A student who completes the program is certified by the director of nursing and is eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination - Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN®). Graduates of this program who have passed the NCLEX-RN® licensing examination are eligible for articulation with a bachelor or master’s program in nursing.
Once admitted, students can complete the nursing program in two calendar years. Licensed practical nurses and paramedics who meet all admission criteria of the College and the nursing program will be eligible for advanced placement; therefore, LPNs and paramedic- bridge students may be able to complete the program in three semesters.
Accreditation
The associate degree nursing program at Georgia Highlands College located in Rome, GA 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 degree nursing program is Continuing Accreditation. View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at: http://www.acenursing.us/accreditedprograms/programsearch.htm
Health Insurance (approximately $1100 per semester)2
1
All students in the nursing sequence are required to have professional liability insurance purchased through the school.
2
All students in the nursing sequence are required to have health insurance. If the student has a personal health insurance policy, proof of insurance must be provided and a waiver request can be completed to have the health insurance fee removed.
Professional Bridge Program for LPNs and Paramedics
Licensed practical nurses and paramedics may exempt the first five nursing courses (NURS 1000 Introduction to Nursing, NURS 1001 Health Assessment, NURS 1002 Pharmacology, NURS 1100 Conceptual Foundations of Nursing and NURS 1200 Nursing Practice for Common Health Issues) and reduce the length of their program to three semesters. The LPNs and paramedics must take the bridge courses (NURS 1300 Bridge to Professional Nursing and NURS 1400 Conceptual Nursing for Paramedics and LPNs) designed specifically to assist in the transition to the RN program. These courses are offered as hybrid courses starting in the spring semester. After successful completion of NURS 1300 Bridge to Professional Nursing and NURS 1400 Conceptual Nursing for Paramedics and LPNs students receive a grade of K for NURS 1000 Introduction to Nursing, NURS 1001 Health Assessment, NURS 1002 Pharmacology, NURS 1100 Conceptual Foundations of Nursing and NURS 1200 Nursing Practice for Common Health Issues.
Applicants must meet the following admission requirements:
Be licensed as an LPN or paramedic in the state of Georgia
Have been a practicing LPN or paramedic with at least 1000 hours of clinical practice in the last two years or have graduated from an LPN or paramedic program within the last two years
Meet the basic requirements for admission to Georgia Highlands College
Meet all criteria for admission into the nursing program
For practicing LPNs, if the required biology courses are over six years old but less than ten years old an applicant may submit a waiver request to have the age of the biology courses extended to 10 years. Any biology courses considered for waiver must be courses recognized by GHC as equivalent to BIOL 2251 Anatomy and Physiology I/BIOL 2251L Anatomy and Physiology I Laboratory, BIOL 2252 Anatomy and Physiology II/BIOL 2252L Anatomy and Physiology II Laboratory and/or BIOL 2260 Foundations of Microbiology/ BIOL 2260L Foundations of Microbiology Laboratory. Waivers are granted on an individual basis based on credits on official transcripts and documented clinical experience. Waiver requests are to be addressed to the nursing program director.
Required for Transfer Students
Transfer students will be accepted on an individual basis. Placement in the nursing curriculum will be determined by the director of the nursing program. Since campus and clinical laboratory skill requirements vary from one nursing program to another, the student will be held responsible for completion of any deficiency in the areas specified in the Georgia Highlands College nursing program. The student must complete all deficient campus and clinical laboratory skills by the end of the term in which he/she enrolls in the nursing program at Georgia Highlands College. A transfer student who fails to complete any of these deficiencies will not be allowed to progress in the nursing sequence.
The Extended Program in Nursing
The extended program in nursing involves students who for personal reasons lengthen their program beyond the required four semesters. The student who requires remediation in mathematics, English or reading will not be admitted directly into the nursing program. Students must pass all remedial courses with a minimum grade of C. On a 4.0 scale, the student must maintain an overall 2.5 average in the required general education courses and meet all other requirements in order to be considered for placement in the nursing sequence.
Additional Information
There are specific student policies that apply to nursing students (i.e., uniform regulations, confidentiality, etc.) The policies are maintained in the ASN Nursing Student Handbook which is available online.
There is a lab science course prerequisite for BIOL 2251 Anatomy and Physiology I. Students must retake required biology courses if those courses were taken more than six years before application to the nursing program.
2
NURS 1300 Bridge to Professional Nursing and NURS 1400 Conceptual Nursing for Paramedics and LPNs are required only of LPNs and paramedics who are entering the Professional Bridge to Nursing track.
Criteria for Admissions
Admission to the Nursing Program is a Four-Step Process
STEP 1: Admission to Georgia Highlands College: Submit the following materials to the GHC Admissions office:
Completed Georgia Highlands College application
Copy of high school transcript
Official copy of transcripts from all colleges previously attended
STEP 2: Acceptance to the Nursing Program: Submit materials that document the following requirements by April 1 for the August admission to ensure consideration for acceptance.
A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 in the required general core courses and a grade of C or better are required in BIOL 2251 Anatomy and Physiology I/BIOL 2251L Anatomy and Physiology I Laboratory , BIOL 2252 Anatomy and Physiology II /BIOL 2252L Anatomy and Physiology II Laboratory, and BIOL 2260 Foundations of Microbiology/BIOL 2260L Foundations of Microbiology Laboratory, ENGL 1101 English Composition I and MATH 1001 Quantitative Reasoning (or higher) or STAT 1401 Elementary Statistics. (The C or better in the biology courses includes both class and lab.)
It is the policy of the GHC Associate Degree Nursing program to require students to retake biology courses if these courses were taken more than six years before the application deadline for the nursing program.
Applicants are required to attend a nursing information session and must upload proof of attendance. The proof of attendance is the email from the program staff in response to the student's information session check-in email. Applicants must keep up with the email response to upload, losing the email response will require you to attend another information session.
Proof of English Language Proficiency: For applicants whose first language is not English and applicants whose language of instruction throughout secondary school was not English, proof of English language proficiency is required
Note: TOEFL / IELTS may be waived using qualifying SAT or ACT scores, ENGL 1101 English Composition I or ENGL 1102 English Composition II transfer credit, 4 units of college prep English earned at an accredited U.S. high school or qualifying placement testing scores.
Minimum of a 70-composite score on the ATI TEAS test. Official transcript for the ATI TEAS test must be submitted to GHC. The ATI TEAS must have been taken within two years of the application deadline. ATI TEAS tests greater than two years old must be taken again. Only four attempts will be allowed per application cycle (total of eight attempts)
Proof of nursing assistant certification (CNA certificate) or LPN license.
SAT & ACT are no longer required for Traditional or LPN/Paramedic Bridge program admission. ACT is required for full-time High School pathway: Composite at least 24, English at least 22, and Math at least 20.
STEP 3: Background Checks
Criminal background checks and drug screenings are required for clinical practice by institutions used by the nursing program for the clinical experiences associated with the nursing courses. A student will be required to participate in these checks upon admission to the program and at least annually while in the program. All criminal background checks and drug screenings will be at the expense of the student. Criminal background checks and drug screenings are to be performed through Advantage Students (http://www.advantagestudents.com) as required by many of the clinical facilities.
Clinical experience is a component of all required clinical nursing courses. A course cannot be satisfactorily completed without completing the clinical component of the course. Should a student be denied placement by a clinical facility related to results on a criminal background check or drug screening, the student will be dismissed from the program with no opportunity for readmission.
A student who has been arrested or convicted of a crime other than a minor traffic violation may not be permitted to take the RN licensure examination. This decision rests with the Georgia Board of Nursing (https://sos.ga.gov/georgia-board-nursing).
Students with a criminal record must see the nursing program director for advice before submitting an application regarding the licensure examination
STEP 4: Required Documentation
Students must submit the following after acceptance to the nursing program, before admission and registration for nursing classes:
Evidence of good health as documented by a nursing health form signed by a physician or a certified nurse practitioner. Additional health requirements must be met prior to clinical experiences in selected agencies. The following are required:
two negative tuberculin tests or one negative TSpot, or negative QuantiFERON Gold (Note: if the student has a positive TB skin test the student must provide results from TSpot or QuantiFERON Gold). These tests must be within the last year. The QuantiFERON God is recommended.
proof of two MMR injections or positive rubella, rubeola and mumps titers
TDAP within the last ten years (Note: if TDAP was greater than 10 years ago, must provide proof of the TDAP and a TD booster)
two varicella vaccines or positive varicella titer (proof of disease is not sufficient)
completion of Hepatitis B vaccines series and a positive titer
annual flu shot
additional credentialing documents may be required by clinical partners
The department of nursing may require additional proof of physical and/or mental well-being
Current certification by American Heart Association in Basic Life Support (Heartsaver courses are not acceptable)
Proof of health insurance coverage
Evidence of completion of a background check and drug screen with all components required by clinical facilities
Core Performance Standards
Nursing applicants must be able to perform the following functions for admission and progression in the nursing program.
Core Performance Standards
Performance Standards
Activity/Ability
Interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with individuals, families, and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds.
Establish rapport (relationship) with clients/ colleagues
Maintain therapeutic relationships with clients and colleagues
Respect the rights of others
Work effectively in small groups as a team member and as a team leader
Practice verbal and non-verbal therapeutic communication
Recognize times or events that disrupt normal lives and institute appropriate interventions to help resolve adverse situations
Critical thinking abilities sufficient for clinical judgment
Identify cause/ effect relationships in clinical situations
Develop nursing care plans, evaluate the plan of care and revise as appropriate
Analyze and use assessment findings to plan and implement care for clients and families
Use relevant data to support the decision-making process
Identify priorities of care-based analysis of data
Manage multiple priorities in stressful situations
Respond instantly to emergency situations
Exhibit arithmetic competence that would allow the student to read, understand, and perform calculations for computing dosages
Solve problems and make valid rational decisions using logic, creativity, and reasoning
Remember multiple messages and information
Gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to provide safe and effective nursing care
Perform physical activities necessary to do basic nursing skills such as putting on sterile gloves, donning mask and gown, attaching blood pressure cuff, etc.
Use appropriate hand washing technique
Provide or assist with activities of daily living such as bed bath, or hygiene, positioning clients, making an occupied and unoccupied bed
Manipulate instruments, supplies, and equipment with speed, dexterity, precision, and adequate eye-hand coordination
Administer oral and parenteral medications
Perform electronic keyboarding/documentation and /or extensive writing with a pen and /or pencil
Maintain immobilization device such as traction equipment and casts
Perform cardiopulmonary procedures
Auditory abilities sufficient to monitor and assess health needs
Hear monitor alarm, emergency signals, ringing phones, telephone interactions, and cries for help
Distinguish sounds with background noise ranging from conversational levels to high pitch sounding alarms
Perceive and receive verbal communication from clients and members of the health team.
Tolerate occasional exposure to loud and unpleasant noises
Hear and understand muffled communication without visualization of the communicator mouth/ lips and within 20feet
Distinguish changes in tone and pitch such when listening to a client’s breathing characteristics
Distinguish normal from abnormal heart and lung sounds using a stethoscope or modified stethoscope
Tactile ability sufficient for physical assessment
Perform palpation, functionsof physical examination and/or those related to therapeutic intervention
Wear gloves and other protective devices
Perform all skills requiring use of hands
Palpate for pulses, temperature, texture hardness or softness, landmarks, etc.
Visual ability sufficient for observation and assessment necessary in nursing care
Perform basic nursing skills such as insertion of a catheter, insertion of an IV, counting respirations, preparing and giving medications
Observe client responses (level of consciousness, breathing patterns) and recognize subtle physical change
Read small print, gauges, thermometers, measuring cups, syringes, and other equipment
Discriminate colors, changes in color, size, continuity of body part
Accurately prepare and administer medicines
Identify hazards in the environment (safety rails, restraints, water spills and harmful situations (e.g., insects)
Demonstrate sufficient visual ability to load a fine (10-0) suture onto needle holders with/without corrective lens while wearing safe glasses
Visualize written words and information on paper and on a computer screen
Transfer Student Requirements
Transfer students will be accepted on an individual basis. Placement in the nursing curriculum will be determined by the director of the nursing program. Since campus and clinical laboratory skill requirements vary from one nursing program to another, the student will be held responsible for completion of any deficiency in the areas specified in the Georgia Highlands College nursing program. The student must complete all deficient campus and clinical laboratory skills by the end of the term in which he/she enrolls in the nursing program at Georgia Highlands College. A transfer student who fails to complete any of these deficiencies will not be allowed to progress in the nursing sequence.
Admission to Nursing Sequence
The nursing program at GHC is a competitive admittance program. Students seeking entrance to the ASN degree will initially be admitted and enrolled in the Associate of Science in Health Professions degree while attempting to complete prerequisite courses needed to apply and be admitted to the ASN degree program.
Because of the limited number of spaces available in the nursing sequence, records of all students who have applied for admission and who meet the minimum requirements will be evaluated and the most qualified students will be selected. Students who have successfully completed the majority of the general academic courses, preferably Biology, Math, and English are the most competitive. Multiple attempts in courses will also be screened.
To be considered for acceptance into the LPN-RN career mobility program and the paramedic-RN career mobility program all requirements for admission must be received by August 15. To be considered for acceptance into the traditional associate degree program all requirements for admission must be received by April 1.
The evaluation and selection process includes new students, transfer students and students seeking readmission to the nursing program. Each student must take responsibility for making sure his/her records are current, complete and received prior to the application deadline.
All applicants will receive a letter via the email provided on their nursing application letting them know of their nursing admissions decision. Ineligible applicants will be notified within two weeks of the application deadline. Applicants who are accepted into the nursing sequence will receive a letter of acceptance via email along with an electronic acceptance response form that must be returned within seven days of receiving the email. After a student confirms their intent to enroll additional information and forms will be emailed to the applicant concerning health requirements, ACEMAPP, uniforms, professional liability insurance, health insurance, and the National Student Nurses’ Association.
Progression in the Nursing Program
A nursing student must maintain a grade of C in a nursing course and achieve a satisfactory evaluation of clinical performance to advance to the next nursing course or graduate from the program.
The traditional nursing sequence is defined as NURS 1000 Introduction to Nursing, NURS 1001 Health Assessment, NURS 1002 Pharmacology, NURS 1100 Conceptual Foundations of Nursing, NURS 1200 Nursing Practice for Common Health Issues, NURS 2500 Nursing Practice for Complicated Health Concerns, NURS 2600 Nursing Practice for Complex Health Problems and NURS 2650 Transition to Professional Nursing Practice. NURS 1000 Introduction to Nursing, NURS 1001 Health Assessment, and NURS 1002 Pharmacology are non-clinical courses within the sequence. NURS 1100 Conceptual Foundations of Nursing, NURS 1200 Nursing Practice for Common Health Issues, NURS 2500 Nursing Practice for Complicated Health Concerns, NURS 2600 Nursing Practice for Complex Health Problems and NURS 2650 Transition to Professional Nursing Practice are clinical courses within the sequence.
A student who makes a D, F, or W in any one non-clinical course may repeat that course one time only. If unsuccessful on the second attempt, the student will not be able to progress in the program and may be considered for readmission into the nursing sequence.
NURS 1000 Introduction to Nursing must be completed prior to taking NURS 2500 Nursing Practice for Complicated Health Concerns.
NURS 1001 Health Assessment must be completed prior to taking NURS 1200 Nursing Practice for Common Health Issues.
NURS 1002 Pharmacology must be completed prior to taking NURS 2500 Nursing Practice for Complicated Health Concerns.
A student who makes a D, F, or W in more than one non-clinical course cannot continue in the program but may be considered for readmission into the nursing sequence.
A student who makes a D, F, or W in any one clinical course may repeat that course one time only. If unsuccessful on the second attempt, the student may not progress in the program.
Clinical or non-clinical courses may only be repeated one time for one occurrence while in the program. Thus, if a second attempt of any course results in failure, the student is dismissed from the program.
LPN-RN and Paramedic-RN students only:The professional bridge sequence is defined as NURS 1300 Bridge to Professional Nursing, NURS 1400 Conceptual Nursing for Paramedics and LPNs, NURS 2500 Nursing Practice for Complicated Health Concerns, NURS 2600 Nursing Practice for Complex Health Problems and NURS 2650 Transition to Professional Nursing Practice.
Unsatisfactory completion of NURS 1300 Bridge to Professional Nursing or NURS 1400 Conceptual Nursing for Paramedics and LPNs (D, F, or W) will prevent reentry into the professional bridge sequence.
A student who makes a D, F, or W in either NURS 1300 Bridge to Professional Nursing or NURS 1400 Conceptual Nursing for Paramedics and LPNs may request admission to the traditional nursing sequence beginning with NURS 1000 Introduction to Nursing, NURS 1001 Health Assessment, NURS 1002 Pharmacology and NURS 1100 Conceptual Foundations of Nursing.
A student who makes a D, F, or W in both NURS 1300 Bridge to Professional Nursing and NURS 1400 Conceptual Nursing for Paramedics and LPNs may apply for admission to the traditional nursing sequence.
A student who makes a D, F, or W in NURS 2500 Nursing Practice for Complicated Health Concerns, NURS 2600 Nursing Practice for Complex Health Problems or NURS 2650 Transition to Professional Nursing Practice may be considered for readmission into the professional bridge sequence.
The Georgia Highlands College Associate Degree Nursing program supports student success and recognizes that critical life events may occur that would hinder a student’s ability to be successful in the program. For this reason, one hardship withdrawal as defined and approved by the Office of the Provost will not count as an attempt in the nursing program. Students are limited to one occurrence during their tenure in the program. Students may request readmission after receiving a hardship withdrawal.
Incomplete grades in nursing courses must be completed prior to the student beginning the next course in the nursing sequence. Reference the college policy regarding incomplete grade conversion.
The student must meet all the graduation requirements specified by the college and the nursing program.
The student must maintain certification in American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Professionals throughout the program. Heartsaver courses are not acceptable.
Other requirements to register for second year nursing courses:
Annual medical updates including immunizations and titers
Annual criminal background check and drug screen
The nursing faculty reserves the right to reconsider all stated nursing policies under unusual circumstances.
Readmission into the Nursing Program
A student who is dismissed for making a D, F, or W in a nursing course at Georgia Highlands College may be eligible for readmission into the nursing program. The student must be able to complete all nursing courses within a five-year period to be an eligible applicant for readmission. This includes courses taken in which a grade of C or above was received.
Applicants seeking readmission will be considered on a space available basis with the following conditions:
A 2.5 or higher cumulative grade point average (including transfer courses).
Students seeking readmission into the program must inform the Director of Nursing in writing at least three months before the term in which they wish to re-enter. The letter should identify the reason(s) for failure to progress in the nursing program, the reason(s) the applicant would like to be readmitted, and the circumstances that have changed to indicate successful completion of the program.
Readmission Letter Deadlines: (Failure to submit the letter by the deadline may result in forfeit of seat for that academic year
Fall Semester: April 1
Spring Semester: August 15
A student who has been dismissed from the college for any reason will not be considered for readmission into the nursing program.
All nursing courses must be completed within a five-year period.
The student may be required to retake the biology courses if the courses were taken more than six years prior to applying for readmission.
Approval of the Admissions Committee is required for readmission into the nursing sequence.
Professional Bridge Program for LPNs and Paramedics
Licensed practical nurses and paramedics may exempt the first five nursing courses (NURS 1000 Introduction to Nursing, NURS 1001 Health Assessment, NURS 1002 Pharmacology, NURS 1100 Conceptual Foundations of Nursing and NURS 1200 Nursing Practice for Common Health Issues) and reduce the length of their program to three semesters. The LPNs and paramedics must take the bridge courses (NURS 1300 Bridge to Professional Nursing and NURS 1400 Conceptual Nursing for Paramedics and LPNs) designed specifically to assist in the transition to the RN program. These courses are offered as hybrid courses starting in the spring semester. After successful completion of NURS 1300 Bridge to Professional Nursing and NURS 1400 Conceptual Nursing for Paramedics and LPNs students receive a grade of K for NURS 1000 Introduction to Nursing, NURS 1001 Health Assessment, NURS 1002 Pharmacology, NURS 1100 Conceptual Foundations of Nursing and NURS 1200 Nursing Practice for Common Health Issues.
Applicants must meet the following admission requirements:
Be licensed as an LPN or paramedic in the state of Georgia
Have been a practicing LPN or paramedic with at least 1000 hours of clinical practice in the last two years or have graduated from an LPN or paramedic program within the last two years
Meet the basic requirements for admission to Georgia Highlands College
Meet all criteria for admission into the nursing program
For practicing LPNs, if the required biology courses are over six years old but less than ten years old an applicant may submit a waiver request to have the age of the biology courses extended to 10 years. Any biology courses considered for waiver must be courses recognized by GHC as equivalent to BIOL 2251 Anatomy and Physiology I /BIOL 2251L Anatomy and Physiology I Laboratory , BIOL 2252 Anatomy and Physiology II/BIOL 2252L Anatomy and Physiology II Laboratory, and/or BIOL 2260 Foundations of Microbiology/BIOL 2260L Foundations of Microbiology Laboratory. Waivers are granted on an individual basis based on credits on official transcripts and documented clinical experience. Waiver requests are to be addressed to the nursing program director.
In addition to the general college fees listed in this catalog, nursing students have the additional expenses. Books and electronic resources, uniforms, liability insurance, required clinical supplies, and health insurance are all additional items for the program. Please reference the Nursing website for current costs and information. Course fees apply.
The Extended Program in Nursing
The extended program in nursing involves students who for personal reasons lengthen their program beyond the required four semesters. The student who requires remediation in mathematics, English or reading will not be admitted directly into the nursing program. Students must pass all remedial courses with a minimum grade of C. On a 4.0 scale, the student must maintain an overall 2.5 average in the required general education courses and meet all other requirements in order to be considered for placement in the nursing sequence.
Additional Information
There are specific student policies that apply to nursing students (i.e., uniform regulations, confidentiality, etc.) The policies are maintained in the ASN Nursing Student Handbook
1
All students in the nursing sequence are required to have professional liability insurance purchased through the school.
2
All students in the nursing sequence are required to have health insurance. If the student has a personal health insurance policy, proof of insurance must be provided and a waiver request can be completed to have the health insurance fee removed.
