HOWARD COLLEGE ASSOCIATE DEGREE NURSING (RN) PROGRAM
Functional Abilities Essential for Nursing Practice
In response to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the National Council of State
Boards of Nursing initiated a series of studies to identify competencies that a nurse must
possess, in addition to those nursing knowledge, skills and abilities evaluated via a licensing
examination, in order to function safely and effectively in a variety of employment settings.
Category Description
Gross Motor Skills Gross motor skills sufficient to provide the full range of safe and effective nursing
care activities.
Fine Motor Skills Fine motor skills sufficient to perform manual psychomotor skills.
Physical Endurance Physical stamina sufficient to perform client care activities for entire length of work
role.
Physical Strength Physical strength sufficient to perform full range of required client care activities.
Mobility Physical strength sufficient to perform full range of required client care activities.
Hearing Auditory ability sufficient for physical monitoring and assessment of client health care
needs.
Visual Visual ability sufficient for accurate observation and performance of nursing care.
Tactile Tactile ability sufficient for physical monitoring and assessment of health care needs.
Smell Olfactory ability sufficient to detect significant environmental and client odors.
Reading Reading ability sufficient to comprehend the written word at a minimum of a tenth
grade level.
Arithmetic Arithmetic ability sufficient to do computations at a minimum of an eighth grade level.
It includes the following three concepts:
Counting: the act of enumerating or determining the number of items in a group.
Measuring: the act or process of ascertaining the extent, dimensions or quantity of
something.
Computing: the act or process of performing mathematical calculations such as
addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
Emotional Stability Emotional stability sufficient to assume responsibility/accountability for actions.
Analytical Thinking Reasoning skills sufficient to perform deductive/inductive thinking for nursing
decisions
Critical Thinking Critical thinking ability sufficient to exercise sound nursing judgment.
Skill
Interpersonal Skills Interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with individuals, families and groups
respecting social, cultural and spiritual diversity.
Communication Communication abilities sufficient for interaction with others in oral and written form.
Skills
Revised 8/2011
APPLICATION FOR LICENSURE
A person who can answer “yes” to any of the questions listed below should apply for a Declaratory
Order with the Board of Nursing. It is best if you complete this process, prior to enrolling in the pre-
requisite courses and especially prior to acceptance in the Associate Degree Nursing Program.
Revised 8/2011
*This means a specific Board action, not failure of NCLEX RN/VN/PN.
The Declaratory Order process permits the Board of Nursing to make decisions regarding your eligibility for
licensure prior to entering or completing a nursing program. If you answered “yes” to any of the above
questions, please research the Declaratory Order process at www.bon.state.tx.us, go to Forms, then to
Declaratory Orders. The Board of Nursing will not make eligibility determinations over the phone and/or email.
Eligibility determinations take a minimum of 3-6 months.
GRADUATION FROM THE ADN PROGRAM DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE GRADUATE WILL BE
ALLOWED TO SIT FOR THE NCLEX-RN (STATE BOARD EXAMINATION).
Revised 8/2011
ASSOCIATE DEGREE NURSING ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Prior to actual admission into the Associate Degree (RN) Nursing Program, applicant must
have successfully completed 15 hours of required support courses with a final grade of “C”
or above. If enrolled in these courses at the time of the application deadline, you must
furnish proof of enrollment.
BIOL 2401 Anatomy & Physiology I BIOL 2402 Anatomy & Physiology II
BIOL 2420 Microbiology ENGL 1301 Freshman Composition
It is the policy of Howard College not to discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color,
religion, age, national origin, veteran, or qualified disability in educational programs,
activities admission, or employment policies.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
All applicants to the Howard College Associate Degree Nursing Program who have met the
requirements for admission to the college will be forwarded to the selection committee.
However, meeting the requirements does NOT guarantee admission to the program. The
following criteria will be used for admission to the RN Program:
1. Completed Nursing application for admission into the Associate Degree
Nursing Program.
2. Complete Howard College application form for admission Howard College.
3. An official transcript showing a “C” or better in all pre-requisite classes from
each college/university attended sent to nursing.
4. Copy of CNA certificate or course transcript.
5. Results of ***TEAS V examination (minimum requirement: Reading = 70% or
better) TEAS V results are required.
6. Transfer of pre-requisite credits is contingent upon approval by the Program
Director and the Guidance & Counseling Department.
7. Successfully pass the criminal background check.
8. Proof of at least 2 doses of the Hepatitis B series *
9. Proof of Varicella (chickenpox). Proof can be either medical records or
preferably series **(2 doses).
*Hepatitis B injection #2 is required one (1) month after the first injection. Hepatitis B
injection #3 is required four (4) months after the first injection. This can also be proved with
an antibody titer to check immunity.
**Varicella vaccine # 2 is given 4-8 weeks after the first injection.
***See Pre Testing below for TEAS V information & scoring
If the admission requirements are completed prior to the June 1 deadline, the applicant will
be considered for the selection pool for admission into the Fall Semester (August). An
applicant’s file is NOT complete until all of the above documents have been
submitted.
Revised 8/2011
Applicants are responsible for keeping their file updated with current addresses and
phone numbers. Just changing your phone or address at the Admissions Office will not
get that information into your Nursing file, as the Admissions Office does not forward that to
us.
It is the applicant’s responsibility to submit all required documents, to make all
appointments, and to pay all fees for testing.
Pre-Testing - Students seeking admission to the Associate Degree Nursing Program must
take the Test of Essential Academic Skills Test (TEAS V). The TEAS V test can be taken
once every 30 days. The maximum number of times the TEAS V may be taken is three (3)
in an admission period (June to May). Only TEAS V scores will be accepted. TEAS V
scores not taken at Howard College will be accepted from ATI that are mailed or emailed
directly to the Howard College ADN office. The TEAS test will be given at the STEPS lab,
(432) 264-5637. You will be responsible for registering and paying for the TEAS exam
through the ATI website (www.atitesting.com). The testing schedule is on the Howard
College website under schedule/testing/testing schedule at bottom of page.
Background Check- Changes are taking place within healthcare facilities nationally. These
changes directly affect all health programs at Howard College.
The Joint Commission of Accreditation of Healthcare Organization (JCAHO),
which accredits healthcare facilities across the country, enforced background
screening September 2004 and has set requirements mandating that students
in a healthcare field must now complete the same background check as
hospital employees.
A background investigation must be completed prior to your file being forwarded to the
selection committee. Students are responsible for the payment of their background
investigation and American DataBank MUST conduct the investigation. The background
check must be within 6 months of the application deadline. Background checks older than 6
months must be repeated.
To initiate your background clearance, go to the website www.howardcollegecx.com and
follow the step process. The profile information you input will be sent directly to the school
upon completion. Your file will not be forwarded to the selection committee if the
background check is not completed AND passed by the application deadline.
The following searches are required for students attending facilities for clinical through the
Howard College ADN program:
1. Criminal History Record Search (7 years or 5 criminal searches)
2. Social Security Number Trace (residential history, State and Date SSN issued)
3. Sex Offender Registry
4. OIG/GSA Sanction Report
5. OFAC (Terrorist List)
6. Texas State Excluded List
If an applicant doesn’t pass the background check, then they are not eligible to be accepted
into the program. Successful completion of a background check does not guarantee
licensure or employment after graduation. If you have any questions, please contact the
nursing office, 432-264-5070.
Revised 8/2011
Students may be required by a clinical facility to submit to a random selection for a
drug-screening test. Students may be required by a clinical facility to submit to an
additional background check and fingerprinting. If a student does not pass the
background check or the drug test and is unable to attend clinical, the student will be
unable to fulfill the course requirements and possible failure of the course may
occur. It is not the responsibility of the nursing faculty or Howard College to make
alternative arrangements for clinical hours. Student selected alternatives will not be
accepted.
Upon completion of the program, you will be subjected to a State background check
done by the Department of Public Safety and a Federal Background check conducted
by the FBI prior to taking the NCLEX-RN.
Summer Terms - The summer will be a busy time for applicants who have not already taken
or begun pre-requisite classes. During the summer term, these students are required to
take Anatomy & Physiology I & II, Microbiology, and Freshman Composition. Students
earning less than a final grade of “C” in non-nursing courses must repeat that course before
becoming eligible to take Associate Degree Nursing courses.
Those students who will be on financial aid are cautioned to save co-requisite
classes so they will have enough credits to qualify for financial aid. Please ask
questions about this.
Computer Access
All students must have access to a computer (preferably with Microsoft Office) and a printer
in the first year of the program. Internet access and access to a computer compatible with
Microsoft Office are required for the online courses in the second year of the program.
Online Nurses Classes
The second year of the ADN program is taught in an online environment. BCIS 1305
(Business Computer applications) is a pre-requisite to all online nursing classes. All
students must pass BCIS 1305 with a “C” or better before enrolling in the online nursing
classes.
For the online nursing classes, travel to Howard College in Big Spring will continue to be
required. Every effort will be made to combine activities in order to decrease the number of
times students are required to be on campus. All testing will take place on the Big Spring
campus per course schedule.
Please note: Lecture courses are online; however the clinical courses are in a traditional
environment.
Revised 8/2011
CURRICULUM FOR ASSOCIATE DEGREE NURSING (Generic RN) PROGRAM
Summer I Cred
Hrs
BIOL 2401 Anatomy & Physiology I 4
BIOL 2420 Microbiology 4
Total Hours 8
Summer II
BIOL 2402 Anatomy & Physiology II 4
ENGL 1301 English Composition 3
Total Hours 7
First Nursing Semester
BIOL 1322 Nutrition 3
PSYC 2314 Life Span/Growth & Development 3
RNSG 1309 RNSG Introduction to Nursing 3
RNSG 1261 RN Training (Clinical) 2
RNSG 1115 Health Assessment 1
Total Hours 12
Second Nursing Semester
BCIS 1305 Business Computer Applications 3
Elective 3 hours required: Fine Arts/Humanities 3
RNSG 1343 Concepts of Adult Health 3
RNSG 1362 RN Training (Clinical) 3
Total Hours 12
Summer I
MATH 1314 College Algebra 3
Total Hours 3
Summer II
RNSG 2213 Mental Health Nursing (ONLINE) 2
RNSG 2261 RN Training (Clinical) 2
Total Hours 4
Third Nursing Semester
RNSG 2308 Maternal/Newborn Nursing and
Women’s Health (ONLINE) 3
RNSG 2260 RN Training (Clinical) 2
RNSG 2201 Care of Children and Families (ONLINE) 2
RNSG 2361 RN Training (Clinical) 3
Total Hours 10
Fourth Nursing Semester
SPCH 1311 or Introduction to Speech Comm. or
SPCH 1315 Public Speaking 3
SOCI 1301 Introduction to Sociology 3
RNSG 2404 Care of the Client with Common Health
Care Needs (ONLINE) 4
RNSG 2460 RN Training (Clinical) 4
Total Hours 14
Grand Total 70
Revised 8/2011
If accepted to the nursing program:
Prior to the first class day, students are required to have:
a) A physical examination (within previous three [3] months);
b) Results of a PPD (within the previous three [3] months);
c) Proof of MMR immunization (a signed statement by medical practitioner showing 2 doses
of vaccine or MMR titer level);
d) Students are required to have completed the Hepatitis B series (3 injections) before
attending clinical (mid October);
e) Tetanus vaccination (proof of within the previous 10 years);
f) Current CPR certification - American Heart Association for Health Care Providers, BLS
course (current within 1 year);
g) Proof of health/hospitalization insurance by first clinical day;
h) Drug Screening
i) Completed the Nursing CARES Success Camp
(This is an orientation you will attend if accepted into the program and is for
nursing only, no registration required.)
Guidelines drafted from American College Health Association and CDC Guidelines: 1/2000
LIABILITY INSURANCE
Students enrolled in the Associate Degree Nursing Program are required to purchase liability and
health insurance prior to the beginning of clinical experiences and to maintain such insurance for the
duration of their enrollment. A break in enrollment of either liability or health insurance will result in
the student’s inability to attend clinical. Arrangements to purchase liability insurance at a reduced
group rate will be made through the Howard College Business Office in conjunction with the payment
of other required fees. Students are required to purchase health insurance at their own expense.
Revised 8/2011
HOWARD COLLEGE ASSOCIATE DEGREE NURSING PROGRAM
APPROXIMATE COSTS
FIRST YEAR
SUMMER I: BIOL2401 A&P I and BIOL2420 Microbiology (8 hours)
In District Out of District Out of State
Books $350.00 $350.00 $350.00
Tuition/Fees 730.00 830.00 930.00
Total for Semester: $1080.00 $1180.00 $1280.00
SUMMER II: BIOL2402 A&P II and ENGL1301 Freshman Composition (7 hours)
In District Out of District Out of State
Books $ 75.00 $ 75.00 $ 75.00
Tuition/Fees 655.00 755.00 855.00
Total for Semester: $730.00 $830.00 $930.00
FALL: BIOL1322 Nutrition and PSYC2314 Life Span/Growth & Develop. (6 hours)
In District Out of District Out of State
Books $175.00 $175.00 $175.00
Tuition/Fees 600.00 700.00 800.00
Total for Semester $775.00 $875.00 $975.00
RNSG1309 & RNSG 1261 & RNSG 1115 Intro to Nursing/Health Assessment (6 Hours)
In District Out of District Out of State
Books $1000.00 $1000.00 $1000.00
Equipment/Supplies 528.00 528.00 528.00
Tuition/Fees 625.00 725.00 825.00
Total Nursing Sem. $2153.00 $2253.00 $2353.00
SPRING: BCIS 1305 Business Computer Applications, Fine Arts/Humanities Elective,
RNSG1343 & RNSG 1362 Concepts of Adult Health Nursing I (15 hours)
In District Out of District Out of State
Books $450.00 $450.00 $450.00
Tuition/Fees 1040.00 1140.00 1340.00
Total Spring Semester $1490.00 $1590.00 $1690.00
SECOND YEAR
SUMMER I: MATH1314 College Algebra (3 hours)
In District Out of District Out of State
Books $ 90.00 $ 90.00 $ 90.00
Tuition/Fees 406.00 506.00 606.00
Total Summer I $496.00 $596.00 $696.00
SUMMER II: RNSG2213 & RNSG2261 Mental Health Nursing (4 hours)
In District Out of District Out of State
Books $200.00 $200.00 $200.00
Tuition/Fees 555.00 655.00 675.00
Total Summer II $755.00 $855.00 955.00
Revised 8/2011
FALL: RNSG2308 & RNSG 2260 Maternal/Newborn Nursing & Women’s Health,
RNSG2201 & RNSG 2361 Care of Children & Families Nursing (10 hours)
In District Out of District Out of State
Books $220.00 $220.00 $220.00
Tuition/Fees 970.00 1100.00 1200.00
Total Fall Semester $1190.00 $1320.00 $1420.00
SPRING: SOC1301 Intro to Sociology, SPCH1311 Intro to Speech, RNSG2404 & RNSG2460
Care of the Client with Common Health Care (14 hours)
In District Out of District Out of State
Books $ 225.00 $ 225.00 $ 225.00
Tuition/Fees 1800.00 1900.00 2000.00
Total Spring Semester $2025.00 $2125.00 $2225.00
APPROXIMATE COSTS FOR ENTIRE ADN PROGRAM:
In District Out of District Out of State
$10,694.00 $11,624.00 $12,524.00
ALL COSTS ARE APPROXIMATE AND
SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE!!
Revised 8/2011
RN PROGRAM SELECTION CRITERIA
APPLICANT
ACADEMIC YEAR
Points are given for the pre-requisite courses Anatomy & Physiology I and Microbiology
For any pre-requisite class that is repeated, a deduction of -1 point will be made. (i.e. A
student who repeats A&P I and makes a “B” will have points of 3 points for the class,
and a third time, 2 points for the class, etc.
PRE-REQUISITE COURSES
POINTS MICROBIOLOGY A&PI TOTAL
(lecture only) (lecture only)
2 pts C C
4 pts B B
6 pts A A
TEAS
POINTS READING MATH SCIENCE TOTAL
2 pts at least 70% At least 60% At least 40%
4 pts 80% or better 70% or better 50% or better
6 pts 90% or better 80% or better 60% or better
**Scores below minimum in each category will result in (zero) “0” points.
TOTAL POINTS MAX POSSIBLE 30
Revised 8/2011