are expected to exhibit good judgement, ethical conduct and appropriate emotional functioning. These are evaluated by the School of Nursing faculty using professional nursing standards.
These standards are listed in the online handbook for undergraduate and Gateway students, and with the Director of School of Nursing and Dean of College of Health, Education and Professional Studies. A student dismissed from the School of Nursing for not meeting these standards has the right to appeal the decision. Information about the process of appeal is available in the UTC Student Handbook and the Undergraduate Catalog.
Admission to the Nursing Major (for non- RNs)
Students desiring admission or readmission to the nursing major must submit a completed written application on forms available from the School of Nursing. Candidates for the nursing major (Nursing 250-254) must make formal application by February 1 for the fall class and by September 1 for the spring class. Students transferring from other nursing programs should also submit the written application by February 1 for the fall class and September 1 for the January class. Enrollment is limited and the number of qualified applicants often exceeds the number of students who can be admitted. The following are considered when evaluating candidates for admission:
- Admission to UTC prior to the School of Nursing application deadline.
- Completion of credit hours required for sophomore classification including the following prerequisite courses with no grade lower than a C:
- Chemistry 121/123
- Biology 191, 208, 210
- English 121, 122
- Psychology 101
- Nursing 226
- A minimum grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 point scale at UTC.
- Science GPA (calculated on required sciences only). The nursing major includes a strong biophysical science component; thus the first grade earned in a required science course will be used to compute the student’s science GPA.
- Three of the five required science courses must be completed by the application deadline.
- Number of prerequisite courses completed at UTC.
- TEASTM (Test of Essential Academic Skills). This is a standardized test administered by the School of Nursing.
- Physical and emotional characteristics appropriate for nursing practice.
The faculty in the School of Nursing reserve the right to make exceptions to the admission requirements. Written requests for exceptions to admission requirements, supported by evidence of extenuating circumstances, will be considered by the academic affairs committee after an official application for admission to the School of Nursing has been filed.
Acceptance of transfer and substitute credits in nursing to meet requirements of the curriculum will be determined by the school. A student who transfers into the nursing program at UTC will be required to repeat any nursing or other required courses which are not considered comparable to the UTC curriculum or in which the grade earned is lower than a C. Transfer students must meet the same standards as other students in the program.
Candidates will receive written notification of their admission status. Candidates who are accepted for admission must complete a background check and drug screening before being fully admitted. Individuals who are not accepted for a given class, and who desire to be considered for the next class must reapply.
Admission to the Gateway Program for Registered Nurses
The Gateway Program is a flexible curriculum which enables registered nurses to obtain baccalaureate degrees in nursing while maintaining their roles in careers and families. Planned with the mid-career RN in mind, the Gateway Program is individualized and allows maximum college credit for previous educational experiences. The prospective RN student should seek advisement from the Gateway Coordinator and transcript evaluation from the Records Office for this program of study.
- Graduation from an accredited diploma or associate degree nursing program.
- Show eligibility to return to the last educational institution attended and meet UTC’s continuation standards.
- Show a C (2.00) average on all postsecondary courses.
- Admission to UTC.
- Current licensure as a registered nurse in Tennessee or multistate privilege to practice is required.
Candidates will receive written notification of their admission status. Candidates who are accepted for admission must complete a background check and drug screening before being fully admitted. Individuals who are not accepted for a given class, and who desire to be considered for the next class must reapply.
Expenses and Transportation
In addition to regular education costs, nursing students must meet the following expenses: uniforms, standardized test fees, yearly liability and health insurance, initial physical examinations, immunizations, CPR certification, respirator fit testing and others as required. Some nursing courses may require miscellaneous fees. Since clinical experiences in nursing are obtained in a variety of health care settings in local and remote areas, students are individually responsible for transportation to these sites.
Insurance and Health Requirements
Students must meet specific physical examination and immunization requirements as specified by state law and by the rules and regulations set forth by the various clinical agencies. All students must have health insurance and must participate in the school’s liability insurance program. Specific information concerning these requirements will be provided to the students at appropriate times by the nursing faculty.
Licensure (for non-RNs)
Upon successful completion of the baccalaureate program in nursing, and upon certification by the director that the student
