Curriculum/Degree Requirements
Curriculum/Degree Requirements
This program option provides an opportunity for students that hold an active, unencumbered license as a practical or vocational nurse to pursue an associate of applied science in nursing degree. Students accepted into the option will complete coursework that prepares them to enter the traditional registered nursing program. Once completed, students transition into the traditional program for the final third and fourth semesters of nursing study. Graduates earn an associate of applied science degree with specialization in nursing and are prepared to function as beginning registered nurses and members of the health care team.
Registered nurses are qualified to work in a variety of healthcare settings, including acute care hospitals, outpatient clinics, extended care facilities and physicians’ offices. With experience, nurses may also participate in providing skilled care in more specialized areas, including psychiatric units, emergency departments, pediatric and obstetric units, critical care units and home health settings. Job pay is exceptional, averaging $75,330 annually for practicing nurses according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2020), and nursing is a flexible and mobile career choice.
RN SKILLS LAB
*Please note times may fluctuate with lab and skills days
Please see Master Skills Lab Calendar for specific dates and times. Any questions, please call the Nursing Skills Lab at 734-384-4339.
Admissions Selection Criteria
The Practical Nurse to Registered Nurse (PN to RN) program option provides an opportunity for MCCC PN program graduates to continue coursework toward the AAS-Nursing degree after obtaining a PN license. With an active, unencumbered license, members of the most recent graduating class will be offered a seat in the PN to RN option during the next application cycle and prior to admitting past graduates or qualified members from the community. The option will enroll up to 24 students total. The number of seats available for past graduates and community members will vary during each admission cycle, depending on the number of recent MCCC PN graduates that decide to and are eligible to progress into the option. All remaining applicants will be numerically ranked according to selective admission criteria to determine who will be offered the remaining seats.
PN to RN applicants must meet minimum criteria at the time of application to be considered for the program. Completed verification forms and all required documents must be submitted to the Admissions Office by the first Monday in March. If the requirements listed on this form are not completed by or submitted to the Admissions Office on or before the application deadline, the application will not be considered. Applicants for the program tend to be well qualified and will be accepted until each cohort is fully enrolled.
All accepted students will complete transition coursework during the summer semester (up to 24 students total). Upon completion, students will be separated into two cohorts for completion of the program. Up to 12 students may enroll in core coursework during the fall semester and will complete the PN to RN option at the end of the following winter semester. The remaining 12 students may enroll in core coursework during the winter semester and complete at the end of the following fall semester (see option plan of study). Initial placement of students accepted under the selective criteria into each cohort will be according to according to rank order, followed by cumulative GPA (for ENGL, PSYCH, BIOL 257/258 or equivalents) for any potential changes in cohort placement.
1. Current, unencumbered license to practice as a practical or vocational nurse (in any state)
2. Completion of MATH 092 or MATH 150 or qualifying score on ACT or COMPASS.
3. Completion of the following courses (or college equivalent) with a grade of “C ” or higher:
| ENGL 151, Composition I | BIOL 257 (formerly BIOL 157), Anatomy & Physiology I |
| PSYCH 151, General Psychology | BIOL 258 (formerly BIOL 158), Anatomy & Physiology II |
| BIOL 151, Biological Sciences* |
ENGL 152, Composition II or HLTSC 120, Pharmacology: In order to complete the program according to the plan of study, students will need to have one of these courses completed prior to beginning the first PN to RN course. The remaining course must be completed during the spring semester concurrently with PNRN 100, unless previously completed. Students are encouraged to seek out additional academic advising when determining which courses to take.
*Pre-requisite course to BIOL 257 (formerly BIOL 157)
4. Cumulative grade point average of 2.7 or higher for ENGL 151, PSYCH 151, BIOL 257, and BIOL 258 or approved equivalents. The attempt with the highest grade for each course will be used for GPA calculation.
5. High school transcript or GED scores and all official college transcripts submitted to the MCCC Admissions Office by the application deadline. Transcripts must be sent directly to the MCCC Registrar’s Office; unofficial, student copies, or hand-delivered transcripts will not satisfy this requirement. Students new to MCCC must meet with an MCCC Counselor in order to have their college/transfer transcripts evaluated by the Registrar’s Office.
6. 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.
7. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission into the program and are subject to change. For the most current requirements, students should contact the Admissions Department or visit the program’s website at
The PN to RN Option awards points based upon the following criteria:
1. Cumulative grade point average for ENGL 151, PSYCH 151, BIOL 257, and BIOL 258 or approved equivalents. The attempt with the highest grade for each course will be used for GPA calculation.
2. Grades in anatomy & physiology courses
3. College credits completed at MCCC
4. Certifications/Licensure/Degrees
5. Monroe County residency
6. Prior alternate status for the PN to RN nursing program
The MCCC nursing faculty developed the point values and selection criteria outlined below. The Admissions Office totals points only for applicants who meet the minimum criteria by the application deadline, then create a rank ordered list of applicants by point total. Points are calculated according to the following criteria: GRADE POINT AVERAGE (GPA) The cumulative grade point average for ENGL 151, PSYCH 151, BIOL 257, and BIOL 258 or approved equivalent. The cumulative GPA is computed based on courses completed prior to the application deadline; the attempt with the highest grade for each course will be used for GPA calculation.
| GPA | POINTS AWARDED |
|---|---|
| 2.7 – 2.89 | 0 |
| 2.9 – 3.29 | 1 |
| 3.3 – 3.69 | 2 |
| 3.7 – 4.0 | 3 |
ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY GRADES: +/- grades will be awarded points according to the letter grade earned (e.g. A or A- = 2 points, B+, B, or B- = 1 point; C+, C, or C- = 0 points.
| GRADES | POINTS AWARDED |
|---|---|
| C | 0 |
| B | 1 |
| A | 2 |
| GRADES | POINTS AWARDED |
|---|---|
| C | 0 |
| B | 1 |
| A | 2 |
| SEMESTER HOURS | POINTS AWARDED |
|---|---|
| Non-MCCC student | 0 |
| MCCC student | 1 |
| MCCC student (12 or more credits) | 2 |
| POINTS AWARDED | |
|---|---|
| Associate degree from accredited school | 1 |
| Bachelor degree from accredited school | 2 |
| Graduated from MCCC PN program, Licensed LPN | 3 |
*Degree must be listed on verification form to receive points.
MONROE COUNTY RESIDENCY Applicants must meet eligibility requirements for in-county tuition at the time of application to earn points in this category.
| RESIDENCY STATUS | POINTS AWARDED |
|---|---|
| Out of County Resident | 0 |
| Monroe County Resident | 1 |
PRIOR ALTERNATES
Prior alternates for the MCCC PN to RN Option are awarded a one-time bonus of three (3) points for the next application cycle. Alternates must submit a verification/application by the next application deadline to receive the alternate points.
TIE-BREAKER CRITERIA
In the event that two or more students earn the same number of points on their application at the time of selection, the program will use the following criteria to determine which student(s) are offered a seat in the program:
A. Highest cumulative GPA for ENGL 151, PSYCH 151, BIOL 257, and BIOL 258 or approved equivalents
B. Lottery if more than one candidate still qualifies.
1. The program selects students from the pool of applicants by use of the numerical process.
2. Immunizations and health examinations are required at the student’s expense to ensure that the student can meet the technical standards of the program.
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/Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. Any questions or concerns about licensing should be directed to the State Board of Nursing at www.michigan.gov/healthlicense.
4. Students admitted to health science programs must consent to background/security checks including a criminal background check and drug screening. The student is responsible for any cost associated with the background/security/drug screening checks. Certain criminal convictions may render a student ineligible to train at clinical sites which are necessary in order to successfully complete the program. Additionally, certain criminal convictions may render an individual ineligible to take the licensing/certification exam or to be licensed/certified in the State of Michigan or other states. The college will review the results and determine, on a case-by-case basis, whether to deny admission to any individual based on the results of the background check, criminal background check, and drug screening. Despite the passage of the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act in November 2018, the possession of marijuana remains prohibited under United States Federal Law and MCCC policy (6.21). The College and Health Sciences Division prohibits employees, students, and members of the public from possessing or using marijuana (legal or medicinal) on College property or during any College activity. Health occupation students must consent to random drug screening with negative results for marijuana or any illicit substance. Failure to provide a negative drug screen will prevent participation in the program and/or result in program dismissal.
5. Nursing students are required to have professional liability and personal health insurance. The College provides and pays for the professional liability insurance. Personal health insurance must be obtained by the student and maintained throughout the program in order to comply with clinical agency requirements. Proof of insurance will be required prior to participating in the first day of clinical.
6. Students must maintain for the duration of the program an active American Heart Association cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certificate for professional rescuer of infant, child, and adult.
7. 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 continue in the program, all applicants should possess:
a. Critical thinking and cognitive competencies: Sufficient critical thinking and cognitive abilities in classroom and clinical settings.
b. Professionalism: Interpersonal skills sufficient for professional interaction with a diverse population of individuals, families, and groups.
c. Communication: Communication sufficient for professional interactions.
d. Mobility: Physical abilities sufficient for movement from room to room and in small spaces.
e. Motor Skills: Gross and fine motor abilities which are sufficiently effective and safe for providing allied health care.
f. Sensory: Auditory and visual ability sufficient for observing, monitoring, and assessing health needs.
g. Observation: Ability to sufficiently make observations in a health care environment, consistent with program competencies.
h. Tactile sense: Tactile ability sufficient for physical assessment. Examples of tasks associated with each technical standard are available for review by visiting https://www.monroeccc.edu/divisions/healthsciences and selecting the Technical Standards for Health Occupational Programs link. Prospective students are encouraged to review the technical standards document in its entirety prior to enrolling in or applying to any health occupation course or program.
8. A prospective student or participant in the program with a disability for which accommodations may be appropriate can request reasonable accommodations to meet technical standards. The College will provide appropriate accommodations, but is not required to fundamentally alter the requirements or nature of the program or lower its academic standards. Requests for accommodations should be directed to a disability services counselor in the Student Success Center. To make an appointment, please call 734-384-4167.
9. Incoming students must complete the nursing portion of the program (including required non-nursing support courses) within four semesters of the start of the first LPN to RN (PNRN) course (does not include semesters without required coursework). Failure to meet the time framework necessitates re-application to the program.
10. A student must receive a “C” or better grade in all nursing courses and a “C” or better grade in all non-nursing courses in the program plan of study. Failure to meet this requirement may result in the inability to progress to the next semester of the program.
11. Nursing courses utilize Internet services and resources to supplement instruction. Students must have reliable internet access. Students enrolled in the nursing program will be required to take assessments (ie: exams, quizzes, etc.) electronically using an online assessment program called ExamSoft Examplify. Students enrolled in these courses will be required to provide their own portable computer (with webcam and microphone) that will support the assessment software. The software can be used on most modern Microsoft Windows-based computers and Mac OS X devices. Information related to minimum system requirements can be located by visiting: https://examsoft.com/resources/examplify-minimum-system-requirements. Students are encouraged to check with the Health Sciences Division for a complete list of minimum system requirements.
12. Nursing education offered at MCCC is provided in collaboration with multiple clinical partners located in southeast Michigan and northwest Ohio. As a part of these partnerships, MCCC students and faculty are required to meet and follow the policies and procedures of these clinical partners. Given the number of students in the program, faculty must be able to place students at any of the clinical agencies for clinical and observational experiences during the course of the program. Students need to be in good standing with all clinical agencies, both as a student and as a member of the community. Therefore, any condition (i.e. criminal history, positive drug screening, unprofessional/unethical behavior, negative employment history) that prevents a student from being placed in any clinical agency during a semester may jeopardize the student’s ability to meet the course objectives and may lead to course failure and program dismissal.
13. Students will be expected to maintain a flexible schedule for the nursing program. Clinical assignments vary and are subject to change. This may include any day of the week and any shift, including weekends. On days that are not scheduled for class or clinical, students may be expected to view audiovisual material, study in the skills laboratory, or participate in other on-campus activities. Usually, these activities are self-scheduled. There may be added classes on other days, but students will receive notice of these in advance.
14. In addition to the general college rules, nursing students are required to adhere to policies and procedures outlined in the Nursing Program Student Information Handbook. Students are encouraged to review the handbook prior to applying to the program. A copy of the Student Information Handbook can be accessed through the program’s webpage (https://www.monroeccc.edu/programs/nursing-registered) or by contacting the Health Sciences Division office (734-384-4102).
15. In conjunction with requirements outlined by the Michigan Licensing and Regulatory Agency (LARA) and the United States Department of Education, the following information/links have been made available to students interested in nursing programs at MCCC:
a. Student Compliant Process: https://www.monroeccc.edu/student-consumer-information
b. Career opportunities by state: https://www.bls.gov/
c. Licensure requirements by state: The AAS-Nursing program at MCCC meets the state education requirements for a registered nursing license in the state of Michigan and Ohio. MCCC has not determined if the AAS-Nursing program at MCCC meets the state education requirements in any other state or any U.S. Territory. Students are encouraged to contact the state regulatory agency for nursing in any other state for which this information is needed. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) has resources that may be helpful including:
i. A link to every Nursing Practice Act https://www.ncsbn.org/policy/npa.page
ii. Link to the webpage for every State Regulatory Agency for Nursing. https://www.ncsbn.org/nursing-regulation/education/board-of-nursing-licensure-requirements.page
Rev. 7.19 RL/KSL; 8/20 KSL; 6/21 PN_RN_SelectionCriteria_6.2021
Additional Program Information
The MCCC PN to RN Option is a selective admissions program. Nursing program applicants must meet minimum criteria to be considered for the option. Only applicants who meet established minimum criteria by the deadline will be considered for admission. Seats are limited according to the number of MCCC Practical Nursing graduates that automatically progress into the option and the number of returning students requesting readmission. Applications for the option are accepted one time per year – the first Monday in March of each year. Please refer to the PN to RN catalog section in the link provided for detailed information regarding pre-application requirements, selection criteria, and the option’s plan of study.
Upon program completion, students may be eligible to enroll in a RN to BSN completion program. MCCC’s RN program has articulation with several four-year university partners. For information regarding transfer opportunities for this or any program, please go to the Transfer section of the college’s website.
The MCCC Registered Nursing Program is fully approved through the Michigan Board of Nursing.
Michigan Board of Nursing
Department of Licensing & Regulatory Affairs
Bureau of Professional Licensing
611 W. Ottawa
PO Box 30670
Lansing, MI 48909
517-373-8068
Michigan Board of Nursing
The Associate of Applied Science – Nursing program at Monroe County Community College located in Monroe, Michigan is accredited by the
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) 
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000
The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the associate nursing program is Continuing Accreditation. View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at http://www.acenursing.com/accreditedprograms/programsearch.htm