Pre-Admission Nursing Conference and TEAS Information

• Admission deadline for Fall 1st Tier: March 15th
• Admission deadline for Fall 2nd Tier: May 15th
• Admission deadline for Spring 1st Tier: October 15th
• Admission deadline for Spring 2nd Tier: November 1st

• The Associate Degree Nursing Program prepares students to sit for the NCLEX-RN to become Registered Nurses.
• ADN program is for four (4) semesters (prerequisites not included) 
  • 1st semester: Nursing Practice I (9 credit hours)
  • 2nd semester: Medical/Surgical Nursing I & Behavioral Health Nursing (10 credit hours)
  • 3rd semester: Medical/Surgical Nursing II & Maternal Newborn Nursing (10 credit hours)
  • 4th semester: Medical/Surgical Nursing III & Pediatric Nursing (10 credit hours)
• OCTC Nursing Program does not observe Spring Break as marked on the OCTC Academic Calendar. OCTC Nursing Program attempts to align Spring Break with our local primary school systems (i.e. Daviess County School Systems and/or Owensboro City Schools).
• OCTC Nursing Program delivers classes using a hybrid format. Nursing courses are taught using both face-to-face and online means.

• Apply for admission to OCTC if you are not currently enrolled in a KCTCS institution and declare major Associate in Science with Nursing/OWRN as student group
• You are currently viewing the Pre-Admission Conference online
• Submit the Data Report form located at the end of slide presentation. See link provided.  *This form is your official application to the Nursing Program
• Submit official transcripts from universities/colleges other than KCTCS to the OCTC Office of the Registrar  (Note: OCTC will only accept transfer courses as designated by the OCTC Registrar)
• Earn a minimum Nursing GPA ≥2.75 (Nursing GPA is determined by grades in ENG 101, Quantitative Reasoning Course at the Associate in Arts or Science level (MAT 150 preferred), Heritage/Humanities, PSY 110, BIO 137, BIO 139, and BIO 225.) or a minimum cumulative GPA ≥2.75. Please refer to nursing admission criteria.
• Meet one (1) of the two (2) criteria listed below:
  • Score an ACT Composite of 20 or above.  Official scores must be sent from OCTC or already be on file
  • Score “Proficient” (58.7%) or higher on the Assessment (TEAS V or ATI TEAS) (www.atitesting.com)

• Obtain “Active Status” on Kentucky Nurse Aide Registry 
  • If you have never been a nurse aide, you may be trained at a local health care facility (that is approved for students to complete state exam) or take NAA 100 at any KCTCS institution and pass the state board exam to become a registered nurse aide
  • Provide documentation of your active status as a State Registered Nurse Aide on the Kentucky Nurse Aide Registry. Documentation must include name, license number, and dates of license. https://kbn.ky.gov/Pages/index.aspx
• CPR CERTIFICATION: Complete a Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers Adult/Child/Infant with AED Training through the American Heart Association (AHA) or the American Red Cross (ARC).
  • Students complete American Heart Association or American Red Cross BLS/CPR for Healthcare Providers with AED.  The AHA and ARC have online courses. The online course(s) are divided into parts:
    • The theory & the practicum.
    • The theory requires a test at the end.  When you complete the theory, take the exam, and print the certificate.
    • The practicum must also be completed for this component to be met. The practicum is the “hands on” skill performance requirement.
    • Students must complete both the written/online portion of the course(s) and the skills validation/practicum component of the course(s).
    • Submit a copy (front & back) of your signed AHA or ARC BLS/CPR for Healthcare Providers with AED card. OR
    • Submit a copy of the e-certificate provided from the online AHA or ARC BLS/CPR for Healthcare Provides with AED.
  • A temporary certificate or letter from provider will be temporarily approved for 30 days by which time the permanent document must be uploaded. The renewal date will be set based on the expiration of certification.  IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE THAT ALL ASPECTS OF THIS REQUIREMENT IS COMPLETED.
• Attend a mandatory orientation before your first nursing class begins. The date and time will vary semester to semester. Applicants who are accepted into the program will receive a notification of the day and time shortly after accepting a seat in the first nursing course.   
• Students who are admitted to the OCTC Nursing Program will be required to purchase CastleBranch products early – before Financial Aid funds are available.  Students who are admitted will be provided additional information regarding creating a CastleBranch account.

• ENG 101: Writing I
• PSY 110: General Psychology 
• Quantitative Reasoning Course at the Associate in Arts or Associate in Science level (MAT 150: College Algebra preferred)
• BIO 137: Anatomy & Physiology I 
• BIO 139: Anatomy & Physiology II
• BIO 225: Medical Microbiology
• Heritage & Humanities

Upon acceptance, students will enter into the 2nd semester of the ADN Program.

• Admission deadline for Fall 1st Tier: March 15th
• Admission deadline for Fall 2nd Tier: May 15th
• Admission deadline for Spring 1st Tier: October 15th
• Admission deadline for Spring 2nd Tier: November 1st

• Apply for admission to OCTC if you are not currently enrolled in a KCTCS institution and declare major Associate in Science with Nursing/OWRN as student group
• You are currently viewing the Pre-Admission Conference online
• Submit the Data Report form located at the end of these slides. *This form is your official application to the Nursing Program
• Submit official transcripts from universities/colleges other than KCTCS to the OCTC Office of the Registrar  (Note: OCTC will only accept transfer courses as designated by the OCTC Registrar)
• Earn a minimum GPA ≥2.75 Nursing GPA (Nursing GPA is determined by grades in ENG 101, a Quantitative Reasoning course at Associate in Arts or Science level (MAT 150 preferred), Heritage/Humanities, PSY 110, BIO 137, BIO 139, and BIO 225.) or a minimum cumulative GPA ≥2.75. Please refer to nursing admission criteria

• Obtain BLS (Basic Life Support) certification for the Healthcare Provider with AED training (American Heart only)
• Attend a mandatory orientation day in August before your nursing classes begin. The date and times vary each semester but typically scheduled for the week prior to the start of classes.
• Obtain a Nursing GPA ≥2.75 or earn minimum cumulative GPA ≥2.75 (refer to nursing admission criteria)
• Demonstrate an “Active” unrestricted license as a Practical Nurse 
  • Continuing student or employed as a full-time LPN 12 of the past 36 months.
• Enroll in or have completed ENG 101 (Pre or Co Requisite)

Pre Nursing Conferences (if applicable) or Pre-Admission Nursing Conference website must be viewed online prior to each application cycle and new Data Report Form submitted

To schedule the ATI TEAS assessment, call Workforce Solutions at (270) 686-4444 (see TEAS information below).

• If unsuccessful on the TEAS, a minimum 4 week waiting period is required prior to retesting
• The TEAS may only be attempted a maximum of 3 times per calendar year

Owensboro Community and Technical College (OCTC) Associate Degree Nursing Program is accredited by the National League of Nursing (NLN) Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA) , Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and is approved by the Kentucky Board of Nursing.

Clinical facilities utilized by the OCTC Nursing Program require criminal background checks, drug screening, health screenings, and vaccinations. Clinical facilities may allow vaccination exemptions. OCTC does not have the authority to grant any exemption request. Clinical facilities can deny student participation in clinical rotations based on results of criminal background checks, drug screens, previous termination/disciplinary issues which occurred during employment by the agency, or any other reason. Completion of clinical rotations is required to successfully complete courses in the nursing program. If a clinical facility denies a student admittance to clinical for any reason, the student is subject to denial of admission and/or dismissal from the nursing program. OCTC does not accept responsibility for student ineligibility for clinical participation and subsequent consequences that may occur.

• Students who are admitted/enrolled in the OCTC Nursing Program must agree to and submit the following documentation:
  • Criminal Background check
  • Drug Screen
  • Health Screen including Hematology (CBC) and Urinalysis (UA)
  • Immunizations and Vaccination

CastleBranch is the only approved vendor for completing the Criminal Background Check; a background check completed for employment or another facility/vendor will not suffice.

• Please visit the Kentucky Board of Nursing Criminal Convictions Information website to learn more about criminal convictions and the impact a conviction may have on an individual’s ability to become a licensed Registered Nurse. Refer to the link below.

https://kbn.ky.gov/education/Pages/Consequences-of-Criminal-Convictions-for-Students.aspx

• If you anticipate any discrepancies (misdemeanors or felonies) in your background check, please contact Dr Lori Donahoo, Director of Nursing: 270-686-4548.

Drug Screenings

Required upon initial enrollment, readmission and annually throughout the student’s enrollment in the program. The Nursing Director (or designee) will view positive results. If a student has a valid prescription, which can be identified by a drug screen, the student must resolve the issue within 2 business days by working with the medical review officer of CastleBranch. If the student does not resolve a positive result related to a prescription within 2 business days or if results of the drug screen identify illegal drug use, the student will be immediately dismissed from the program.

Please note: Positive screening for cannabis cannot be resolved with a prescription.  Students who are medicinal cannabis cardholders who test positive for cannabis will not be eligible for clinical placement, per clinical facility guidelines.

Health Screenings

Required upon initial enrollment; must be completed and signed by a physician or APRN and the physical must be completed within the last 6 months.

• Hematology (CBC): Required upon initial enrollment; copies of results are not required by Nursing Department
• Urinalysis (UA): Required upon initial enrollment; copies of results are not required by the Nursing Department

The Physical/Student Health Assessment Form will be found in your CastleBranch student account. This form must be completed by a health care provider. You must complete a Hematology (CBC) and Urinalysis (UA), and results must be verified by the Health Care Provider. Do not submit copies of results from the CBC & UA.

Vaccinations

1. TB Screening: Initially, written evidence of your current annual testing along with a TB Risk Assessment form. TB screening is accomplished in the following methods:
   1. EVIDENCE OF YOUR CURRENT ANNUAL TESTING: If the current ANNUAL requirement serial testing is being completed (within the previous 12 months) submit documentation for ONE of the following:
      • Negative 1-Step TB skin Test OR
      • Negative QuantiFERON Gold Blood Test (lab report) OR
      • Negative T-Spot blood test (lab report) OR
      • If previously positive test results, submit one of the following:
        • A clear chest X-ray report signed by physician OR
        • A declination statement by your medical provider
      • The renewal date will be set for 1 year
   2. CURRENT ANNUAL SERIAL TESTING: Serial testing is being completed due to employment then 2 single step test within the previous 12 months will complete the 2-step requirement. The TB Risk Assessment must be completed, signed by the professional reviewing your TB results and submitted with one of the following testing options.  (Download File from CastleBranch for the TB Risk Assessment Form).  Submit documentation for the following:
      • Negative 1-Step TB skin Test OR
      • Negative QuantiFERON Gold Blood Test (lab report) OR
      • Negative T-Spot blood test (lab report) OR
      • If previously positive test results, submit one of the following:
        • A clear chest X-ray report signed by physician OR
        • A declination statement by your medical provider
      • The renewal date will be set for 1 year
   3. IF NO PREVIOUS TB TESTING: a 2-step test is required.  Two-step Testing (TST) is a series of two (2) TSTs administered seven (7) to twenty-one (21) days apart.  The TB Risk Assessment must be completed, signed, and submitted with one of the following testing options.  (Download File from CastleBranch for the TB Risk Assessment Form).  Submit documentation for the following:
      • Negative 1-Step TB skin Test OR
      • Negative QuantiFERON Gold Blood Test (lab report) OR
      • Negative T-Spot blood test (lab report) OR
      • If previously positive test results, submit one of the following:
        • A clear chest X-ray report signed by physician OR
        • A declination statement by your medical provider
      • The renewal date will be set for 1 year
   4. If your TB has expired you will be required to obtain the two-step process.
2. FLU VACCINE: Provide documentation of a flu shot for the current season.  This vaccine needs to be completed each year.  One of the following is required:
   
   1. Provide documentation of receiving annual flu vaccine given between Aug and May of the current academic year OR
   2. A signed declination waiver from your provider indicating a medical contraindication to the vaccine OR
   3. Proof of clinical facility approval of exemption/declination. The renewal will be set annually for 31 October for the fall semester students OR by noon on Friday the first week of class for the Fall semester.
      • Military records are acceptable for this requirement.
3. TETANUS, DIPHTHERIA AND PERTUSSIS: Provide documentation of initial Td/Tdap within the last 10 years OR documentation of initial TDaP and a Tetanus booster with the last 10 years.  Required every 10 years.
   • Military records are acceptable for this requirement.
4. MEASLES, MUMPS, RUBELLA (MMR): Record of two (2) MMR vaccines OR have titers drawn reflecting immunity to measles, mumps and rubella.
   • Military records are acceptable for this requirement.
5. HEPATITIS B: Receive the three-series vaccine (strongly recommended) OR have titer drawn reflecting immunity OR sign waiver.
   • Military records are acceptable for this requirement.
6. VARICELLA (CHICKEN POX): Receive vaccine consisting of two (2) shots OR have titer drawn reflecting immunity.
   • Military records are acceptable for this requirement.
7. COVID-19 VACCINATION: 
   1. Provide and submit one of the following:
      
      • Evidence of previous doses of COVIDE-19 Vaccination OR
      • Updated 2023-2024 COVIDE-19 Vaccine OR
      • Proof of clinical facility approval of exemption/declination
   2. Documentation must include the vaccine manufacturer.
   3. The clinical facilities will determine the process to apply for an exemption/declination, if applicable.  The clinical facilities will determine student eligibility for exemption/declination.  If an exemption/declination is granted, proof must be submitted to CastleBranch.

All students will be obliged to comply with the requirements of our clinical facilities. Please do not submit any court Affidavits or other legal court documents into your CastleBranch account.  Failure to comply with the specified requirements will require withdrawal from the program. Alternate clinical placement will not be granted based on vaccination status. 

Note: We will not be able to answer questions related to exemptions/whether a request will be approved or not. Exemptions will not be determined by OCTC faculty and staff.

Communication

• All communication from the Nursing Department (including your acceptance or denial into the program) will occur via your KCTCS student e-mail account
• If you do not have a KCTCS account, please list an alternate e-mail address on your Data Report Form
• Fall Acceptance/Denial letters should be sent in April
• Spring Acceptance/Denial letters should be sent in October
• It is the recommendation of the Nursing Faculty at OCTC that any accepted student review their A&P content carefully as proficient knowledge of this content will be expected in all NSG courses