Nursing

Ms. Deborah Hoover, Chair
256.352.8199
nursingapplicant@wallacestate.edu

Registered Nurse - Associate in Applied Science Degree (5 semesters)

Licensed Practical Nurse - Certificate (3 semesters)

Mobility Program - Associate in Applied Science Degree (3 semesters)

WSCC/ATSU Nursing Joint Enrollment Program of Study (9 semesters)

UAB/WSCC Nursing Joint Enrollment Program of Study (9 semesters)

UAB/WSCC Mobility Joint Enrollment Program of Study (9 semesters)

At a Glance

Overall job opportunities for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) and Registered Nurses (RN) are expected to be excellent, but may vary by employment and geographic setting. Employment of LPNs and RNs is expected to grow more than four percent from 2023 to 2033 resulting in many new jobs.

Licensed Practical Nurses care for ill, injured, or convalescent persons in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, private homes, group homes, and similar institutions under the direction of physicians and registered nurses. LPNs provide basic care such as taking vital signs, administering medication, and performing treatments. Licensing is required. The median annual earnings of LPNs was $59,730 in 2023. (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Registered Nurses assess patient health needs, develop and implement nursing care plans. RNs also administer nursing care and emotional support to ill, injured, or convalescent persons in addition to educating patients and the public about various medical conditions. RNs document patients’ medical histories and symptoms, assist with diagnostic testing and analyze results. They also administer treatment and medications, as well as advise patients on health maintenance and disease prevention. Licensing is required. The median annual earnings of RNs was $86,070 in 2023. (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). 

Mission Statement

The mission of the Wallace State Department of Nursing Education (WSCC-DNE) is to promote standards of excellence in nursing education through student-centered learning while emphasizing integrity, compassion, resourcefulness and diversity. The WSCC-DNE will inspire a culture of possibility and produce graduates who are dedicated and exceptional healthcare providers committed to transforming the lives of patients, families and the community.

Vision Statement

The WSCC-DNE will be an internationally recognized center of excellence in nursing education. The WSCC-DNE will produce the next generation of nurses empowered and focused on innovative responses to address the challenges of a rapidly changing and culturally diverse healthcare environment.

National League for Nursing (NLN) Center of Excellence in Nursing Education

The NLN Center of Excellence in Nursing Education designation is designed for schools of nursing that have achieved a level of excellence in a specific area. WSCC was awarded this designation in 2016 – 2020 and then again in 2020 – 2025 for the area of Creating Environments that Enhance Student Learning and Professional Development.

Career Path

The Nursing program is designed to provide the necessary training to enable the graduate to obtain an entry-level position as a nurse. Employment options include a variety of settings such as hospitals, clinics, physician’s offices, long-term care facilities, home-health agencies and outpatient-surgery clinics. Upon successful completion of the third semester (NUR 114, NUR 115) in the nursing program, students receive their certificate for Practical Nursing and are eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination – Licensed Practical Nurse (NCLEX-PN). Upon successful completion of the fifth semester (NUR 221) in the nursing program, graduates are eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination – Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN). 

Wallace State Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate degrees. Contact the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Wallace State Community College. 

Wallace State Community College Department of Nursing Education is approved by the Alabama Board of Nursing. Students who graduate from an approved school can apply to take the licensure examination (NCLEX). Approval to take the licensure examination is conferred or denied by the Alabama Board of Nursing after review of the graduate's application.  Refer to the Nurse Practice Act and the Alabama Administrative Code located on the Alabama Board of Nursing website (https://abn.alabama.gov/).

The Practical Nursing program at Wallace State Community College located in Hanceville, Alabama, is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, Georgia, 30326, (404) 975-5000, www.acenursing.org. The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Practical Nursing program is Continuing Accreditation.

The Associate Degree Nursing program at Wallace State Community College located in Hanceville, Alabama, is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, Georgia, 30326, (404) 975-5000, www.acenursing.org. 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

The AAS degree conferred by WSCC is accepted for transfer credit at all major four-year universities. There are many options available to obtain the Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree or Doctoral Degree in Nursing. Graduates of these programs are eligible for higher salaries and opportunities for employment in nursing practice and nursing education.

Admission Requirements for the Traditional Nursing Program

(Associate Degree Nursing-5 semesters/Practical Nursing Certificate-3 semesters)

1. Unconditional admission to the college – College application must be submitted by the program application deadline.
2. Student must be in good standing with the college.
3. Receipt of complete nursing applications accepted between March 15 and May 15 for fall entry or between July 1 and October 1 for spring entry. Applications received after the deadline will be considered on a space-available basis. The online application and instructions are located on the Wallace State Nursing Homepage at www.wallacestate.edu/nursing under the application section.
4. Any courses in progress must be completed before the application deadline to qualify for admission points.
5. Maintain a grade of “C” or better in ALL general education and nursing courses.
6. A minimum GPA of 2.0 cumulative at current native institution or 2.0 cumulative at institution from which student is transferring is required to be eligible to apply for the nursing program.
7. A minimum GPA of 2.5 is necessary for nursing required academic courses.
8. Official transcripts from all colleges attended must be provided to the Admissions Office and all unofficial transcripts must be uploaded to the nursing application.
9. A minimum GPA of 2.5 cumulative from high school is required for students without prior college courses (GED will be used if applicable).
10. Student must be eligible for Math 100 - Intermediate College Algebra (higher level math accepted) and Biology 201 (A & P I) as determined by college policy during the first semester of the nursing program if not previously completed with a grade of “C” or higher.
11. Student must meet the essential functions and technical standards required for nursing as documented at www.wallacestate.edu/nursing - see Nursing Essential Functions under the Resources tab.
12. A minimum 18 ACT Composite Score (National or Residual) is required for admission consideration. Proof of score must be uploaded to the nursing application.
13. If the applicant has been enrolled in a nursing program previously, a letter of good standing must be sent to the program director from the previous nursing program.
14. Priority for admission is given to first time applicants. Readmission/reinstatement as well as transfer students are considered on a space-available basis.

NOTE: It is the responsibility of each applicant to ensure all applicable courses (including grades) from other institutions have been transferred to WSCC and to ensure the program application is complete before submission.

Admission Requirements for the Nursing Program at Oneonta Instructional Site*

Once the first three semesters are completed at the Oneonta Instructional Site, the student may exit the program with a practical nursing certificate or continue in the associate degree program at the Hanceville campus.  

(Associate Degree Nursing-5 semesters/Practical Nursing* Certificate-3 semesters)

1. Unconditional admission to the college – College application must be submitted by the program application deadline.
2. Student must be in good standing with the college.
3. Receipt of complete nursing applications accepted between March 15 and May 15 for fall entry only. Applications received after the deadline will be considered on a space-available basis. The online application and instructions are located on the Wallace State Nursing Homepage at www.wallacestate.edu/nursing under the application section.
4. Any courses in progress must be completed before the application deadline to qualify for admission points.
5. Maintain a grade of “C” or better in ALL general education and nursing courses.
6. A minimum GPA of 2.0 cumulative at current native institution or 2.0 cumulative at institution from which student is transferring is required to be eligible to apply for the nursing program.
7. A minimum GPA of 2.5 is necessary for nursing required academic courses.
8. Official transcripts from all colleges attended must be provided to the Admissions Office and all unofficial transcripts must be uploaded to the nursing application.
9. A minimum GPA of 2.5 cumulative from high school is required for students without prior college courses (GED will be used if applicable).
10. Student must be eligible for Math 100 - Intermediate College Algebra (higher level math accepted) and Biology 201 (A & P I) as determined by college policy during the first semester of the nursing program if not previously completed with a grade of “C” or higher.
11. Student must meet the essential functions and technical standards required for nursing as documented at www.wallacestate.edu/nursing - see Nursing Essential Functions under the Resources tab.
12. A minimum 18 ACT Composite Score (National or Residual) is required for admission consideration. Proof of score must be uploaded to the nursing application.
13. If the applicant has been enrolled in a nursing program previously, a letter of good standing must be sent to the program director from the previous nursing program.
14. Priority for admission is given to first time applicants. Readmission/reinstatement as well as transfer students are considered on a space-available basis.
15. Transportation to the Hanceville campus will be required to complete simulation labs.

NOTE: It is the responsibility of each applicant to ensure all applicable courses (including grades) from other institutions have been transferred to WSCC and to ensure the program application is complete before submission.

*Courses are offered NUR 112 fall semester, NUR 113 spring semester, NUR 114/115 summer semester at the Oneonta Instructional site.

Admission Requirements for the Evening Program* at Hanceville Campus

Once the first three semesters are completed for the Evening Program, the student may exit the program with a practical nursing certificate or continue in the associate degree program at the Hanceville campus.  

(Associate Degree Nursing-5 semesters/Practical Nursing* Certificate-3 semesters)

1. Unconditional admission to the college – College application must be submitted by the program application deadline.
2. Student must be in good standing with the college.
3. Receipt of complete nursing applications accepted between March 15 and May 15 for fall entry only. Applications received after the deadline will be considered on a space-available basis. The online application and instructions are located on the Wallace State Nursing Homepage at www.wallacestate.edu/nursing under the application section.
4. Any courses in progress must be completed before the application deadline to qualify for admission points.
5. Maintain a grade of “C” or better in ALL general education and nursing courses.
6. A minimum GPA of 2.0 cumulative at current native institution or 2.0 cumulative at institution from which student is transferring is required to be eligible to apply for the nursing program.
7. A minimum GPA of 2.5 is necessary for nursing required academic courses.
8. Official transcripts from all colleges attended must be provided to the Admissions Office and all unofficial transcripts must be uploaded to the nursing application.
9. A minimum GPA of 2.5 cumulative from high school is required for students without prior college courses (GED will be used if applicable).
10. Student must be eligible for Math 100 - Intermediate College Algebra (higher level math accepted) and Biology 201 (A & P I) as determined by college policy during the first semester of the nursing program if not previously completed with a grade of “C” or higher.
11. Student must meet the essential functions and technical standards required for nursing as documented at www.wallacestate.edu/nursing - see Nursing Essential Functions under the Resources tab.
12. A minimum 18 ACT Composite Score (National or Residual) is required for admission consideration. Proof of score must be uploaded to the nursing application.
13. If the applicant has been enrolled in a nursing program previously, a letter of good standing must be sent to the program director from the previous nursing program.
14. Priority for admission is given to first time applicants. Readmission/reinstatement as well as transfer students are considered on a space-available basis.

NOTE: It is the responsibility of each applicant to ensure all applicable courses (including grades) from other institutions have been transferred to WSCC and to ensure the program application is complete before submission.

*Courses are offered NUR 112 fall semester, NUR 113 spring semester, NUR 114/115 summer semester for the evening program.

Selection and Notification

1. The Traditional Nursing Program admits a class each fall and spring semester.
2. The Nursing Program at the Oneonta site only admits a class in the fall semester.
3. The Nursing Evening Program at Hanceville campus only admits a class in the fall semester.
4. Admission to the nursing program is competitive; the number of students is limited by the number of faculty and clinical facilities available. Meeting minimal requirements does not guarantee acceptance. After meeting all requirements, applicants are rank-ordered using a point system based on grades achieved in ENG 101, BIO 201, BIO 202 and MTH 100, first time enrollment in a nursing program, completion of nursing recommended information session, valid healthcare license or healthcare certificate or a Bachelor's or higher degree, and minimum 18 ACT composite score.
5. The WSCC-DNE will notify students selected for admission. All students are conditionally accepted pending clearance of background check, drug screen, appropriate academic placement, and documentation of nursing essential functions. If the student has been enrolled in a nursing program outside of Wallace State Community College, a Letter of Good Standing will be required upon admission.
6. All accepted students must attend the required orientation session. Confirmation of intent to enroll must be submitted electronically by the posted deadline to the WSCC-DNE. Failure to attend the required nursing orientation may result in forfeiture of his/her place in the class.
7. All accepted students must submit a clear background check by the school-approved vendor. Any result other than clear will prohibit the student from enrolling.
8. All accepted students must submit to a drug screen by the school approved vendor; date to be assigned by the WSCC-DNE. A result other than clear will result in the student’s dismissal from the nursing program.
9. All accepted students must complete the WSCC-DNE physical form as well as provide proof of immunizations/immunity, health insurance and CPR by the published due date.

A student must adhere to professional, legal and ethical standards for a healthcare professional which determine acceptable behavior of the practical or registered nurse. The final determination for eligibility to take the NCLEX-PN or NCLEX-RN is made solely by the Alabama Board of Nursing after review of the candidate’s application.  Proof of citizenship will be requested by the Alabama Board of Nursing.

It is important for prospective nursing students to know about the Alabama Board of Nursing’s regulations on the review of candidates for eligibility for initial and continuing licensure. Refer to the Nurse Practice Act and the Alabama Administrative Code located on the Alabama Board of Nursing website (https://abn.alabama.gov/).

Program Expectations

Students admitted into the nursing program are expected to comply with the Health Science Program Regulations and Expectations as published in the Programs of Study section of the Wallace State College Catalog.

Transfer Students

Students transferring into the nursing program must meet requirements for admission. Only those equivalent general education and nursing courses taken at other accredited institutions and passed with a “C” or better will be applied toward completion of the program. Alabama Community College System Concept-based Nursing Curriculum courses may be transferred without further review of the course syllabus. Nursing courses from other institutions will be accepted only after review by the accepting institution to ensure content consistency. Students attempting to transfer credit hours must be eligible to return to the previous institution. Students will be required to provide a letter of good standing from the Dean/Director of Nursing at the transferring institution.

Students are accepted contingent on available space and will only be admitted upon clearance of a background check and drug screen, as well as passage of validation testing for math and nursing skills. Completed WSCC-DNE physical form and CPR card will be required. Graduation from the Nursing Program is contingent on completing at least 25% of required program hours at Wallace State Community College.

Requirements to be Completed After Admission to the Nursing Program

1. Nursing students are required to submit an annual WSCC-DNE physical examination, including proof of vaccination/immunity status that meet clinical agency contract requirements.
2. Proof of active/current CPR certification for healthcare providers will be required. (American Red Cross BLS Healthcare Provider or American Heart Association BLS-Healthcare Provider). This certification can also be obtained by registering for EMS 100 at WSCC. (Online CPR courses will not be accepted).
3. Student accident and liability insurance is required and is included in tuition fees.
4. Major medical health insurance coverage is required but is not available through the College. Each insurance policy must meet clinical agency contract requirements. The student must be insured for the duration of the program.
5. Physical exam, immunizations/verified immunity, drug screen, background check and CPR must be uploaded to the nursing department's compliance tracker and approved before the due date in order to attend clinical.

Nursing Course Delivery Methods

The nursing curriculum has dynamic requirements; therefore, it is not realistic to plan for full-time employment while enrolled in the program. Hybrid and in-person are the two delivery methods available for the nursing program.

The in-person course delivery method is available for most daytime nursing courses on the Hanceville campus.  This method offers students the opportunity to attend class remotely with required on-campus attendance for labs, simulations, and testing. Additionally, all class lectures are recorded and posted to the course management system for review by students at any time. Clinical hours are scheduled by the course instructors and will be conducted at the assigned facility.

The hybrid course delivery method is available for all nursing courses and requires the student to be self-directed in seeking to master course content by listening to recorded classes and completing recommended assignments independently. Please note, hybrid requires on-campus attendance for orientation, labs, simulations, and testing. Clinical hours are scheduled by the course instructors and will be conducted at the assigned facility.

Anticipated Expenses

In addition to regular college tuition, fees, textbooks, and electronic resources there are certain other required expenses. These may include but are not limited to the following: uniforms with required accessories, achievement examinations, transportation/parking/meal expense while at clinical, drug testing, background check expenses, graduation fees, and State Board of Nursing licensure fee. Students are required to submit an annual physical and required immunizations or screening tests at their own expense. These include but are not limited to MMR, tetanus, TB skin test (or chest x-ray), and chickenpox and HBV vaccines (or titer). Students may be required to submit additional health clearance/physician release statements whenever deemed necessary by the WSCC-DNE. Students are required to carry liability (malpractice) insurance and accident insurance. Both liability and supplemental accident insurance must be purchased through the College and is part of tuition fees. Please keep in mind that the supplemental accident insurance offers only limited coverage for accidents incurred while in class/clinical. Students must also provide proof of major medical health insurance (not provided through WSCC). Proof of active/current CPR certification for healthcare providers will be required (American Red Cross BLS Healthcare Provider or American Heart Association BLS Healthcare Provider). This certification can also be obtained by registering for EMS 100 at WSCC. (Online CPR courses will not be accepted). Nursing school pins are optional and are available for purchase at the completion of the program.

Progression

In order to progress in the Traditional Nursing Program, the student is expected to meet specific requirements:

1. A student must maintain a grade of “C” or better in ALL general education and nursing courses and an “S” (Satisfactory) in the clinical component when appropriate. A minimum grade of 75 constitutes a “C” in nursing courses.
2. A student with a grade of less than “C” and/or an unsatisfactory clinical evaluation in any nursing course will be required to repeat the entire course before continuing in the program. Repeat must occur within one year of failure or withdrawal. Student must apply and be accepted for reinstatement.
3. A student may be reinstated to the nursing program one time only. Reinstatement is not guaranteed due to limitations in clinical spaces. All nursing program admission standards must be met.
4. A student must maintain a 2.0 GPA based on nursing required courses.
5. A total of two unsuccessful attempts in two separate semesters (D, F or W) in the nursing program will result in dismissal from the program.
6. If a student has a documented extenuating circumstance that should be considered related to a withdrawal or failure, the student may submit a letter to the Wallace State Community College Admissions Committee for a decision on repeating a course or readmission to the program after receiving a recommendation from the Program Chair.
7. Failure to attain a grade of “C” or better in an academic co-requisite course, as listed in the nursing curriculum, will require the student to step out of the nursing curriculum until the academic course is successfully passed with a “C” or higher. Reinstatement guidelines apply.
8. A student must demonstrate competence in pharmacology theory as well as calculating drugs and dosages. Tests will be given to assess the student’s competence in calculating drugs and dosages within the nursing program.
9. A student must adhere to professional, legal and ethical standards for a healthcare professional. The nursing department reserves the right to determine behaviors that are inappropriate or that may cause harm to a client. Students who exhibit behaviors that violate standards of a healthcare professional are subject to dismissal. The WSCC-DNE reserves the right to permanently dismiss from the program any student who is refused the use of the facilities by a clinical agency.
10. A student must be in compliance with all clinical requirements for the duration of their enrollment in the program.

The faculty reserves the right to review a student's progress at any time. Because of the nature of nursing, there are certain behaviors, interpersonal relationships, and affective standards that must be maintained. Failure of a student to meet these standards is cause for dismissal from the Nursing Program. 

Reinstatement to Program

Students who have a withdrawal or failure in a nursing course and are eligible to return to that course will be considered for reinstatement to the program. Reinstatement to the nursing program is not guaranteed. Reinstatement may be denied due to, but not limited to, any of the following circumstances:

1. Space unavailability in the course in which the student wishes to be reinstated. (Students in regular progression have enrollment priorities for clinical sites.)
2. Grade point average is less than 2.0.
3. Refusal by clinical agencies to accept the student for clinical experiences.
4. Failure to demonstrate competency in all previous nursing courses successfully completed.
5. Over 12 months have elapsed since the student was enrolled in a nursing course.
6. Student has been dismissed from the program for disciplinary reasons or unsafe clinical care.
7. Failure to achieve a clear drug screen.
8. Failure to achieve a clear background screen.
9. Failure to benchmark on math validation and/or skills validation.
10. Failure to submit required physical exam and immunization documentation.

NOTE: Students dismissed from any nursing program for disciplinary reasons and/or unsafe/unsatisfactory client care will not be considered for reinstatement/readmission to the nursing program.

NUR 112 Withdrawal or Failure to Progress

Students who have not successfully completed the first nursing course, either by withdrawal or failure to progress, in the traditional nursing program are not eligible for the reinstatement process for NUR 112. Students may apply again to the nursing program during the regular admission cycles and will forfeit first-time admission points.

Stepping Out of the Nursing Program

Once a student successfully completes a nursing course, the student can request, in writing to the Program Director, and be granted a "step out" of the nursing program for up to one year. This does not apply to persons who withdraw during a semester or fail to progress in a course. Should the student wish to return to the nursing program within the year, the student would be subject to the reinstatement process which might be limited by the failure to pass the validations or lack of clinical availability.

Program Dismissal

A total of two unsuccessful attempts in two separate semesters (D, F, or W) in the nursing program will result in dismissal from the program. A student who has been dismissed from the nursing program can apply for admission as a new student to any nursing program within the Alabama Community College System under certain conditions:

1. The student must meet current entry requirements.
2. The student must provide a letter of good standing from the previous nursing program chairperson.
3. The student was not dismissed from the previous program for disciplinary reasons or for unsafe/unsatisfactory client care in the clinical area.