CLASS SELECTION CRITERIA: Points System

The registered nursing program is a selective admissions program.  Nursing program applicants must meet established minimum criteria to be considered for the nursing program.  Only applicants who meet the minimum criteria by May 10 will be awarded points.  The potential nursing applicant needs to be aware that meeting minimum standards does not insure admission to the nursing program.  Applicants for the nursing program tend to be well qualified and only the top forty candidates are selected each year. 

I.         MINIMUM CRITERIA TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THE PROGRAM:

•     Graduation from high school or successful completion of the G.E.D. (General Education Development) test.  High school students may apply, but acceptance in the program is contingent upon successful completion of high school and course prerequisites.

•     A cumulative grade point average of 2.5 (4.0 system) from the most recent academic institution attended (high school, college, university).  The cumulative grade point average is computed based on the cumulative grade point average at the end of the winter term for college students or the most recent grading period for high school students.

•     Completion of one full year of high school-level chemistry or Chem 150 (Fundamental Principles of Chemistry), Chem 151 (College Chemistry) at MCCC or a college chemistry course equivalent to MCCC Chem 150 or 151 with a grade point average of "C" or better.  The chemistry class must have been completed within the past ten (10) years of the nursing program deadline.  Completion of Biol 157, Biol 158 and 260 within five years of admission to nursing program may waive the 10-year requirement for chemistry and biology.

•     Completion of one full year of high school-level biology, or Biology 151 (Biological Science) at MCCC or a college biology course equivalent to MCCC Biology 151 with a grade point average of “C” or better.  The biology class must have been completed within the past ten (10) years of the nursing program deadline.  Completion of Biol 157, Biol 158 and 260 within five years of nursing admission may waive the 10-year requirement for chemistry and biology.

•     The American College Test (ACT) is required of all applicants.  The minimum composite score of seventeen (17) on the Enhanced version or fourteen (14) on the old version (taken before 1989) is required.

•     Successful completion of the MCCC mathematics graduation requirement or a passing score on the College COMPASS test, or a math ACT score of 20 or higher, or completion of one of the following math classes: BSMTH 101, MATH 121, MATH 125, MATH 150 or higher.

•     Successful completion of the MCCC computer skills graduation requirement or either a passing score on the College’s computer skills competency assessment test, or by taking one of the following courses:  CIS 130, MDTC 160, WPR 102 or WPR 110.

•     Official transcripts are required from applicant’s high school, colleges and universities attended (including LPN and RN programs attended, if applicable).  Official high school transcripts must be sent directly to MCCC Admissions Office from the high school.  All other official transcripts must be sent directly to the Registrar's Office, MCCC.

•     MELAB (80 percentile) or IBN TOEFL (79-80) tests may be required to show proof of English language proficiency for individuals whose native language is not English.

II.   NURSING PROGRAM SELECTION CRITERIA

Nursing applicants will be awarded points based upon the following criteria:

• Earned grade point average (GPA) from either high school OR most recent college attended
  
• College credits completed at the most recent academic institution attended
  
• Credits completed at MCCC
  
• Grades earned in biology and chemistry courses
  
• Highest earned ACT composite score
  
• Monroe County residency

• Prior alternate status for the nursing program
• Completion of Anatomy & Physiology I & II

These point values and criteria were developed by the MCCC nursing faculty.  After May 10 each year, the point values for all nursing applicants will be totaled.  A rank ordered list of nursing applicants by point total will be developed.  The forty (40) applicants with the highest number of points will be admitted into the nursing program.  Points are calculated based on the following criteria:

GRADE POINT AVERAGE (GPA)
The cumulative grade point average from the most recent academic institution attended is calculated.  The cumulative grade point average is computed based on the cumulative average at the end of the winter term for college students or the end of the most recent term for high school students.

                                    GPA                                                     POINTS AWARDED

3.9 - 4.0                                                                 20          
3.7 - 3.89                                                               18          
3.5 - 3.69                                                               16          
3.3 - 3.49                                                               14          
3.1 - 3.29                                                               12          
2.9 - 3.09                                                               10          
2.7 - 2.89                                                                 8           
2.5 - 2.69                                                                 6           

 

COLLEGE CREDITS COMPLETED
These points are calculated based upon the number of college credits completed at the most recent college attended.  A high school student who earns college credit through dual enrollment will be awarded points for courses successfully completed with a grade of “C” or better.

                SEMESTER                                          QUARTER                                                     POINTS
                  HOURS                                                 HOURS                                                    AWARDED

                    less than 8                                           less than 12                                                   0
                    8 - 12                                                      12 - 18                                                         2
                    13 - 18                                                   19 - 27                                                          4
                    19 - 24                                                   28 - 36                                                          6
                    25 - 28                                                   37 - 42                                                          8
                    greater than 28                                   greater than 42                                              10

ACT SCORES
These points are calculated from your highest ACT composite score.

                                   TEST SCORES
                Before 1989                                         After 1989                                            Points Awarded

                       26/27                                                    27 or higher                                                10
                       25                                                           26                                                               9
                       24                                                           25                                                               8
                       23                                                           24                                                               7
                       22                                                           23                                                               6
                       21                                                           22                                                               5
                       20/19                                                      21                                                               4
                       18                                                           20                                                               3
                       17/16                                                      19                                                               2
                       15                                                           18                                                               1
                       14                                                           17                                                               0

BIOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY GRADES
These points are calculated for biology and chemistry requirements earned in high school OR college.  The most recent course grade is used for calculation of points.
 
                                GRADE AVERAGE                             POINTS
                                     EARNED                                      AWARDED        

                A                                                                                4
                A/B                                                                             3
                B                                                                                2
                B/C                                                                             1
                C or lower                                                                  0

COLLEGE CREDITS COMPLETED AT MCCC

                                                                                            POINTS
                MCCC student (12 or more credits)                       3
                MCCC student (1-11 credits)                                 1
                                Non-MCCC student                                0

MONROE COUNTY RESIDENTS
Applicants must meet eligibility requirements for in-county tuition as of May 10 deadline for "in-county" points.

                In-County                                                                  3
                Out-of-County                                                           0

ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY COURSE COMPLETION (College level equivalent with a grade of “C” or better)

                       Anatomy & Physiology I  -BIOL 157                   1
                      Anatomy & Physiology II –BIOL 158                   1

PRIOR ALTERNATE
Prior alternates for the MCCC nursing program are awarded a one time bonus of three (3) points.

In the event of two or more students receiving the same number of points at the point of cutoff, selection will be based on the following criteria:

                A)           Monroe County resident over out-of-county resident
                B)            Highest GPA
                C)            Highest ACT composite score
                D)           Lottery if more than one candidate still qualifies

III.     PHYSICAL EXAMINATION

A physical examination is required (at the student's expense) of students selected for the program.  This exam must confirm that the student meets the physical and mental requirements needed to be successful in the program and as a beginning level staff nurse. 

If special accommodations are required under A.D.A., contact the Coordinator of the Learning Assistance Laboratory for specific information.

IV.   GENERAL INFORMATION

1. The class of forty (40) will be selected from among the pool of applicants by use of the numerical process.

2. A physical examination and immunizations are required of students selected for the program at the student’s expense which verify capabilities and general health status.

3. Applicants should be aware that any previous or current conviction of a crime and/or treatment for substance abuse may result in ineligibility to be licensed as a registered nurse.  The determination of eligibility to take NCLEX-RN is made by the Michigan State Board of Nursing.  Any questions or concerns about licensing should be directed to the State Board of Nursing at www.michigan.gov/healthlicense .

4. Students admitted to the nursing program must consent to security checks that consist of criminal background checks and drug screening.  In order to comply with Michigan Compiled Laws, no student will be admitted to the program if convicted of a felony or attempt/conspiracy to commit a felony within 15 years preceding the date of admission; or a misdemeanor conviction involving abuse, neglect, assault, battery, or criminal sexual conduct or fraud or theft (or similar misdemeanor in state or federal law) against a vulnerable adult within 10 years of the date of admission.  No student will be admitted with a positive drug screen for illegal substances.  Other positive background checks, either criminal or drug screening, may also be grounds for prohibiting admission, but will be considered case-by-case.  Positive security checks that typically prohibit clinical placement for students are usually enough to prohibit admission to the program.  Any cost incurred with the security checks is the student’s responsibility.

5. Registered nursing at the associate degree-level involves the provision of direct care for individuals and families and is characterized by the application of verified knowledge in the skillful performance of nursing functions.  Therefore, in order to be considered for admission or to be retained in the program, all applicants should possess:

            a. sufficient visual acuity, such as needed in the accurate preparation and administration of medications and for observation necessary for patient assessment and nursing care;
            b. sufficient auditory perception to receive verbal communication from patients and members of the health team and to assess health needs of people through the use of monitoring devices such as a cardiac monitor, stethoscope, I.V. infusion pumps, Doptone, fire alarms, etc.;
            c. sufficient gross and fine motor coordination to respond promptly and to implement the skills, including the manipulation of equipment, required in meeting health needs;
            d. sufficient communication skills (speech, reading, writing)  to interact with individuals and to communicate their needs promptly and effectively as may be necessary in the individual’s interest;
            e. sufficient intellectual and emotional functions to plan and implement care for individuals;
            f. psychological stability, allowing the student to perform at the required levels in the clinical portions of the program;
            g. the capability to concentrate for long periods of time in selecting correct techniques, equipment and safety measures to assure maximum care and safety of the patient.  Therefore, the applicant must be able to exercise independent judgments under both routine and emergency conditions.  A person under the habitual influenceof alcohol or consciousness-altering drugs could not meet the above criteria; and
            h. the ability to tolerate and function safely in environmental conditions, such as exposure to a variety of substances (such as latex products) and conditions within the laboratory and clinical environment, including butnot limited to: temperature fluctuations; electromagnetic radiation; hazardous waste, chemicals, poisonous substances, blood, body tissue or fluids; loud or unpleasant noises; high humidity and inhalants, such as dust or latex particles.

6. Applicants with documented disabilities must be able to meet course and program outcomes.  Said applicants may be entitled to classroom and instructional accommodations, as well as access to all college facilities and programs.  Accommodations are intended to “level the playing field” as much as possible, so that the student with a documented disability has an equal opportunity to succeed.  Access is provided while maintaining high academic standards.  Questions should be directed to the Special Populations Coordinator in the Learning Assistance Laboratory.

7.  Students who successfully complete at least one nursing class must complete the nursing portion of the program within four years of initial entry into the program.  Failure to meet the time framework necessitates re-application to the nursing program.

8.  Nursing courses utilize Internet services and resources to supplement instruction.  It is recommended that students have access to a reliable computer with Internet connection.  MCCC offers open access computer laboratories, but students should also be familiar with community resources for computer access, such as public libraries, as needed.  A personal computer is helpful.

9. In addition to the general college rules, nursing students are required to adhere to policies and procedures outlined in the Nursing Program Student Handbook.

(Effective for Nursing Program Class of August, 2009)
Revised: 6/99; 6/02; 10/03; 07/05; 6/06; 04/08