Nursing Admissions Criteria 

Admission Procedure for the Nursing Program

1. All students must meet the following prerequisites prior to application to the nursing program:
• High School diploma or GED
• Application to the college
• COMPASS placement test or valid ACT scores. See www.jjc.edu/info/compass for more information. Complete required developmental courses in Reading, Writing and Math with a grade of "C" or better or previous college credit in English and/or Math
• Completion of BIO 250, Chemistry 100 with a grade of “C” or better/ or One year of high school chemistry with grade of “C” or better for both semesters. Completion or placement of English 101, completion or proficiency of Math 090
• Minimum GPA of 2.0
• Must meet residency requirements as defined by Joliet Junior College
• Schedule nursing advisor appointment once you have submitted high school transcript and completed required placement test. All college transcripts must be submitted and evaluated prior to nursing advisor appointment.
2. Applications for the Nursing Program will be accepted by the Admissions Office twice a year for the fall and the spring semester. Applications are to be submitted online.  The application period for the fall class will be February 1 through February 15. The application period for the spring class will be August 1 through August 15. If a student is not admitted into the program after applying, another application must be submitted for the following application period. No applications will be kept on file after the start of the semester.
3. If a student has attended another college(s), transcripts must be submitted for evaluation no later than December 1st for the February application period and June 1st for the August application period. The student must complete a Transcript Evaluation Form and submit it to the Academic Credentials Office.
4. Because of the large volume of applicants for the nursing program, a ranking system will be used to determine admission. Each eligible application will be given a number for anonymity by the Admissions Office and all demographic data will be removed. Applications will then be sent to the Nursing Admissions Committee. Applicants will be scored and ranked based on:
• TEAS Composite Score
• TEAS Reading Score
• Calculated GPA for ENG 101; PSYCH 101; PSYCH 215; HEAL 109, BIO 250; BIO 251 whether taken at JJC or transferred in. If a class was taken twice, the highest grade will be used to calculate the GPA. If a student has "clepped" out of a class (using the College Level Examination Program CLEP- test), the grade will be counted as a "C". If less than 12 credit hours of college courses completed, the high school GPA will be used.
• Number of pre-requisite/general education classes completed (ENG 101; PSYCH 101; PSYCH 215; HEAL 109, BIO 250; BIO 251).
5. In order to maximize the chance for success in the nursing program, it is highly encouraged that students take the above courses before applying to the nursing program. NURS 100 is also strongly recommended for all nursing applicants, especially those who did not place into ENG 101 or MATH 094 based on COMPASS scores.
6. Admitting criteria is subject to change. It is the applicant's responsibility to review the criteria on a regular basis.
7. Approximately 10 business days after the application deadline, a letter will be sent via the JJC email account to the student acknowledging receipt of the application and providing dates for the ATI Test for Essential Academic Skill (TEAS). All qualified candidates are required  to take the ATI Test for Essential Academic Skill (TEAS) version “V” (5).  This exam evaluates math skills, reading comprehension, and English and science proficiency. The fee for this exam is approximately $40. The TEAS test is mandatory.  It may only be taken once per each application period (other restrictions may apply). Scores from other schools that are not version “V” (5) of the TEAS will not be used for consideration.  The study guide is available at www.atitesting.com Students may also study from the current study guides available in the JJC library. 
8. Students will be notified via the JJC email account of their acceptance into the program or denial.
9. Upon admission to the nursing program all students are required to have on file in the Department of Nursing and Allied Health:
   • A current physical examination which includes specified immunizations and laboratory work.
   • Verification of successful completion of CPR for Healthcare Providers.
   • Current criminal background check and drug screen.