Hays Nursing FAQ

Q. What is a 1+1 program?

A. Our program offers two years of nursing. During the first year, you will have
2 semesters. Upon completion of the first year program of study, you will be
eligible to apply for licensure as a practical nurse in the state of your choice,
and get an appointment to take the NCLEX-PN®. This is a national exam.
The results are reported within a few days. If you meet the grade
requirement, you may continue on into the second year of the program if
you so choose. Upon completion of the second year program of study, you
will be eligible to apply for licensure as a registered nurse in the state of
your choice, and get an appointment to take the NCLEX-RN®. This too is a
national exam. The results are reported within a few days.

Q. What is the difference between an RN and an LPN?

A. Licensed practical nurses provide nursing care in structured settings under
the supervision of a registered nurse. LPN’s cannot administer IV’s until
they are Intravenous Certified. Registered nurses practice in a wide variety
of settings. LPN’s are the backbone of staffing in nursing homes. Hospitals
typically prefer to hire more RN’s rather than LPN’s because they can
function without supervision.

Q. What is the difference between Associate and Baccalaureate nursing
degrees?

A. Graduates who have earned an Associate in Applied Science in Nursing or
a Bachelor of Science in Nursing take the same national nursing licensure
exam (NCLEX-RN®) and are registered nurses after they pass the exam. A
generic BSN degree takes 4 years to complete, and requires almost double
the general education credits, and a few more credits in nursing theory,
research, management, and community nursing. Kansas has an
Articulation Plan (CNAK) in place, which affords mobility in transferring
nursing courses into higher degree programs. Many BSN completion
programs are available, and some quality ones are even on the Internet.
Most can be completed in 1.5-3 years part-time which you are working
fulltime. Though frequently there is no additional pay for nurses with BSN’s,
having the degree may increase your marketability and chances of
promotion into management and education positions. It is also required
for specialization on a master’s degree level, for students desiring to
become nurse practitioners, nurse educators, clinical nurse specialists,
or nurse anesthetists.

Q. How many students do you accept into your nursing program?

A. Thirty (30) first year PN students are accepted once a year for the Fall semester.

B. Twenty Five (25) second year RN students are accepted once a year for the Fall semester.

Q. What are the requirements of getting into your program?

A. For first year applicants, your application and transcripts must be submitted. Completion of the non-nursing courses, score on the entrance test and certification as a nurse’s aide will influence admission standing. Currently the Nurse Entrance Test (NET) created by Educational Resources, Inc. is used. Information about the test or review material such as a study guide is available at www.eriworld.com

B. For second year students, your application and transcripts must be submitted. Completion of the non-nursing courses, IV Therapy Certification and Practical Nursing program grades will influence admission standing.

Q. What is the required GPA to get into the program?

A. There is no “required” GPA for selection however, the nursing program policy states that the required grade in all program requirements is a “C” or above. The GPA is used in case of a tie in the nursing selection process. It is driven by competition of applicants. The high school transcript (or GED) is required for admission to the college; the GPA is not part of the nursing program selection criteria.

Q. How many applicants usually apply?

A. Approximately 3 apply for each space available.

Q. Do you accept letters of recommendation?

A. No

Q. Are any courses offered in the evening?

A. The program is not structured in such a way to offer many evening
experiences. Many of the general education courses can be taken during
the evening.

Q. What is the schedule of days and times for the nursing courses?

A. It varies according to each semester and within the semester. Generally you
will be either in class or lab/clinical four to five days a week.  The majority
of clinicals are conducted at Hays Medical Center.  Most generally clinical hours are from 0630 (6:30 a.m.) to 1530 (3:30 p.m.), but may include evening, night or weekend hours.

Q. Can I take a summer class and have it considered for the class
selection for Fall?

A. No. The class selection is completed in early February.

Q. How do I specialize in one area of nursing, such as OB, ER, or ICU
nursing?

A. All you need to “specialize” is a license as an LPN or RN. After you have
been hired into your position of choice, your employer typically pays for or
provides specialized training for that position, such as EKG interpretation,
working with ventilators, fetal monitor interpretation, etc.

Q. If I have completed hours at another college, how will I know if these
credits will transfer to NCKTC?

A. The College Registrar will determine transferability of any non-
nursing/general education credits. The applicant will need to provide the
course number, course name and course description in question.

Q. What if I don’t want to be an LPN but an RN?

A. The way our program is structured, applicants must complete the practical
nursing year before entering the associate degree (RN) year. The licensure
examination for practical nursing must be successfully completed prior to the
start of the second semester for second year students. It is an individual
choice whether to practice as an LPN.

Q. What is the average beginning salary for graduates of the NCKTC
Practical Nursing and Associate Degree in Nursing programs?

A. The average beginning salary of a graduate nurse from the NCKTC Practical
Nurse program is about $13.50 per hour ($28,080 annually). The average
Beginning salary of a graduate nurse from the NCKTC Associate Degree in
Nursing program is about $18.50 per hour ($38,480 annually).

Q. Is there a required background check?

A. Yes, all nursing applicants admitted to the program are required to have a
criminal background check.

Q. Are the Practical Nursing and Associate Degree Nursing programs
Accredited?

A. Yes. NCKTC is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of
Colleges and Schools Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.  Nursing program is approved by the Kansas State Board of Nursing and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).

Q. I already have college credits. Can I complete the PN program in less
than 9 months or the AND program in less than 2 years?

A. No. The nursing courses are offered in sequence, so the program may not
be completed in less time.

Q. Are financial aid and scholarships available?

A. Yes, financial aid is available. Please check with the financial aid office
(800.658.4655) to determine your eligibility for financial aid and various
college-wide scholarships.

Q. Where can I get more information about your program?

A. You may visit our website http://www.ncktc.edu and click on the Hays campus.
You can reach the Hays campus at (785) 625-2437 or 1 888 567-4297.

For more information or questions you can contact: webmaster@ncktc.edu

Related resources

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