Nursing - WSCC/ATSU Joint Enrollment Program of Study

Associate in Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.) from Wallace State Community College (WSCC) and concurrent Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) from Athens State University (ATSU)

At a Glance

The WSCC/ATSU Nursing Joint Enrollment Program of Study designed for students who wish to complete the Associate Degree in Nursing at Wallace State while simultaneously completing the Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing at ATSU. Interested students should discuss their educational and career goals with a health advisor as early as possible before entering coursework to ensure proper course selection. Each school and program have unique classes and offerings that must be met before acceptance to the Nursing Joint Enrollment Program. Students must follow standard admission procedures of each College.

Program Description

The WSCC/ATSU Nursing Joint Enrollment Program of Study curriculum is recommended for students wishing to complete a four-year degree in nursing. Each student must assume responsibility for knowing the academic requirements for the degree being pursued at each respective institution (WSCC and ATSU).

Admission Requirements for the WSCC/ATSU Nursing Joint Enrollment Program 

Students must meet all the general admission requirements of WSCC and ATSU in addition to entry requirements for the specific Joint Nursing Program.

Please see Pre-Health Advisor to complete your individual program of study before you register for classes.

Applicant must also meet the following admission criteria:

1. Unconditional admission to the college (WSCC and ATSU) – College applications must be submitted by the program application deadline.
2. Student must be in good standing with the college (WSCC and ATSU).
3. Receipt of complete nursing application accepted between March 15 and May 15 for Fall entry or between July 1 and October 1 for Spring entry. Separate nursing application must be submitted to each college.
4. The online application and instructions for Wallace State Nursing are located at www.wallacestate.edu/nursing under the Application tab. 
5. Complete all required academic courses prior to application deadline. ATSU will allow students to have courses in progress, but the course must be successfully completed prior to program start. 
6. A minimum GPA of 2.5 cumulative at current native institution or 2.5 cumulative at institution from which student is transferring is required to be eligible to apply.
7. A minimum GPA of 2.5 is necessary for nursing required academic courses. Official transcripts from all colleges attended must be provided to the Admissions Office and all unofficial transcripts can be uploaded to the nursing application.
8. Student must meet the essential functions and technical standards required for nursing as documented at www.wallacestate.edu/nursing - see Nursing Essential Functions.
9. A minimum 20 ACT composite score (National or Residual) is required for admission consideration. Proof of score must be uploaded to the nursing application.

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 prior to submission.

Selection and Notification

1. The Joint Enrollment Nursing Program admits a class each Fall and Spring semester. 
2. Upon meeting all entrance requirements, applicants are ranked-ordered using a point system based on grades achieved in ENG 101, BIO 201, BIO 202 and MTH 110, first time enrollment in a nursing program, completion of nursing recommended information session, valid healthcare certificate or a Bachelor's Degree or a higher degree from an accredited institution, and minimum 20 ACT composite score. In addition to the above listed point criteria, Joint Mobility applicants are awarded points based on grade earned in BIO 220 as well as points if completion of the qualifying degree/certificate is earned at WSCC.
3. 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.
4. All accepted students must attend the required orientation sessions. 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 program.
5. 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.
6. All accepted students must submit to a drug screen by the school approved vendor; date to be assigned by the WSCC-DNE. Any result other than clear will result in the student’s dismissal from the nursing program.
7. 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.

Nursing students shall comply with legal, moral, and legislative standards 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 WSCC/ATSU Joint Enrollment Program of Study 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.

Progression

In order to progress in the Joint Enrollment Nursing Program of Study, the student is expected to meet specific requirements:

1. A student must maintain a grade of “C” or better in ALL nursing courses and an “S” (Satisfactory) in the clinical component when appropriate. 
2. A student with a grade of less than “C” and/or an unsatisfactory clinical evaluation in any nursing course will be ineligible to continue in the Joint Enrollment Nursing Program. 

NOTE: MUST be accepted to both WSCC and ATSU Nursing programs to continue to 5th Semester

NOTE: NUR courses at WSCC are traditional, on-campus format; NUR courses at ATSU are online.