Nursing FAQs
Hopefully these frequently asked questions will help you find the information you need! If you have additional questions, please contact Betty Cole.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Nursing applications are available online only during the designated application period outlined in the current Nursing Information Packet.
Please refer to the Nursing Information Packet for specific dates and instructions. If you have questions about the application process, contact Betty Cole at bcole@sscc.edu.
The Practical Nursing (PN) Program is offered on both the Brown Campus (Mt. Orab) and the Central Campus (Hillsboro) to provide flexible scheduling options for students.
The Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Program, including the LPN-to-RN pathway, is offered on the Central Campus in Hillsboro.
Campus availability may vary by cohort and space. Students are encouraged to review the Nursing Information Packet for current offerings and speak with an advisor regarding scheduling and campus options.
Application periods vary by program, pathway, and cohort. Specific application deadlines and submission instructions are outlined in the current Nursing Information Packet.
Because timelines may change from year to year, applicants should carefully review the most recent Nursing Information Packet to ensure they are applying during the correct window for their intended program (Practical Nursing, Associate Degree Nursing, or LPN-to-RN Transition).
Admission decisions are communicated directly to applicants through their official SSCC email account. Notification timelines vary by program and cohort; please refer to the current Nursing Information Packet for specific details. Early admission notifications may be issued as applications are reviewed, so applicants are encouraged to submit materials as early as possible within the designated application window.
Congratulations! If you are offered admission to the Nursing Program, your acceptance letter will outline the next steps required to secure your seat. Applicants must respond by the stated deadline and formally accept their seat in the program to confirm enrollment. Be sure to monitor your SSCC email regularly for important information regarding required documentation, onboarding steps, and orientation details. Orientation sessions are held prior to the start of each cohort and provide essential information to support a smooth and successful transition into the Nursing Program.
Any non-nursing course may be taken once accepted at SSCC. If not completed before beginning the program, the course must be successfully completed (earned grade of C or higher) during the semester it is listed in the program outline in order to progress to the next semester. Please note, if non-nursing courses are completed prior to entering the program, the credit hours per semester will be less while in the program and may affect the amount of Financial Aid you receive each term.
Yes, all documents listed must be included in your application packet. You may ask admissions or student records for a copy of the transcript to include in your packet.
No, any coursework from other schools must be officially evaluated and transferred to SSCC by the Office of Admissions. Allow at least 2-3 weeks for this process.
No, all admission criteria must be completed before an application can be submitted.
Admission to the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) and Practical Nursing (PN) programs is competitive. Applicants are ranked based on performance in required prerequisite coursework and, for ADN and PN applicants, HESI entrance exam scores. Available seats are offered to the highest-ranked applicants.
LPN-to-RN applicants are ranked based on prerequisite coursework grades as outlined in the current Nursing Information Packet.
Prerequisite Course Point System:
Applicants receive points for grades earned in required prerequisite courses:
- A = 3 points
- B = 2 points
- C = 1 point
If a required prerequisite or designated non-nursing course is repeated after earning a grade below C, one point will be deducted from the applicant’s total ranking score.
Please refer to the current Nursing Information Packet for complete details regarding eligible courses and ranking criteria.
A college course will be ranked above the high school credit.
The lowest college course (i.e., BIOL 1104 or higher) completed with a "C" or higher will be used.
Prior to registering for the HESI A2 exam, please contact Betty Cole for instructions, success resources, and next steps.
- bcole@sscc.edu
- 937-393-3431 ext. 2640
- Office 316
Yes, 2 attempts are permitted per 12 month period but you must pre-register and pay for each test. We do recommend remediation between attempts, however.
If you have taken the entrance exam multiple times, you may choose which score to submit with your application packet. We recommend submitting your highest score to ensure your application reflects your strongest academic performance.
Materials to assist in preparing for the HESI exam are available in the library, bookstore, or for purchase through Evolve at https://evolve.elsevier.com/cs/product/9780323353786?role=student.
The pre-entrance test must be completed within 24 months of application.
STNA/CNA course completion certification (or a comparable healthcare skill set) is not required at the time of application, but it is required prior to entering the Nursing Program.
SSCC offers training during multiple sessions throughout the year to help students meet this requirement. Applicants who are already working in a healthcare setting may submit documentation verifying an equivalent skill set.
No, every student must meet all admission criteria and submit all required documentation.
A past felony or misdemeanor conviction may disqualify a student from completing the clinical/practicum requirements of a Nursing program and therefore, would not be able to complete the associated course and/or program. Also, the student may be prohibited from taking a state licensure/certification exam.
You may also choose to have a background check completed and have the results reviewed by a committee from the Nursing Department.
The Ohio Board of Nursing also provides information in the "Criminal Fact Check".
The Nursing Program includes in-person classroom instruction, lab, simulation, and clinical experiences. Schedules vary by semester and course, and clinicals may be held on different days, including occasional evenings or weekends, depending on site availability.
Because nursing education is rigorous and hands-on, students should plan for a significant time commitment and maintain flexibility until official schedules are released. Students may not work the shift immediately prior to a scheduled clinical experience.
