LVN to RN Transition Associate of Applied Science Admissions Guide

LVN to RN TRANSITION

Due to numerous factors, the HCC Coleman College for Health Sciences Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Program has decided to temporarily stop accepting new students. Periodically check back for updates related to when we will be accepting new ADN students.  For an alternate pathway into Nursing, HCC's Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN) program continues to accept new students.  Graduates of the HCC LVN program are awarded priority admission into the LVN-to-ADN transition program.  Please visit https://www.hccs.edu/programs/areas-of-study/health-sciences/licensed-vocational-nursing-lvn/ for information on our LVN program.  For questions, please contact one of our Coleman Campus Pathway advisors through an email to coleman.advising@hccs.edu or over a phone call to 713-718-7145 or by visiting the Coleman campus.

(Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admissions)

 
Term Applications Accepted
Immunization/ CPR/Health
Insurance/Physical Examination form submission
deadline 
Student Notified of
Conditional Acceptance
Status by
Drug Screening
/BON Submission
Deadline 
Spring: 

 

 

 

 

Program Duration, Study Mode and Class Schedule Information

Program Duration (Number of Semesters)Study Mode
Full Time: 3 semesters Part Time: N/A Classroom & Clinical Sites

 

  • Program days and times may vary, but you should plan to attend classes 3-4 days a week.
  • Day classes are generally between 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Evening classes are generally between 5 p.m.- 10 p.m. (if scheduled).
  • Clinical sites are located in the Medical Center and surrounding areas.
  • Students only attend clinical once per week per course. Some clinicals are offered on Saturday or Sunday depending on clinic availability. Please plan accordingly to ensure you have proper transportation. Clinical is offered days (7 a.m.-7 p.m.), evenings (3 p.m.-11 p.m.), and nights (7 p.m.-7 a.m.)

 

Program Admissions Statistics

On average, approximately 30 students apply for admission each application period. Of these, approximately 7-10 applicants are typically accepted.

 

How Do I Submit An Application?

  • If you are new to Houston Community College (HCC) or transferring to HCC, your first step is to become an HCC Eagle by submitting a free admissions application to HCC. Please create a profile and complete the application to obtain an HCC student ID:https://goapplytexas.org/ . If you have filled out an HCC application at any point, or you already have an HCC student ID number, please do not submit another HCC Multiple HCC new student applications and/or ID numbers are not allowed and may impede you from progressing to the next steps of submitting a nursing program application. Alert! In addition to this HCC online application, you must complete and submit the online application form for the Nursing program.
  • Complete Program Information Session.
    Please register at: https://www.hccs.edu/programs/areas-of-study/health-sciences/nursing/ to complete the online program session. You will be contacted by the program prior to the date and time of your registered session. If you have questions regarding the online delivery of program information sessions, please contact the program via email: coleman.nursing@hccs.edu. Please note this is not mandatory, but is highly recommended.
  • Complete all academic prerequisites, scan your unofficial transcripts in pdf format to attach with the online application If you attended more than one college/university, please combine all files into one pdf file and attach to the online application showing completion of prerequisite/academic courses. Please note, all official transcripts must be emailed to co.enrollment@hccs.edu. If your prerequisites are from HCC, you do not need to submit an official transcript.
    For more information, please visit: https://www.hccs.edu/applying-and-paying/.
    If you an international student please visit: https://www.hccs.edu/support-services/international- students/.
    If you are Veteran student, please visit: https://www.hccs.edu/support-services/veteran-affairs/veterans-academy/
    Attach Current LVN State of Texas Certificate to the online application
  • Complete the Health Education Systems, Inc. (HESI) – A2 Pre-entrance exam, download assessment results from the website https://elsevier.com/, save it on .pdf format to attach with the online application. The application will be incomplete if HESI exam results are not attached to the online application upon application submission.
  • Once you have completed all of your academic prerequisites courses, the HESI exam, and previously mentioned pdf file documents, you are ready to submit a Nursing program application form via online: http://www.hccs.edu/coleman-application using your HCC Student ID number.
    Note: Applicant can submit one application per program for the application period. After the submission, applicant will not be able to make further edits nor upload supporting documents including but not limited to HESI, unofficial transcripts, etc… Therefore we strongly encourage applicant to check and verify all information on the application and submit completed supporting documents by the application deadline. If applicant is planning to retake any HESI section/s, we encourage applicant to wait to retake section(s) and then only submit the completed application with supporting documents by the deadline.
  • Complete immunizations and other health requirements, and upload proof of completion to the Complio system by specified deadlines. How to create a Complio account and instructions will be found in the section of
    Program Application: Immunization & Other Health Requirements.

 

 

Program Application: Academic Course Requirements

Course DescriptionCredit Hours

Student Success Course

Required only if new to college or transferring to HCC with less than 12 college level credits

  • EDUC 1300 – Learning Framework

Prerequisite Courses GPA

Minimum Prerequisite Courses GPA 3.0 or higher - - ENGL 1301, PSYC 2301, BIOL2301& BIOL 2101 or (formerly BIOL2401) and BIOL 2320/2120 or ( BIOL 2120)

Prerequisite Courses

Completion of the following courses with a minimum grade of ‘C’ upon application submission.  

 
BIOL 2301 and BIOL 2101 (formerly BIOL 2401) – Anatomy & Physiology I (LEC/LAB)
Must be completed within 5 years of the application deadline, will only be able to take course 2 times in the 5-year period, if the course has expired. The student is permitted to retake the course up to 2 times only.
4
PSYC 2301 – Introduction to Psychology  3 
ENGL 1301 – English Composition I  3

BIOL 2320 and BIOL 2120 (formerly BIOL 2420) – Microbiology (LEC/LAB).
(Successfully completion of General Biology - BIOL 1306 & BIOL 1106 (formerly BIOL 1406) OR BIOL 2301 & BIOL 2101 (formerly BIOL 2401) is required for enrollment in Microbiology)

Must be completed within 5 years of the application deadline, will only be able to take course 2 times in the 5-year period, if the course has expired. The student is permitted to retake the course up to 2 times only.
4

PSYC 2314 – Human Growth and Development: Life Span
if taken, must be completed within five years of the application deadline.

3

BIOL 2302 and BIOL 2102 (formerly BIOL 2402) – Anatomy & Physiology II (LEC/LAB), if taken, must be completed within five years of the application deadline.
Must be completed within 5 years of the application deadline, will only be able to take course 2 times in the 5-year period, if the course has expired. The student is permitted to retake the course up to 2 times only.

4

Humanities/Fine Arts Elective: Please check HCC Catalog to find out acceptable Humanities/Fine Arts courses, or please contact program advisor via email at: coleman.advising@hccs.edu .

3

Placement Test

College level reading and writing are required to take the academic prerequisite courses. If assessed below college-level math, applicant must show proof of completion of MATH 0314P, with a grade of “C” or higher).

If you would like to determine your eligibility by calculating your cumulative points earned, please use our Admission Rubric.

https://www.hccs.edu/programs/areas-of-study/health-sciences/nursing/forms/

 

Program Application: HESI-A2 Pre-Entrance Exam

The HESI-A2 entrance exam is required to apply to Nursing programs at HCC Coleman. Please contact HCC Coleman College Testing Center at 713-718-5170 or via email at coleman.testing@hccs.edu to schedule your HESI exam. Please note there are no exceptions or substitutions for this exam.
Applicant must attach HESI exam scores, including Learning style and Personality style to HCC Coleman Nursing Program online application. The application will be declined if the HESI-A2 pre-entrance exam scores are not submitted with the application upon submission.
  • If applicant is planning to retake any HESI section/s, we encourage applicant to wait to retake section(s) and then only submit the completed application with supporting documents by the deadline.
    Applicant must take each of the following required sections:
Required SectionsRequired Scores
 Anatomy & Physiology     85% or Higher
 Grammar  85% or Higher
 Math  85% or Higher
 Reading  85% or Higher
 Vocabulary  85% or Higher
 Biology  Required for admission consideration
 Chemistry Required for admission consideration
 Learning Style  Indicate your learning style per HESI Assessment 
Personality Style  Indicate your personality style per HESI Assessment

 

  • Payment of $75.00 must be made by either credit or debit card.
  • HESI-A2 Pre Entrance Exam is valid for this period (between August 1, 2021, and September 14, 2022) of the application deadline date – September 14, 2022. 
  • Applicant may retake the unsatisfactory section(s). 
  • Applicant is allowed to submit upto two HESI transcripts for that application period. It is recommended to wait at least 60 days before retesting.
  • Please note HESI official scoring sheets must be downloaded directly from Elsevier/Evolve website on a .pdf format (regardless taken at HCC or outside of HCC) - No exceptions.
  • HESI Remediation through Elsevier is FREE. 

 

How to obtain your HESI exam scores:

To find your HESI exam scoring information on evolve.elsevier.com

  • Go to the Students Welcome page.
  • Log in to your Evolve Account, then click “HESI Assessment – Student access.”
  • Under the “My Exams” tab locate your exam
  • Click “View Results.”
  • Click “Results Report.” (Save this document as PDF.)

 

 

Program Application: Immunizations and Other Health Requirements

Students must complete and upload the following documentation to the Complio System via the website- houstoncccompliance.com follow the prompts to create an account: (Client Immunization Compliance) by the specified deadline.

Proof of the followings:

  • Hepatitis B Series and Positive Titer (within five years)
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) and Positive Titer (within five years)
  • Varicella (Chickenpox) and Positive Titer (within five years)
  • Tuberculosis (TB) skin test or blood test (required every year). If the results are positive, a chest x-ray (repeated every two years) is required.
  • Tetanus (Tdap) – within the past 10 years
  • Meningococcal Conjugate (MenACWY) vaccine (Meningitis) if under age 22. For more information regarding the bacterial meningitis vaccination, please click here.
  • Current American Heart Association (AHA), Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR Card (course must follow AHA guidelines): Cards will not be accepted from any other source besides AHA:https://cpr.heart.org/en/course-catalog-search/purchase-options
  • Proof of health insurance: please note student’s full name must be on insurance card for the Proof of personal health insurance: If you need to purchase health insurance, please visit: https://hccs.edu/resourcesfor/current- students/student-health-insurance/ for a list of health care insurance providers that HCC has compiled as a courtesy to students who wish to contact a potential provider to meet their personal health insurance needs. Students are advised to contact more than one company and compare offerings. Please note Harris County Gold Card is not acceptable for this purpose.
  • If you are an international student, a valid F-1 student visa must be uploaded.
  • Physical Examination Form (found on Complio system, completed and signed by the physician. A physical examination is required and must be within one year prior to start Once the form is complete, please upload the form back to Complio.
  • If you have a COVID-19 medical or religious exemption, you must complete the forms on the Complio system and upload a letter from your physician or clergy, minister, stating reasons for exemption.
  • Payment of $32.00 must be made directly to Payment methods include debit card with Visa, Mastercard logo, gift card (Visa, Mastercard, or American Express), and money order. No refunds will be issued.


Instructions of How to Place order on Immunization & Other Health Requirements on Complio website.

  • Go to http://houstoncccompliance.com/ 
  • When you place your initial order, you will be prompted to create your secure Complio Account.
  • Click on create an order and select the immunization compliance tracker package Immunization Tracking.
  • Enter your personal information including residential history
  • Sign the disclosure forms and submit your payment
  • The email address you use when placing your order will be the primary form of communication for alerts and messages.
  • During order placement you will be asked for personal identifying information needed for security or compliance purposes. Supplying accurate and comprehensive information is important to the speed in which your order is completed.
  • You can respond to any active alerts or To-Do List items by logging into your Complio You will receive alerts if the information is needed to process your order.

From within your Complio account, you will be able to:

  • View your order results.
  • Upload and store important documents and records.
  • Manage requirements specific to your program.
  • Place additional orders as needed.
  • Complete tasks as directed to meet deadlines.

Complio is a third-party organization. Make your payments directly by following payment instructions on their website. Your Complio Service Desk is available to assist you via phone: Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. -5 p.m. (MT) Mountain Time 800-200-0853.

Students who are re applying to the program must need to know following:

Applicant must purchase a Complio account and previous records will no longer be used from Castlebranch system.


 

Clinical Requirements for Program Progression & Completion

To provide students with the most robust clinical educational experience and to ensure that students progress and graduate as scheduled, it is highly recommended that applicants weigh all of their options before agreeing to a conditional acceptance into their desired health science program. In order to facilitate this decision-making, students should understand all of the requirements of their program, including clinical education.

To be placed in a clinical educational experience, students must comply with the guidelines and requirements of HCC clinical sites, including health and wellness directives. Most clinical sites require background checks, health testing, drug screens and immunizations, including proof of COVID-19 vaccination. 

Students are required to provide to HCC proof that students meet all clinical requirements, with the exception of their COVID-19 vaccination status.  Consistent with state law, HCC does not mandate the COVID-19 vaccination. Students have the choice to voluntarily disclose or not disclose their COVID-19 vaccination status through their HCC Castlebranch account.

However, most healthcare facilities do require the vaccine as a condition of employment, volunteering, or student clinical placement.  If a student chooses not to disclose their COVID-19 vaccination status or is not vaccinated, HCC may not be able to place the student in clinical rotations.  HCC will work to place such students into a clinical site that does not require the vaccine, provided such a site is available and HCC has an active affiliation agreement in place that meets the necessary conditions to provide an appropriate learning opportunity for the student.  However, HCC cannot guarantee that clinical sites that do not require the COVID vaccine will be available at the time the student requires placement.  At this time, many healthcare facilities are not accepting religious or medical exemptions for the COVID-19 vaccine for clinical students.

If a student chooses not to receive or to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination and no clinical sites are available to accept the student that do not require the COVID-19 vaccination, the student’s progression in the program and graduation will be delayed or stopped all together.  If a student cannot be timely placed in a qualifying clinical site, a student may not be able to complete the program. Our affiliate partners’ expectations are the same for our students as they would be when our students ultimately become employees in their chosen field.

Students with questions about clinical requirements and placement may contact the program director of their program of interest.

 

HB 1508 requires the Following information be given students:

If you are applying for admission to a program that prepares an individual for an initial occupational license or certification and/or if you later decide to change to a program that prepares you for an initial occupational license or certification, in accordance with state law, please be advised of the following:

 

  1. An individual who has been charged or convicted of an offense or who is on probation may not be eligible for issuance of an occupational license or certification upon completion of the educational program.
  2. It is the responsibility of the individual to immediately report to the program any change in status that would affect that individual’s eligibility to apply for a license or certification.
  3. Local, state or national licensing and certification authorities may issue additional guidelines related to criminal

Applicants should contact their respective licensing or certification authority for more details.

Most health care programs require all students, admitted to the program, to submit to a national background check which may include fingerprinting. Applicants are encouraged to review all applicable eligibility requirements related to the respective occupational license or Certification. Questions related to eligibility requirements should should be directed to the individual program and applicable licensing or certification authority.  

 

Pre-Enrollment Process & Requirements

When the number of eligible applications exceeds program seat availability, selective criteria are used to determine which applicants are offered admission. All application requirements must be satisfied by specified deadlines on the admission guide. 


If you are offered admission, you will need to complete the following pre-enrollment requirements by a specific due date to maintain eligible status:

  • Complete the Letter of Intent form by the deadline stated in the Admission Acceptance Offer email that will be sent to your program application email address.
  • Cleared criminal background from Texas State Board of Nursing - for more information, visit:https://www.bon.texas.gov/
  • Passing drug screen - Complete your Drug Screening through Complio, the ADN program will provide the specified deadline. Do not order the drug screen in Complio, until instructed to do so by the If you miss the drug screen deadline you will no longer be considered for the current application period and will need to reapply during the next application period.
  • Complete the mandatory Program and Student Services Orientation on the date provided in your admission email. (Please clear your calendar so you are available to attend the mandatory orientations if you are offered admission as follows: Fall Term – plan to attend orientation between March to June month; Spring Term – plan to attend orientation between September to November month).
  • Influenza (seasonal). flushot must be taken after August 1st, but before the first day of class.
HCC Coleman College Grading Scale

To best prepare students for success in their chosen fields, Health Sciences Programs have high standards for progression. Unlike other HCC programs, the Associate Degree Nursing program requires a B (80%) or better to progress to the next course or semester in the program. For specific questions about grades, grading, and progression within Health Science programs, please contact Coleman College at healthscience.info@hccs.edu .

 

Associate Degree Nursing Program Grading Scale 

A = 100 – 90 %

B = 89 – 80 %*

C = 79 – 70 %

D = 69 – 60 %

F = 59 – 0 % 

*A grade of B (80%) or better must be achieved to progress to the next course or semester.

 

Estimated Costs

Tuition is estimated using the Texas resident rates. Out of district and out of state residents will have a higher tuition fees. Please visit http://www.hccs.edu/applying-and-paying/tuition-calculator/ for more information. Tuition is for core coursework only. General Education and Support courses are not included. These are high estimates; actual costs will vary depending on health insurance coverage.

Due to increases/decreases in books and supplements, please check the book store website at https://hccs.bncollege.com/shop/hccs-central/home for updated cost information. Only required books are included in the estimate.

Estimated Costs per Semester for Associate Degree of Nursing Courses – (In District)

Pre EntranceAmount $
Criminal Background/Drug Screening 27
Immunization 32
HESI TEST 75
Medical Insurance Varies
Transcript / Parking for info session Varies
Sub Total 132
1st Semester (14 Semester hours) 
Tuition 1,187
Books 300
Lab Fees 20
Liability Insurance 15
Parking (4months) Varies
SUB TOTAL 1,522
2nd Semester (14 semester hours) 
Tuition and fees 1,187
Liability Insurance 15
Uniform/equipment/sypplies 650
Lab Fees 10
Books 1100
Parking (4months) Varies
SUB TOTAL 2,962
3nd Semester (13 semester hours) 
Tuition 1103.50
Liability Insurance 15
Uniform/equipment/sypplies 150
Lab Fees 10
Books 400
Parking (4months) Varies
SUB TOTAL 1,678.50
4th Semester (9 Semester hours)
Tuition 766.50
Liability Insurance 15
Books 400
Parking (4months) Varies
SUB TOTAL 1,181.50
5th Semester (10 Semester hours)
Tuition 851
Books 300
Liability Insurance 15
Jurlprudence/Pearson/Vu/NCLEX 325
Parking (4months) Varies
Sub Total 1491
Total Program Cost 8,969

 

 

Required Essential Functions

Required Essential FunctionsStandards (Tasks)


 Psychomotor Skills

 

Gross Motor Move within confined spaces (e.g., hang solution IV poles). Sit and maintain balance. Stand and maintain balance. Reach above shoulders and below waist (e.g., connect electrical appliance into wall outlet). Stoop and squat (e.g., assist patients/clients with daily living activities). Squeeze with hands (e.g., operate fire extinguisher).
Fine Motor Squeeze with fingers (e.g., calibrate equipment). Pick up, grasp, and twist small objects (e.g., withdraw solution using a syringe). Use writing utensils (e.g., record numbers in records/charts; document clearly and correctly on patient/client medical records for legal documentation). Key/type and otherwise operate common desktop computer accessories.
Physical Strength & Endurance Sustain repetitive movement (e.g., Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation, physical assessment). Complete an entire assigned shift (e.g., 8-12 hours). Push and pull a minimum of 50 pounds (e.g., positioning and transferring patients/clients). Lift a minimum of 25 pounds (e.g., providing physical assistance when ambulating patient/client).
Mobility Maneuver in small spaces. Move independently. Respond rapidly to emergencies.

Cognitive Skills

Critical & Analytical Thinking

Perform dosage calculations in a timely manner (e.g., 10-60 minutes in non-emergency; 2-3 minutes in an emergency). Convert numbers to and/or from the Metric System. Add, subtract, multiply, and/or divide whole numbers. Compute fractions (e.g., medication dosages) both manually and with calculator. Transfer knowledge from one situation to another using long-term and short-term memory (e.g., assimilate and apply knowledge acquired from multiple learning experiences).

Prioritize tasks and evaluate outcomes (e.g., handle multipletasks and problem solve simultaneously). Synthesize knowledge and skills (e.g., analyze assessment data in determining nursing diagnoses, and while participating in planning and modifying of nursing care plan). Sequence information and prioritize tasks (e.g., recall recent and remote information including steps of a task/skill). Identify cause-and-effect type relationships (e.g., comprehend and apply abstract concepts). Utilize computer programs for electronic medical records and educational testing purposes (e.g., unit exams, quizzes, and standardized tests including HESI, NLN, ATI, etc. are computer based).

Safety Perceive and appropriately respond to alarms and emergency signals (e.g., monitors, fire alarms, hospital codes, call bells, etc.). Abide by safety policies and procedures in classroom, laboratory, and clinical facility settings.


Sensory Skills

Observation Observe and recognize objects up to 20 inches away (e.g., access patient/client information on computer screens, recognize very fine print on medication labels, monitor strips, equipment calibrations, syringes, etc.). Perceive depth in surrounding environment (e.g., prepare correct quantity of medication). Peripheral color distinction (e.g., distinguish change in skin integrity, breathing patters, and color intensity such as the ability to identify cyanosis; identify allergic responses such as skin rashes).
Perception

Perceive vibrations, and differences in sizes, shapes, and surface characteristics (e.g., palpate pulses and veins, identify body landmarks, and check for drafts). Detect temperature changes (e.g., skin temperature). Recognize a range of tones (e.g., assess placement of tubes, faint body sounds, patient/client reports, faint voices, blood pressure sounds).

Recognize interpersonal communication in situations when faces are partially covered (e.g., lips are covered by face mask). Detect and distinguish odors from patient/client versus environment (e.g., detect foul smelling drainage, alcohol breath, etc. versus detection of smoke; detect gases or noxious smells).

Interpretation Recognize and understand content printed in English (e.g., policies, protocols, standards of care). Recognize and understand measurement marks and graphs (e.g., measurement tapes, scales, thermometer, etc.). Interpret digital displays.

Social-Behavioral Skills

Communication

Communicate with patients’/clients’ family members, and healthcare providers regarding the individual’s plan of care. Teach, instruct, and explain procedures (e.g.,patient/client/family about health care).

Provide status reports (e.g., report on condition of patient/client to others). Direct activities of others. Clarify the meaning of nonverbal communication. Convey information through writing using proper communication techniques (e.g., correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling) in printed and typed correspondence. Correspond via telephone using proper technique and etiquette. Influence people (e.g., use physical touch as a therapeutic nonverbal intervention).

Adaptability

Adapt effectively to changing environments and increasing tension levels in a variety of situations. Demonstrate flexibility and learn to function in the face of uncertainties and ambiguities inherent in the clinical problems of many patients/clients.

Emotional Stability

Establish therapeutic boundaries (e.g., provide patients/clients with emotional support; monitor and appropriately regulate own emotions without prompting from others). Carry out responsibilities that can often be taxing and stressful, and function effectively under stress (e.g., stressful issues can include human suffering, threats to personal safety, conflict, disagreements, and the need for collaboration and working as a member of the healthcare team). Focus sustained attention and concentration on tasks (e.g., perform multiple responsibilities concurrently). Recognize constructive criticism and performance feedback as avenues for improvement.

Interpersonal Skills

Negotiate interpersonal conflict (e.g., consult, negotiate, share, etc. as a member of an interdisciplinary team). Respect differences in patients/clients and peers (e.g., participate in partnered and group efforts in classroom and clinical learning activities). Establish report with patients/clients and co-workers (e.g., practice in a manner that is non-judgmental and non-discriminatory). Demonstrate cultural sensitivity (e.g., interact with individuals, families, and groups from a variety of social, intellectual, and cultural backgrounds). Develop mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with health care team members and patients/clients.

Ethics & Professionalism

Seek supervision and consultation in a timely manner, before performing any activity or procedure in which the provider feels unprepared or unsure. Present self to public, coworkers, patients/clients, families, administration, faculty, and all others in a polite and respectful manner at all times. Protect patients’/clients’ privacy and confidential information (e.g., adhere to HIPPA restrictions).

 

Get in touch

Intake Office

Nursing