El Paso Community College Nursing Program Review

El Paso Community College (EPCC) began enrolling students in 1971. EPCC currently enrolls over 27,000 credit students and over 8000 continuing education students each year.

The college has over 130 degree or certificate programs of study, as well as continuing education, distance education, and dual credit for high school students. EPCC has six campuses around the El Paso area to serve its students.

Nursing Programs

Associate Degree Nursing (ADN)

This program is for students who want to become Registered Nurses (RNs). Students that complete this program will graduate with an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, and will be allowed to take the state licensing exam for RNs. Applicants are admitted into this four-semester program in the fall and spring semesters.

To be eligible to apply, students must have a high school diploma or equivalent, complete the ACCUPLACER tests, take the prerequisite courses with a grade of C or higher, have a GPA of at least 2.5, attend a Health Careers Orientation, and submit all transcripts. The prerequisites for this program are Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Pharmacology, and Introductory Math or a higher level math course. It is also recommended that students take Microorganisms and Disease, as this class is used in the applicant ranking process.

Students must also be CPR and first aid certified, have current immunizations, complete a physical exam, and attend an online orientation before their application will be considered. Students will be ranked on their GPA for their prerequisites, excluding math, plus Microorganisms and Disease.

Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) to RN Transition Program

This program is for LVNs who want to earn their associate degree in nursing and become licensed RNs. Once students are admitted into the program, they will receive credit for their LVN coursework under the Texas Nursing Articulation Plan, and will enter the ADN program in the third semester. This program begins every fall and spring semester, and in the summer if faculty are available.

To apply, students need to have an active LVN license and be currently employed as a nurse, have a minimum of 6 months full time or 1 year part time LVN experience, and have a reference from their current employer. They must also complete the following prerequisites: Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Pharmacology, Microorganisms and Disease, Human Growth and Development, and Introductory Math or a higher level math course.Students will also need to take the Health Assessment course before being admitted.

Applicants are ranked and admitted based on their GPA of the prerequisite classes.

Paramedic to RN Transition

This program is for licensed Paramedics who want to become RNs. This program admits students in the fall semester.

Students must be currently employed as a Paramedic, have a letter from their current employer, and have at least six months of full time or one year of part time work experience in the field. They must also complete the following prerequisite classes with a grade of C or higher: Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Pharmacology, Microorganisms and Disease, Introduction to Psychology, Expository English Composition, and Introductory Math or a higher level math course. It is recommended that students also take Human Growth and Development, Business Computer Applications or other computer course, and Fundamentals of Effective Speech or Organization and Professional Communications.

Applicants are ranked and placed in the program based on their cumulative GPA on their prerequisite courses.

LVN Nursing

This is a three semester program designed to prepare students for a Vocational Nurse Certificate of Completion, and to take the licensing exam to become an LVN. Students are admitted into the program each fall and spring semester.

To apply, students must be enrolled in EPCC, take the ACCUPLACER tests, attend the Health Careers Orientation, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and submit all transcripts.

Students will also need to take the following prerequisites with a grade of at least C and a minimum 2.5 GPA: Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Pharmacology, and Introductory Math or higher.

Applicants need to have a CPR certificate, first aid certificate, current immunizations, a physical exam, the Physical Technical Standard form, and take an online nursing orientation before they will be ranked. Ranking is based on students’ GPA in the prerequisite classes, excluding math.

It is recommended students also take Introduction to Psychology, Human Growth and Development, and an elective prior to starting the program.

Nursing Assistant

This is a seven week program offered through Continuing Education. Students will take class every day on campus for four weeks, and have clinical experiences for three weeks. After that, they will take the Nurse Aide Competency Exam.

In order to be admitted to this program, students must be at least 17 years old, be CPR certified by an American Hearth Association Healthcare provider, have certification in first aid, have at least an 8th grade reading comprehension, have a physical exam, be current on immunizations, have a negative TB test, and have a background and drug screen.

Contact:
El Paso Community College,
9050 Viscount Blvd.
,
El Paso, TX 79925