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)

Essential Functions are the fundamental job duties and skills associated with a particular position. Essential Functions for Nursing cover sensory perception, communication, interpersonal relationships, motor functions and professional behavior. All students are required to read the Essential Functions identified for Nursing Education and determine if they are capable of performing these functions with or without reasonable accommodation. Students must be able to: *

• Observe and discern subtle changes in physical conditions and the environment
• Visualize different color spectrums and color changes
• Read fine print in varying levels of light
• Read for prolonged periods of time
• Read cursive writing
• Read at varying distances
• Read data/information displayed on monitors/equipment
• Interpret monitoring devices
• Distinguish muffled sounds heard through a stethoscope
• Hear and discriminate high and low frequency sounds produced by the body and the environment
• Effectively hear to communicate with others
• Discern tremors, vibrations, pulses, textures, temperature, shapes, size, location and other physical characteristics.
• Detect body odors and odors in the environment
• Verbally and in writing, engage in a two-way communication and interact effectively with others, from a variety of social, emotional, cultural and intellectual backgrounds
• Work effectively in groups
• Work effectively independently
• Discern and interpret nonverbal communication
• Express one's ideas and feelings clearly
• Communicate with others accurately in a timely manner
• Obtain communications from a computer
• Possess cognitive/critical thinking skills
• Effectively read, write and comprehend the English language
• Consistently and dependably engage in the process of critical thinking in order to formulate and implement safe and ethical nursing decisions in a variety of health care settings
• Demonstrate satisfactory performance on written examinations including mathematical computations without a calculator
• Satisfactorily achieve the program objectives
• Handle small delicate equipment/objects without extraneous movement, contamination or destruction
• Move, position, turn, transfer, and lift/ carry/assist with lifting clients without injury to clients, self, or others
• Maintain balance from any position
• Stand on both legs
• Coordinate hand/eye movements
• Push/pull heavy objects without injury to client, self or others
• Stand, bend, walk and/or sit for 6-12 hours in a clinical setting performing physical activities requiring energy without jeopardizing the safety of the client, self or others
• Walk without a cane, walker or crutches
• Function with hands free for nursing care and transporting items
• Transport self and client without the use of electrical devices
• Flex, abduct and rotate all joints freely
• Respond rapidly to emergency situations
• Maneuver in small areas
• Perform daily care functions for the client
• Coordinate fine and gross motor hand movements to provide safe effective nursing care.
• Calibrate/use equipment
• Execute movement required to provide nursing care in all health care settings
• Perform CPR and physical assessment
• Operate a computer
• Convey caring, respect, sensitivity, tact, compassion, empathy, tolerance and a healthy attitude toward others
• Demonstrate a mentally healthy attitude that is age appropriate in relationship to the client
• Handle multiple tasks concurrently
• Perform safe, effective nursing care for clients in a caring context
• Understand and follow the policies and procedures of the College and clinical agencies
• Understand the consequences of violating the student code of conduct
• Understand that posing a direct threat to others is unacceptable and subjects one to discipline
• Meet qualifications for licensure by examination as stipulated by the Alabama Board of Nursing
• Not pose a threat to self or others
• Function effectively in situations of uncertainty and stress inherent in providing nursing care
• Adapt to changing environments and situations
• Remain free of chemical dependency
• Report promptly to clinical and remain for 6-12 hours on the clinical unit
• Provide nursing care in an appropriate time frame
• Accept responsibility, accountability, and ownership of one's actions
• Seek supervision/consultation in a timely manner
• Examine and modify one's own behavior when it interferes with nursing care or learning
• Ability to make critical decisions in chaotic, disruptive, and complex environments

* The Americans with Disabilities Act requires colleges and universities to inform students of all performance expectations related to their job and school performance. In accordance with College policy, when requested, reasonable accommodations may be provided for individuals with disabilities. Requests for reasonable accommodations should be directed to the program director.

ONLY COMPLETE NURSING PROGRAM APPLICATIONS RECEIVED BY THE MAY 15, 2022 11:59 P.M. DEADLINE WILL BE CONSIDERED. A complete
package includes:

1. Nursing Program Application with all required documents attached and electronic submission by the May 15, 2022 11:59 p.m. deadline. No paper applications will be accepted.
2. Your unofficial Gadsden State transcript (PDF or JPEG attached to application. No screenshots or copy/paste documents will be accepted. Document must be clear and legible.) 
3. Your unofficial transcripts from any other colleges or universities attended (PDF or JPEG attached to application. No screenshots or copy/paste documents will be accepted. Document must be clear and legible.) 
4. ACT Verification (ACT documentation must be uploaded to the application. ACT documentation includes scores that are documented on the high school transcript, score documentation from the ACT website with the ACT logo, or from your OneACCS account located in Student > Student Profile > Prior Education and Testing. Screen shots are allowed but must include students name, test date, and composite score in the same picture. No copy/paste documents will be accepted. Document must be clear and legible.)
5. Letter of Good Standing from previous nursing school (if required)

ALL NURSING PROGRAM APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS ARE FINAL! NO UPDATES ARE ALLOWED. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure a complete application is submitted by the deadline. No late submissions will be accepted. Please save the confirmation email you receive upon successful submission of the nursing program application. FAILURE TO SUBMIT ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS WILL RESULT IN AN INCOMPLETE APPLICATION, WHICH WILL NOT BE EVALUATED.

If for any reason you have to save your application and return to it later, you will need to use the NextGen Dynamic Forms homepage link to return to the saved application. You will log into your NextGen account and select Pending/Draft Forms to access your incomplete application.

MINIMUM ADMISSION STANDARDS INCLUDE:

1. Admission to Gadsden State Community College
2. Good standing with Gadsden State Community College
3. Submission of completed online application by 11:59pm on May 15, 2022
4. A minimum of 2.5 GPA for nursing program core academic courses. (This will be calculated from the highest grade of any of the nine academic courses taken on the nursing program curriculum.)
5. A minimum of 2.0 cumulative GPA at Gadsden State or institution from which student is transferring if no courses have been completed at Gadsden State.
6. Applicant must have successfully completed MTH 100 or higher with a grade of C or better. (MTH 116 does not count as a higher math.)
7. Ability to meet essential functions required for nursing
8. A minimum composite score of 18 on the national or residual ACT test. ACT SUPERSCORES ARE NOT ACCEPTED.

NOTE: SAT scores may be converted to the equivalent of an ACT score and used for program application.

Applicants previously enrolled in any nursing program other than Gadsden State must provide a Letter of Good Standing from the Dean or Director of the previous program. This letter will be submitted with the nursing program application.

Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program. Qualified applicants will be rank-ordered and only a predetermined number will be selected.

For additional information or questions, please contact Valera Sanders, Nursing Clerk, at vsanders@gadsdenstate.edu.

ONLY COMPLETE NURSING PROGRAM APPLICATIONS RECEIVED BY THE MAY 15, 2022 11:59 P.M. DEADLINE WILL BE CONSIDERED. A complete package includes:

1. Nursing Program Application with all required documents attached and electronic submission by the May 15, 2022 11:59 p.m. deadline. No paper applications will be accepted.
2. Your unofficial Gadsden State transcript (PDF or JPEG attached to application. No screenshots or copy/paste documents will be accepted. Document must be clear and legible.)  
3. Your unofficial transcripts from any other colleges or universities attended (PDF or JPEG attached to application. No screenshots or copy/paste documents will be accepted. Document must be clear and legible.)  
4. ACT Verification (ACT documentation must be uploaded to the application. ACT documentation includes scores that are documented on the high school transcript, score documentation from the ACT website with the ACT logo, or from your OneACCS account located in Student > Student Profile > Prior Education and Testing. Screen shots are allowed but must include students name, test date, and composite score in the same picture. No copy/paste documents will be accepted. Document must be clear and legible.)
5. Letter of Good Standing from previous nursing school (if required)
6. A copy of your active LPN or Paramedic license. (PDF or JPEG attached to application)

ALL NURSING PROGRAM APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS ARE FINAL! NO UPDATES ARE ALLOWED. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure a complete application is submitted by the deadline. No late submissions will be accepted. Please save the confirmation email you receive upon successful submission of the nursing program application. FAILURE TO SUBMIT ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS WILL RESULT IN AN INCOMPLETE APPLICATION, WHICH WILL NOT BE EVALUATED.

If for any reason you have to save your application and return to it later, you will need to use the NextGen Dynamic Forms homepage link to return to the saved application. You will log into your NextGen account and select Pending/Draft Forms to access your incomplete application.

MINIMUM ADMISSION STANDARDS INCLUDE:

1. Admission to Gadsden State Community College
2. Good standing with Gadsden State Community College
3. Submission of completed online application by 11:59pm on May 15, 2022
4. A minimum of 2.5 GPA for nursing program core academic courses. (This will be calculated from the highest grade of any of the nine academic courses taken on the nursing program curriculum.)
5. A minimum of 2.0 cumulative GPA at Gadsden State or institution from which student is transferring if no courses have been completed at Gadsden State.
6. Applicant must have successfully completed the following courses with a grade of C or better at the time of nursing application submission:
   1. MTH 100 or higher. (MTH 116 does not count as a higher math.)
   2. ENG 101
   3. BIO 201
   4. BIO 202
   5. SPH 106 or SPH 107
   6. PSY 210
7. Ability to meet essential functions required for nursing
8. A minimum composite score of 18 on the national or residual ACT test. ACT SUPERSCORES ARE NOT ACCEPTED. NOTE: SAT scores may be converted to the equivalent of an ACT score and used for program application.
9. Provide proof of unencumbered Alabama licensure (LPN or Paramedic). A multi-state compact license that includes the state of Alabama will also be accepted.
   1. No work history is required. No associate degree is required for paramedics.

Applicants previously enrolled in any Registered Nursing or Mobility Nursing program other than Gadsden State must provide a Letter of Good Standing from the Dean or Director of the previous program. This letter will be submitted with the nursing program application. (This requirement does not apply if you only attended an LPN program previously.)

Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program. Qualified applicants will be rank-ordered and only a predetermined number will be selected.

For additional information or questions, please contact Valera Sanders, Nursing Clerk, at vsanders@gadsdenstate.edu.