Nursing Admissions Requirements

Nursing Requirements

It is important to indicate whether you are applying for pre-nursing, practical nursing (PN), or the associate degree nursing (RN) program. Indicate the semester and year you plan to enter the nursing program. For example, pre-nursing fall 2025, practical nursing (PN) fall 2026, and registered nursing (RN) fall 2027. Applicants for the nursing program must be officially accepted by August 10 into either the LPN or RN program. 

To be accepted into SWCC’s nursing programs, applicants must meet the requirements below:

  • Complete application for admission to the nursing program
  • Submit proof of official and final high school graduation, HSED, or official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
  • Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 in required program support courses
  • Attend nursing orientation information session
  • Last date of acceptance is Aug. 10 of the academic year

First Year Requirements:

  • All admissions procedures and requirements listed above.
  • Must have completed (C or above) the following classes: BIO 151 Nutrition, BIO 168 Human Anatomy and Physiology I w/lab, and BIO 173 Human Anatomy and Physiology II w/lab. NOTE: Beginning fall 2026, all required science courses (courses with a BIO number) must be completed with a grade of “B” or above and be five years old or less at the start of the student’s entry term in the nursing program.
  • The following co-requisite courses may be taken (C or above) prior to program entry: ENG 105 Composition I, PSY 111 Introduction to Psychology, and PSY 121 Developmental Psychology.
  • All science courses must be five years old or less at the start of the term. NOTE: Beginning fall 2026, all required science courses (courses with a BIO number) must be completed with a grade of “B” or above and be five years old or less at the start of the student’s entry term in the nursing program.

Second Year Requirements:

  • All admissions procedures and requirements listed above.
  • ATI PN Comprehensive Predictor test with a minimum score of 70 percent or above. Note only three attempts permitted in an academic year with a wait time of one week between attempts. Successful ATI predictor score is valid for three years.
  • Must have completed (C or above) the following class: BIO 186 Microbiology (w/lab). NOTE: Beginning fall 2026, all required science courses (courses with a BIO number) must be completed with a grade of “B” or above and be five years old or less at the start of the student’s entry term in the nursing program.
  • PN prerequisite/co-requisite courses (C or above): BIO 151 Nutrition, BIO 168 Human Anatomy and Physiology I w/lab, BIO 173 Human Anatomy and Physiology II w/lab, ENG 105 Composition I, PSY 111 Introduction to Psychology, and PSY 121 Developmental Psychology.
  • All science courses must be five years old or less at the start of the term. NOTE: Beginning fall 2026, all required science courses (courses with a BIO number) must be completed with a grade of “B” or above and be five years old or less at the start of the student’s entry term in the nursing program.
  • Practical Nursing License required.

Additional Requirements:

The following requirements must be completed. Each student will be provided directions at the required nursing orientation.

  • Background check
  • Child and Adult Abuse Registry Checks
  • American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR
  • Physical Examination
  • Proof of immunizations and 2 Step TB test
  • Complete eLearning Tracker modules (HIPAA/OSHA training)
  • Dependent Adult and Child Abuse
  • Seasonal Flu shot (due October 1)

Additional clinical site requirements will be enforced by the college. These requirements may include drug screening, health issues, or unacceptable behavior. Students will not be granted admission or may be removed at any time.

Re-entry requirements:

A student will be considered for enrollment into each level of nursing education a maximum of two times. To be considered for re-entry into nursing education, a student must meet current admission guidelines and additional re-entry requirements described in the current nursing student handbook. Re-entry guidelines from the nursing student handbook are available upon request from the nursing chair and/or the nursing secretary.

NOTE: To be considered for January re-entry in Southwestern’s LPN program, the student must be a returning SWCC LPN student.

Graduation Requirements:

To earn a Licensed Practical Nursing Diploma or an Associate of Applied Science Degree in nursing, a student must complete all coursework as prescribed, meet the progression requirements and have a grade of a C or above in all nursing courses and prerequisite/co-requisite courses in the curriculum. In order to progress to the next semester, these courses must be successfully completed in the semester identified or in a previous semester.

Physical Examination and American Heart Association CPR Information

Physician's physical examination report, TB skin test, and current immunizations as recommended by the student's physician to be completed in late June, July, or August prior to fall admission.

American Heart Association CPR for BLS Provider is required for all nursing students before entering clinical.  Only American Heart Association CPR for BLS Provider is accepted. Student must make their own arrangements to obtain certification.  The SWCC adult and continuing education department offers courses monthly.