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. Forty (40) first year PN students are accepted once a year for
the Fall semester.
B. Thirty (30) 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 (active in Kansas) as a nurse’s aide
will influence admission standing. Currently the ATI Test of
Essential Academic Skills Version V (TEAS V) created by Assessment
Technologies Incorporated is used. Information about the test or
review material such as a study guide and online practice tests is
available at www.atitesting.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 for first
year applicants and in April for second year applicants.
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 ADN 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
