Frequently Asked Questions:  Nursing

Q:  How do I get started in the nursing program?

A:  First, make application to the college; this can be done on-line.  Then see a counselor on Central Campus in the Central High Building, room #212.  The counselor will arrange for you to take placement tests and interpret your results.  The counseling department is a first-come, first-serve service but do recommend that you call and make an appointment.  You can contact the counseling department at 704.330.6433 to inquire about the hours they are available to see students.

Q: What is the purpose of the placement tests?

A:  Many of our students have been out of school for a number of years, the placement tests help evaluate a student’s readiness to successfully complete college level coursework. 

Q:  Do I have to take the placement tests?

A:  There are three placement tests:  Math, English and Reading.  If you have successfully completed a college level course in any of these areas, the counselor will waive the placement test.  We also now have an admission test for nursing. It is call TEAS (test of education readiness). There are four parts to this test. English, Reading, Math and Science. Each applicant must also put their score in reading on the application.  There is a charge for this test.

Q:  What if I already have a college degree or have earned college credit?

A:  Even if you have previously earned a college degree or completed college-level credits, you will need to visit the counseling department.  Additionally, you should have your transcripts from your previous school mailed to CPCC’s student record department.  Once your transcripts have been received in the records department, you can complete a transcript evaluation form to have your transcript evaluated for transfer of credit.  For example, if you previously took an English course that is equivalent to the English requirement for the nursing degree, these credits will be transferred onto your CPCC transcript and you will not need to repeat that course. You also must have your high school transcript on file with the college to be considered for the nursing program.

Q:  What are the pre-requisites for the nursing program?

A: 1) Applicants must take the nursing admission test (TEAS). It is offered in the testing center on Central campus only. Please go to the testing center webpage for information about hours and how to study for this test. ( the URL for the testing center is www.cpcc.ecu/testing_assessment ) 

2) High school  chemistry less than 10 years old or college Chemistry (121-121A or higher) are pre-requisites for the program and must be completed with a C or better, prior to making application to the program.  If you submit an application without having completed the chemistry pre-requisite, your application will be denied.

3) You are listed as a certified nursing assistant I and have proof of taking an approved program by the state.

4) You have taken the admission test, TEAS. The admission packet asks for the adjusted total score of this test. There are four parts; English, reading, math and science.

Q:  Do I have to be certified as a Nursing Assistant to apply to the nursing program?

A:  Yes

Q:  When can I apply to the nursing program?

A:  Students are admitted to the program twice a year. ( Once in June for  the following January admission and once in January for August admission).  Applications are available at the nursing webpage http://www1.cpcc.edu/nursing_human_services/nursing-associate-degree and on the fifth floor of the Terrell building.  These dates may change so refer to application packet for current deadline date.  Please note, the application deadline is FIRM.

Q:  How competitive is admission?

A: This program is very competitive and we receive hundreds of qualified applicants every year. We admit students each fall and each spring based on a space available basis and by the number of clinical resources we have available for each nursing course.

Q:  Are there courses I can take while I am waiting to be admitted to the program?

A:  Yes, any general education course that is in the nursing curriculum. These can be found in the admission packet or the college catalog.

Q:  How and when will I find out if I have been admitted to the program?

A:  All applicants will receive a letter of notification indicating the status of their application on or before March  for fall admission and August for spring admission.

Q:  How much will it cost to complete the nursing program?

A:  It will cost approximately $6000.00; this figure includes tuition, textbook, uniforms, equipment, fees for physical examination and immunizations, criminal background check and FBI fingerprinting, etc.

Q:  How do I learn about financial aide opportunities?

A:  Visit the financial aide office located in the Central High Building.

Q:  Can I take courses on any CPCC campus.

A:  You can complete the general education courses on any campus, however, the nursing program is based on Central campus so nursing coursework will only be offered on this campus.

Q:   Do I need to complete all the general education requirements before I can be admitted to the program?

A:   No.  The only course that must be completed is chemistry, which is a pre-requisite.  Many students do complete all the general education courses prior to starting the nursing coursework because it lightens their course load when they are taking the nursing courses which are very intensive.

Q:  What is the starting salary for a Registered Nurse?

A:  Starting salary in the Charlotte market is $40,000.00/year.

Q:  Can I complete the program on a part-time basis?

A:  Completion of the general education courses can be done part-time, but once you are admitted into the program it is a full-time commitment.

Q:  Does the nursing program have nursing classes in the summer?

A:  The nursing program is four semesters long and it takes four semesters to complete the program. (Two academic years)

Q:  Can I be admitted to the program if I have a GED?

A:  Yes.  All students must have a high school diploma or GED.

Q:  What is the best way to learn more about the application process?

A:  Go to the nursing webpage at http://www1.cpcc.edu/nursing_human_services/nursing-associate-degree to get up to date information on the nursing program.