Application Requirements

Materials Needed to Apply

Students must apply and be formally accepted into the Nursing Education program before beginning program courses.

Applicants must submit the following to the Enrollment Services Office:

1. Nursing Education application

• Applications are available between Sept. 1 and Dec. 1 each year for summer start.
• Supporting documentation (transcripts, test scores, etc.) must be on file by identified deadlines.
• Proof of completion of prerequisite courses: biology, algebra and chemistry.

2. Official Transcripts

• Official high school transcripts or proof of GED
• Official transcripts from all colleges, universities or accredited schools of Nursing Education attended
• SWIC transfer credit evaluation form, a requirement for the transfer of credits from another institution

3. Test Scores

• Nursing Entrance Exam – Taken after application is submitted
• Contact Academic Advising (advising@swic.edu) to determine placement testing needs. – The placement test identifies skill levels in math, reading and writing. Students must score high enough to be eligible to enroll in ENG 101 and MATH 97. If placement test results are too low, students must complete required developmental courses prior to enrolling in ENG 101, BIOL 157/158 or MATH 95.

Prepare to Apply

Complete Prerequisite Courses

Prerequisite courses in biology, algebra and chemistry must be completed in order to apply for the Nursing Education program.

Fill out the Planning Guide

Entrance into the NE program is highly competitive. The NE Planning Guide and the LPN Bridge/Advanced Standing Planning Guide (for current LPNs only) explain application requirements and offer suggestions on how to maximize points in each section and increase chances of being accepted to the program.

Understand the Application Point System

Applications are rated by a point system, with points based on:

• Grades earned in prerequisite courses: biology, algebra and chemistry (higher grades earn more points)
• Pre-Nursing Admission Exam score (higher scores receive more points)
• Previous experience in selective health care fields
• Credit hours of general education courses completed with a B or better (more credit hours earn more points)

Meet with an Academic Advisor

Call or visit the Enrollment Services office for more information about entrance requirements for the NE program.

LPN Bridge/Advanced Standing

LPN Bridge/Advanced Standing Articulation Application Process

An articulation process exists for Illinois licensed LPNs. The articulation program will escrow up to 15 credits. Admission criteria will remain as listed for the generic RN program. LPNs must complete the prerequisite courses and first-year general education courses prior to admission into the articulation program, unless waivers have been secured from the NE director. Escrowed credits will be awarded pending successful completion of the first NE courses attempted in the summer. If not successfully completed on the first attempt, no articulation provisions will apply and the generic nursing program must be completed. Any LPN may opt not to enter the articulation program, but may instead enter the generic RN program. LPNs should see the Nursing director concerning other stipulations before beginning the articulation process and submitting an application-the “LPN Bridge/Advanced Standing Application for LPNs Only.” To review the criteria on that application, see the LPN Bridge/Advanced Standing Planning Guide (for current LPNs only).

Nurse Assistant Articulation Application Process

An articulation process exists for Illinois certified nurse assistants. The articulation process will escrow two NE credits for Illinois certified nurse assistants. Admission criteria, prerequisite courses and general education courses will remain as listed for the generic RN program. The two credits will be awarded for NE 102 pending successful completion of NE 103 on the first attempt. If NE 103 is not completed successfully, no articulation provisions will apply. Any certified nurse assistant may opt not to enter the articulation program, but may instead enter the generic RN program. CNAs should see the Nursing director concerning other stipulations.

Applicant Selection

Application Point System

Applications for the NE program will be rated on a point system, with points based on:

• Grades earned in prerequisite courses: biology, algebra and chemistry (higher grades earn more points)
• Pre-Nursing Admission Exam scores (higher scores receive more points)
• Previous experience in selective health care fields
• Credit hours of general education courses completed with a B or better (more credit hours earn more points)

Notification of Acceptance:

Applicants will be notified of their status regarding admission as quickly as possible, typically in April depending on the number of applications received.

More Candidates than Seats Available:

In the event that there are more qualified applicants than spaces available in this program, applicants residing outside the SWIC district or in a district that does not have a joint agreement with SWIC for this program will not be eligible for consideration or admission. Resident status is determined by address on file with the Enrollment Services Office by April 1.

For a list of colleges that have joint agreements with SWIC, view the college catalog and search for Interdistrict Cooperative Agreements.

The admission procedures for the Nursing Education program are in accordance with Illinois law. The law requires that programs with insufficient space and resources to accommodate all applicants will accept the best qualified applicants, using rank, ability and achievement test scores as guides, with preference given to students residing in the district. Out-of-district students will be considered as in-district status for this application process if their community college has an Inter-district Cooperative/Career agreement with SWIC. Search the college catalog for Interdistrict Cooperative/Career Agreements to see if your college is listed. To qualify for the application process, the student must submit paperwork from their home district to SWIC Enrollment Services by the application deadline. Contact the secretary of the Board of Trustees at your home district school to get the required paperwork.

Fewer Candidates than Seats Available:

In the event that there are fewer qualified candidates than there are spaces available, applications will continue to be accepted until the program’s maximum capacity has been reached or through the first week of classes during the fall semester.

The college reserves the right to fill the program when there are fewer applicants than spaces available by whatever means it deems necessary to assure both academic integrity and fairness in the selection process.

Other Requirements

The following criteria are required of accepted applicants and all information will be explained in detail at program orientation meetings.

Orientation & Performance:

Applicants accepted to this program must attend the required orientation sessions (typically held in March) and be able to perform the essential functions of the job as listed in the student course handbook, with reasonable accommodation if needed. Applicants or enrolled students are encouraged to contact the Disability & Access Center to discuss potential issues associated with meeting these requirements.

Health Insurance:

Health insurance is required during clinical education courses. Students are responsible for any costs incurred for injuries occurring during clinical experience.

Graduation Requirements:

Applicants admitted to the program must follow the requirements for graduation at the time they are admitted and must meet all course, program, degree and sequencing requirements as specified. Posted changes in course prerequisites are applicable to all newly admitted students. Second-year students will continue to work from prerequisites listed when admitted. Students are responsible for program policies as listed in each year’s Nursing Student Handbook. Students who fail to meet program specific requirements will be dropped from the program and may be required to reapply and compete for admission in a succeeding year.

Time Frame:

The Nursing Education program must be completed within five years of beginning nursing courses for first-time students and five semesters for LPN articulation students. Students must repeat a failed course the following year-students cannot “sit out” the following year.

Minimum Grades:

An average grade of C in all theory tests (except the final examination), a grade of C on the final examination and a satisfactory in lab/clinical evaluation are the minimum requirements for passing nursing courses. Students must pass at least one of the major nursing course content tests, any standardized testing and course assignments for the course to be completed. A grade of C is the minimum grade acceptable for ALL courses in the nursing curriculum.

Medical Requirements:

These requirements do not have to be fulfilled until they are explained at the orientation meeting. NE students will be required to possess current CPR certification at the Health Care Provider level, show proof of immunizations, TB test and completion of a physical examination form, and verify health insurance coverage before beginning any clinical experience. To request a medical and/or religious exemption, please contact the program coordinator.

Background Checks and Drug Testing:

Criminal background check and drug testing are required.

• To participate in the clinical portion of the program, required clinical sites will be surveyed to determine if clinical placement can be accomplished for students with “disqualifying” offense(s). If the survey results indicate clinical sites prohibit the conviction, the student will be removed from the program. A complete list of disqualifying convictions is available from the Illinois Department of Public Health at http://www.idph.state.il.us/nar/disconvictions.htm. 
• Drug testing will identify illegal and prescription drugs. If results are positive, the student must provide proof of prescription in his or her own name in order to pass the drug test. Medical marijuana, which is not FDA approved, is also considered a positive drug testing result.

Fingerprinting:

Students enrolling in Nursing Education should be aware that fingerprint criminal background checks will be required within 60 days of NCLEX applications, and receipts for the check must be attached to the NCLEX applications. Convictions of certain crimes may preclude ability to obtain RN licensure in Illinois. Information will be provided concerning this stipulation. For information, contact the Nursing Education coordinator at 618-641-5009.