to progress to the next semester.
11. A student requiring hospitalization, has a serious illness, is pregnant, or sustains an injury will be required to obtain a written statement from his/her physician verifying the health status of the student is adequate for performance in class, lab, and in the clinical setting. A student may not be allowed to return to the clinical or lab area if he/she is unable to perform the required job functions or if he/she must be on medications which may interfere with his/her ability to perform satisfactorily.
12. Due to the physical nature of the profession, technical standards, and job requirements, there is no “light duty” in this program. If a student cannot perform the required duties for any reason, the student will be required to withdraw in good standing and return as soon as the student is cleared by his/her physician, when the course is offered again. A plan for completion will be established that meets the needs of the student and the college time line.
13. A student may be dismissed from the program for demonstration of unprofessional and unsafe behaviors as described in the Texas Administrative Code 215.8. When dismissed, a grade of “F” will be assigned to the RNSG course where the behavior occurred. A “W” will be assigned to any other RNSG courses taken concurrently.
14. A student may be dismissed from the program for academic dishonesty. When dismissed, a grade of “F” will be assigned to the RNSG course where the behavior occurred. A “W” will be assigned to any other RNSG courses taken concurrently.
15. Notification by the BON that a student has been involved in criminal activity may result in temporary withdrawal or termination from the ADN program.

Readmission: Students may be readmitted to the ADN Program ONCE after withdrawal or failure of a course.

1. Once enrolled in the ADN program, a student who receives a D, F, or W in a nursing course or drops a nursing course, must, if eligible apply for readmission.
2. Students are readmitted on a space available basis and on the student’s compliance with conditions/requirements established by the Director. These requirements may include remediation in academic course work, repeat of nursing course(s) previously taken, or documentation of recovery from illness. Inability to meet the readmission stipulations may be grounds for denial or permanent dismissal from the program.
3. Students applying for readmission must apply in writing to the Director at least 14 days prior to the semester in which readmission is desired. Include the following information: Date of withdrawal from the Program; primary reason(s) for withdrawal from the Program; understanding of the requirements for readmission at the time of withdrawal; ways in which recommendations at the time of withdrawal have been completed; and what has been done to improve chances for successful completion.
4. A student who has withdrawn from the ADN program during the first semester must reapply during the program application period and be ranked with that applicant pool.
5. Evidence of competency in previously completed nursing courses will be required prior to readmission. This will be accomplished through an examination and a clinical skills competency demonstration. Tests will be administered once per semester and evaluated by a faculty review committee. Contact the Director for test dates.
6. Re-entering students must abide by the current admission, curriculum and program requirements of the department.
7. Following a second withdrawal from the program, a student will not be readmitted. Students may petition for re-admission when a withdrawal occurs because of a catastrophic event. The student must have had a passing grade in the RNSG course at the time of withdrawal. Petition will be considered by a faculty review committee.
8. The department reserves the right to deny readmission to a student who discontinued the program due to academic dishonesty or exhibited unsafe and/or unprofessional behavior. The decision to deny or accept readmission will be made by a faculty review committee.
9. Students who are unsuccessful in a professional nursing program and subsequently complete a vocational nursing program are eligible to apply to the LVN-ADN Transition track. Eligibility penalties for the “D’s, F’s or W’s” earned in nursing courses while previously enrolled in the professional nursing program are eliminated for these students. Grades of “D” or “F” still apply for BIOL.
10. All courses must be completed within three (3) years of original enrollment date into the ADN program.

The following courses have been adopted by THECB as part of a Field of Study Curriculum in Nursing: BIOL 2401 , BIOL 2402 , BIOL 2420 , PSYC 2301 , PSYC 2314 , MATH 1342 , ENGL 1301 , ENGL 1302  or ENGL 2311 , and any 4 SCH CHEM (with lab). The Nursing FOS is intended for the generic baccalaureate degree seeking student.