2018-19 BTC Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Nursing
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Overview
Bellingham Technical College Nursing Program is nationally accredited through the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
ACEN
3343 Peachtree Rd. NE, Ste. 850 Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000
www.acenursing.org
If you’re interested in building a rewarding career in the high-demand field of nursing, then Bellingham Technical College’s nursing program is for you!
Program Options
There is one Nursing Program at BTC which has two degree options. The two-year associate degree Nursing Program is an Associate Degree in Nursing Direct Transfer Agreement/Major Ready Pathway (DTA/MRP) and uses a concept-based curriculum with a full-time option only. Advanced placement students who are Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) are accepted into the second year (4th quarter) of the program on a space available basis. These advanced placement students complete the same curriculum and graduate ready to sit for their National Council Licensure Examination – Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN), but their degree is an Associate in Applied Science – Transfer (AAS-T) degree. Academic preparation includes core courses in arts and sciences and those focusing on basic nursing skills and knowledge.
Degree Options
Associate Degree in Nursing DTA/MRP: The Associate in Nursing DTA/MRP has been collaboratively developed by the Washington State community and technical colleges, in conjunction with the four-year universities in Washington State to create a shorter, smoother pathway to the Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. The Associate Degree in Nursing DTA/MRP is a 3+1 pathway. This means that students spend 1 year (3 quarters full-time) completing prerequisite coursework. They then spend 2 years (6 quarters full-time) completing core nursing courses. Between prerequisites and nursing courses, students will spend 3 years earning their Associate Degree. Upon graduation from BTC, students will be prepared to test for licensure as a Registered Nurse. Graduates will be eligible to apply for admission to state-approved RN-BSN programs at WA state colleges and universities where they will spend 1 year (4 quarters full-time) completing their BSN. DTA/MRP credits are transferable to Washington state RN-BSN programs and will meet most if not all General University Requirements (GUR). Applicants are encouraged to plan early for Baccalaureate Degree completion by meeting with an admissions advisor at their school of choice.
The Nursing Program enters cohorts of 20 students in Fall, 20 students in Winter, and 20 students in Spring quarter for a total of 60 available cohort seats every academic year. Applicants must also have healthcare experience and submit an Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) transcript showing proficient or higher scores in all four assessment areas.
Associate Degree in Nursing Advanced placement (LPN-RN): This pathway is designed for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) who wish to complete their Associate Degree in Registered Nursing. LPNs holding an active WA license may apply for advanced placement into a second year RN cohort. LPN students take three quarters of second year nursing classes. Upon completion, students are prepared to test for licensure as a Registered Nurse and can apply for admission to state-approved RN-BSN programs at Washington State colleges and universities. Currently the Nursing Program enters LPN students as advanced placement into a second year cohort (4th quarter) on a space-available basis.
Starting in Spring Quarter 2019 the Nursing Program has been granted provisional approval to start a part-time evening LPN-RN completion option. These students will be able to graduate with the Nursing DTA/MRP and meet the college and state goal to increase seamless academic progression for all nursing students. This option will be six quarters part-time (18 months) and cohorts will start every two years as demand dictates. As of May 1, 2018, LPN-RN applicants will no longer be offered advanced placement into the second year of the two-year program. LPN-RN applications received after this date will be applying to the part-time cohort.
Over the next two academic years, the Nursing Program will be phasing out the AAS-T degree and all nursing students will graduate with the DTA/MRP.
General Information
The Associate Degree Nursing program is approved by the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission (NCQAC). The NCQAC may be reached at PO Box 47864 Olympia, WA 98504-7864 360-236-4700 nursing@doh.wa.gov.
Bellingham Technical College is an equal opportunity institution. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon requests to individuals with disabilities – please contact Accessibility Resources at 360-752-8576 for information.
Program Entry Information
2 Year RN DTA/MRP Program Start
The application window for all three cohorts (Fall, Winter and Spring) will open each year in mid-July. Completed application packets will be accepted at a designated time and students will be added to the Annual Program List for Nursing (APL-N) on a first-come first-served basis. Please refer to the Nursing Program webpage for current deadlines and dates.
Each academic year, Applicants on the APL-N will be offered cohort seats for Fall, Winter and Spring quarters in mid-August. The APL-N will remain open for complete applications through Fall and Winter, closing at the beginning of Spring quarter. Once the APL-N is closed at the beginning of Spring quarter, it will be cleared and students will need to reapply. Applications will not be retained past the academic year applied for.
New Admissions Process Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Two Year Associate Degree Admissions Guidelines
Annual Program List Nursing (APL-N) Procedure
LPN Advanced Placement Program Start
LPN’s who are interested in applying to the Nursing program should meet with the Nursing Student Navigator and attend a Nursing Info Session to plan a course of study. Please call Jennifer Tachiyama at 360-752-8481 or email at jennifer.tachiyama@btc.edu to make an appointment.
The program will no longer be entering LPNs into the second year of the full-time program beginning May 1, 2018. After that date, all advanced placement LPN students will apply to the new part-time evening cohort. This cohort will enter 20 students in Spring quarter every two years as demand indicates. The next cohort entering students will begin Spring 2019.
LPN - RN Admissions Process Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
LPN – RN Admission Guidelines
Testing Requirements
The ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills version 6 (ATI TEAS v. 6) is required for admission into the Nursing Program. Applicants must score at the “PROFICIENT” level or higher in each of the four areas, see the detailed table in the ATI TEAS handout.
Pre-Program Course Requirements
Meet with the Nursing Student Navigator to plan a course of study
Each prerequisite must achieve a B (3.0) or higher unless otherwise indicated.
Prerequisites marked with * must achieve a C (2.0) or higher
ALL COURSES MUST BE A MINIMUM OF 5 QUARTER CREDITS OR 3 SEMESTER CREDITS
Program Application/Forms
Other Application Forms
AFTER Admissions acceptance into the program and prior to beginning Nursing classes students must submit proof of the following:
- Be at least 18 years of age at the time classes start
- Clinical Placement Requirements
- Tuberculosis (TB) Handout
- Criminal Background Check
- 10-Panel Drug Screen
- Current American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Provider CPR
- HIV/AIDS Certification (7 Hours)
- Medical Insurance Coverage
- Create an online account with Castle Branch and pay a fee of approximately $90.00 for the background check and drug screen.
Program Tuition/Fees: Program fees address distinct and specified costs such as lab assistants, supplies, materials, equipment, rentals, software licensing, replacement and upgrade, maintenance, and other operational costs.
Program Outcomes
The BTC Associate Degree Nursing graduate will be able to:
- Nursing Care: Integrate the nursing process to deliver individualized culturally competent care.
- Self-Care Promotion: Formulate strategies to promote the health of self and others.
- Professionalism: Model integrity through professional boundaries, ethical behaviors, and respectful communication.
- Collaborative Leadership: Maximize positive health outcomes through the promotion of evidence-based clinical care within the interdisciplinary team.
- Clinical Judgment: Model safe nursing care by integrating critical thinking, evidence-based practice, and prioritization.
Degree and Certificate Requirements
Nursing DTA/MRP Degree completion requires a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or greater and minimum grade of B- /2.7 for all Program Core courses, and minimum grade of B/3.0 for all academic courses.
ProgramsDirect Transfer Agreement/Major Related Program
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