Question & Answer
What courses should I take in high school?
Focus on algebra, biology and chemistry. You need to make at least a C in these courses. If you are planning to eventually get your Bachelor’s degree and you take 3 years of a foreign language, you may not be required to take any more foreign language courses.
What do I need to do to be admitted into the nursing program?
- Submit an application to the college.
- Consult one of the college counselors
- Make an appointment for & take the college placement tests
- Consult one of the financial aid counselors
- Complete any courses recommended based upon the placement tests
- Complete ITE 115 with a C or better. If you would like to test out of ITE 115, consult one of the instructors in Information Service Technology
Please refer to the Pre-requisites for the Nursing Program Page on this website. 1 full semester of courses must be taken prior to enrolling in the clinical nursing courses.
Are there any scholarships or other funds available to help me with school related expenses?
Yes, all of the hospitals have scholarship programs and forgiveable loans. The college has state and federal financial aid programs as well as several scholarship porograms administered by the SVCC foundation. Some of these programs may cover uniforms and / or stethoscopes.
Are there any other tests that I need to take?
Students entering the Nursing Program who do not have a Bachelor’s Degree or an LPN, RT, or PT license, or paramedic certification must take the Pre-RN NLN exam. It is given each semester, alternating campuses. Study guides for this exam are in both libraries and are available over the internet or in the bookstores. This exam covers basic Biology (cells, photosynthesis, etc.), Algebra, and English. Four scores are reported: Verbal, Math, Science and a Composite Score. Students who score below 50 in any of the first three areas, should seek assistance in the related skills. The verbal score reflects reading comprehension, vocabulary and English skills. Nursing students must have successful reading comprehension and vocabulary skills. Students must score 45 or higher in the AD Composite section for acceptance into the program.
LPNs who have graduated within 5 years prior to the first nursing course, do not need to take any other tests.
All LPNs entering the program under LPN status must have current, unrestricted, Virginia LPN licenses.
Students must also take and score an 80 or higher on the drug dosage exam. This exam is offered at no charge to the students. The dates for the exam and a practice exam are located on the link on the nursing program home page.
How long will it take me to get through the program?
If you have all the high school requirements (biology, chemisty, algebra and one other math) and do not need any developmental courses based upon placement tests, and have had or tested out of ITE 115, it is possible to complete the program in 2 years or 6 semesters.
However, Nursing Program is very intense and it is more difficult to be successful if you have many responsibilities. If you work, or have children to care for, we recommend that you take as many of the general education courses as possible prior to entry in the first nursing course with a clinical component.
How many days a week and when will I be in school once I begin the nursing courses?
You will attend classes or clinicals 4 days a week
Clinicals in the hospital may run from 6:30AM until 4PM or from 2PM until 10PM.
Classes will be scheduled between 8AM & 4PM.
Can I take some of my prerequisites while I’m still in high school?
Yes, you’ll need approval from your principal. Remember that our summer classes start in May before the high school year ends.
What classes should I take first and in what order, before getting into the program? Should I take each course one at a time or can I take more than one?
This will depend upon your ability and the demands upon your time. The science classes tend to be the hardest. You will build a base with College Success Skills, with the English, Sociology, Psychology, computer courses and Health Science (anatomy & physiology). You must take both anatomy and physiology courses prior to entering the first clinical nursing course: NUR 111.
Will I be able to work and go to school at the same time?
It can be done, but it is not highly recommended.
How many credits are required for the program?
69 credits
Will my credits help me and be transferable if and when I go for my BSN?
Yes!
If I have a GED can I still be accepted into the nursing program?
Yes. You will need to take the following mandatory high school courses here before you enter the program if you did not complete them with a C or better in high school: Algebra I & one other math, Chemistry, and Biology.
Where will my clinicals take place?
The hospitals for the JHD Campus are: Southside Community Hospital in Farmville & Halifax Regional Hospital in South Boston. The hospitals for the Christanna campus are: Community Memorial Healthcenter in South Hill & Southern Virginia Regional Medical Center in Emporia. You will also be required to go to other local facilities.
If you miss a semester for some reason can you come back into the program?
Yes, if you do not stay out for longer than one year.
What does your grade point average have to be to stay in the program?
2.5
How much does this program cost?
An approximate cost, subject to change is $6,000.00.
What happens if you fail a course?
If you withdraw from or fail a course one time, you may retake the course. If you fail it twice, it is recommended that you obtain an LPN license before attempting to re-enter the program.
How much of my life do I have to give up while in nursing school?
There are at least 20 hours of homework per week for NUR 111, 221, 222, and 223 alone. This does not include library time or driving time.
How much will I need to study?
About 20 hours per week for the major nursing courses: NUR 111, 221, 222, & 223.
How many different teachers will I have?
You’ll have a different teacher for almost all of the general education courses; you’ll have a minimum of 5 nursing instructors.
How long are the lectures?
3 hours per session.
If we miss a required day are we able to make it up?
If it is excused by the nursing instructor prior to the absence.
What extra money do we have to anticipate spending?
Some expenses to consider are: gas, car repair, food, pens, paper supplies, and babysitting fees to name a few.
What costs are required?
You may spend up to $2000 on uniforms and nursing books.
How many times may I take the pre-RN NLN exam?
Twice per year. If you are not successful the first time, please consult one of the nursing instructor for recommendations.
What if I've had a lot of traffic tickets?
Minor traffic offenses are not a problem. However, if you've been convicted of other criminal offenses you need to confidentially speak with the head of the program. Our facilities require criminal background checks and will not allow those with prior convictions to work in their facility. However, this does not prevent you from attending the nursing school program. However, to pass the clinical courses, you must be able to attend clinicals. Once you have completed the program, the Board of Nursing will review your case individually and decide if you will be allowed to obtain a license to practice nursing.
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