Admission Requirements & Application Process
1. Applications will be available and need to be turned into the nursing department during the time frame of September 1st to January 31st for those anticipating admission the following fall into the first year of the program. Applications for the second year of the program will be accepted from September 1st to March 31st for those anticipating admission the following fall.
2. The applicant shall have an application on file for the year that the class is being selected.
3. The applicant shall be a high school graduate or have a GED certificate upon entering into the program (college graduation requirement).
4. The applicant shall submit official transcripts for all secondary and post-secondary course work taken in order to be considered for class selection.
5. For students with English as a second language:
1. The nursing applicant makes known that English is not his/her primary language for written or oral communication.
2. All nursing applicants must show proficiency in oral and written English if their primary language is not English.
3. Applicants must complete the TOEFL and TSE exams.
4. Kansas State Board of Nursing guidelines for TOEFL/TSE scores will be followed.
A. TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language,
B. TSE – Test for Spoken English.
5. The following are the minimum scores that will be required for all ESL nursing applicants,
A. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
550 minimum score – Paper/pencil version,
213 minimum score – Computer version,
B. Test for Spoken English (TSE)
50 minimum score,
C. Test of English as a Foreign Language – internet version
(TOEFL iBT)
Minimum Score:
Writing – 20,
Speaking – 20,
Reading – 19,
Listening – 20.
6. The first year applicant shall take the entrance examination for purposes of placement in the program. Entrance testing will occur during the months of September through the end of January. The ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) is used with a required cut score of 58.7% as established by the test vendor. The TEAS may be taken a total of 2 times with one month in between testing dates. An applicant may retake the TEAS to improve his/her score even if a 58.7% cut score or higher was achieved initially. The individual adjusted total score will be used for ranking purposes for class selection. The testing fee is $70.
On Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI’s) homepage you will find a link to create an account with ATI. You will need to do this before you can take the TEAS. The link is www.atitesting.com
Click on create an account link. When asked to select an institution choose North Central KS Tech College Hays PN. For Student/Employee ID: put your birthday. For example, if your birthday is November 5th 1990 put 11051990. Check non-degree seeking.
Once registered, write down your username and password or print it off and bring it with you to your testing appointment. Without your username and password, you can’t take the test. Your test is taken on the computer and will be graded immediately online at the completion of the test. You will also be able to access your results online through your student account.
Current first year students seeking a position at the second year shall submit a second year nursing application to the nursing program director by March 31st. The grade requirement for first year nursing courses is an 87% or higher. Those who do not meet this standard can reapply to the second year of the program after a year of LPN work experience.
The TEAS was developed to measure basic essential skills in the academic content area domains of Reading, Mathematics, Science, and English and Language Usage. These entry level skills are deemed important for nursing program applicants by a panel of nursing program curriculum experts. The TEAS is a 170-item, four option, multiple-choice timed assessment test. To prepare in an organized and efficient manner, you should know what to expect from the real assessment.
Total
| Content Area |
Number of Test Items |
Amount of Time Allotted |
| Reading |
53 |
64 minutes |
| Mathematics |
36 |
54 minutes |
| Science |
53 |
63 minutes |
| English and Language Usage |
28 |
28 minutes |
|
170 |
209 minutes (3hrs & 29 min) |
Two products are available to help as you prepare for the TEAS Assessment: TEAS Study Manual and the Online Practice Assessment. For a complete student preparation package, the TEAS Online Practice Assessment and the TEAS Study Manual may be purchased at https://store.atitesting.com/TEAS-Products.aspx
ATI’s toll free number is 1.800.667.7531.
7. All applicants shall have a C or better in previously completed general education and other plan of study (non nursing) courses. The actual grade will be considered only in the case of a “tie” in the scores of the first year applicants. The actual grade of nursing courses will be considered only in the case of a “tie” in the scores of the second year applicants.
8. First year applicants must be a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA – active in Kansas) before they can be accepted into the program. Admission points will be awarded to those applicants who are Certified Medication Aides (CMA).
9. Current first year students seeking a position at the second year shall submit a second year nursing application to the nursing program director by March 31st. The grade requirement for first year nursing courses is an 87% or higher. Those who do not meet this standard can reapply to the second year of the program after a year of LPN work experience.
10. For applicants who have graduated from a Practical Nursing Program in Kansas, March 2012 guidelines of the Council for Nursing Articulation in Kansas will be followed. They are as follows:
Must meet program admission requirements.
Must be a graduate of a Kansas program.
Must receive equivalent to a minimum of 40% of the admitting program’s nursing credit hours.
Must validate previous nursing information when required through NCLEX-PN, testing, escrow, or portfolio according to program policy.
0-5 years after graduation
No validation of nursing credits is required if holds current PN license.
No work experience is required
6-10 years after graduation
No validation of nursing credit is required if holds current PN license. College may require 1000 hours nursing work experience as an LPN during the last three years.
Validation, if necessary, will be achieved by receiving a satisfactory score on a standardized pre-entrance examination or by portfolio evaluation.
More than 10 years after graduation
Validation of nursing credits is required. Current PN license is required.
College may require 1,000 hours of nursing work experience as an LPN during the last three years.
11. For those applicants who have graduated from an out-of-the-state practical nursing program, nursing credits will be evaluated individually by the nursing program director.
12. Associate degree (second year) applicants shall provide evidence of completion of a course of study equivalent to the first year of this program.
13. All required information shall be in the official file maintained by the nursing program director before the application will be reviewed. Responsibility for completing the required information rests entirely with the applicant.
14. The class will be selected by choosing the highest-ranking applicants. Alternates will be chosen to fill the remaining slots as positions become available.
15. Class Selection will be finalized and those selected will be notified in February (first year applicants), and in April for second year applicants.
16. Following the class selection, the application will be purged and the application process (meaning new application) will begin again.
CMA Information
CNA Information
Criminal Convictions
Frequently Asked Questions
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 while you are working full-time. 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 (TEAS) created by Assessment Technologies Institute 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 required to get into the program?
A. The nursing program policy states that the required grade in all general education requirements is a “C” or above. The high school transcript (or GED) is required for admission to the college.
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 starting salary for graduates of the NCKTC Practical Nursing and Associate Degree in Nursing programs?
A. The average starting salary of a graduate nurse from the NCKTC Practical Nurse program is about $16.00 per hour ($33,280 annually). The average starting salary of a graduate nurse from the NCKTC Associate Degree in Nursing program is about $20.00 per hour ($41,600 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 Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (formerly 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.
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Letter from the Director
Dear Prospective Nursing Student,
What an exciting time in nursing and in education! As educators, part of our role is to provide well-educated nurses to the public we serve. Another important aspect is our obligation to give each student an optimal chance of reaching his/her goal. We have structured our admission process to help select the most qualified applicants and offer each student the greatest potential for success. Significant considerations of the process are:
• A designated period of application each year.
• A ranking system that considers time-proven elements of success.
• A system that allows each applicant opportunities to increase his/her ranking.
North Central Kansas Technical College, Hays campus, has a 1+1 (two year) Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program. The first Practical Nursing class to graduate was in 1975. The first Associate Degree in Nursing class to graduate was in 1997. To date, more than 1,500 students have graduated from the program.
Students have the option to exit out after completion of the first year of the program or may continue directly on into the second year of the program if grade requirements are achieved. Please contact the Director of Nursing for further information.
Criminal conviction may jeopardize eligibility for licensure. Please contact me if there is a concern. Additional criminal conviction information may be found here.
Sincerely,
Sheri Stone, MSN, APRN-AGCNS, CCRN
North Central Kansas Technical College
Interim Nursing Program Director
2205 Wheatland Avenue
Hays, KS 67601
785.625.2437
Mission Statement
The mission of the Nursing Program at North Central Kansas Technical College, Hays Campus, is to empower nursing students to practice effectively within a continuously evolving and changing diverse health care system. The program provides an environment that fosters critical thinking, effective communication and active participation. Basic to this mission is the preparation of a skilled, caring, competent and accountable nurse of the future. This mission is fulfilled through:
1. Innovative personalized nursing curriculum that incorporates diverse teaching strategies and current technologies in the teaching and learning process.
2. Applied educational programming to enhance professional growth, enrich lives, understanding and appreciation of individual diversity and lifelong learning.
3. Strengthening educational partnerships with community health care settings and programs promoting articulation and collaboration with universities.
Organizations
American Nurses Association
www.nursingworld.org/default.aspx
National League for Nursing
www.nln.org
Kansas State Nurses Association
www.ksnurses.com
Kansas Organization of Nurse Leaders
www.konl.org
Required General Education Classes & Point's Possible for Admission
Required General Education Classes & Points Possible for Admission
| First Year Required Gen Ed’s |
Credits
|
Points Possible
|
| Human Anatomy & Physiology with Lab |
5 |
10 |
| General Psychology |
3 |
5 |
| Human Growth & Development |
3 |
5 |
| Principles of Nutrition |
3 |
5 |
| TEAS Adjusted Individual Total Score |
|
100 |
| Intermediate or College Algebra |
3 |
5 |
| Certified Medication Aide |
|
5 |
|
Total
|
135
|
| Second Year Required Gen Ed’s |
Credits |
Points Possible |
| English Composition I |
3 |
5 |
| Microbiology and Microbiology Lab |
5 |
10 |
| IV Therapy Certification |
|
5 |
|
Total
|
20
|
Accreditation Information
All departments of the North Central Kansas Technical College have been approved and accredited by the Division of Vocational Education, Kansas State Board of Education, and North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The Kansas State Board of Nursing has approved the Practical Nursing Program since its start in the Fall of 1975 and the Associate Degree Nursing Program since its start in 1996. The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission had accredited the original PN program which was associated with the Beloit campus program. The Associated Degree Nursing program received initial accreditation from the National League of Nursing Accrediting Commission in Fall 2000. Effective May 6, 2013, NLNAC changed its name and is now the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). The Associate Degree Nursing Program has accreditation with ACEN. The next accreditation site visit by ACEN will be Fall 2021.
Kansas State Board of Nursing
900 SW Jackson St., Suite 1051
Topeka, KS. 66612-1230
785-296-4929
The Associate nursing program at North Central Kansas Technical College at the Hays campus located in Hays, Kansas 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.
Kansas Board of Regents
1000 SW Jackson St., Suite 520
Topeka, KS 66612-1368
785-296-3421
Higher Learning Commission – North Central Association
30 N. La Salle Street, Suite 2400
Chicago, IL. 60602-2504
1-800-621-7440
RN-BSN Articulation
Information:
Nursing is a dynamic profession and lifelong learning is essential for nurses to stay current with the increased complexity of the healthcare needs of today and into the future. In other words, the needs of our patients are changing, as we must change in order to be prepared to better serve that need.
Once you complete your ADN with us, I don’t want you to stop! Having a BSN degree allows more opportunity for employment, increased responsibility, and career progression. It opens the door for professional certification in specialty areas of nursing practice and leads to an expanded role as a provider, manager, and coordinator of patient care as well as provides the foundation for graduate education.
Today’s working RN’s can attain a BSN degree without sacrificing their present job or income by going through an accredited online program. Many employers’ education benefits often help to cover some of the expenses of advancing your degree. Currently the college has articulation agreements to Fort Hays State University, University of Kansas School of Nursing, Wichita State University, Chamberlain College of Nursing, and Grand Canyon University.
Wishing you all the best,
Sheri Stone
NCK Technical College – Interim Director of Nursing
TEAS Entry Testing
ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) will start in September to the end of January. There is a study manual and online practice assessments available. Please logon to the website at www.atitesting.com for the study guide. To schedule a TEAS testing time, please register here.
The first year applicant shall take the entrance examination for purposes of placement in the program. Entrance testing will occur during the months of September through the end of January. The ATI test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) is used with a required cut score of 58.7% as established by the test vendor. The TEAS may be taken a total of 2 times with one month in between testing dates. An applicant may retake the TEAS to improve his/her score even if a 58.7% cut score or higher was achieved initially. The individual adjusted total score will be used for ranking purposes for class selection. The testing fee is $70 each time.
On Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI’s) homepage you will find a link to create an account with ATI. You will need to do this before you can take the TEAS. The link is www.atitesting.com
Click on create an account link. When asked to select an institution choose North Central KS Tech College Hays PN. For Student/Employee ID: put your birthday. For example, if your birthday is November 5th 1990 put 11051990. Check non-degree seeking.
Once registered, write down your username and password or print it off and bring it with you to your testing appointment. Without your username and password, you can’t take the test. Your test is taken on the computer and will be graded immediately online at the completion of the test. You will also be able to access your results online through your student account.
The TEAS was developed to measure basic essential skills in the academic content area domains of Reading, Mathematics, Science, and English and Language Usage. These entry level skills are deemed important for nursing program applicants by a panel of nursing program curriculum experts. The TEAS is a 170-item, four option, multiple-choice timed assessment test. To prepare in an organized and efficient manner, you should know what to expect from the real assessment.
Total
| Content Area |
Number of Test Items |
Amount of Time Allotted |
| Reading |
53 |
64 minutes |
| Mathematics |
36 |
54 minutes |
| Science |
53 |
63 minutes |
| English and Language Usage |
28 |
28 minutes |
|
170 |
209 minutes (3hrs & 29 min) |
Two products are available to help as you prepare for the TEAS Assessment: TEAS Study Manual and the Online Practice Assessment. For a complete student preparation package, the TEAS Online Practice Assessment and the TEAS Study Manual may be purchased at www.atitesting.com/onlinestore
ATI’s toll free number is 1.800.667.7531.
All applicants shall have a C or better in previously completed general education and other plan of study (non nursing) courses. The actual grade will be considered only in case of a “tie” in the scores of the first year applicants. The actual grade of nursing courses will be considered only in the case of a “tie” in the scores of the second year applicants.
First year applicants must be a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA – active in Kansas) before they can be accepted into the program. Admission points will be awarded to those applicants who are Certified Medication Aides (CMA – active in Kansas).
Current first year students seeking a position at the second year shall submit a second year nursing application to the nursing program director by March 31st. The grade requirement for first year nursing courses is an 87% or higher. Those who do not meet this standard can reapply to the second year of the program after a year of LPN work experience.
For applicants who have graduated from a Practical Nursing Program in Kansas, guidelines of the Council for Nursing Articulation in Kansas will be followed. They are as follows:
0-5 years after graduation
No validation of nursing credit is required if holds current PN license.
No work experience is required.
6-10 years after graduation
No validation of nursing credits is required if holds current PN license. College may require 1000 hours nursing work experience as an LPN during the last three years.
Validation, if necessary, will be achieved by receiving a satisfactory score on a standardized pre-entrance examination or by portfolio evaluation.
More than 10 years after graduation
Validation of nursing credits is required. Current PN license is required.
College may require 1,000 hours of nursing work work experience as an LPN during the last three years.
For those applicants who have graduated from an out-of-the-state practical nursing program, nursing credits will be evaluated individually by the nursing program director.
Associate degree (second year) applicants shall provide evidence of completion of a course of study equivalent to the first year of this program.
All required information shall be in the official file maintained by the nursing program director before the application will be reviewed. Responsibility for completing the required information rests entirely with the applicant.
The class will be selected by choosing the highest-ranking applicants. Alternates will be chosen to fill the remaining slots as positions become available.
Class selection will be finalized and those selected will be notified in February (first year applicants), and in April for second year applicants.
Following the class selection, the application will be purged and the application process (meaning new application) will begin again.
Technical Standards
TECHNICAL STANDARDS ADMISSION GUIDELINES
North Central Kansas Technical College Nursing Program’s faculty has identified specific abilities that are critical to the nursing student’s success. Students must demonstrate the ability to meet standards, with or without reasonable accommodations.
PHYSICAL
The nursing student shall be able to:
1. make appropriate observations required in providing nursing care.
2. manipulate equipment and supplies as required in providing nursing care.
3. use senses of hearing, seeing (color vision, depth perception, near visual acuity), touch and smell to make observations regarding client conditions for the purpose of demonstrating competency to engage in nursing practice.
4. hear telephone and have ability to take orders over the telephone.
5. hear vital signs with stethoscope to assess blood pressure, heart rate, lung and vascular and abdominal sounds.
6. hear the patient calling for help.
7. hear beepers, alarms, etc., requiring quick responses.
8. read very fine or small print on medication containers.
9. See nurse call/emergency light.
10. visually assess the patient appropriately.
11. read physicians’ orders.
12. read monitors and other equipment.
13. lift a minimum of 50 pounds unassisted and over 50 pounds assisted.
14. tolerate physically taxing workloads and function effectively under stress.
15. tolerate awkward positions, be able to grasp, handle, manipulate finger movement, reach, sit, stand, stoop and bend, twist, pull and push and have manual dexterity of both hands and fingers. Stand for long periods of time. Work at a fast pace for long periods of time.
16. demonstrate manual dexterity to don sterile gloves and gown.
17. demonstrate manual dexterity to prepare medications aseptically (i.e., IV, PO, IM)
18. demonstrate manual dexterity to use sterile techniques (i.e., insert catheters, IV needles, etc.).
19. demonstrate ability to utilize machinery and tools needed to carry out patient care.
20. work alternating shifts (8-12hours) days, evenings and nights.
COMMUNICATION
The nursing student shall be able to:
1.effectively communicate with members of the health care team, clients, families, peers and faculty. Skills include verbal, written/computerized and non-verbal abilities. Must be able to
hear patient sounds, voices, beepers and alarms.
2. communicate effectively and efficiently in oral and written form with all members of the health care team. The clinical rotations require independent reading of medical records and
independent recording of nursing care plans and communication analysis.
3. use diplomacy and tact.
EMOTIONAL
The nursing student shall be able to:
1. demonstrate emotional coping skills necessary to provide nursing care as determined by standards of practice. Successful students possess the emotional health required for full
utilization of his/her intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgment, the prompt completion of all responsibilities involved in the diagnosis and care of clients, and the development of mature, sensitive and effective relationships with clients.
2. adapt to changing environments, display flexibility and learn to function in the face of uncertainties inherent in the clinical problems of many clients.
3. carry out activities consistent with safe nursing practice without demonstrated behaviors of addiction to, abuse of, dependence on any drug that might impair behavior or judgment.
4. maintain a positive attitude.
COGNITIVE
The nursing student shall be able to:
1. problem solve which is a critical thinking skill that is demanded of caregivers. Critical thinking requires the following intellectual abilities: measurement, calculation, reasoning, analysis and synthesis.
2. exercise judgment skills as required in providing nursing care.
3. identify, assess, and understand client conditions to provide nursing care. Students must have visual and hearing acuity appropriate to work within demanding clinical settings.
4. determine appropriate conclusions and course of action necessary for providing client care.
5. demonstrate responsibility and accountability for actions as a student that are required by nursing practice
6. organize materials and remember procedures and instructions.
7. pay careful attention to detail and concentrate on tasks.
8. handle multiple priorities and perform tasks during the limited time frame.
9. respond appropriately to stressful situations (physically, emotionally and mentally).
Criminal conviction may jeopardize eligibility for licensure.
Student Achievement Data
Academic Progression
Public Notice of Accreditation Visit
