Nursing - Practical Nursing Diploma (D45660)

Program Information

Students applying for admission to Gaston College Practical Nursing Program MUST meet the requirements for GENERAL ADMISSION to the college:

1. Submit to the Gaston College Office of Admissions a completed Application for Admission.
2. Request that your high school mail an official high school transcript to the Gaston College Office of  Admissions, 201 Highway 321 South, Dallas, NC 28034-1499. The documentation listed below can be submitted in the place of a traditional high school transcript.
   
   • Official Adult High School transcript
   • Official copies of GED scores
   • Official transcript from International Correspondence School
   • Official transcript from Home School
3. Request that all colleges previously attended submit official transcripts.
4. Schedule and take the placement test. Students who scored 500 or higher on the Verbal or Critical Reading portion of the SAT are not required to take the Writing and Reading portions of the placement test. Students who scored 500 or higher on the Mathematics portion of the SAT are not required to take the Mathematics portion of the placement test. Official test score results must be no more than 5 years old and they must be received and evaluated by the Gaston College Office of Admissions. Students who score a 18 or higher on the English portion of the ACT will be exempted from the Writing portion of the college’s placement test. Students who score a 21 or higher on the Reading portion of the ACT will be exempted from the Reading portion of the college’s placement test. Students who score a 22 or higher on the Mathematics portion of the ACT will be exempted from the Math portion of the college’s placement test. Official test score results must be no more than 5 years old and they must be received and evaluated by the Office of Admissions. A transfer student who has earned a “C” in both college level math and English from a regionally accredited institution shall have the test waived.        

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS TO BE ELIGIBLE TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO THE PRACTICAL NURSING PROGRAM:

1. Must submit a minimum composite score of 18 on the American College Test (ACT) or 850 on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) (the Critical Reading and Math scores only). Must be taken within five (5) years of date of application.
2. Must have a grades of “C” or better in all required college courses listed as part of the nursing major (PNE).
3. The required course in Anatomy & Physiology must be taken within the last ten (10) years of making application.
4. The ACT will be waived for students who hold a Baccalaureate or higher degree from an accredited college or university.
5. International students and U.S. resident applicants whose primary spoken language is not English will be required to demonstrate English proficiency. This may be established by scoring no less than 540 (207 on the computer) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The Department Chairperson of the Practical Nursing Program, in consultation with the Dean of Health Education, will determine the means of demonstrating proficiency on an individual basis.
6. Current CPR certification (adult, infant, child and FBAO certification) is required prior to entrance to the program.
7. Students may be required to submit documentation of additional non-academic criteria such as, but not limited to, criminal background checks and urine drug testing. If the clinical facility refuses to allow the student to do clinical at the facility based on said findings, the student would not be allowed to continue in the program.
8. Students on academic probation or suspension due to related course work will be denied admission to the Practical Nursing Education Program. A student must have a 2.0 or better for admission.

The final selection of applicants into the program is based on the following criteria, which has been approved by the Admissions Committee made up of the nursing faculty. The final selection of applicants into the program is made by the nursing faculty.

1. ACT/SAT score
2. Number of required courses completed by end of the Fall Semester prior to entering program.
3. Grade Point Average (GPA) in required courses only.

A completed health form documenting satisfactory emotional and physical health is required before entrance into the program by date to be announced by Nursing Department Chairperson. Forms will be provided by the College.

Individuals interested in additional information about the Practical Nursing Program should contact the Chairperson of the Practical Nursing Program at 704.748.5220 or 704.748.5221. Deadline for Practical Nursing Application: March 1st of each year.

Fall

• PSY 110 Life Span Development (3 Credit Hours) *
• BIO 163 Basic Anat & Physiology (5 Credit Hours) *
• NUR 101 Practical Nursing I (11 Credit Hours)
• NUR 118 Nutrition/Diet Therapy (2 Credit Hours)

Spring

• ENG 111 Expository Writing (3 Credit Hours) *
• NUR 102 Practical Nursing II (12 Credit Hours)
• NUR 117 Pharmacology (2 Credit Hours)

Summer

• NUR 103 Practical Nursing III (10 Credit Hours)

Total Semester Hour Credits: 48

Note(s):

*Required non-nursing courses.