Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Program

The ADN Program admits students once a year, in the fall semester. Students applying for admission to the Nursing Program are required to submit admission materials and meet entrance requirements before an application will be issued or considered for review.

A standardized preadmission nursing entrance examination is also required for admission into the ADN Program. The examination is at the expense of the student.

Selection for admission is determined by an admission committee after evaluation of the applications. Admission to the College, completion of prerequisites or application to the programs does not guarantee acceptance to the Nursing Program. Admission to the program will be competitive.

Students are encouraged to meet with a nursing counselor regularly as they complete preadmission requirements. Counseling appointments are made at 708-596-2000 ext. 2306. It is strongly recommended that nursing students complete all General Education (non nursing) courses before entering any program to maximize success. All General Education courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or better. All nursing courses must also be completed with a grade of a “C” or better to progress through the program. Biology courses must be successfully completed within the last five years at the time of application to satisfy program requirements.

The Nursing Programs is challenging. It is strongly suggested that students carefully consider limiting the number of hours they work per week while enrolled. Students are required to provide their own transportation to classes and clinical sites. Clinical days and times are subject to change.

The Department of Nursing of South Suburban Community College is structured within the college administrative framework as an academic department with rights and responsibilities equal to those of other academic departments. The Department of Nursing is responsible for coordinating and delivering curricula which will produce graduates who are eligible for registered or practical nurse licensure or certification as nursing assistant. Curricula in the programs of study are designed and delivered in accordance with principles concurrent with the mission and goals of South Suburban Community College and consistent with the Nurse Practice Act of the State of Illinois.

The philosophy of the department of nursing is supported by the works of Jean Watson and Marjorie Gordon. The philosophy of the department expresses the faculty's beliefs about:

The Individual as a unique being who has inherent dignity and worth as a person and as a member of society. The person is capable of change through continuous adaptation and interaction with the environment to satisfy and maintain basic human needs.

Education as a continuing process preparing the individual to participate in and contribute to a dynamic and contemporary society. Learning is effected through planned integration of experiences that result in changes in behavior.

Health as a dynamic state of growth and development leading to maximum potential as a human being. It is individually defined and is a right of all persons. It is a lifelong continuum that includes economic, environmental and cultural parameters. Emphasis for individual health is focused on promotion of a state of well being. Research and technological changes in society support health.

Society as the internal and external variables the client must confront to achieve health. Societal influences may include family structures, demographics, political environment, community support systems, and individual lifestyle.

Nursing as an art and science which utilizes knowledge and skills in assisting clients to achieve their maximum potential through health promotion, restoration and prevention.

Professional Nursing as the performance of any nursing act based upon professional knowledge, judgment and skills acquired. The professional nurse functions as a provider of care, teacher, manager, researcher and member of the discipline. The professional nurse provides holistic nursing care through the nursing process to individuals, groups and families.

The Nursing Process as a systematic organized method of providing goal-oriented caring that is both effective and efficient. It is an approach to problem solving that enables a nurse to organize and deliver nursing care.

This program is approved by:

State of Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) (Probationary Status)
320 W. Washington
Springfield, IL 62786
1-217-785-0800 / www.idfpr.org

Prior to receiving an application to the ADN Program the student is required to:

• Submit a South Suburban College application to Admissions, utilizing the NUR.AAS.PREQ academic code.
• Forward official high school or GED and college transcripts to the Office of Admissions.
• Complete the college placement test prior to meeting with a counselor.
• Complete required college preparatory classes as indicated by the college placement test.
• Meet with a nursing counselor (708-596-2000 ext. 2306) for assistance in academic planning.
• Complete criminal background check and drug screen. Any student that has received a positive result on the criminal background and /or drug screen will not be eligible to receive an application.
• Provide evidence of nursing assistant certification from a State Department of Public Health Nurse Aid Registry or a current active practical nursing license with no disciplinary actions.

• Demonstrate a minimum math competency equivalent to Essential Intermediate Algebra (MTH 097) or higher to fulfill the AAS degree requirement (minimum grade of “C”).
• Complete the following admission requirements:

Prerequisites Credits

Students must order their background checks and drug screens through Certified Background. The results are posted to their website in a secure, tamper-proof environment where the student as well as the dean can view the results.

To order a background check and drug screen:

1. Go to www.certifiedbackground.com.
2. In the "place order" box, enter the package code "so44) and click go.
3. Follow instructions and fill out the information needed.
4. You must print the order confirmation page and bring it to the Nursing Office (Room 4120) to pick up a drug screen form. At that time, the student will receive information about which laboratory to go to for urine drug screening.

The applicant is required to:

• Obtain an ADN application from the Nursing Department. Applications are now available.
• Submit a completed ADN application with attachments to the Nursing Department. All information must be on file by May 20, 2013 by 5:00 p.m. for Fall 2013 admission. Applicants who submit their application after the deadline (May 20, 2013 by 5:00 p.m.) will not be considered for Fall 2013.
• Obtain a permit to register for the standardized preadmission nursing entrance examination from the Nursing Department when the application is submitted. Applicants must test on one of the established testing dates. Preadmission nursing examination is at the student's expense.

The Admissions Committee reviews all applications to the ADN program.

Acceptance to the program is based on:

• Completion of placement test and required college preparatory classes.
• Cumulative college GPA of 2.5 or better.
• A minimum grade of “B” for preadmission courses with the exception of MTH 097 or its equivalent (minimum grade of “C”).
• Satisfactory performance on standardized preadmission nursing examination-at the expense of the student:
  • Vocabulary and General Knowledge - minimum score of 60
  • Biology - minimum score of 50
  • Math - minimum score of 70
  • Reading Comprehension - minimum score of 70
  • Anatomy & Physiology - score of 30
• Repetition of courses - prerequisites and/or general education coursework may be repeated twice for a total of (3) three enrollments in a course without exception.

All students will be notified in writing of their admission status by July 1, 2013 for fall admissions. Students accepted into the program are required to attend an orientation prior to the first day of scheduled class. The orientation dates will be announced in the acceptance letter. Failure to attend the orientation shall result in the student being dropped from the program.