Nursing

• Practical nurse applications will be accepted during the period of September 1^st to January 31^st for those applying for the following fall semester.    
• Applications submitted after January 31^st will be considered if spots in the program remain open. If no spots remain open, the applicant may be added to the wait list.   
• The applicant must have an application on file for the year that the class is being selected.   
• The applicant must be a high school graduate or have a GED certificate upon entering the program.   
• The applicant must submit official transcripts from all secondary and post-secondary institutions for completed courses to be considered for class selection.   
• The practical nurse applicant must take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) entrance examination for purposes of placement in the program. 
  • A minimum score of 50.0% or higher on the total score is required.   
  • The TEAS may be repeated a total of 4 times.  A minimum of 28 days between each attempt is required.    
  • If the applicant achieves the required score on the TEAS and has not used all the attempts allowed, they may retake the exam to attempt a higher score.   
  • The applicant must pay each time the test is taken.    
• All applicants must have a “C” or better in completed general education courses required for the program. Applicants will receive points based on grades.
• All applicants must have an active, unrestricted Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification in Kansas. Admission points will be awarded to applicants who have an active, unrestricted Certified Medication Aides (CMA) certification in Kansas.   
• All required information must be in the official file maintained by the nursing program secretary/director before the application is reviewed. Responsibility for completing the information rests entirely with the applicant.   
• Criminal conviction may jeopardize eligibility for licensure.   

Class Selection

The following table indicates the scoring criteria that will be used for the selection process. All general education courses below must have a “C” or better).

Since the Practical Nursing program is a selective admission program, the scoring rubric (located below) will be used to determine the applicants selected. The completion of the online PN application does not guarantee a position in the program. Any tiebreaker will be based on the TEAS overall test score. If an applicant does not have a score in the Part A section, then the student does not qualify for admission. Students who do not qualify for admission are encouraged to follow up with an academic advisor to see how they can improve their scores.  

• The classes will be selected by choosing the highest-ranking applicants. The process will continue to be used to select applicants for a wait list. If selected applicants either decline the opportunity or do not meet their obligations for admission, the spot will be filled with the next applicant on the waiting list.    
• Class selection will be finalized and those selected will be notified in February.    
• Following the class selection, the application file will be purged, and the process will begin again.    
• If the class is not full, the admission process will continue past January until the required enrollment is met.   

Applicant Obligations

• The applicant must have satisfactory physical and mental health. A physical examination and health history is required. All required immunizations must be current. The physical form will be mailed following class selection with a deadline for submission of the completed document prior to any clinical experiences.    
• Applicants must provide evidence of current CPR certification through American Heart Association prior to any clinical experiences. The student is responsible for maintaining certification throughout the nursing program.    
• All first-year nursing students must maintain an active, unrestricted Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification in Kansas.   
• Applicants must obtain a drug screen within 30 days of the 1^st day of the program. These results must be sent directly to the Director of Nursing from the laboratory/ testing center. If a result is positive, the student must provide a statement from the prescribing provider of expected positive result/ prescribed medication. If unable to provide this, the applicant is no longer eligible for the current academic year and may apply for the following academic year.   

• Second year applications will be accepted during the period of September 1st to March 31st for those anticipating admission the following fall semester.     
• Applications submitted after March 31st will be considered if there is availability in the program. If no availability, the applicant may be added to the wait list if qualified.    
• The applicant must have an application on file for the year that the class is being selected.   
• The applicant must be a high school graduate or have a GED certificate upon entering the program.     
• The applicant must submit official transcripts from all secondary and post-secondary institutions for completed courses to be considered for class selection.
• All applicants must have a “C” or better in completed general education courses required for the program. The actual grade of nursing courses will be considered only in the case of a “tie” in the scores.   
• Applicant must have current, unencumbered LPN/ LVN license recognized by the state of Kansas.    
• Applicant must have completed training for intravenous (IV) therapy and be authorized to practice IV therapy within the scope of an LPN/LVN in Kansas.   
• All applicants must provide an official transcript proving completion of a course of study equivalent to the first year of this program. In addition to providing an official transcript, applicants must provide the following according to the practical nursing program completed and year of graduation:    
  • For applicants who have graduated from a Kansas practical nurse program:    
    • PN graduation date to ADN program start date: 0-5 years:   
      • No validation of nursing credits is required.    
      • No work experience is required    
    • PN graduation date to ADN program start date: 6-10 years:    
      • No validation of nursing credits is required.    
      • Applicant must provide validation of 1,000 hours of work experience as an LPN/ LVN within the last three years.    
    • PN graduation date to ADN program start date: More than 10 years:  
      • Validation of nursing credits is required.      
      • Applicant must provide validation of 1,000 hours of work experience as an LPN/ LVN within the last three years.  
  • For applicants who have graduated from an out-of-state practical nursing program:   
    • Nursing credits will be evaluated individually by the nursing director.    
    • If the ADN program start date is more than 5 years after the applicant’s graduation date from a PN program, then the applicant must provide validation of 1,000 hours of work experience as an LPN/LVN within the last three years. 
• All required information must be in the official file maintained by the nursing program secretary/director before the application is reviewed. Responsibility for completing the information rests entirely with the applicant.    
• Criminal conviction may jeopardize eligibility for licensure.   
• Current Fort Hays Tech | North Central practical nurse students seeking a position at the associate degree year must refer to "Advanced Standing Applicants” below.  

Advanced Standing Applicants  

• Identifying advanced standing applicants ensures a pathway of progression for current practical nursing students into second year.    
• Applicants seeking advanced standing into the second year must fulfil all requirements for admission to the Technical College and the Nursing Program.     
• Applicants seeking advanced standing must be a current Fort Hays Tech | North Central practical nursing student.   
• Applicants will be ranked depending on 1st year nursing course grades with a cut off level of 90% in each course. Grades will not be rounded.   
• Points are not used for ranking advanced standing applicants.   

Class Selection

The following table indicates the scoring criteria that will be used for the selection process.

• The classes will be selected by choosing the highest-ranking applicants. If applicable, the process will continue to select applicants for a wait list. If selected applicants either decline the opportunity or do not meet their obligations for admission, the spot will be filled with the next applicant on the waiting list.    
• Grade point average (GPA) used in selection is the cumulative GPA of Fort Hays Tech | North Central courses and transferred courses.   
• Second year class selection will be notified by the end of April. If applications are submitted after March 31st, the applicant will be notified in 4-6 weeks after submission.   
• Following the class selection, the application file will be purged, and the process will begin again.    
• If the class is not full, the admission process will continue past March until the required enrollment is met.  

Second year applicants will be selected in the following order:    

• Advanced standing applicants (ASA) with an “A” (90% and above) in all 1st year nursing courses.   
• Applicants with ≥6.5 points.   
• Repeat applicants with ≥6.0 points.   • Repeat applicants include any applicant who had officially applied for the 2nd year but either was not accepted or was accepted but declined the spot in the previous application period.   
• ASA with a grade of "A” in all 1st year nursing courses except 1.   
• 2nd year applicants with ≥6.0 points.   
• ASA with a grade of "A” in all 1st year nursing courses except 2.    
• Remaining openings will be filled by qualified applicants according to points.   

Student Obligations for Admission   

• The applicant must have satisfactory physical and mental health. A physical examination and health history is required. All immunizations must be current. The physical form will be mailed following class selection with a deadline for submission of the completed document prior to any clinical experiences.
• Applicants must provide evidence of current CPR certification through American Heart Association prior to any clinical experiences. The student is responsible for maintaining certification throughout the nursing program.    
• Current Fort Hays Tech | North Central practical nurse students who have been selected into the second year must maintain the grade requirement for incomplete nursing courses.    
• Applicants must obtain an LPN/LVN license recognized by the state of Kansas by July 31st prior to the start of the academic year.    
• Must maintain current, unencumbered LPN/LVN license recognized by the state of Kansas throughout program.   
• Applicants must obtain a drug screen within 30 days of the 1st day of the program. These results must be sent directly to the Director of Nursing from the laboratory/ testing center. If a result is positive, the student must provide a statement from the prescribing provider of expected positive result/ prescribed medication. If unable to provide this, the applicant is no longer eligible for the current academic year and may reapply for the next year.  

Re-Entry Students   

• Applicants who exit in good standing during the program will be given consideration for re-entry upon approval of the director of nursing, site coordinator, and space availability.    
• Re-entry must be done in the academic year immediately following the withdrawal.    
• If a student does not complete the admission process for the following academic year, the student must complete the entire second year nursing program of study. This is regardless of any courses completed.   
• If a student must retake a clinical course or the associated theoretical course, then the student is required to retake both the theoretical and clinical courses. The connected courses are as follows:   
• First year:     NUR-101/ NUR-102 NUR-104/ NUR-106 NUR-110/ NUR-111   
• Second year: NUR-204/ NUR-206 NUR-205/ NUR-206 NUR-210/ NUR-211   

Q. What is a 1+1 program?

A. Our program offers two years of nursing. During the first year, you will have 2 semesters. Upon completion of the first-year program of study, you will be eligible to apply for licensure as a practical nurse in the state of your choice, and get an appointment to take the NCLEX-PN®. This is a national exam. The results are reported within a few days. If you meet the grade requirement, you may continue on into the second year of the program if you so choose. Upon completion of the second-year program of study, you will be eligible to apply for licensure as a registered nurse in the state of your choice, and get an appointment to take the NCLEX-RN®. This too is a national exam. The results are reported within a few days.

Q. What is the difference between an RN and an LPN?

A. Licensed practical nurses provide nursing care in structured settings under the supervision of a registered nurse. LPN’s cannot administer IV’s until they are Intravenous Certified. Registered nurses’ practice in a wide variety of settings. LPN’s are the backbone of staffing in nursing homes. Hospitals typically prefer to hire more RN’s rather than LPN’s because they can function without supervision.

Q. What is the difference between Associate and Baccalaureate nursing degrees?

A. Graduates who have earned an Associate in Applied Science in Nursing or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing take the same national nursing licensure exam (NCLEX-RN®) and are registered nurses after they pass the exam. A generic BSN degree takes 4 years to complete, and requires almost double the general education credits, and a few more credits in nursing theory, research, management, and community nursing. Kansas has an Articulation Plan (CNAK) in place, which affords mobility in transferring nursing courses into higher degree programs. Many BSN completion programs are available, and some quality ones are even offered online. Most can be completed in 1.5-3 years part-time while you are working full-time. Though frequently there is no additional pay for nurses with BSN’s, having the degree may increase your marketability and chances of promotion into management and education positions. It is also required for specialization on a master’s degree level, for students desiring to become nurse practitioners, nurse educators, clinical nurse specialists, or nurse anesthetists.

Q. How many students do you accept into your nursing program?

A. Forty 40 first year PN students in Hays and 25 PN students in Beloit are accepted once a year for the Fall semester.

B. Thirty 30 second year RN students in Hays and 20 RN students in Beloit are accepted once a year for the Fall semester.

Q. How many applicants usually apply?

A. Approximately 3 apply for each space available.

Q. Do you accept letters of recommendation?

A. No

Q. Are any courses offered in the evening?

A. The program is not structured in such a way to offer many evening experiences. Many of the general education courses can be taken online.

Q. What is the schedule of days and times for the nursing courses?

A. In Hays, it varies according to each semester and within the semester. Generally, you will be in class or lab/clinical four to five days a week. The majority of clinicals are conducted at Hays Medical Center. Practical Nursing clinical hours (approximately) are 8 hours shifts in the nursing homes, 8 hour shifts at Hays Medical Center and 12 hour shifts at Rooks County Medical Center. RN students complete a 12 hour shift at a variety of hospitals

For Beloit, generally, you will be either in class or lab/clinical five days a week. Classroom hours are 8:30 to 3:00 and generally clinical hours are 6:00 am to 6:00 pm and most clinicals are in Beloit, Salina, Glasco, Clay Center and Smith Center.  

Q. Can I take a summer class and have it considered for the class selection for Fall?

A. No. The class selection is completed in early February for first year applicants and in April for second year applicants.

Q. How do I specialize in one area of nursing, such as OB, ER, or ICU nursing?

A. All you need to “specialize” is a license as an LPN or RN. After you have been hired into your position of choice, your employer typically pays for or provides specialized training for that position, such as EKG interpretation, working with ventilators, fetal monitor interpretation, etc.

Q. If I have completed hours at another college, how will I know if these credits will transfer to Fort Hays Tech | North Central?

A. The College Registrar will determine transferability of any non- nursing/general education credits. The applicant will need to provide the course number, course name and course description in question.

Q. What if I don’t want to be an LPN but an RN?

A. The way our program is structured, applicants must complete the practical nursing year before entering the associate degree (RN) year. The licensure examination for practical nursing must be successfully completed prior to the start of the second semester for second year students. It is an individual choice whether to practice as an LPN.

Q. What is the average starting salary for graduates of the Fort Hays Tech | North Central Practical Nursing and Associate Degree in Nursing programs?

A. The average starting salary of a graduate nurse from the Fort Hays Tech | NC Practical Nurse program is about $21.28 per hour ($33,280 annually). The average starting salary of a graduate nurse from the Fort Hays Tech | NC Associate Degree in Nursing program is about $29.71 per hour ($61,790 annually).

Q. Is there a required background check?

A. Yes, all nursing applicants admitted to the program are required to have a criminal background check.

Q. Are the Practical Nursing and Associate Degree Nursing Programs Accredited?

A. Yes. Fort Hays Tech | North Central is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Institutions of Higher Education. Nursing program is approved by the Kansas State Board of Nursing and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (formerly NLNAC).

Q. I already have college credits. Can I complete the PN program in less than 9 months or the ADN program in less than 2 years?

A. No. The nursing courses are offered in sequence, so the program may not be completed in less time.

Q. Are financial aid and scholarships available?

A. Yes, financial aid is available. Please check with the financial aid office (800.658.4655) to determine your eligibility for financial aid and various college-wide scholarships.

All departments of Fort Hays Tech | North Central have been approved and accredited by the Division of Vocational Education, Kansas State Board of Education, and North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The Kansas State Board of Nursing has approved the Practical Nursing Program since its start in the Fall of 1975 and the Associate Degree Nursing Program since its start in 1996.  The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission had accredited the original PN program which was associated with the Beloit campus program.  The Hays Associate Degree Nursing program received initial accreditation from the National League of Nursing Accrediting Commission in Fall 2000. Effective May 6, 2013, NLNAC changed its name and is now the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). The Hays Associate Degree Nursing Program has full accreditation with ACEN. The next accreditation site visit by ACEN will be Fall 2029. 

The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Associate nursing program a the Beloit campus is Continuing Accreditation.

Effective February 17, 2023, this nursing program was approved for initial accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. 

The Beloit Associate Degree Nursing Program  has initial accreditation with ACEN. The next accreditation site visit by ACEN will be Spring 2029.

Kansas State Board of Nursing

900 SW Jackson St., Suite 1051

Topeka, KS.  66612-1230

785-296-4929

The Associate nursing program at Fort Hays Tech | North Central is accredited by the:

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400

Atlanta, GA 30326

(404) 975-5000

Kansas Board of Regents

1000 SW Jackson St., Suite 520

Topeka, KS  66612-1368

785-296-3421

Higher Learning Commission – North Central Association

30 N. La Salle Street, Suite 2400

Chicago, IL.  60602-2504

1-800-621-7440

Nursing is a dynamic profession and lifelong learning is essential for nurses to stay current with the increased complexity of the healthcare needs of today and into the future. In other words, the needs of our patients are changing, as we must change in order to be prepared to better serve that need.

Once you complete your ADN at Fort Hays Tech | North Central, we don’t want you to stop! Having a BSN degree allows more opportunity for employment, increased responsibility, and career progression. It opens the door for professional certification in specialty areas of nursing practice and leads to an expanded role as a provider, manager, and coordinator of patient care as well as provides the foundation for graduate education.

Today’s working RN’s can attain a BSN degree without sacrificing their present job or income by going through an accredited online program. Many employers’ education benefits often help to cover some of the expenses of advancing your degree. Currently the college has articulation agreements to Fort Hays State University, University of Kansas School of Nursing, Wichita State University,   Chamberlain College of Nursing, and Grand Canyon University.

ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) will start in September to the end of January.  There is a study manual and online practice assessments available.  Please logon to the ATI website for the study guide.  Contact our Testing Center to schedule a TEAS test.

The first year applicant shall take the entrance examination for purposes of placement in the program. Entrance testing will occur during the months of September through the end of January. The ATI test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) is used with a required cut score of 50.0% as established by the test vendor. The TEAS may be taken a total of 4 times with 28 days in between testing dates. An applicant may retake the TEAS to improve his/her score even if a 50.0% cut score or higher was achieved initially. The individual adjusted total score will be used for ranking purposes for class selection. The testing fee is $70 each time.

On Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI’s) homepage you will find a link to create an account with ATI. You will need to do this before you can take the TEAS. The link is www.atitesting.com Click on create an account link. When asked to select an institution choose Fort Hays Tech | North Central. For Student/Employee ID: put your birthday. For example, if your birthday is November 5th 1990 put 11051990. Check non-degree seeking.

Once registered, write down your username and password or print it off and bring it with you to your testing appointment. Without your username and password, you can’t take the test. Your test is taken on the computer and will be graded immediately online at the completion of the test. You will also be able to access your results online through your student account.

The TEAS was developed to measure basic essential skills in the academic content area domains of Reading, Mathematics, Science, and English and Language Usage. These entry level skills are deemed important for nursing program applicants by a panel of nursing program curriculum experts. The TEAS is a 170-item, four option, multiple-choice timed assessment test. To prepare in an organized and efficient manner, you should know what to expect from the real assessment.

Total

Two products are available to help as you prepare for the TEAS Assessment: TEAS Study Manual and the Online Practice Assessment. For a complete student preparation package, the TEAS Online Practice Assessment and the TEAS Study Manual may be purchased at www.atitesting.com/onlinestore ATI’s toll free number is 1.800.667.7531.

TECHNICAL STANDARDS ADMISSION GUIDELINES

Fort Hays Tech | North Central Nursing Program’s faculty has identified specific abilities that are critical to the nursing student’s success.  Students must demonstrate the ability to meet standards, with or without reasonable accommodations.

PHYSICAL

The nursing student shall be able to:

1. make appropriate observations required in providing nursing care.

2. manipulate equipment and supplies as required in providing nursing care.

3. use senses of hearing, seeing (color vision, depth perception, near visual acuity), touch and smell to make observations regarding client conditions for the purpose of demonstrating competency to engage in nursing practice.

4. hear telephone and have ability to take orders over the telephone.

5. hear vital signs with stethoscope to assess blood pressure, heart rate, lung and vascular and abdominal sounds.

6. hear the patient calling for help.

7. hear beepers, alarms, etc., requiring quick responses.

8. read very fine or small print on medication containers.

9. See nurse call/emergency light.

10. visually assess the patient appropriately.

11. read physicians’ orders.

12. read monitors and other equipment.

13. lift a minimum of 50 pounds unassisted and over 50 pounds assisted.

14. tolerate physically taxing workloads and function effectively under stress.

15. tolerate awkward positions, be able to grasp, handle, manipulate finger movement, reach, sit, stand, stoop and bend, twist, pull and push and have manual dexterity of both hands and fingers.  Stand for long periods of time.  Work at a fast pace for long periods of time.

16. demonstrate manual dexterity to don sterile gloves and gown.

17. demonstrate manual dexterity to prepare medications aseptically (i.e., IV, PO, IM)

18. demonstrate manual dexterity to use sterile techniques (i.e., insert catheters, IV needles, etc.).

19. demonstrate ability to utilize machinery and tools needed to carry out patient care.

20. work alternating shifts (8-12hours) days, evenings and nights.

COMMUNICATION The nursing student shall be able to:

1.effectively communicate with members of the health care team, clients, families, peers and faculty.  Skills include verbal, written/computerized and non-verbal abilities.  Must be able to hear patient sounds, voices, beepers and alarms.

2. communicate effectively and efficiently in oral and written form with all members of the health care team.  The clinical rotations require independent reading of medical records and independent recording of nursing care plans and communication analysis.

3. use diplomacy and tact.

EMOTIONAL The nursing student shall be able to:

1. demonstrate emotional coping skills necessary to provide nursing care as determined by standards of practice.  Successful students possess the emotional health required for full utilization of his/her intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgment, the prompt completion of all responsibilities involved in the diagnosis and care of clients, and the development of mature, sensitive and effective relationships with clients.

2. adapt to changing environments, display flexibility and learn to function in the face of uncertainties inherent in the clinical problems of many clients.

3. carry out activities consistent with safe nursing practice without demonstrated behaviors of addiction to, abuse of, dependence on any drug that might impair behavior or judgment.

4.   maintain a positive attitude.

COGNITIVE The nursing student shall be able to:

1. problem solve which is a critical thinking skill that is demanded of caregivers.  Critical thinking requires the following intellectual abilities: measurement, calculation, reasoning, analysis and synthesis.

2. exercise judgment skills as required in providing nursing care.

3. identify, assess, and understand client conditions to provide nursing care.  Students must have visual and hearing acuity appropriate to work within demanding clinical settings.

4. determine appropriate conclusions and course of action necessary for providing client care.

5. demonstrate responsibility and accountability for actions as a student that are required by nursing practice

6. organize materials and remember procedures and instructions.

7. pay careful attention to detail and concentrate on tasks.

8. handle multiple priorities and perform tasks during the limited time frame.

9. respond appropriately to stressful situations (physically, emotionally and mentally).

Criminal conviction may jeopardize eligibility for licensure.