The Department of Nursing

What are the admission requirements to the Associate Degree Nursing Program?

High School or College Algebra, Biology, and Chemistry (C or above); ACT of 18 or above in all sections; ENGL 1101 and Math 1200 placement scores. 

Is there a deadline for submission of application? 

Admission is determined on a competitive basis.  The total number of students admitted to the program is based upon available facilities and faculty.  Qualified applicants are admitted to the associate degree in nursing program annually for the fall semester and spring semester; however, students may be required to complete designated courses the summer or fall semester prior to the official admission.   Selection of applicants continues until all spaces in the class are filled.  Deadline for admission to Fall semester is January 15.  Deadline for admission to Spring semester is September 1. 

The awarding of the ADN does not license one as a registered nurse.   The board of nursing in the state in which the applicant wishes to be registered administers a separate examination (NCLEX-RN).  The Department of Nursing certifies completion of degree requirements, but meeting other requirements for licensure is the responsibility of the candidate. 

Will I need a criminal records check to enter the ADN Program?

  No, not to enter SSU’s nursing program.  However, Ohio House Bill 327 requires a criminal records check for new applicants for licensure and for individuals from another state endorsing as an RN into Ohio.  Candidates who wish to sit for the NCLEX-RN examination will be required to submit their fingerprints to the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (BC&I) to process the BCI&I civilian fingerprint card and the FBI applicant fingerprint card for identification and criminal background verification.

What is required of me after I am accepted into the ADN program? 

The Department of Nursing considers a grade of C (2.0) as the minimum passing grade for all required nursing and non-nursing courses; current CPR Healthcare Provider certification; a TB skin test; current immunizations, including Hepatitis B; a recent physical exam; student liability insurance; and health insurance are required and verified prior to enrollment in clinical nursing courses.  Verification of these requirements is necessary each year.  A standardized exit examination is required in ADNR 283.  A student must satisfactorily pass this examination in order to graduate.  A special fee may be charged for this examination.

I currently hold a valid, active, non-restricted Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license.  Do I have to start the ADN program from the beginning?

LPN’s may receive advanced placement into the first year of the associate degree program by successful completion (grade of C or better) of the following courses:  ADNR 1197, BIOL 1130, BIOL 1131, ENGL 1101 or 1102, and PSYCH 1101.  For more information, contact the Department of Nursing.

Are there evening classes in nursing? 

All ADNR classes are offered during the day. Clinical time may be assigned during evening hours and non-nursing courses may be offered during the evening. 

Where will I do my clinical experiences? 

Nursing students at SSU have clinical experiences in a wide variety of settings such as hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, mental health centers and community agencies.  Some of the places students attend clinical include:  Southern Ohio Medical Center (Portsmouth, OH), Our Lady of Bellefonte, and Kings Daughters Medical Center (Ashland, KY).  Students are expected to provide their own transportation to and from clinical sites. 

 Why would I want to pursue a BSN after I complete an ADN? 

 The bachelor of science in nursing (RN-BSN) builds on the foundation of associate degree education and prepares the RN for professional nursing practice in a variety of settings.  Graduates of the RN-BSN program are prepared for leadership positions and for graduate study.