Apply to the Nursing Program
Nursing Program Admission
In addition to meeting the college’s general admission requirements, including submission of official high school and college transcripts, applicants must complete all of the following requirements:
- Apply to Trident Technical College and select the Associate in Science-Nursing Preparation Major and/or the Pre-Nursing Certificate.
- The Nursing Division requires applicants who previously requested an official Trident Technical College (TTC) transcript be sent to another institution but did not subsequently enroll to submit a Letter of Non-Attendance from that institution. Submit the Non-Attendance Letter to nursingadmissions@tridenttech.edu.
- Once accepted to the college, to access the Nursing Program Application, students
must have either the Pre-Nursing Certificate or Associate in Science-Nursing Preparation
majors open.
- Admission to the Nursing program is on a first-qualified, first-admitted basis. Admission requirements for the ADN program are published in the College Catalog.
- Admission requirements for the Nursing program are subject to change. Students should check the College Catalog at the beginning of each semester for changes in admission requirements.
- Students who meet the nursing program admission requirements can apply to the program by submitting the Nursing Program Application through Etrieve Forms. There is no deadline for applying to the Nursing Program.
Note: Nursing applications may take up to four weeks to process. Admission decisions will be sent to your my.tridenttech.edu email account with instructions on next steps. If your application is denied because admission requirements are not met, you will need to submit a new application.
Frequently Asked Questions
- ADN (RN) program may be completed 24 months from the time of enrollment in the first nursing course.
- LPN to ADN (RN) program may be completed 12 months from the time of enrollment in the first nursing course.
- Practical Nursing (PN) program may be completed 12 months from the time of enrollment in the first nursing course.
- The curriculum sequence for the Fall and Spring class cohorts can be found in the College Catalog.
What is the cost of the Nursing Program?
Students can access the cost of tuition based on credit hours on the Cost of Attendance.
Are students required to purchase equipment and uniforms upon enrollment in the first nursing course?
Yes, students are required to purchase uniforms as designated by the nursing division and purchase the equipment listed to begin the nursing program. The equipment required is subject to change. The cost identified by each requirement is an estimate and subject to change.
| Stethoscope | $35 |
| Blood Pressure Cuff | $50 |
| Pen Light | $10 |
| Bandage Scissors | $10 |
| Nursing Kit | $50 |
| Uniforms | $100 |
| Shoes | $50+ |
Are there other costs associated with the nursing program that are not covered under tuition?
Yes, the nursing program requires the following materials and equipment: These requirements are subject to change. The cost identified by each requirement is an estimate and subject to change.
- Textbooks/Ebook/Docucare subscriptions - $ 2,800 -for the entire program
- Nursing Kits x 3 - $ 50.00 each
- Subscription to a secure digital (testing) platform $ 50.00 each semester
- Subscription to CareLearning Passport Program $ 50.00 annually
- NCLEX Exam Fees $450.00
- Laptop computer -$ Varies
- American Heart Association CPR Certification- $65-120 per 2 years
- Major Medical Insurance Coverage- $ Varies
- Professional Liability Coverage- $ 50.00 Annually
- Drug and Background Screen-$ 190.00
- Reliable Transportation: -$ Varies- Since students will be assigned to clinical sites off campus, they must have reliable transportation.
Information about these requirements can be found on the Student Nurses Site.
How are nursing classes scheduled?
Nursing courses are taught on a compressed schedule (every 7 weeks) in a hybrid format. Students will participate in a scheduled class, seminar, and clinical every week of the term.
- Class is scheduled on campus for one day a week.
- Seminar is either online or in person depending on the course one day a week.
- Clinicals are typically scheduled from 7 a.m.–3:45 p.m. one or two days a week depending on the course. Student’s Clinical experiences may be scheduled Monday through Sunday on any shift.
All nursing courses are scheduled for seven-week terms, completed in sequence, and cannot be completed ahead of the sequence or taken together.
Times and days for each course will change every 7 weeks.
Can students work while enrolled in nursing courses?
Students can maintain employment while enrolled in the nursing program. However, nursing schools require careful planning, prioritization, and effective time-management skills. Students should plan to study nursing content every day to reinforce learning and prepare for exams. Some students prefer to work part-time while others reduce their work hours during particularly demanding portions of the program. To promote success, it is highly recommended that nursing students establish a consistent daily study routine and maintain a balanced schedule between work, school, and personal obligations.
Where are nursing clinical experiences held?
Nursing students complete clinical experiences at all major healthcare systems, public school districts, and skilled nursing facilities throughout Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties.
In addition, students participate in simulated clinical experiences in the Nursing Simulation Center to enhance clinical skills and patient care decision-making in a safe learning environment.
These requirements are subject to change based on clinical affiliation agreement requirements. The cost will vary for each student.
Prior to beginning clinical experiences in the Nursing programs, students must have current:
- Immunizations:
- Tdap
- Hepatitis B Vaccination
- MMR
- Varicella
- Meningitis
- Flu
- Titers:
- Hepatitis B Surface Antibody
- MMR
- Varicella
- QuantiFERON TB Gold test performed per timeframe designated by the division
- Additional Requirements:
- Drug and Background screen
- Proof of American Heart Association CPR Certification and maintained throughout the duration of the program.
- Documentation of Major Medical Insurance Coverage and maintained throughout the duration of the program.
- Documentation of Professional Liability Coverage and maintained throughout the duration of the program.
- Completion of CareLearning Passport and maintained throughout the duration of the program.
Trident Technical College (TTC) Nursing students must be eligible and able to attend all clinical rotations at sites the program utilizes for clinical practice. Therefore, students in the TTC nursing program must meet any and all eligibility requirements mandated by the clinical facilities, including immunization requirements. When allowed, declinations are considered on a case-by-case basis by the clinical facility. If a declination is accepted, the student will be required to adhere to any and all policies set forth by the clinical agency. This is not a TTC initiative, but a requirement imposed by many of our clinical facilities.
Nursing education programs are mandated by boards of nursing as well as accreditors to provide students with clinical experiences. Nursing programs are not obligated to provide substitute or alternate clinical experiences based on a student’s request or preference. Boards of nursing have no obligation to waive their current rules/regulations regarding clinical experiences when considering immunization status.
To ensure equitable treatment of all students, the TTC nursing program does not customize student schedules for any reason other than a documented disability.
Additional information about Clinical requirements can be found on the Student Nurses Site.
Are drug and background checks required?
Yes, all students entering Nursing programs are required to have a drug screen and criminal background check through an agency designated by the college within a time frame defined by the nursing division prior to enrolling in the nursing program. Students are responsible for processing fees.
What if I have an adverse event on the background check?
The results of the criminal background check will be securely shared with each clinical site prior to any clinical rotation. The clinical agency will review all adverse findings and determine whether or not the findings disqualify the student from clinical practice. Should a student be disqualified from clinical practice in a clinical agency, the student must meet with the clinical coordinator to review potential options. Students who cannot be placed in all clinical rotations because of adverse findings will have to choose another career path.
What if I have a positive drug screen?
The results of the drug screen will be made available to the dean or the dean’s designee. Students with positive drug screens will not be permitted to enroll in the nursing program. Students with a history of positive drug screen can reapply to the nursing program. They must meet with the Clinical Coordinator prior to starting the program and they are subject to random drug screens as they progress in the program.
Graduation Requirements
In addition to completion of all nursing courses, all general education requirements must be completed prior to or during the final semester to ensure eligibility to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) upon graduation.
Will a previous disciplinary action or criminal conviction affect my eligibility to take the NCLEX examination?
Students who have previous disciplinary actions and/or convictions may not be eligible to take the NCLEX examination and/or become licensed by the State Board of Nursing, even if a degree has been conferred. Students who have such disciplinary actions and/or convictions will not be reviewed by the Board of Nursing until their application to test is submitted. The Board of Nursing does its own criminal background check and then will make the determination if the student is eligible to take the NCLEX licensing exam. Conviction of a crime (other than a minor traffic violation) could make the student ineligible to take the licensing exam required by the profession upon graduation. Early notification to the appropriate board is suggested. The contact to the South Carolina Labor, Licensing, and Review Board (LLR) is https://llr.sc.gov/nurse/.
Transfer and Readmission Information
- Readmission to Nursing Program
- Transfer from Another Nursing Program
Students who attended but did not complete another nursing program may be considered for admission if they:
- Meet TTC and Nursing program admission requirements.
- Have no more than one unsuccessful attempt in a clinical nursing course (W, D, F, U, or as defined by the previous nursing program attended as an unsuccessful attempt).
Students with more than one unsuccessful attempt may request an exception based on documented extenuating circumstances.
Students who successfully completed nursing courses at another institution may request a transfer credit review after admission to the nursing program by submitting a written request to the Associate Dean. Courses must have been completed within the past two years.
To receive transfer credit, students must:
- Complete at least 25% of curriculum credit hours at TTC.
- Meet all applicable prerequisite and corequisite requirements.
- Have completed required laboratory science courses within five years of program entry.
Frequently Asked Questions
The required laboratory sciences for the nursing program – BIO 210, BIO 211, and BIO 225 or their equivalent must be current with five years of enrolling in the first nursing course.
Nursing courses expire after 2 years.
To progress in the nursing program, students must achieve a minimum grade of C in all courses.
How many attempts does the student have to complete the program?
If a student has had an unsuccessful attempt in a clinical nursing course in another nursing program, this will count as an attempt in the TTC nursing program.
An unsuccessful attempt is defined as receiving a W, D, F, or U.
Students enrolled in any Nursing program who do not progress in the curriculum sequence for any reason (academic or personal) must seek readmission to progress to another clinical course. Readmission is not automatic. Criteria for readmission are outlined in the Student Nurses Handbook.