Howard Community College Nursing Program Review

Howard Community College (HCC) opened its doors to students in 1970. It is Maryland’s 14th community college, and enrolls over 10,000 students in credit programs and over 17,000 in continuing education. One quarter of all high school graduates in Howard County enroll in classes at HCC. In addition to the main campus, HCC also has the Gateway Campus, the Hickory Ridge Building, and the Laurel College Center.

Nursing Programs

Registered Nursing (RN)

This program is for students who wish to begin a career in professional nursing. Graduates of this program will earn an Associate of Arts (AA) degree and are able to take the Maryland state licensing exam for RNs. This program admits students in the fall and spring semesters, and takes two years to complete. Students may take the day program or the evening and weekend program, but may not change programs once they start.

To apply to this program, students must apply to HCC, take the English placement test and be eligible for English Composition I, and take the Clinical Nursing Admission Assessment. They will also need to complete the program prerequisite courses. These courses are college-level Math, Fundamentals of Microbiology, Fundamentals of General Chemistry, and Anatomy and Physiology I. They must earn at least a C in all prerequisites, and have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better.

This program is also designed as a transfer program, allowing graduates to transfer to selected Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs at Maryland universities.

Accelerated Nursing

This program allows students to take the clinical coursework for the nursing program over the course of 14 months. This program begins in the summer semester and is only offered during the daytime.

Applicants to this program need to be enrolled at HCC, have taken the Clinical Nursing Admission Assessment, and completed all non-nursing classes. They will also need to take the English placement exam, and submit any transcripts.

The required non-nursing courses for this program are Microbiology, Chemistry, Anatomy and Physiology I and II, College Composition I, Introduction to Sociology, General Psychology, Life Span Development, a college-level Math course, and two Humanities, Arts and Literature electives.

Students must have at least a 3.25 GPA in their science courses, a 3.0 GPA in their non-nursing coursework, and a cumulative 2.0 GPA for all classes at HCC.

Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)

This program prepares students to become entry-level nurses. Graduates will be allowed to take the LPN licensing exam. This program is 11 months long, begins in the fall semester, and is offered either in the day, or during evenings and weekends.

To apply, students need to apply to HCC, take the English placement test and be eligible for English Composition I, and take the Clinical Nursing Admission Assessment. They will also need to complete the program prerequisite courses. These courses are college-level Math, Fundamentals of Microbiology, and Anatomy and Physiology I. They must earn at least a C in their math and science courses, and have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better.

LPN Pathway Sequence

LPNs that meet the criteria may apply for this program to gain advanced standing in the traditional associate degree nursing program. It is offered with daytime courses or with evening and weekend courses. Students may start this program in the spring, summer, or fall semesters.

To apply to this program, students must have a current LPN license. They will also need to submit their transcripts, take the English placement test, and pass the HESI LPN-RN Mobility exam. They must also have completed a college level Math course, Fundamentals of Microbiology, Fundamentals of General Chemistry, Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Lifespan Development, English Composition I, and General Psychology. These courses must be taken with a grade of C or better.

RENEW

This is a scholarship program that provides a career ladder in health care to students who need financial assistance. Students with no prior nursing experience will start by taking the courses to earn a certified nursing assistant/certified geriatric assistant (CNA/GNA) completion certificate, and be ready to begin the LPN program.

Those that are already CNA/GNAs will be able to start their prerequisites for the LPN program right away.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)/Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA)

This program trains students to provide basic patient care under the supervision of an RN. Students that complete the course will be registered with the Maryland Board of Nursing as CNAs, and will be allowed to take the certification exam to become GNAs.

To apply, students must be at least 18, be a high school graduate or equivalent, have a social security card, be up to date on their immunizations, and have a background check. During the first class, students will be required to pass the Reading and Math exams. Those that do not pass the exams will not be allowed to continue in the program and will be issued a refund for the course.

Advanced Patient Care Skills

This class is for CNAs to expand their skills and be able to work in acute care settings. Students must show proof of CNA registry at the first class.

RN Case Manager: Delegating for Assisted Living

This class is for RNs who work and teach in assisted living facilities. Students must show proof of their RN license at the first class.

Nursing Assistant Instructor Training

This class trains RNs how to teach the Nursing Assistant courses and help students prepare for the GNA exam. This class fulfills the Train the Trainer requirement of the Maryland Board of Nursing.

Contact:
Howard Community College
10901 Little Patuxent Parkway,
Columbia, MD 21044