Online Open Advising Session (OAS)

Welcome to the online OAS!  First print TWO copies of the OAS Verification Form.  Clearly PRINT the information on the top.  You will use this form throughout this online session to document OAS completion.  If you have any questions you also have the option of attending a live Open Advising Session held monthly on the Main Campus.  If you require further assistance, contact your Nursing Advisor. 

After all admission requirements are met, submit the Statement of Completion and Open Advising Session Verification form with the Nursing Application  in person or by certified mail to:

                        Trident Technical College
                        Nursing Admissions Coordinator
                        Admissions Office, AM-M
                        7000 Rivers Avenue
                        P.O. Box 118067
                        Charleston, SC 29423-8067

Introduction

TTC's Division of Nursing offers a curriculum with multiple entry and exit points with options for students to earn a certificate, diploma and associate degree.  The Nursing curriculum incorporates course requirements for all Nursing programs into three levels.  The sequential program levels prepare students for progressive roles of nursing practice: the nursing assistant, the practical nurse and the registered nurse.  Students may successfully complete requirements for each program level and exit, or progress to the next level.

It is important that you refer to the current TTC Catalog which is online. It contains vital information that you need to know about the Nursing program.  If this is not the catalog that your were admitted under, it is your responsibility to review and be familiar with the catalog under which you enter the nursing program.  That is the catalog from the year that you are officially admitted to the nursing program.  Think of the catalog as your “other” Bible.

Students interested in all nursing programs must meet the following program admission requirements.

1.   Attend an Open Advising Session and obtain written faculty verification of attendance OR complete the Open Advising Session on-line and submit the signed verification form of completion, provided on-line, to the Admission’s coordinator for Nursing in the Admission Office in the 410 building on Main Campus.  This should be done first since all program requirements are reviewed in this session.  On-campus Open Advising Session schedules are posted at Main Campus on the bulletin board located on the second floor of the Health Science Building (Bldg. 630), Room 206, listed online, and posted in the Admissions Offices at all three campuses or by calling (843) 574-6370. 

2.   Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 for courses taken at TTC and NOT be on academic or disciplinary suspension at the time of program admission and date of entry into the program.

3.  Show evidence of a background check with no adverse findings at the date of entry to the nursing program.  Only background checks that are conducted through the College-approved background check service will be accepted. Instructions for obtaining background checks will be mailed to students the semester before the date of entry into the nursing program.  Student cost will be $50-$60.

4.   Submit official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions you previously attended.  Students who have had a cumulative GPA of less than 2.0 for courses taken during the last five (5) years must complete ten (10) semester hours of course work with a minimum grade of C or better in each course, and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.  At least one of these courses must be a required laboratory science.  Lab sciences must be taken within five (5) years of the entry date to the program.

5.   Submit a Nursing Application, Open Advising Session Verification form, and Statement of Completion once all requirements are met either in person or by certified mail to the address below. These forms are available at on-campus Open Advising Sessions or at the Admissions Office in the 410 building on Main Campus. 

6.   Submit the form accepting your seat in the nursing program to the Admissions Office and pay your seat reservation deposit to the Business Office.

In addition, all students must meet the additional program-specific requirements listed in the ON-LINE CATALOG.

If you are a Certified Nursing Assistant or a Licensed Practical Nurse you must also provide 1) a copy of your certification or license, which must be current and 2) a statement from your employer verifying that you have worked a minimum of 960 hours providing direct patient care to adult medical/surgical patients in an acute or extended care facility within three (3) years prior to admission to the program.  Be sure to ask your advisor for an Employment Verification Form.

Once you meet ALL admission requirements, you must submit in person to the Admission Office on Main Campus, building 410 or by certified mail your 1) Nursing Application, 2) a signed copy of your Open Advising Session attendance verification and 3) your Statement of Completion to:

Trident Technical College
Admissions Office AM-M
P.O. 118067
Attention:  Nursing Admissions Coordinator
Charleston, SC 29423-8067

PLEASE NOTE: The Admissions Office will keep the documents you submit for two (2) years only.  After two (2) years your documents will be destroyed.

It is critically important that you understand the admission requirements clearly.  If you have any questions or are not sure which admission option you plan to meet, please call your Nursing Advisor at your earliest convenience to schedule an appointment to discuss the admission requirements with you. 

If you do not have an assigned nursing advisor, please visit the Orientation Center on any campus and go through the new student orientation process.  If you have already completed orientation, you may call 574-6436 and an Orientation Leader will assign your advisor over the phone.

You may contact your Nursing Advisor via telephone or e-mail.   

Always schedule an appointment with your nursing advisor in advance so that he or she will be available to assist you when you arrive.  Nursing faculty are off campus in clinicals at least two (2) days a week.  They are teaching classes or in meetings the other days of the week.  Nursing faculty are not available on a drop-in basis. Always schedule an appointment in advance!

Process for Admission to the Nursing Programs

We admit students on a first-qualified, first-admitted basis.  This means that once you meet all of the admission requirements and submit your Statement of Completion, you are given the next available space in the nursing program.  It is important that you meet the program admission requirements and submit your Statement of Completion as soon as you can.  We have no way of predicting how many students will qualify ahead of you.

Once you submit your required documents, the Nursing Admissions Coordinator will review your file and notify you in writing of your admission status within three (3) weeks.  The letter will ask you to accept the space by a specific deadline.  If you do not meet the deadline for accepting your space, your space will be given to the next qualified student.

If you have not received a letter regarding your acceptance after three (3) weeks following submission of your required documents, you may inquire about your admission status by e-mailing winifred.ungaro@tridenttech.edu  Send a copy (cc) to clara.martin@tridenttech.edu.

As you know, admission to the nursing program is very competitive because we have nearly 2000 students applying to the nursing programs.  To find out what class we are admitting go to the nursing division home-page.

Nursing Seat Reservation Deposit Required:

You will be required to pay a $100 seat reservation deposit.  When you are sent an acceptance letter, you will be asked to accept the slot that is offered to you.  The $100 seat reservation deposit will be due when you return the form included in the acceptance letter.  Once you enroll in the first clinical nursing course, the deposit will be refunded.

Deferment:

If you are not able, for any reason, to start the nursing program when scheduled, you may defer one (1) time.  When you defer, you are given the next available space.  If this space is declined, your acceptance will be voided.

Students Transferring from Other Nursing Programs

Students seeking admission to a Nursing program at TTC who have been enrolled in (and not completed) another Nursing program must complete the following requirements to be considered for admission:

1. Meet TTC's admission requirements.

2. Meet the Nursing program's admission requirements.

3. Submit a letter from the dean or director of the former Nursing program that addresses the student's 

   1. theoretical standing

   2. clinical standing

   3. eligibility for readmission to that program
      Note: Only students who have no more than one unsuccessful attempt in a clinical nursing course are considered for admission. Grades of W, D, F or U count as attempts.

4. Meet TTC's requirements for 25 percent of the curriculum credit hours to be taken at TTC.

5. Meet all prerequisite and corequisite courses applicable to the semester for which the student is seeking entry.  Laboratory sciences must be taken within five years of the date of entry into the Nursing Program.

6. Once the student is eligible for admission to the Nursing Program, he/she may request consideration for transfer credit for Nursing courses taken within the last two years.

Course Sequence

In the list below, find the nursing program you want to enter.   This link outlines all courses required for program completion.  

You may take any of the non-nursing courses prior to admission to the nursing program.  In fact, we strongly urge you to take as many non-nursing courses as possible before you enter the nursing program. Warning note: If courses are taken prior to admission this will affect your full-time status once you enter a nursing program.  Please keep this in mind if you must be a full-time student for insurance purposes.

You may take courses with the NUR prefix only after you have been accepted into a nursing program.  Notice that you must have a minimum grade of “C” in all required courses.

Important!

All lab sciences must be taken within five (5) years of date of entry to the nursing program.  If your lab science courses have expired, you may retake them or challenge them.  The challenges available are through Excelsior College.  For information on these challenges, please visit their website at http://www.excelsior.edu/. Additionally, it is recommended that pre-nursing students hold on to their textbooks used in Anatomy & Physiology courses.

Please Remember

If you are using the pre-nursing certificate as your admission option, you must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5.  Additionally, you cannot repeat more than 50% (4 courses) of the required courses and you cannot repeat any one course more than once.  This means if you have to repeat ENG 101 or any other course more than once, you are not eligible for the pre-nursing certificate option. Grades of W, D, F or U count as repeats. This includes courses taken at other colleges.

The following nursing courses are available for Credit by Examination. Basic Nursing Care Skills (NUR 102), Nursing Care Management I (NUR 104) and Pharmacology for Nurses (NUR 105).  If you are interested in attempting Credit by Examination for one or more of these courses, please ask your nursing advisor for a copy of the Credit by Examination Policy.

Essential Functions Required of Student Nurses for  Admission and Progression in the Nursing Programs You must be able to perform each of these functions, or with reasonable accommodations be able to demonstrate ability to become proficient in these essential functions.  If you have any questions, contact one of the counselors for students with disabilities at 574-6131.
Essential Function	Standard	Some Examples of Necessary Activities
Critical Thinking	Critical thinking ability sufficient for clinical judgment	Identify cause-effect relationships in clinical situations; develop nursing care plans; calculate medication dosage accurately; evaluate patient responses; synthesize data; draw sound conclusions.
Interpersonal Skills	Interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with individuals, families, and groups from a variety of social, cultural and intellectual backgrounds.	Establish rapport with patients and colleagues. Use therapeutic communication (attending, clarifying, coaching, facilitating, teaching). Function (consult, negotiate, share) as a part of a team.
Communications Ability	Communication abilities sufficient for effective interaction with others in verbal and written form.	Explain treatment procedures; initiate health teaching; document and interpret nursing actions and patient responses. Listen attentively.
Mobility	Physical abilities sufficient to move from room to room and maneuver in small spaces; full range-of-motion; manual and finger dexterity; and hand-eye coordination	Move around in patient’s rooms. Work spaces and treatment areas. Administer cardiopulmonary procedures. Stand/walk for extensive periods of time.
Motor Skills	Gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to provide safe and effective nursing care.	Calibrate and use equipment; transfer and position patients; lift 50 pounds.
Hearing Ability	Auditory ability sufficient to monitor and assess health needs.	Hear monitor alarms emergency signals, auscultatory sounds, cries for help.
Visual Ability	Visual ability (corrected to 20/40) sufficient for observation and assessment necessary in nursing.	Observe patient/responses, secretions, color. Read manometer, chart, computer screen, digital printouts, labels and gauges.
Tactile Ability	Tactile ability sufficient for physical assessment.	Perform palpation, functions of physical examination and/or those related to therapeutic intervention, e.g. insertions of an IV catheter.
Olfactory Ability	Olfactory senses (smell) sufficient for maintaining environmental and patient safety.	Distinguish smells which are contributory to assessing and/or maintaining the patient’s health status or environmental safety (fire).
Professional Attitude and Demeanor	Ability to present professional appearance and implement measures to maintain own physical and mental health and emotional stability.	Work under stressful conditions and irregular hours. Be exposed to communicable diseases and contaminated body fluids. React calmly in emergency situation. Demonstrate flexibility. Show concern for others.

Financial Aid

If you are interested in financial assistance, visit the Financial Aid Office in Building 410, Room 202 on Main Campus or access the Financial Aid website.

Scholarship information is available on the Financial Resources area of the Nursing website.  Please Note: Financial Aid does not pay for courses that are not required in the curriculum.

Students with a Pre-nursing Certificate major are eligible to join the Student Nurses’ Association. Pre-nursing students interested in joining are encouraged to attend the scheduled meetings.  As a member of SNA, you are eligible to apply for scholarships and obtain health insurance.  

Meeting times and locations are posted in the "Here’s What’s Hot on Campus" flyer and on the SNA Bulletin Board on the second floor of the 630 Building (Main Campus).  Meetings are held each scheduled Student Activity Period in the Fall and Spring semesters. For further information about SNA please see the SNA bulletin board on 2nd floor of the 630 building or send an email to snapres2005@hotmail.com.

If you have attended any other college, you must request that official transcripts from all colleges be mailed directly to the Records Office.  Here official transcripts are automatically evaluated in the Registrar's Office.  To find out whether or not your transcript has been received by TTC, inquire at the front counter of the Records Office or in the Orientation Center.  Be sure to find out the person’s name giving you this information.

To find out what courses transferred to TTC, check your TTC Express account.  If your transcript has not been evaluated within six (6) weeks after you requested transcripts from your previous college (s) send an e-mail to djaris.whipperlewis@tridenttech.edu to inquire about the status of your transcript evaluation.  Include a copy (cc) to pamela.droste@tridenttech.edu.  In addition, if you want to contest or question your transfer credit, e-mail Ms. Holland with a cc to Ms. Droste.

If your cumulative GPA was less than 2.0 within the last five(5) years, you will need to complete ten (10) semester hours at TTC with a grade of “C” or better in each course and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.  At least one of these courses must be a lab science required by the nursing program.

Priority registration begins around midterm each semester for the following semester. Specific dates for Priority Registration are always published in the Catalog, in the On Course, and on TTC's website.   It is imperative that you register during Priority Registration in order to have the best selection of courses and schedules.  If you need to register for any of the lab science courses (BIO 210, BIO 211 or BIO 225) you need to register early during Priority Registration before the classes close.

If you have successfully completed three (3) credit hours at TTC you may register for non-nursing courses on-line.  To do this go to http://www.tridenttech.edu/ and click on TTC Express under "Login/Online Services".

During Priority Registration, you may also e-mail your nursing advisor the courses you want to take and she can register you without your having to come to campus.  Be sure to include all of the course information (course code, course number, and section number example: ENG 101 005) and your student ID.

Nursing is a very strenuous program.  Nursing requires more time than you can ever imagine.  All of the nursing courses are lab courses, which means that you spend triple the amount of time in class and clinical than you do in other non-lab courses. Additionally, all clinical nursing courses are FastForward courses.  This means for example that students enrolled in Health Promotion for Families (NUR 208) will spend a total of 14 hours in class and clinical per week  for a 4 credit hour course.  Count on spending a minimum of three hours studying for every one hour you spend in class and clinical.  So for NUR 208 you will need to plan 42 hours for study time per week.  This means that you will need to devote 56 hours per week to one nursing course.

The timing must be right in you life for you to enter nursing.  Otherwise you will struggle to succeed.

You cannot add nursing to an already busy or chaotic life.  The Nursing Program is equivalent to a forty-hour job, at minimum.  You will have to plan your life around nursing school. You will have to be flexible. It is not likely that you can work a forty-hour job while in the nursing program.  Very few students are able to work forty-hour jobs and be successful in the nursing program.

 Be sure that you have the financial resources you need. For example, we estimate an average cost of  $2600 the semester you enter the program. If you complete the ADN program, your total expenses will be approximately $6, 600.00. 

Be sure that you have reliable child care or adult day care for your parents for the days you have to be at the hospital at 6:30 a.m. or until 11:30 p.m. Be sure that you have reliable transportation. We use every hospital from Summerville Medical in Summerville to East Cooper in Mount Pleasant.

Important!  Whatever you need to do to get your life in order, do it BEFORE you enter the nursing program.

The semester before you enter the nursing program you will be required to attend the Nursing New Student Orientation. If you do not attend the Nursing New Student Orientation your space will be given to the next qualified person. You will receive a letter from the nursing division giving the date of the orientation and outlining pre-requisites for the clinical nursing courses.  These include:

• a complete physical examination with immunizations for rubella, rubeola, varicella, Hepatitis B series (Vaccine required. Titer recommended.) and tetanus (form will be provided)  

• major medical insurance

• a two-step PPD

• CPR certification

• Mandatory In-services

Your CPR course must be one of the following:  1) Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (AHS 106), 2) the American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers or 3) the American Red Cross Professional CPR. Your CPR certification must not expire during the first semester of the program.  Plan to take the CPR course the semester immediately before you begin clinical nursing courses.  Do not wait until the last minute as CPR courses usually close out quickly.

If you are entering the Practical Nursing or Associate Degree Nursing programs you will be required to take a dosage proficiency test. Study guides will be available through the bookstore.  You will be required to register for AHS 126.  On the first day of class the dosage proficiency test will be administered.  Those students in AHS 126 who make 95% or above may drop AHS 126 during the drop/add period.

In addition to the core clinical nursing courses, there are several non-clinical nursing courses, including NUR 201 for LPN students transitioning to the RN role. Students enrolled in the following non-clinical nursing courses may have no more than three (3) unsuccessful attempts in each course:

Health Calculations (AHS 126)
Health Calculations II (AHS 129)
Pharmacology for Nurses (NUR 105)
Transition Nursing (NUR 201)

Students exceeding three (3) unsuccessful attempts in any one course are not eligible for continuation in the nursing program.

Merit Placement 

Merit Placement is an opportunity for students already admitted to the nursing program to be considered for an earlier start date. Students who request consideration for Merit Placement will be awarded points based on the published criteria and ranked according to the total number of earned points.  Students with the highest number of earned points will be selected to move their start date forward as space becomes available. To see the criteria for Merit Placement, go to the nursing web page at http://www.tridenttech.edu/nursing.htm under admission criteria.
 
Students who qualify for consideration for Merit Placement can download the Merit Placement Application. The application is located on the nursing web page at www.tridenttech.edu/nursing.htm under admission criteria.  Students must keep a copy of the completed application and submit the original completed application, along with the required documentation, in person or by certified mail to:
 
     Trident Technical College
     Admissions Office (Building 410)
     Nursing Admissions Coordinator
     7000 Rivers Avenue (P.O. Box 118067)
     Charleston, SC 29423-8067

The Merit Placement Application and all required documentation must be submitted according to the most current schedule, which can be found on the nursing web page at www.tridenttech.edu/nursing.htm under admission criteria.

Applications for Merit Placement will only be accepted during the specific dates and times for the current schedule. Required documentation must accompany all applications. Applications and/or required documentation received before or after these dates and times will not be considered.
 
The Nursing Admissions Coordinator will notify students via their CampusCruiser accounts within three weeks of the posted deadline as to whether or not they are selected to move their start date.  Students not selected to move their start date forward will retain their original start date. Students selected for Merit Placement must begin preparing for admission to the nursing program.
 
To be considered for Merit Placement, students must be able to complete the required immunizations before beginning the nursing program.  The required immunizations are outlined in the students’ original acceptance letter and include:  Hepatitis B, rubella, rubeola, varicella, and tetanus.
 
Additionally, students selected for Merit Placement must attend both of the mandatory meetings scheduled for the class they are entering. Dates and times will be announced.
 
Students who have questions or need additional information can use their CampusCruiser accounts to e-mail their advisors. Advisor names and contact information are listed under My Profile in TTC Express.

OAS Verification Form

Initial the Verification Form. ___ Merit Placement

 Tips for Success

• When you have a question, look in the Catalog/Student Handbook first.  Look at the Program Information next.  Check the web pages for the College and nursing division. We make every effort to publish the information you need.

• You are responsible for meeting the admission criteria and any program requirements (immunization, drug screens) for the nursing class with which you plan to enter.  Always know what these are.  They will be published in the catalog for the year you enter.  They will also be published in Open Advising Sessions.  So if you do not enter the nursing program within the next two semesters, it will be in your best interest to attend another Open Advising Session to obtain updated information.

• Check Current Student Information on the nursing web page frequently. Important information will be posted. 

• Get to know your nursing advisor.  They can make the admissions process easier for you.

Trident Technical College has two different web resources to assist students.  There is a link for both Campus Cruiser and TTC Express on the College’s  homepage:  http://www.tridenttech.edu/. There is also a tutorial that assists students logging in for the first time.

• Campus Cruiser-student e-mail:
  Trident Technical College provides students with an e-mail account through Campus Cruiser.  The College and the nursing division use this e-mail account as the primary method of communication with our students.  You are accountable for all information posted to your account, so plan to check your Campus Cruiser e-mail account at least TWO times a week to remain informed.  We receive a large amount of SPAM and junk mail, so e-mails sent from other personal accounts may be deleted.

• TTC Express-online registration and student records: TTC Express allows students to search and register for classes, check academic records and view their financial aid profile.  If you have been to the Orientation Center for Orientation to TTC, your academic advisor’s name, phone number and e-mail link can be found in TTC Express on the “My Profile” screen.

• Always notify the Admissions Office of any changes in your name, address or telephone number.  We must have accurate information in order to notify you of your acceptance status for the nursing program. You can use the "Student Update" form located on the Admission Office website.

• Always keep copies of every document you submit to the Admissions Office and/or to the nursing division.  Ask the person receiving the document to stamp your copy with the date received.

• Always know the name and title of the person with whom you communicate. 

• Always include accurate and complete information.  Falsification of any information submitted will make you ineligible for admission to or continuation in a nursing program.

•  DO NOT wait until the last minute for anything!

 What Do I Do Now?

If you have not applied to the College, pick up an application at the Admissions Office and apply.  There is an application fee.

If you’ve been accepted to the College, but have not declared nursing as your major, go to the Admissions Office and complete a Student Update Form.

If you do not have a nursing advisor, contact the Orientation Center at 574-6436. You will need to visit the Orientation Center if you have not been through college orientation.

Schedule an appointment with your nursing advisor to discuss your academic plans.  

I certify that I have:

• Attended an Open Advising Session or completed the on-line Open Advising Session.
• Met one of the admission options for the nursing program to which I have applied. Refer to program requirements in the College catalog.  If you do not know the admission option you have met, please schedule an appointment with your nursing advisor. I have met admission option:  A  B  C  D  or  E
• Satisfied academic probation and/or suspension requirements from TTC or any other college.
• Achieved and maintained a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.  (NOTE:  Students using admission options B or E must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5).
• Submitted official transcripts from ALL post-secondary institutions previously attended.

• Provided proof of current certification as a nursing assistant.
• As a CNA from another program or one who completed TTC's new program (begun Fall 01) two or more years ago, provided a letter from my employer verifying a minimum of 960 hours (equivalent to 6 months full-time) of employment as a CNA in a hospital or nursing home providing direct patient care to adult medical/surgical patients within three (3) years of admission to the program. Work experience must include demonstrated competencies required by the program.

• Provided proof of graduation from a practical nursing program by submitting official transcripts.
• Provided proof of current SC licensure as a LPN.
• As a LPN from another program or one who completed TTC's new PN program (begun Fall 01) two or more years ago, provided a letter from my employer verifying a minimum of 960 hours (equivalent to six (6) months full-time) of employment as a LPN in a hospital or nursing home providing direct patient care to adult medical/surgical patients within three (3) years of admission to the program.
   
  Additional requirement for nursing students who have been enrolled in and not completed another nursing program:
   
• Provided a letter from the previous dean or director stating my theoretical status, clinical status and eligibility for readmission.

1. Sign your name on the Student Signature line and date the signature.

2. For online completion, take the completed form to the Nursing  Admissions Coordinator Main Campus, 410 Bldg, Admissions Office. Ask for a copy after signed and maintain in your personal records.

3. You may pick up the Nursing Application and Statement of Completion when you turn in your online OAS Verification Form - turn in to the Admissions Office on Main Campus, 410 Bldg. [Do not turn in to Nursing Office]