Associate Degree Nursing (pathway to RN) | ACTC

Education & Training

Associate Degree Nursing (pathway to RN)

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to the Associate Degree Nursing Program at Ashland Community and Technical College (ACTC), each applicant must meet the following admission criteria:

  • Submit a current application for admission to ACTC and meet ACTC admission requirements.  
  • Send transcripts of post-secondary work completed at other institutions to ACTC’s admissions office. 
  • Submit results of ACT score or equivalent to ACTC’s admissions office.
  • Attend an in-person advising conference with the nursing program administrator (or designee) OR submit a certificate of completion after viewing the online advising conference provided on the nursing programs website.   
  • Have a global GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale. This calculation is completed by the admissions office and includes grades for all college course work. 
  • Register and take the NLN Preadmission Exam (NLN NEX). 
  • Submit required documents and application by March 31st. 
  • Pass NAA100 (or 75-hour equivalent nurse aide training course) AND pass the state nurse aide exam AND submit proof of active, good standing status on a state nurse aide registry by the first day of nursing courses. 
  • Pre-requisite courses must be completed prior to the first day of nursing courses (see semester plan). Math and science pre-requisite courses must be completed with a grade of C or higher. 
  • Register and take the NLN Preadmission Exam (NLN NEX).  NLN NEX scores must be dated no more than three years prior to the current application deadline. Scores greater than three years prior to the current application deadline will not be accepted.  NLN NEX exams must be proctored in person.  Scores for NLN NEX exams proctored using the online option will not be accepted. 

Information to consider when applying:

  • Applications and/or transcripts submitted after the deadline will not be considered. 
  • Be certain you apply for the correct nursing program. Applications submitted for the wrong program will not be considered. 
  • Test scores and course grades obtained after the deadline will not be considered in the application process. 
  • GPA calculations are not rounded. 
  • The registration and expense for taking the NLN NEX is the responsibility of the student. Registration should be completed on the nursing programs webpage. 
  • Students are encouraged to meet with their assigned advisor to ensure:
    1. All admission criteria have been met. 
    2. All pre-requisite courses will be completed as required. 
    3. Opportunities to improve chances for selection have been explained. 
  • Communication regarding acceptance to the nursing program will take place via email.  The applicant must provide an active, valid email address to be used for this purpose on the nursing program application. 
  • If selected to the program, students must attend the mandatory new nursing student orientation. The date and time will be announced by the nursing program administrator. 
  • If selected to the program, students must complete all clinical requirements by the designated deadline provided during mandatory orientation.  Clinical requirements include but are not limited to a background check, drug screen, submitting vaccination records, TB testing, etc. The expense of completing the clinical requirements is the responsibility of the student. 
  • A state board of nursing may deny a nursing graduate permission to sit for the national licensing exam (NCLEX-RN) if the individual has been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony involving acts that bear directly on the qualifications of the graduate to practice nursing. 
  • Admission is open to all qualified applicants regardless of economic or social status and without discrimination based on race, color, creed, sex, sexuality, marital status, beliefs, age, national origin, or disability. 
  • The college will, in compliance with KCTCS regulations and in the manner and to the extent permitted by law, endeavor to provide opportunities to all students to promote diversity among the student population in the nursing program. 
  • The number of students admitted to the nursing program may be limited due to staffing and physical resources or restricted by licensing or accreditation boards. 
  • Students admitted to the nursing program will be required to follow standards, policies and guidelines contained in the nursing student handbook provided to students prior to the start of nursing courses.


Preference (selection points) will be awarded as follows to applicants who have met all admission criteria:

  • Applicants with an ACT score of 20 or higher (or equivalent).
  • Applicants with an NLN NEX score above the 35th percentile.
    • This exam may be taken twice during the application period of August 1st through March 31st and the higher score will be considered when awarding points. 
    • Applicants must wait at least 30 days between test dates. 
  • High school graduates who demonstrate above average standing with a high school GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 grade scale at the time of application will receive selection points.  
  • Applicants who have completed 12 or more credit hours in the approved curriculum will receive selection points for a global GPA of 3.0 or higher (the global GPA includes grades for all college coursework). 
  • Applicants who have completed 12 or more credit hours in the approved curriculum will receive selection points for completing those credit hours on the first attempt with a grade of C or better. Points in this area will not be awarded if the applicant has received a grade of D, E, or W in any curriculum course(s) taken.  
  • Applicants who have completed 12 or more credit hours in the approved curriculum on the first attempt with a grade of C or better AND have a GPA of 3.0 for their grades in those completed curriculum courses will receive selection points.   

Semester Plan

Application

Please Note: Application to a program does not guarantee acceptance.

HEALTHCARE TESTING

To be considered for selective points, applicants must take exam prior to the application deadline. 

  • Testing Registration Page
    • Note: You will need to register for your exam on the Testing Registration Page by clicking “Begin Registration” on the exam date that you plan on taking the test. If you do not do this, you may not be able to take the exam at that time.

NLN NEX-RN Test

Cost - $62.50
Length – 3 hours

Testing Dates
  • Sept 10, 2024 9am and 3pm 
  • Oct 15, 2024 3pm
  • Oct 17, 2024 9am
  • Nov 7, 2024 9am and 3pm
  • Dec 3, 2024 3pm
  • Dec 5, 2024 3pm
  • Jan 14, 2025 9am 
  • Jan 16, 2025 3pm
  • Feb 11, 2025 3pm
  • Feb 13, 2025 9am
  • Mar 11, 2025 9am
  • Mar 13, 2025 3pm - last NLN NEX until September 2025

Advising Conference

Before applying for the Associate Degree Nursing program, review the ADN Advising Conference presentation online. When you are finished, fill out and sign the ADN Online Advising Certificate of Completion. Please submit the certificate with your application.