Associate of Science Nursing Program

• Students interested in apply for the ASN program, must notify their academic advisor early in their advising process to ensure that course sequencing meets prerequisites requirements.
• ASN Admission application deadline is May 1st annually.
• Nursing Department ASN application (send ­directly to Nursing Department).
• Students are eligible for admission after completion of all prerequisites.
• Transcript verification of all required prerequisite must be received in the Enrollment Services office by June 15th annually.

Completion of the application process and prerequisite coursework does not guarantee admission to the nursing program (see acceptance process).

• Completion of an admission test selected by SKC Nursing Department.
• The following Admission documentation must be received by Enrollment Services by June 15th annually.
  • The SKC application packet.
  • Official copy of high school transcript.
  • Official college transcripts.
• Selection of ASN Applicants will be completed by June 30th annually
• Current certification as a Certified Nurse Assistant is recommended but no longer required for admission into the ASN program.
• Computer literacy is strongly encouraged as ­nursing course material is presented online.

ASN Program Acceptance Process

• Incomplete application packets (missing required documents or prerequisites) will not be considered for admissions.
• The Nursing Department will begin screening all completed applications after June 15th, annually.
• Admission into the Nursing Department is based on grade point average (GPA), admission test, and Native American enrollment status (Native American preference refers to Tribal members and descendants traceable to the second generation).
• Enrollment in the nursing program is limited, based on availability of clinical facilities and faculty.
• Students are admitted into the nursing program once a year in fall quarter.
• Students receive written notification of acceptance status by July 10th annually.

Confirmation of Acceptance by Students

To confirm enrollment into the ASN Program and to be eligible to enroll in nursing courses, students must submit the following by August 19th . Failure to comply will change acceptance status to non-acceptance status in the nursing program.

• A signed Admission Acceptance Disclaimer form that outlines student responsibilities.
• A completed Health Form, documenting health status, immunizations, skin tests, and ability to meet physical and mental essential abilities criteria for nursing practice.
• Immunizations are required by clinical agencies; therefore, strict adherence to immunization deadlines will be enforced.
• Documentation of health insurance, IHS beneficiary status, Medicaid, or Medicare coverage.
• A copy of a driver’s license or a legal identification (must show photo) document such as a passport.
• Completion of nametag order form must be turned in by the deadline.
• Completion of Health Care Provider CPR training.
• Attendance at Nursing Institute in September is mandatory.

Expenses

In addition to SKC tuition and fees, nursing students have significant costs including laboratory, program fees, textbooks, uniforms, name tag, health insurance, background checks, drug screens, and clinical travel. RN licensure expenses include the NCLEX-RN exam fee and travel to the testing site. A written list of nursing program expenses may be obtained at the Nursing Department.

Clinical Laboratories

Nursing coursework includes interactive learning activities in the classroom, independent study, campus practice lab, and clinical practice in a variety of institutional and community based health care settings. One lab credit hour represents three contact hours. Clinical facilities are located in Kalispell, Missoula, and other western Montana communities. Overnight stays in various communities may be necessary throughout the program. Clinical labs may be scheduled on days, evenings, nights, or on weekends. During the last quarter of the program, students participate in preceptorships, following the work schedules of RN preceptors. Students are responsible for housing and transportation to and from clinical facilities.

Nursing Department Policies

Due to the unique nature of the nursing profession, the Nursing Department maintains policies in addition to those of the college. The policies are available in the ASN Student Handbook. Examples include admission, progression, professional behavior, and grading policies.

Additional Requirements for Licensure as a Registered Nursing (RN)

Completion of the Associate of Science in Nursing is not the sole criteria for obtaining a license to practice as a registered nurse. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (ncsbn.org) publishes requirements by state. The Montana Nurse Practice Act authorizes the State Board of Nursing (http://mt.gov/dli/nur/) to set requirements for RN Licensure in Montana. Requirements for licensure include:

• Graduation from an approved school of nursing.
• A passing score on the NCLEX-RN, the national licensing exam.
• The capacity to maintain the professional code of nursing practice.
• Licensure may be denied to graduates/nurses who demonstrate:
• Fraudulent information or misrepresentation in the licensing application or exam.
• Active history of substance abuse/chemical dependency.
• Failure to maintain the professional conduct of nurses.
• Conviction of a crime that relates adversely to the practice of nursing.