Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a 1+1 program?
2. What is the difference between an RN and an LPN?
3. What is the difference between Associate and Baccalaureate nursing degrees?
4. How many students do you accept into your nursing program?
5. What are the requirements to get into your program?
6. What is the required GPA to get into the program?
7. How many applicants usually apply?
8. Do you accept letters of recommendation?
9. Are any courses offered in the evening?
10. What is the schedule of days and times for the nursing courses?
11. How do I specialize in one area of nursing, such as OB, ER, or ICU nursing?
12. If I have completed hours at another college, how will I know if these credits will transfer to the Nursing Program?
13. What if I don’t want to be an LPN but an RN?
14. What is the average beginning salary for graduates of the NCKTC Practical Nursing and Associate Degree in Nursing programs?
15. Is there a required background check?
16. Are the Practical Nursing and Associate Degree Nursing levels Accredited?
17. 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?
18. Are financial aid and scholarships available?
19. Where can I get more information about your program?

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 week or so.

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 week or so.

The practical nurse is educated to function in structured health care settings under the supervision of a registered nurse, or physician. The registered nurse functions in more diverse settings. The educational preparation, scope of assessment, depth of critical thinking skills, communication skills, client teaching responsibilities, legal responsibilities are leveled. Some technical skills and management styles are unique to the associate degree preparation.

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 on the Internet. Most can be completed in 1.5-3 years part-time while you are working fulltime. Though frequently there is no additional pay for nurses with BSN’s, having the degree may increase 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.

A. Thirty (30) first year PN students are accepted twice a year for classes starting in the fall and again in the spring. These students attend classes at the Technical College in Beloit.

B. Thirty six second year RN students are accepted once a year for the fall semester. These students are enrolled at Cloud County Community College in Concordia.

A. For first year applicants an application and transcripts must be submitted. Completion of the non-nursing courses, score on the pre entrance test and certification as a nurse’s aide will influence admission standing.

B. For second year students, your application and transcripts must be submitted. Completion of the non-nursing courses, IV Therapy Certification, Practical Nursing program grades, Graduating from NCKTC at the PN level and the score on the pre entrance test will influence admission standing.

There is no “required” GPA for selection however, the nursing program policy states that the required grade in all program requirements is a “C” or above. The high school transcript (or GED) is required for admission to the college; the GPA is not part of the nursing program selection criteria.

A. Approximately 2 or 3 apply for each space available.

No. References will be solicited from professional contacts such as instructors or supervisors but not from friends, relatives or social acquaintances.

The program is not structured in such a way to offer many evening clinical experiences or classroom sessions. Many of the general education courses can be taken during the evening or on line.

The schedule from August 15 – August 31, 2007 will be as follows:

Clinical experiences will begin the day after Laborday on September 4th. After this date, the anticipated schedule will be as follows

*Clinical times may vary slightly with your assigned clinical site.

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.

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 of any course in question.

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. It is an individual choice whether to practice as an LPN.

The average beginning salary of a graduate nurse from the NCKTC Practical Nurse program is about $13.50 per hour ($28,080 annually). The average Beginning salary of a graduate nurse from the NCKTC Associate Degree in Nursing program is about $18.50 per hour ($38,480 annually).

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

Yes. NCKTC and CCCC are both regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The Program is approved by the Kansas State Board of Nursing. The Associate Degree Nursing level is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).

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

Yes, financial aid is available. Please check with the financial aid office or on the web site of the respective college to determine your eligibility for financial aid and various college-wide scholarships.

You may visit our web sites: www.ncktc.edu or www.cloud.edu

For more information you may call Vera Streit at 785-738-9025 or e mail her at vstreit@ncktc.edu or vstreit@cloud.edu.