Frequently Asked Questions: Associate Degree Nursing

Where is Johnston Community College located?

JCC’s main campus is conveniently located near the intersection of I-95 and Highway 70 East in Smithfield, North Carolina. Click here for directions.

How do I begin the admission process to apply to the College?

• Step 1. Click here to Apply. (submit the application to the college)
• Step 2. Contact and request official transcripts from your high school and each college attended. Submit transcripts to the Admissions Office: ATTENTION: ADMISSIONS
  P O Box 2350
  Smithfield, NC 27577
  
  
• Official transcripts will be received in a sealed envelope from your high school or college(s). Do not open the envelope!

Do I have to be a high school graduate to enter the program?

Yes, all applicants must have graduated high school before entering the program.

What if I took the GED or graduated from an Adult High School, do I still need my high school transcript?

Yes.

I took the GED at JCC or another Community College in North Carolina. Where do I obtain a copy of my GED scores?

If you took the GED in North Carolina the scores can be obtain from the State Department of Community Colleges in Raleigh. 

The address is:

NCCCS-5002 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC  27699
Phone Number: (919) 807-7136.

I took the GED in another state. How do I obtain the GED scores?

Contact the State Board of Education in that state and they should be able to assist you. If you have a copy of your scores the information and where additional scores can be obtained is indicated on the score sheet.

I took a class at a University more than 10-years ago and the course doesn’t pertain to the Nursing Program. Do I need to obtain an official transcript?

Yes, we need official transcripts from your high school and all Colleges attended. No exceptions!

I graduated twenty years ago will my high school still have my transcripts?

Yes, they are required to keep transcripts.

How long does it take to complete the application, transcripts, interviewing/and or testing process?

Approximately four to six weeks so you need to apply and plan accordingly. Transcript arrival can sometimes take longer.

What are the admission requirements for the Associate Degree Nursing program.

• Graduation from high school or the equivalent prior to entering the program. 
• Applicants must have completed an Algebra I course with a grade of “C” or higher. 
• Applicants must have completed two science courses: biology and chemistry with a lab component and earn a grade of “C” or higher.
• Meet the JCC minimum requirements for ENG 111 and MAT 080.
• Applicants must have acquired CNA certification by February 15th of the admitting year.

How can I meet the requirements for ENG 111 and MAT 080?

Completion of the College placement test (Accuplacer) with scores that meet the requirements for admission to ENG 111 and MAT 080.
OR
SAT scores: Verbal 450, Math 450, Writing 450
OR
ACT scores: Reading 19, Math 19, and ENG 19
OR
College transfer of equivalent courses in English and Math with a grade of “C” or better
OR
completion of ENG 090, RED 090 and MAT 070 with a grade of “C” or better.

Why must I take the college placement test?

The placement test helps evaluate a student’s readiness to successfully complete college level courses.

Can I prepare to take the placement test?

Yes, please visit our web-site http://www.johnstoncc.edu/accuplacer.aspx for a study guide.

How can I take the College placement test?

All transcripts (high school and College) must be on file before the placement test is scheduled by the Admissions Office.

I have taken the placement test at another college can those scores be used?

Yes, you must request the test scores be forwarded to JCC and must contain information on course placement.

How do I complete the interview with an admissions counselor?

All transcripts (high school and college) must be on file. Your transcripts are reviewed by the Admissions Office to determine if testing is required or waived. If testing is waived, the Admissions Office will schedule your interview appointment. 
During the initial interview, if you indicate you are interested in a Health Care program, you will not need to complete this process again unless you have additional questions.

Are there courses I can take while I am waiting to be admitted to the program?

Yes, if you do not meet the requirements, courses are available to meet the science or math requirements.  Please visit our web-site to view the nursing curriculum http://www.johnstoncc.edu/adndegree.aspx.  Any course without the NUR prefix may be taken prior to gaining admission to the program.

Do I need to complete all related courses before I can be admitted to the program?

No, although many students do complete all general education requirements prior to beginning nursing coursework to lighten their course load.

What semester is Anatomy & Physiology offered?

Johnston Community College offers BIO 165 in the Fall semester of each year and BIO 166 in the Spring semester of each year.

What if I have taken the first Anatomy and Physiology and need the second?

Please review the course descriptions below to determine your next step:

BIO 165-at JCC, the following topics are studied:

• A & P Terminology
• Review of organic molecules, cells, tissues
• Integumentary System
• Skeletal System
• Muscular System
• Nervous System

BI0 166-at JCC, the following topics are studied:

• Endocrine System
• Cardiovascular System
• Lymphatic/Immune System
• Digestive System
• Respiratory System
• Urinary System
• Reproductive System (male & female)

What if I only had biology and not another science course can I use Anatomy & Physiology to meet the science requirements?

BIO 165 or BIO 168 and BIO 166 or BIO 169 cannot be used to meet the science admission requirements.

I have taken Anatomy & Physiology at another college over twenty years (20) years ago, will I need to retake the course?

Anatomy and Physiology course(s) more than five (5) years old will not be accepted.

I have taken a Developmental Psychology at an out-of-state college and I wasn’t given transfer credit. I feel like it is the same as your course. What can I do?

Obtain a course description from the College and contact the Registrar’s Office.

I attended a community college that doesn’t offer ENG 112. Can I take ENG 113?

Yes, ENG 113 can be used in lieu of ENG 112.

Can I take a foreign language as my Humanities/Fine Arts Elective?

No, foreign languages cannot be used to meet the Humanities/Fine Arts Electives for the Associate in Applied Science Degree.

Can I complete the Associate Degree Nursing program part-time?

The related course work can be completed part-time, but once you are admitted to the program it is a full-time commitment.

How can I view the Associate Degree Nursing curricula outline?

It can be viewed at http://www.johnstoncc.edu/adndegree.aspx

What day and approximate time are the day classes?

Monday-Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Friday 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Where do students complete their clinical training?

Some of the clinical sites are Johnston Health, Wake Med, Rex Hospital, Duke Raleigh and Betsy Johnson Regional Hospital/Harnett Health System and other clinical facilities in surrounding communities.

Can I take classes on any JCC campus?

Some related courses are offered at the Work Force Development Center in Clayton however, most courses are available only on the main campus in Smithfield.

Do you offer the Nursing program in the evening?

Yes, every odd year we admit twenty (20) students for an evening/weekend option. Classes are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings beginning at 5:00 pm and ending around 10:00 pm. The clinicals are held on Friday and Saturday during the day. 

Do you offer the Licensed Practical Nurse to Associate Degree Nursing Program Option?

No, this option is no longer available.

Do I need to have all related course work completed for the evening program?

Yes, or have the flexibility to take these courses during the day or on-line during the program.

What if I meet the requirements and completed all the related courses, can I be accepted into the program?

You can be considered for admission to the Nursing program. It is a competitive program and has more applicants than seats available.

Do you have a waiting list?

No, applicants must apply each year to be considered.

How are applicants selected for the Nursing Program?

Currently, the College uses a point ranking system. Your college course work and the Health Occupations Test (TEAS). A score of “proficient” or higher must be achieved to be considered.

How many students do you accept each semester?

Approximately thirty (30) to fifty (50) students are admitted each Fall for day classes. On the odd number years we admit twenty (20) in an evening/week-end program. Spring admission is based on availability. We admit beginning Nursing students each Fall. Spring admission is on a case by case basis with applicants completing at least the first semester of our Nursing program or an LPN. Spring applicants are required to take a written competency and a dosage calculations competency.

How many semesters is the Nursing program?

For students entering in the Fall you will attend four (4) semesters; applicants entering in the spring will attend three (3)

Can I work while in the Nursing program?

We cannot tell students not to work; however, we suggest not letting your work interfere with your success in college courses.

Is your Nursing program accredited?

Johnston Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and approved by the State Board of Nursing.

What is the starting salary in this area?

Beginning salary in the Johnston County/Wake County area is $35.000.00 to $40,000.00 a year.

Does JCC have a LPN program?

No, not currently.

I understand in the past students could sit for the licensure exam after the third semester of the Associate Degree Nursing Program. Can students still do this?

This is no longer an option for students at JCC.

How can I obtain the CNA certification?

You would need to contact the Division of Continuing Education at JCC or a Community College in your area. The classes are offered on a different schedule than the regular college calendar. Applicants must have successfully completed a North Carolina approved Certified Nurse Aide I Program and be currently listed on the Nurse Aide I Registry with no substantiated finding of resident abuse, resident neglect or misappropriation of resident property in a Nursing Facility. The Certified Nurse Aide I Training Program must include theory, lab and clinical components. 

How long is the CNA class?

The CNA class is one-hundred sixty (160) hours with theory, lab and clinical.

How much does the CNA class cost?

The approximate cost is $450.00.

I live close to another Community College, may I take the class at that College?

Yes, however CNA must be completed at a State-Approved Training Program. A list of approved schools can be viewed at http://www.ncdhhs.gov/dhsr/hcpr/pdf/trainingprograms.pdf.

I am currently EMT certified, must I also complete the CNA certification?

Yes

I am applying for the Spring Semester do I need to be CNA certified?

Yes, unless you are an LPN. LPNs must hold an unrestricted license in NC.

I am CPR certified by the American Heart Association and my card does not read “Healthcare Provider”. Do I need to retake the CPR class?

Yes, you must have HealthCare Provider CPR showing adult, child, and infant.

Where can I obtain “Healthcare Provider” CPR certification?

Contact the Division of Continuing Education at any Community College or if you are presently working in a health care facility they may offer the course at the facility.

How long is the CPR certification valid?

Two years (2) however, you cannot let the CPR certification lapse while in the program.

How will the College know if I am CPR certified?

You will receive a card upon completion of the CPR class.

How can I prepare for the Health Occupations Test (TEAS)?

Study guides are available in the book store, you can “google” internet study sites, and we have a prep program in our academic skills center. Please visit https://www.atitesting.com/Home.aspx for additional information.

How do I schedule to take the Health Occupations Test (TEAS)?

You must submit the Nursing-program-specific application and have met all admission requirements.

What is the cost of the Health Occupations Test?

The cost is currently $35.00 but is subject to change without notice.

Where do I pay for the test after I have been scheduled?

Cashiers Office located in the Wilson Building.

How many times a year can I take the Health Occupations Admissions test (TEAS)?

Once per academic year.

What score do I need to achieve on the Health Occupations Admissions test to be considered for the Associate Degree Nursing program?

Applicants must score at the “proficiency” level or higher to be considered.

Will I receive my scores on the day of testing?

No, your scores will be mailed to you.

Can I take the Health Occupations Test (TEAS) admission test at another college and transfer the scores to JCC?

No,  we do not accept scores from other colleges. The test is offered on JCC’s main campus in Smithfield.

I have a master’s degree, will I have to take the Health Occupations Test (TEAS)?

Yes, all applicants applying to the Associate Degree Nursing Program must take the Health Occupations Test (TEAS).

Do I need a picture ID to take the Health Occupations Test (TEAS) admission test?

Yes, you must present a picture ID on your scheduled date of testing.

How many hours does it take to complete the Health Occupations Test (TEAS)?

Please allow three and one-half hours (3 ½).

Will I be taking the Health Occupations Test (TEAS) on a computer?

Yes.

Do I need to bring anything with me to take the Health Occupations Test (TEAS)?

No, you will need to bring only a picture ID. The College provides paper and pencils.

I am scheduled for the Health Occupations Test admission test and the college is closed due to inclement weather, what should I do?

Please contact the Admission Office on the next business day to reschedule your testing date.

Do I have to submit to a criminal background check and a drug screening?

Yes, all accepted applicants are required by our clinical sites to submit a criminal background and drug screening, and random drug screens.

Can the information from a criminal background jeopardize my ability to complete the Associate Degree Nursing Program?

Yes, the student’s ability to participate in clinical experiences would result in the inability of the student to complete the program.

Do I have to complete the criminal background and drug screening before acceptance?

No.

Does the College review the criminal background checks?

No, the clinical sites have access.

I have lived out-of-state and moved recently to North Carolina, can information on a criminal background check be completed for another state?

Yes.

How do I apply to the Associate Degree Nursing program? 

Applicants applying to Fall and Spring must complete the following:

• Attend a mandatory Information Session on-line or at the College (please visit our web-site for dates and times.) 
• Applications are required to be submitted in packet form. The packet should contain:
  • Your program-specific application for admission to the Associate Degree Nursing program,
  • a copy of your counselor interview summary,
  • a copy of your CNA  Certificate of Completion or if an LPN a copy of your license (printed from the State Board of Nursing web-site).
  • The confirmation email from the information session you attended online.
• All Official transcripts from high school and all colleges attended must be on file in the Admissions Office at JCC.