Transition PM to RN

Application Checklist

Summer Deadline APRIL 1^st / Spring Deadline  Oct 1^st

1. Complete the Howard College application
   • Be sure to send official transcripts from any colleges you have previously attended.
2. Complete the Nursing application
3. Complete Licensure Eligibility/Declaratory Order on TX BON website information is located under licensure and eligibility. All applicants must review TX BON Licensure Eligibility prior to acceptance. It is mandatory to have a clearance letter/blue card prior to completion of the Nursing Program. Responding NO when the answer is YES may result in program dismissal.
4. Complete a Background Check through Castle Branch code HQ91bg
5. Complete the required 15 hours of Pre-Requisite Courses (Anatomy & Physiology I & II, Microbiology, and Life Span). See HC Catalog for Details.
   • Official college transcripts are required for courses taken other than at Howard College. Transfer of Prerequisite credits is contingent upon approval.
   • **HPRS 2302 Medical Terminology for Allied Health or HPRS 1206 Essentials of Medical Terminology (not pre-req but strongly recommended and additional points toward selection criteria).
6. Copy of unencumbered current Paramedic license.
7. Take TEAS Exam:Register for this exam https://www.atitesting.com/teas/register.  Please contact the testing center at Howard College 432-264-5637 or visit www.howardcollege.edu/testing/testing-bigspring for more information and to schedule. The TEAS test can be taken once every 30 days. TEAS scores not taken at Howard College will be accepted from ATI and must be submitted with the application. Student will be ranked on the basis of total points based on Prerequisite grades and TEAS scores.  See nursing packet for further information. TEAS Scores must reflect updated TEAS version by ATI.

An applicant’s file is not complete until all of the admission requirements have been submitted, with the exception of the second summer semester pre-requisite classes.

ONCE ACCEPTED: OTHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

1. Proof of Immunizations required by Texas Health Department, Rule 97.64 (additional immunizations may be required by some clinical facilities). The required documents must be uploaded to Castle Branch Compliance Tracker  (Code HQ91im) separate from background.
   • Hepatitis B: 3 doses OR positive titer (2 doses must be completed prior to admission)
   • Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR): 2 doses OR positive titer
   • Varicella: 2 doses (OR) positive titer
   • Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap): 1 dose within the last 10 years
   • Influenza: current season dose
   • Tuberculosis: test or screening results
2. Driver’s License
3. Physical Exam
4. BLS/CPR Card (American Heart Association- Basic Life Support Health Care Providers) contact 432-264-5649 for more information.
5. Health Insurance: Students enrolled in the Nursing Program are required to purchase 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.
6. Pay for required drug test: Students may be required by a clinical facility to submit to a random selection for a drug screening test. 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 the applicant’s responsibility to submit all required documents, to make all appointments, and to pay all fees for testing. Applicants are responsible for keeping their file updated with current addresses and phone numbers. A new application must be completed for each year you wish to be considered for admission.

Computer Access

All students must have access to a computer (preferably Microsoft Office) and a printer.  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. 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 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: Second year lecture courses are online; however, the clinical courses are in a traditional environment.

BACKGROUND CHECK INFORMATION

In order to be considered as an applicant for the nursing program, the Texas Board of Nursing requires all students to be fingerprinted and pass a DPS/FBI criminal background check prior to be accepted into a nursing program.

Within 2 – 3 weeks after application deadline (April 1^st) or (Oct 1^st), you will receive instructions from Howard College Nursing on how to schedule fingerprints to begin the Board of Nursing background check process.

After fingerprints have been completed and received by the Board of Nursing you will receive one of the following:

1) A blue card which indicates your background check is clear. This will need to be turned into the nursing department to complete your application folder.

OR

2) A letter from the Board of Nursing advising you to begin the Declaratory Order Process. This letter will need to be turned into the nursing department to complete your application folder.

If an applicant cannot present a “blue card” or “outcome letter” 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.