Requirements and Information about the Associate of Science Nursing Program

ASN Program Admission Requirements

Students interested in applying to the ASN program must notify their academic advisor early in their advising process to ensure that course sequencing meets Nursing Program admission requirements. The Certificate of Completion in Health Science Studies is designed to include the ASN pre-requisite courses as well as provide excellent preparation for the Nursing Program. Transfer students should consult with a pre-Nursing advisor and the Enrollment Services as soon as possible to ensure that the courses completed at another college or university meet the SKC and Nursing Program requirements and will be accepted.

Admission into the Nursing Program is based on the completion of the pre-requisite courses, grade point average (GPA), Nursing School Admission Test score, Native American preference status, veteran’s priority of service status, and instructors’ references. Additional preference will be given to applicants who have previously successfully completed a healthcare-related certificate or degree program (CNA, MA, LPN, PTA, etc.) and/or have at least 6 months of work experience in a related position. 

Students considering pursuing the ASN degree are strongly advised to take biology, chemistry, and/or Anatomy and Physiology courses in high school or complete BIOS 108/109, Biology of Living Systems and CHEM 110/111, Fundamentals of General Chemistry prior to enrolling in BIOS 215/216, Anatomy and Physiology I, and/or complete the Health Science Studies Certificate of Completion.

Prerequisite Courses

Students must complete the following prerequisite courses before applying to the ASN Program:

Grade Requirements

• Achieve a “B” or better in MATH 100 or 103, BIOS 215, BIOS 216, BIOS 217, and BIOS 218
• Achieve a “C” or better in PSYC 110, ENGL 101 and ENGL 202 or ENGL 203
• A & P and math courses cannot be older than five (5) years by the anticipated program start date.
  • If MATH 103 or an equivalent transfer course (e.g. MATH 100) was completed more than five years ago with a “B” or better, the ASN candidate may complete the math competency assessment test in lieu of repeating the course. The test will be arranged by the SKC Nursing Department. If the candidate successfully completes the test with 70% or higher, the original course grade will be accepted. If the test does not demonstrate an acceptable level of competence, the candidate must repeat the course before applying to the ASN Program. 
• Prerequisite courses cannot be taken more than a total of three (3) times to achieve an acceptable grade.

Nursing School Admission Test Requirements

The Nursing School Admission Test assesses whether a student has the necessary academic skills in basic reading, writing, math, science and critical thinking to succeed in the Nursing Program. The mastery of decimal to fraction conversions, ratios, and proportions, and knowledge of anatomy and physiology are essential. A thorough review of these topics prior to taking the test is very highly recommended.

The Nursing School Admission Test instructions will be emailed to applicants who meet the admission criteria listed above. The test must be completed by 12 p.m. on June 15^th.

• Student must achieve a minimum overall score of 60% in order to be considered for admission.
• In order to ensure adequate preparation for success in the Nursing Program, students who score below 70% in math, writing, reading, and/or science are required to successfully complete a summer remediation course and demonstrate acceptable college entrance level competence in the appropriate subject(s) before being admitted into the program.
• In order to provide additional support while in the Nursing Program, students who score below 70% in math, writing, reading, and/or science may be required to attend individual and/or group tutoring sessions in the Writing Center, Math and Science Lab, Nursing Program, and/or online tutoring service.

Native American Preference Policy

SKC does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual identification, gender, age or disability, except as allowed by the Indian Preference provision of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended. Consistent with this provision and the mission of the college, the Nursing Program gives preference to enrolled tribal members and descendants traceable to the second generation during the admissions process.

Veteran’s Priority of Service Policy

The requirement to provide priority of service to veterans applies to all programs that receive funding from the United States Department of Labor. “Veteran” is defined as a person who served at least one day in the active military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable. The Veteran’s Priority of Service Policy is available at the Nursing Department upon request.

ASN Program Application Process

Students must apply to SKC before applying to the Nursing Program. Students may apply online at www.skc.edu or send the SKC application packet to the SKC Enrollment Services, P.O. Box 70, Pablo, MT 59855.

The ASN application packet is due by 4:30 p.m. on May 1^st. The following documents must be included in the application:

• ASN Application form
• Copies of unofficial transcripts verifying all college coursework completed to date
• Tribal membership verification (if applicable)
• Two letters of reference. At least one reference must be completed by an instructor in an ASN pre-requisite course (A & P I and II, English Composition, Psychology, and/or Math). If currently employed in a healthcare related position (e.g. CNA), the immediate supervisor may complete the second reference. Please complete part I of the form before submitting to an instructor or supervisor.

Download the ASN Application and Professional Letter of Reference for Nursing Program Applicant forms at nursing.skc.edu. Please mail, fax, or email the completed application packet materials directly to the Nursing Department. Mail: Attn: Admissions, Nursing Department, Salish Kootenai College, PO Box 70, Pablo, MT 59855 Fax: (406) 275-4806 Email: nursingadmissions@skc.edu

The following additional documentation must be completed and received by the Enrollment Services by 12 p.m. on June 15th.  Please mail the documents directly to the SKC Enrollment Services, P.O. Box 70, Pablo, MT 59855.

• All official college transcripts that verify the pre-requisite course completion, including the courses completed between May 1st and June 14th.
• Tribal membership verification.
• Official copy of high school transcript or GED.
• Immunization records.
• Other required SKC admissions documentation.

Completion of the application process and prerequisite coursework does not guarantee admission into the Nursing Program.

Confirmation of Acceptance

To confirm the acceptance into the Nursing Program and to be eligible to enroll in nursing courses, the following requirements must be met:

• All documents contained in the acceptance packet must be completed and returned to the Nursing Department by August 15th.
• Admission Acceptance Disclaimer form.
• 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 passport.
• Copy of current Healthcare Provider CPR card. Must be current through June 15, 2019.
• Nametag and embroidery order forms.
• The criminal background check must be completed by August 15th.
• The mandatory summer remediation course, if applicable, must be successfully completed by August 15th.
• Students are required to attend the Nursing Institute in September.
• Failure to meet any of the above-listed requirements will change student’s acceptance status to non-acceptance status in the Nursing Program.

ASN Program Acceptance Process

Students are admitted into the Nursing Program once a year in fall quarter. Enrollment in the Nursing Program is limited based on availability of clinical facilities and faculty.

• 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.
• Selection of ASN applicants will be completed by June 30th.
• Students receive written notification of acceptance status and the acceptance packet by July 10th.