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Criteria For Admission
Admission to the Nursing Program is selective with applications available on June 1 through August 31, 2023 in the Admissions Office or online at bc3.edu/admission/healthcare for the general applicant. These applications will be reviewed for the following spring semester start (January 2024). Please note that acceptance into the General Studies, Pre-Nursing program or Health Care Science program (210) DOES NOT guarantee a seat in the Practical Nursing Program proper. Applications will not be considered after this limited time period each year. For more information, please contact the Shaffer School of Nursing & Allied Health after June 1, 2023.
All applicants are considered equally regardless of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, family status, or other classification protected by applicable law. Students must be at least 18 years of age by January 1, 2024 to be eligible for admission to the Practical Nursing Program and begin clinical rotations.
Pennsylvania law prohibits the State Board of Nursing from issuing a license to anyone who has been convicted of a felony relating to a controlled substance, unless at least ten years have elapsed from the date of conviction, and the applicant satisfies other criteria of personal rehabilitation. At the time of application for licensure, the State Board also requires reporting of any crime, felony, misdemeanor, or pending criminal charges.
The Practical Nursing Program Admissions Committee assumes the responsibility to review the data of all applicants and has the right to select the best qualified individuals.
A. High School Requirements
- High school diploma from an accredited secondary school program, or successful completion of the G.E.D. Examination. High school seniors may apply.
- High school course requirements for all applicants include the completion of the following with a 2.3 GPA or better:
- 4 units of English
- 3 units of Social Studies
- 2 units of Math (one must be algebra)
- 1 unit of Chemistry (with lab) with a final grade of “C” or better. *
* If high school chemistry has been taken more than five years ago, college level chemistry courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or better. College chemistry courses used for prerequisites must have been completed within the last 5 years. The exact acceptable time frame is detailed in the Practical Nursing Program application packet.
- Courses not taken in high school may be taken at Butler County Community College or at another college. (Comparable courses may be substituted with permission of the Dean for Nursing and Allied Health). Individuals with less than a 2.3 GPA in required high school courses may be considered for admission following completion of 12 credits (either nursing program prerequisites or general studies credits), with a College Level cumulative GPA of 2.3 or better.
B. Testing
New students to BC3 with no prior college experience are required to take the Accuplacer placement tests in reading, writing, and/or math or provide proof of SAT/ACT scores meeting established cut-offs within the last five years. If it is determined that placement tests are needed, the student will be notified. If placement test scores indicate a need for skill building classes in English, reading and/or mathematics, students will be required to enroll in those courses. All developmental or preparatory classes must be completed with a minimum grade of “C” before acceptance to the program and are not considered in cumulative GPA.
C. College
- Cumulative College GPA of 2.3 or better, if applicable.
- In order to meet degree requirements, chemistry is taken prior to admission to the Practical Nursing Program, this course must have been completed within the last 5 years with a minimum grade of “C”. The exact acceptable time frame is detailed in the Practical Nursing Program application packet.
- Grade of “C” or better in any course required in the Practical Nursing Program.
- All applicants are notified as to acceptance, placement on standby, or rejection.
Special Requirements Upon Acceptance*
1. Criminal Background Clearances including FBI fingerprint are required prior to beginning the first clinical Practical Nursing course and annually thereafter for all subsequent years of program enrollment.
- In order for a student to participate in clinical coursework, clearance results must be in compliance with PA State Board of Nursing regulations 21.156b, Act 169 Older Adult Protective Services Act, and Act 34/151. A student who fails to obtain the requisite Act 169 and Act 34/151 clearances will be unable to attend the required clinical experiences and meet course objectives.
2. Satisfactory annual physical examination, tuberculin skin test, immunizations, and negative urine drug screen.
- Students must have the physical and emotional ability to provide all aspects of safe nursing care. A list of required nursing abilities is available with the admission packet.
3. Evidence of successful completion of an American Heart Association course in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for the healthcare provider.
4. Proof of health insurance coverage.
5. Malpractice liability insurance (paid with tuition).
6. Uniforms.
7. Transportation to and from clinical agencies is the responsibility of the student.
8. Clinical hours and locations vary by course and semester.
* Information will be provided following acceptance to the program. The most current information is listed above. The college reserves the right to amend requirements at any time.
After being accepted into the Practical Nursing Program, the student must maintain a 2.0 GPA in all practical nursing courses to be eligible for completion of certificate.
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