Nursing

Nursing

Degree(s):

Certificate(s):

The North Harris Montgomery Community College District offers a variety of nursing programs and curricula at its college campuses. Kingwood, Montgomery, North Harris, and Tomball Colleges offer multiple entry/exit programs of study in Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) in an integrated design. With an integrated nursing curriculum, both classroom and clinical content are organized around a series of concepts that progress from simple to complex. Cy-Fair College offers a block nursing curriculum. In a blocked nursing curriculum, learning experiences are divided by content area such as Care of Children and Families and Adult Health. Both of these programs and curricula are designed for those individuals interested in becoming a registered nurse.

The vocational nursing certificate program is offered at Cy-Fair, Kingwood, Montgomery and Tomball Colleges. Graduates are prepared to provide nursing care for clients in a variety of health care settings. These programs are designed for those individuals interested in becoming a licensed vocational nurse.

NURSING
Associate of Applied Science Degree, Tech Prep

There are three (3) programs of study offered in associate degree nursing: The Basic Track, the Vocational Nursing Track and the Transition Track for Articulating Students. Upon completion of the AAS degree, nursing graduates may apply to take the licensure exam to become a registered nurse (RN). Eligibility to take the licensure examination is determined solely by the Board of Nurse Examiners (BNE).

General Guidelines
Upon acceptance into the program, students must submit a record of current immunizations including a complete Hepatitis B Series as required by the Texas Department of State Health Services. Criminal background checks are required by clinical facilities and the Board of Nurse Examiners (BNE) Drug screens are required by some clinical facilities.

Completion of the nursing program does not guarantee eligibility to take the National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), the state licensure exam. Candidates for Texas RN licensure must submit fingerprint cards to the BNE. The background check will be processed by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI). Individuals with histories of felony convictions, mental illness and/or chemical dependency will be considered on an individual basis after review by the Board of Nurse Examiners. This process may take six (6) months to one (1) year to complete. Prospective applicants who question their eligibility are encouraged to discuss their situation with the Board of Nurse Examiners, at www.bne.state.tx.us or 512.305.7400 prior to enrollment.

Costs for completing the program include tuition and fees for the nursing courses as well as additional expenses for textbooks, uniforms, immunizations, testing fees, clinical/lab equipment and licensure fees. Nursing students also have the responsibility for covering the costs of their physical examinations, required immunizations, CPR certifications, background checks, drug screens and transportation to and from clinical agencies for day and evening learning experiences.

Accreditation information regarding this program is available through the National League for Nursing (NLN) Accreditation Commission, 61 Broadway, 33rd Floor, New York, NY 10006, phone 212.363.5555 ext. 153.

The admission requirements, selection criteria and application process for the nursing program are presented in regularly scheduled information sessions open to the public.

For information that is more detailed visit www.nhmccd.edu and select the preferred college link and then the nursing program.

Admission Criteria - Basic Track
In addition to the admission requirements of the district, the following are requirements for admission into the Associate Degree Nursing program. The applicant must:

  1. Submit passing THEA exam scores in reading, writing and math or complete NHMCCD Student Success Initiative (SSI) requirements. To determine your SSI status, see a college adviser.

  2. Complete the following courses with a minimum grade point average of 2.5 or higher: BIOL 2401, ENGL 1301, and PSYC 2301. (BIOL 2401 is required to meet the admission criteria, however, the highest grade in BIOL 2401 or 2402 will be used for calculation of GPA).

    Note: Biology courses submitted for program credit must be completed no more than five (5) years prior to application to the nursing program. Each biology course may be repeated for a grade change (including a ‘W” or “I’) only one (1) time during the same five (5) year period.

  3. Obtain a grade of a C or higher in all courses required in the associate degree nursing (ADN) plan. GPA in all courses in the ADN degree plan must be 2.5 or greater at time of application.

  4. Complete a standardized nursing pre-entrance test and meet the minimum score requirement. The cost of this test is the responsibility of the applicant. All applicants must take the nursing pre-entrance test. The entrance test may only be taken one (1) time each admission period.

  5. Submit official transcripts from colleges attended other than NHMCCD.
  6. Submit a completed application packet to the preferred college’s nursing office. Application deadlines are posted on the college WEB sites. Separate applications to the college nursing programs are only required if the deadline submission dates differ.
  7. Final acceptance into the program is contingent upon a completed Hepatitis B immunization series and a satisfactory background check (as required by hospitals), which will be completed by an approved agency at the student’s expense.

Admission Criteria - Articulating Students
In addition to the admission requirements for the district, the following are admission requirements for the transition track for articulating students:

  1. Submit passing THEA exam scores in reading, writing and math or complete NHMCCD Student Success Initiative (SSI) requirements. To determine your SSI status, see a college adviser.

  2. Complete the following courses with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher: BIOL 2401, BIOL 2402, BIOL 2420, ENGL 1301, PSYC 2301, PSYC 2314, SOCI 1301, and RNSG 1301. In addition, there are other courses that must be completed prior to enrolling in nursing courses.

    Note: Biology courses submitted for program credit must be completed no more than five (5) years prior to application to the nursing program. Each biology course may be repeated for a grade change (including a ‘W” or “I’) only one (1) time during the same five (5) year period.

  3. Obtain a grade of C or higher in any course required in the associate degree nursing degree plan. GPA in all courses in the ADN degree plan must be 2.5 or greater at time of application.

  4. Possess current Texas License as a Licensed Vocational Nurse OR current National Registry EMT Paramedic Certification OR current Texas Department of Health EMT Paramedic Certification OR current Texas Department of Health Paramedic License.

  5. Be currently employed as an LVN or paramedic OR have graduated from an LVN or paramedic educational program within the past year.

  6. Final acceptance into the program is contingent upon a completed Hepatitis B immunization series and a satisfactory background check (as required by hospitals), which will be completed by an approved agency at the student’s expense.

Additional Guidelines
Applicants who have failed or withdrawn from any nursing program will be considered on an individual basis. An individual’s request to transfer into any NHMCCD nursing program will be reviewed on an individual basis by the program director and admissions committee. Class placement is based on previous achievement and space availability. Admission is considered only if prior program enrollment has been within one (1) year.

Students who have had two (2) unsuccessful attempts in a previous Associate Degree Nursing program are not eligible for transfer into the Associate Degree Nursing program at NHMCCD. These students may apply as a beginning student.

Students applying to the NHMCCD nursing programs must adhere to the Code of Conduct and other policies of the Associate Degree Nursing Program included in the Student Handbook, which can be found on the college’s web sites.

Progression Requirements
To remain in good standing and progress within the ADN curriculum, students must:

  1. Maintain a cumulative grade point of 2.0, and

  2. Attain a grade of “C” or better in each nursing and general education course designated in the ADN degree plan.

  3. Successfully complete all concurrent nursing courses to advance to the next level.

Testing Requirements
Students are required to take nationally-normed tests throughout the curriculum and to make satisfactory scores on each test. Additionally, in the last semester of the curriculum, students must achieve a satisfactory exit exam score in order to graduate from the program. All costs for the exams and remediation are the student’s responsibility.

Students with Disabilities
It is the policy of NHMCCD to comply with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Students with documented disabilities will be given accommodations in accordance with the NHMCCD policy and those allowed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.

VOCATIONAL NURSING CERTIFICATE

The Vocational Nursing Program is offered at Cy-Fair College, Kingwood College, Montgomery College and Tomball College. It is a three- semester, 47-credit hour certificate program. The program is approved by the Board of Nurse Examiners.

The Vocational Nursing Program is based on principles from the sciences, math, psychology, sociology and education. Learning activities occur in the classroom, skills/computer labs, library, clinical facilities and other selected sites. During the year, students are assigned to a variety of health care facilities in the metropolitan Houston area in order to meet course objectives.

Students are required to take nationally normed tests throughout the curriculum and to make satisfactory scores on each test. Additionally, in the last semester of the curriculum, students must achieve a satisfactory exit exam score in order to graduate from the program. All costs for the exams and remediation are the student’s responsibility. Upon completion of the vocational nursing certificate, graduates may apply to take the licensure examination to become a licensed vocational nurse (LVN). Eligibility to take the licensure examination is determined solely by the Board of Nurse Examiners.

The admission requirements, selection criteria and application process for the nursing program are presented in regularly scheduled information sessions open to the public.

For information that is more detailed visit www.nhmccd.edu and select the preferred college link and then the nursing program.

Vocational Nursing Admission Criteria
In addition to the district admission requirements, the following are required for the vocational nursing program:

  1. Graduate from high school verified by an official transcript or GED certificate. If the high school transcript is from a country other than the USA, it must be evaluated by an approved transcript evaluation company.

  2. Submit a vocational nursing program application to the nursing office at your preferred college. Separate applications to the college nursing programs are only required if the deadline submission dates differ.

  3. Submit official transcripts of all colleges attended other than NHMCCD to the college admission office.

  4. Submit passing THEA exam scores in reading, writing or math or complete NHMCCD Student Success Initiative (SSI) requirements. To determine your SSI status, see a college adviser.

  5. Complete a standardized nursing pre-entrance test. The cost of this test is the responsibility of the applicant. All applicants must take the nursing pre-entrance test and obtain a minimum score of 70 in both math and reading The entrance test may only be taken one (1) time each admission period.

  6. Maintain a cumulative grade point of 2.0 in college level courses.

  7. Complete BIOL 2404 with a grade of C or higher. Biology courses submitted for program credit must be completed no more than five (5) years prior to application to the nursing program. Each biology course may be repeated for a grade change (including a ‘W” or “I’) only one (1) time during the same five (5) year period.

  8. Final acceptance into the program is contingent upon a completed Hepatitis B immunization series and a satisfactory background check (as required by hospitals), which will be completed by an approved agency at the student’s expense.

  9. Applicants who have failed or withdrawn from any previous nursing program will be considered on an individual basis.

Upon acceptance into the program, students must submit a record of current immunizations required by the Texas Department of Health. Satisfactory criminal background checks are required by clinical facilities and the Board of Nurse Examiners (BNE). Drug screens are required by some clinical facilities.

Transfer Guidelines

  1. Transfer requests for those who have completed nursing coursework (within two semesters of inquiry) at other colleges are evaluated individually and acceptances are based on program space availability.

  2. Students who have had two (2) unsuccessful attempts in a previous vocational nursing program are not eligible for transfer into the vocational nursing program at NHMCCD. These students may apply as a beginning student.


VOCATIONAL NURSING CERTIFICATE
(certificate offered at Cy-Fair College, Kingwood College, Montgomery College and Tomball College)
FIRST YEAR
Prerequisite Semester
Course Number Title Credit
BIOL1 2404 Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology 4
SEMESTER TOTAL 4
First Semester
Course Number Title Credit
VNSG 1160 Clinical Basics 1
VNSG 1260 Clinical I 2
VNSG 1323 Basic Nursing Skills 3
VNSG 1304 Foundations of Nursing 3
VNSG 1400 Nursing in Health & Illness I 4
VNSG 1238 Mental Illness 2
SEMESTER TOTAL 15
Second Semester
Course Number Title Credit
VNSG2 1116 Nutrition 1
VNSG 1163 Pediatric Clinical 1
VNSG 1231 Pharmacology 2
VNSG 1262 Clinical II 2
VNSG 1307 Pediatric Nursing 3
VNSG 1409 Nursing in Health & Illness II 4
SEMESTER TOTAL 13
Third Semester
Course Number Title Credit
VNSG 1219 Professional Development 2
VNSG 1226 Gerontology 2
VNSG 1306 Maternity/Newborn Nursing 3
VNSG 1410 Nursing In Health & Illness III 4
VNSG 2161 Maternity/Newborn Clinical 1
VNSG3 2361 Clinical III 3
SEMESTER TOTAL 15
TOTAL Credit Hours for
Vocational Nursing Certificate
47
1 BIOL 2401 & 2402 Anatomy & Physiology I & II can be substituted for BIOL 2404, if student has taken them.
2 BIOL 1322 Nutrition can be substituted for VNSG 1116 Nutrition, if student has taken it already.
3 Capstone course

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NURSING SPECIALIZATION
(INTEGRATED CURRICULUM)
Associate of applied science degree, Tech Prep
(specialization offered at North Harris College, Tomball College, Kingwood College and Mongomery College)
FIRST YEAR
First Semester
Course Number Title Credit
BIOL 2401 Human Anatomy & Physiology I 4
ENGL 1301 Composition & Rhetoric I 3
PSYC 2301 General Psychology 3
RNSG 1119 Integrated Nursing Skills I 1
SOCI1 1301 Principles of Sociology 3
SEMESTER TOTAL 14
Second Semester
Course Number Title Credit
BIOL 2402 Human Anatomy & Physiology II 4
RNSG 1301 Pharmacology 3
RNSG 1105 Nursing Skills I 1
RNSG 1361 Clinical - Nursing I 3
RNSG 1523 Intro to Professional Nursing 5
SEMESTER TOTAL 16
Third Semester
Course Number Title Credit
BIOL 2420 Medical Microbiology 4
RNSG 1144 Nursing Skills II 1
RNSG 1362 Clinical - Nursing II 3
RNSG 2504 Care of the Client with Common Health Problems 5
PSYC 2314 Lifespan Growth & Development 3
SEMESTER TOTAL 16
SECOND YEAR
First Semester
Course Number Title Credit
RNSG 1170 Nursing Skills III 1
RNSG 2361 Clinical - Nursing III 3
RNSG 2514 Integrated Care of Client with Complex Health Care Needs 5

SPCH

or SPCH

1318

1311

Interpersonal Communication

Intro to Speech Communication

3

KINE Physical Activity 1
SEMESTER TOTAL 13
Second Semester
Course Number Title Credit
Elective Humanities/Fine Arts 3
RNSG 2272 Nursing Review 2
RNSG2 2362 Clinical - Nursing IV 3
RNSG 2535 Integrated Client Care Management 5
SEMESTER TOTAL 13
TOTAL Credit Hours for
Nursing Specialization
72
1 Meets multicultural requirement
2 Capstone course

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TRANSITION TO PROFESSIONAL NURSING
FOR ARTICULATING STUDENTS
(INTEGRATED CURRICULUM)
Associate of applied science degree
(specialization offered at North Harris College, Montgomery College and Tomball College)
FIRST YEAR
Prerequisite Semester
Course Number Title Credit
BIOL 2401 Human Anatomy & Physiology I 4
ENGL 1301 Composition & Rhetoric I 3
PSYC 2301 General Psychology 3
SEMESTER TOTAL 10
First Semester
Course Number Title Credit
KINE Physical Activity 1
RNSG 1301 Pharmacology 3
SOCI1 1301 Principles of Sociology 3
BIOL 2402 Human Anatomy & Physiology II 4
SEMESTER TOTAL 11
Second Semester
Course Number Title Credit
BIOL 2420 Medical Microbiology 4

SPCH

or SPCH

1318

1311

Interpersonal Communication

Intro to Speech Communication

3

PSYC 2314 Lifespan Growth & Development 3
SEMESTER TOTAL 10
Third Semester
Course Number Title Credit
RNSG 1260 Clinical 2
RNSG 1417 Concepts of Nursing Practice I for Articulating Students 4
SEMESTER TOTAL 6
SECOND YEAR
First Semester
Course Number Title Credit
RNSG 1170 Nursing Skills III 1
RNSG 2361 Clinical - Nursing III 3
RNSG 2514 Integrated Care of the Client with Complex Health Care Needs 5
SEMESTER TOTAL 9
Second Semester
Course Number Title Credit
Elective Humanities/Fine Arts 3
RNSG 2272 Nursing Review 2
RNSG2 2362 Clinical - Nursing IV 3
RNSG 2535 Integrated Client Care Management 5
RNSG 2171 Concepts of Nursing Practice II for Articulating Students 1
SEMESTER TOTAL 14
TOTAL Credit Hours for
Transition to Professional Nursing for Articulating AAS
60
1 Meets multicultural requirement
2 Capstone course

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VOCATIONAL NURSING ADN TO VN CERTIFICATE
(certificate offered at North Harris College)
Must be enrolled in ADN Program
FIRST YEAR
First Semester
Course Number Title Credit
BIOL 2401 Human Anatomy & Physiology I 4
ENGL 1301 Composition & Rhetoric I 3
KINE Physical Activity 1
PSYC 2301 General Psychology 3
RNSG 1119 Integrated Nursing Skills I 1
SOCI1 1301 Principles of Sociology 3
SEMESTER TOTAL 15
Second Semester
Course Number Title Credit
BIOL 2402 Human Anatomy & Physiology II 4
RNSG 1301 Pharmacology 3
RNSG 1105 Nursing Skills I 1
RNSG 1361 Clinical - Nursing I 3
RNSG 1523 Intro to Professional Nursing 5
SEMESTER TOTAL 16
SECOND YEAR
First Semester
Course Number Title Credit
BIOL 2420 Medical Microbiology 4
PSYC 2314 Lifespan Growth & Development 3
RNSG 1144 Nursing Skills II 1
RNSG 1362 Clinical - Nursing II 3
RNSG 2504 Care of the Client with Common Health Problems 5
SEMESTER TOTAL 16
Second Semester
Course Number Title Credit
VNSG 1122 Vocational Nursing Concepts 1
VNSG 2362 Clinical - Practical Nurse I 3
VNSG2 2363 Clinical - Practical Nurse II 3
SEMESTER TOTAL 7
TOTAL Credit Hours for
Vocational Nursing ADN to VN Certificate
54
1 Meets multicultural requirement
2 Capstone course

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NURSING ASSISTANT CERTIFICATE
(certificate offered at North Harris College, Tomball College, Mongomery College and Kingwood College)
Must be enrolled in ADN Program
FIRST YEAR
First Semester
Course Number Title Credit
BIOL 2401 Human Anatomy & Physiology I 4
ENGL 1301 Composition & Rhetoric I 3
KINE Physical Activity 1
PSYC 2301 General Psychology 3
RNSG 1119 Integrated Nursing Skills I 1
SEMESTER TOTAL 12
Second Semester
Course Number Title Credit
BIOL 2402 Human Anatomy & Physiology II 4
PSYC 2314 Lifespan Growth & Development 3
RNSG 1105 Nursing Skills I 1
RNSG1 1361 Clinical - Nursing I 3
RNSG 1523 Intro to Professional Nursing 5
SEMESTER TOTAL 16
TOTAL Credit Hours for
Nursing Assistant Certificate
28
1 Capstone course

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NURSING SPECIALIZATION
(BLOCK CURRICULUM)
Associate of applied science degree
(degree offered at Cy-Fair College)
FIRST YEAR
First Semester
Course Number Title Credit
BIOL 2401 Human Anatomy & Physiology I 4
PSYC 2301 General Psychology 3
ENGL 1301 Composition & Rhetoric I 3
RNSG 1205 Nursing Skills I 2
SEMESTER TOTAL 12
Second Semester
Course Number Title Credit
BIOL 2402 Human Anatomy & Physiology II 4
RNSG 1209 Introduction to Nursing 2
RNSG 1341 Principles of Adult Health 3
RNSG 1261 Clinical: Principles of Adult Health 2
RNSG 1215 Health Assessment 2
SOCI1 1301 Principles of Sociology 3
SEMESTER TOTAL 16
Third Semester
Course Number Title Credit
BIOL 2420 Medical Microbiology 4
RNSG 1443 Complex Concepts of Adult Health 4
RNSG 1262 Clinical: Nursing - RN Training 2
RNSG 1244 Nursing Skills II 2
RNSG 1201 Pharmacology 2
PSYC 2314 Lifespan Growth & Development 3
SEMESTER TOTAL 17
SECOND YEAR
First Semester
Course Number Title Credit
RNSG 1146 Legal and Ethical Issues for Nurses 1
RNSG 2213 Mental Health Nursing 2
RNSG 2162 Clinical: Nursing - RN Training 1
SEMESTER TOTAL 4
Second Semester
Course Number Title Credit
SPCH 1318 Interpersonal Communication 3
RNSG 2201 Care of Children and Families 2
RNSG 2260 Clinical: Care of Children & Families 2
RNSG 2208 Maternal/Newborn Nursing and Women's Health 2
RNSG 2261 Clinical: Nursing - RN Training 2
KINE   Physical Activity 1
SEMESTER TOTAL 12
Third Semester
Course Number Title Credit
Elective   Humanities/Fine Arts 3
RNSG 2207 Transition to Nursing Practice 2
RNSG2 2331 Advanced Concepts of Adult Health 3
RNSG2 2360 Clinical: Nursing - RN Training 3
SEMESTER TOTAL 11
TOTAL Credit Hours for
Nursing Specialization Block Curriculum
72
1 Meets multicultural requirement
2 Capstone Course

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North Harris College - A North Harris Montgomery Community College
2700 W.W. Thorne Drive
Houston TX 77073-3499
Phone 281.618.5400