Programs of Study

The Nursing Education Program is a concept based curriculum which is a stackable credential. To complete the Associate Registered Nurse Degree (ADN) the student must successfully complete the entire 5 semesters. If the student wishes to complete the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Degree only, the student must successfully complete NUR 114 and NUR 115. Once NUR 114 and NUR 115 are completed the student may sit for the NCLEX PN exam. Should the student wish to complete the ADN, they may continue and complete the last two semesters. Should the student drop out of sequence upon completing the LPN component, the student has 1 year in which to reapply to complete the ADN.

You must apply by one of the deadline dates and be accepted to the program.  The date you should submit your application will depend upon when you meet the admission requirements and when you decide it is the right time for you to start the program. 

Gadsden State does not teach nursing courses completely online at the present time; although computer testing, some hybrid courses, and web-enhanced courses are a part of the curriculum. 

No, we are not currently admitting new students for evening nursing courses.

Each program has a set of minimum of "Admission Requirements." Please see the program info tabs for more information.

Not necessarily. Admission is competitive; all applicants are rank-ordered according to their test scores and grades. Those applicants with the highest scores will be on the top of the list.

Please see the program info tabs for nursing program application specifics.

No, original documents must be received by given deadlines. Faxed or mailed applications are not accepted; all applications are submitted online.  You will be given information on handling health records at orientation, if accepted into the program.

Gadsden State does not have a “Waiting List.” Students must apply for the program to be included in the rank order for acceptance. The top students are admitted and a number of students are placed on a temporary alternate list in case we have an opening available before the program begins.

The “alternate list” is temporary,  it is used until the beginning of the program following the application deadline. Students must reapply if they are not admitted.

You will receive a letter 4-6 weeks after deadline date. The letter will be emailed to the Gadsden State student email account.

Admission to the nursing program is not based on the applicant’s cumulative GPA. The admission is based on a combination of a test score and grades in certain courses.

Yes. The Admissions office requires hand delivered transcripts be sealed, stamped "OFFICIAL," and delivered to:

Room 140, One Stop Center, 401 Korner Street, Gadsden, Alabama

If the transcripts are opened, or appear tampered with, the Admissions Office will not accept the documents.

Do not bring or send official transcripts to the Nursing Education Department.

I received an email stating my transcripts were not received in the Admissions Office by the deadline. I requested them from my previous school over 2 (or more) weeks ago. Why was my application denied?

The nursing program has deadline dates published well in advance and those dates do not vary. It is the applicant's responsibility to know about the deadline(s) and abide by the requirements. The admission process cannot be delayed because an applicant did not allow enough time for all records to be received. It is recommended that transcript requests be made not less than 30 days prior to the deadline. It is the applicant's responsibility to contact the Admissions Office in advance to ensure that transcripts have been received. Neither Gadsden State, nor the Nursing Program, can be responsible for the speed of the U.S. mail or the speed with which another institution mailed the transcripts.

A variety of clinical agencies are used within a 65-70 mile radius of the Gadsden State Campuses. You may attend different sites during the same semester.

No. Efforts are made to accommodate students’ needs when possible. However, nursing education requires a broad variety of clinical experiences that can only be attained by attending various clinical sites.

Physical and mental requirements for performing the duties of a particular health science program.  See:  Essential Functions Policy

No. Only students who are accepted into the program will complete the form.

Your health records will need to be turned in AFTER admission to the program. You will receive forms in your acceptance packet and detailed information will be given at orientation, after you have been accepted into the program.

No, most clinical contractual agreements require American Heart Association, Health Care Provider level with Basic Life Support (BLS).

No. You can register for the co-requisite academic courses, but not the NUR courses*. Students who are accepted into the program and do not complete the health requirements by the deadline given to them in the acceptance letter will lose their place in the program.

The clinical agencies have certain requirements to guarantee the health and safety of their patients. Students are required to meet those stipulations so that they can attend the clinical settings for their education. These requirements will be necessary for anyone in a healthcare field while in school and later during employment. Please keep a copy of your records because Gadsden State does not keep those after you leave the program.

Most courses from Area II of the Alabama General Studies Curriculum (AGSC) can be used to satisfy the humanities elective requirement. Some of the courses taught at Gadsden State that can be used for the elective are as follows:

• ART 100: Art Appreciation
• MUS 101: Music Appreciation
• THR 120: Theater Appreciation
• PHL 206: Ethics in Society - (Strongly recommended by our clinical affiliates)
• HUM 101: Introduction to Humanities
• REL 151: Survey of Old Testament
• REL 152: Survey of New Testament.

Please note there are additional courses offered that satisfy this requirement, depending on individual interest and schedule.

If you are transferring from other colleges or universities, check with Health Science Outreach Coordinator Amanda Martin (amartin@gadsdenstate.edu) regarding transfer of your course(s)