Nursing, Registered

The No. 1 Registered Nursing Program in Michigan

 
Registered Nurse

NursingProcess.org has ranked Monroe County Community College’s Registered Nursing program No. 1 in Michigan for 2025.
 
Based on its ranking methodology, after thoroughly analyzing 72 schools approved by the Michigan Board of Nursing, the online guide to nursing and healthcare education ranked the best schools at which to pursue an associate degree program in nursing.

NursingProcess.com considered four areas to compile its rankings, including:

  • Academic quality, which takes into consideration acceptance rate, graduation rate, retention rate and student-to-faculty ratio;
  • NCLEX-RN first-time pass rates in the last four years;
  • Affordability; and
  • Overall reputation of the nursing school.

For more information about the rankings, go to https://www.nursingprocess.org/nursing-schools/michigan/.  

Curriculum/Degree Requirements

The associate of applied science degree with specialization in nursing prepares graduates to function as beginning registered nurse clinicians and members of the health care team in the care of acutely and chronically ill individuals. Registered nurses are qualified for employment in structured practice settings, including acute care hospitals, extended care facilities, nursing homes, clinics, 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. The Monroe County Community College Nursing Program invites you to come to learn about this exciting, in-demand medical field. The session will provide an overview of the profession, including job duties, employment outlook, salary, and education requirements. Please come to the Health Education Building, Room H-157.

Admissions Selection Criteria

The Associates of Applied Science – Nursing (RN) program is a selective admissions program. Applicants must meet minimum criteria to be considered for the nursing program. MCCC has two application deadlines per year, in May and October. Only applicants who meet minimum criteria and submit a completed application to the Admissions & Guidance Services Office by the third Monday in May and/or the first Monday in October will be considered for the nursing program. Meeting minimum criteria does not ensure admission to the nursing program. Applicants are ranked using the points/selection criteria outlined below. Applicants for the nursing program tend to be well qualified and will be accepted until each class is fully enrolled. Returning students in good standing with the program will be considered for reenrollment/readmission first. New applicants will be accepted according to the selection criteria outlined below until a class is fully enrolled; up to 30 students per class.

1. 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 nursing program pre-application requirements.
2. Completion of MATH 092 or MATH 150 or qualifying score on accepted placement tests or satisfied by transfer coursework.
3. Completion of ENGL 090 and RDG 090 or qualifying scores on accepted placement tests or satisfied by transfer coursework.
4. A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.7 (4.0 system) from the most recent academic institution attended (high school, college, university) deemed appropriate by MCCC. The program utilizes a student’s cumulative GPA earned by the end of the winter semester for June applicants and by the end of the summer semester for October applicants, or the GPA at the conclusion of the most recent grading period if the student is still in high school.
5. Minimum Total Score of 60 on the ATI TEAS (Version 7) nursing entrance exam. Students may use qualifying results from the ATI TEAS (Version 6) nursing entrance exam through the June 2023 application deadline. Students may have up to three (3) attempts to meet the minimum overall score; the test attempt with the highest overall score or that earns the highest number of points on the program application will be used to determine eligibility for application to the program and to calculate points earned in the Nursing Program Selection Criteria.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission into the nursing program and are subject to change. For the most current requirements, students should contact the Admissions Department or visit the program’s website at http://www.monroeccc.edu/health_sciences/nursing/index.htm.

The AAS – Nursing (RN) Program awards points based upon the following criteria:
1. Earned grade point average (GPA) from high school OR most recent college or university attended
2. College credits completed at the most recent academic institution attended
3. College credits completed at MCCC
4. Highest earned ATI TEAS Overall Score
5. Highest earned ATI TEAS Science Score
6. Monroe County residency
7. Prior alternate status for the 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)
A student’s cumulative GPA earned by the end of the winter semester for June applicants and by the end of the summer semester for October applicants, or the GPA at the conclusion of the most recent grading period if the student is still in high school.

GPA Points Awarded
2.7 - 2.79 0
2.8 - 2.89 2
2.9 - 3.09 4
3.1 - 3.29 6
3.3 - 3.49 8
3.5 - 3.69 10
3.7 - 3.89 12
3.09 - 4.00 14


COLLEGE CREDITS COMPLETED   
The program calculates points based on the number of college credits completed at the most recent college or university attended and the number of college credits completed at MCCC. The program will award points to a high school student who earns college credit through dual enrollment for courses successfully completed with a grade of “C” or better.

SEMESTER HOURS POINTS AWARDED
Less than 3 0
3 - 6 1
7 - 9 2
10 - 12 3
Above 12 4


COLLEGE CREDITS COMPLETED AT MCCC

SEMESTER HOURS POINTS AWARDED
Non-MCCC student 0
MCCC student (1-11 credits) 1
MCCC student (12 or more credits) 2


ATI TEAS NURSING ENTRANCE EXAM
The program allows students to take the ATI TEAS up to three (3) times; students must earn an overall ATI TEAS (Version 7) score of 60 or greater to be eligible to apply. Students may use qualifying ATI TEAS (Version 6) results toward their application through the June 2023 application deadline. The test attempt with the highest overall score or that earns the highest number of points on the program application will be used for points allocation in this category. The program will only use one TEAS report when awarding points in the ATI TEAS Total Score and ATI TEAS Science Score categories; the program will not use scores from two different tests when awarding selection points.
 

ATI TEAS TOTAL SCORE POINTS AWARDED
60 - 67.9 0
68 - 77.9 3
78 - 89.9 7
90 or greater 11

 

ATI TEAS SCIENCE SCORE POINTS AWARDED
45 - 55.9 2
56 - 65.9 4
66 - 73.9 6
74 - 80.9 9
81 or greater 12


CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSURE/DEGREES* (may only earn points from 1 category below)

*May only earn points from 1 category below* POINTS AWARDED
State-tested CNA (current certification) 1
EMT, Paramedic license (current) 1
Licensed LPN (current) 2
Associate degree ( any major) from accredited school   2
Bachelor degree (any major) from accredited school 3
Licensed LPN, graduated from MCCC PN program 4

*Credential/degree/license must be listed on verification form to receive points. Other healthcare-related credentials/certifications/licenses may qualify for points in this category.
Certification in CPR or BLS do not qualify for points. Please check with the Health Sciences Division for additional information.


MONROE COUNTY RESIDENCY
Applicants must meet eligibility requirements for in-county tuition as of the June or October deadline to earn points in this category.

RESIDENCY STATUS POINTS AWARDED
Out of County Resident 0
Monroe County Resident 3

 

PRIOR ALTERNATES
Prior alternates for the MCCC AAS-Nursing (RN) program 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
B. Highest ATI TEAS Total Score
C. Highest ATI TEAS Science Score
D. Lottery draw 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:https://www.monroeccc.edu/events/the-big-gig-monroe-countys-39th-annual-black-history-month-blues-concertCritical thinking and cognitive competencies: Sufficient critical thinking and cognitive abilities in classroom and clinical settings.

  • Professionalism: Interpersonal skills sufficient for professional interaction with a diverse population of individuals, families, and groups.
  • Communication: Communication sufficient for professional interactions.
  • Mobility: Physical abilities sufficient for movement from room to room and in small spaces.
  • Motor Skills: Gross and fine motor abilities which are sufficiently effective and safe for providing allied health care.
  • Sensory: Auditory and visual ability sufficient for observing, monitoring, and assessing health needs.
  • Observation: Ability to sufficiently make observations in a health care environment, consistent with program competencies.
  • 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
Revised: 6/21; 5/22; Deadlines 10/25
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. Once accepted, students must complete non-nursing courses outlined in the program’s plan of study prior to entry into the first nursing course. Failure to complete this coursework will result in loss of seat in the program and necessitate re-application to the program. Students must complete the nursing portion of the program within three years (six semesters) of the start of the first nursing course. Failure to meet the time framework necessitates program dismissal and re-application to the nursing 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/14730.htm).
ii. Link to FAQs regarding the impact of 34 CFR 668.43 on nursing programs (https://www.ncsbn.org/ProfessionalLicensureReq-FAQs.pdf).
Revised: 6/21; 5/22; Deadlines 10/25
iii. Link to the webpage for every State Regulatory Agency for Nursing

 

Revised: 6/21;5/22, Deadlines 10/25

Additional Program Information

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 visit the Transfer section of the MCCC website. The MCCC Health Sciences Division also offers students concurrent enrollment options with partnering four-year universities, allowing accepted nursing students to work towards a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree while enrolled in the associate of applied science (AAS) in nursing program at MCCC. Students interested in more information about enrollment and program requirements may contact the Health Sciences Division Office (734.384.4102) or the Admissions Office (734.384.4104). A student who desires to transfer into the MCCC registered nursing program from another nursing program must meet all criteria as listed in the Nursing, Registered section of the college’s website.

Upon program completion, students will be prepared and eligible to apply for licensure in the State of Michigan. Students must meet the Michigan Board of Nursing eligibility requirements and successfully pass the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX-RN) in order to become a licensed registered nurse.

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

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)  Nursing Accreditation Logo
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 https://www.acenursing.org/search-programs.

 

 

Nursing, Registered Contact Information

Helen Stripling

Dean Health Sciences, Director of Respiratory Therapy
Phone Icon 734.457.6055
Building / Office IconH-115

Rachel Knabusch

Division Coordinator
Phone Icon 734-384-4102
Building / Office IconH-120

Christy Chisholm

Director Nursing
Phone Icon (734) 457-6056
Building / Office IconH-116

Lori Biggs

Nursing Program Coordinator
Phone Icon 734-384-4248
Building / Office IconH-117

Nicole Garner

Professor of Nursing
Phone Icon 734-384-4173
Building / Office IconH-118

Tracy Giacomini

Associate Professor of Nursing
Phone Icon 734-384-4253
Building / Office IconH-153

Dawn Lymond

Associate Professor of Nursing
Phone Icon 734-384-4266
Building / Office IconH-151

Denise Robinson

Professor of Nursing
Phone Icon 734-384-4265
Building / Office IconH-116

Michelle Schwartz

Associate Professor of Nursing
Phone Icon 734-457-6025
Building / Office IconH-152