The Nursing Application process begins in October, 2012 to select the class starting the program in September of 2013. The process begins with attendance at a mandatory Application Session. You will receive your application packet at the Application Session. The dates, times and room numbers for these sessions will be posted in October in W2-2 and on the CST website. However, there are steps you can take now to improve your chance of being accepted into the program!

  

   Complete your prerequisites.

   By January of 2013, you must have taken and passed (with a C or better) the prerequisite Biology and Chemistry courses. You must take Biology 106 and either Chemistry 110 or 121&122 or 101&102 (or STS 101 which substitutes for both). You must also be at the level of Math 118 (Math 118 ready) and the level of English 101 (English 101 ready) by January of 2012. High school courses can meet the above requirements for Biology, Chemistry and Math (1 year of Biology, 1 year of Chemistry and 2 years of Algebra, each with a C or better) only if you have graduated within 10 years of applying to the program. Students applying for the Nursing class which begins in September of 2013 must have graduated in 2002 or more recently to use high school courses as prerequisites.

  

   Understand the point system and optimize your points.

   Acceptance decisions are based on a very objective point system. Students with the greatest number of points have the best chance of acceptance. You receive points for:

1)      The Allied Health Test Score. You will be scheduled to take this test after the completed application packet is received by Admissions. It is a timed, standardized test which measures basic math and reading skills. To prepare for the test, you should become a proficient reader by reading often, review basic rules of grammar, practice math problems at the Math 016 (Arithmetic) level and attend workshops on testing skills in the Learning Lab. 

2)      Grade Point Average (GPA). The minimum grade point average allowed for application is a 2.75. However, as your GPA increases, you are given more points. Therefore, it is very important to work on increasing your GPA as you take classes. Remember to use the resources of the Learning Lab where workshops and peer tutoring are available free of charge.

3)      Pattern of Success. You are given points for success in courses that you have taken within the past 2 years. Students who have no withdrawals, D’s or F’s are given the maximum number of points and students with more than 1 withdrawal, D or F are given 0 points for pattern of success. Thus, it is important to set up a course schedule that you can manage to achieve a good outcome.

 

Take courses required by the Nursing curriculum

   Consider taking Bio 109, Bio 110, Bio 241, English 101, English 102, a Math course at level 118 or higher, CIS 103, Soc 101, Diet 111, a Humanities Elective and a General Elective. These are courses required for Nursing students. Taking them now will lessen your load later.

  

Explore your options.

   Community College of Philadelphia’s Nursing Program is one of the best in the country and is a very selective program. As you work toward optimizing your chance of acceptance, also investigate other options to the program. Go on-line to learn more about area Nursing Schools. Visit the CST website to learn more about the other Health Career Programs available at the college. Remember, there is more than one pathway to a successful future!