Columbia State Community College Nursing Program Review

Columbia State Community College (CSCC) was founded in 1966, and is Tennessee’s first community college. The college has five campuses and serves a nine county area of the state. Columbia State enrolls 10,000 students each semester, has over 50 different areas of study, and has one of the highest transfer rates in the state.

Nursing Programs

Major in Nursing

Columbia State offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Nursing for students who are interested in entering a career in nursing. Graduates of this four semester program will receive an AAS degree and be eligible to sit for the state licensing exam (NCLEX-RN) to become a Registered Nurse (RN). Graduates will complete 66 credit hours of courses.

This program is designed for those who will not be transferring to a four year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, although students may transfer to a four year college with an articulation agreement.

The prerequisite for this program is Anatomy and Physiology I, which must have been taken within the last five years with a grade of C or better. To apply, students must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher, and will need to submit a nursing application and a copy of their ACT or SAT scores.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Career Ladder

LPNs who want to earn their AAS degree in nursing and become an RN can pursue this option. The program is designed for those who will not be transferring to a four year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, although students may transfer to a four year college with an articulation agreement.

Qualified applicants will complete this program in three semesters.

To apply for this program, students must meet the admission requirements for the Major in Nursing, listed above. In addition, they must have worked as an LPN for at least six months, complete an interview with the Nursing Program director, and successfully pass either Option A – Foundations of Nursing or Option B – Foundations of Nursing and Nursing Care During Childbearing challenge exam. They must also have taken the prerequisites of Psychology, Anatomy and Physiology.

Other Health Care Related Programs

Respiratory Care

Students may earn an AAS degree in Respiratory Care at Columbia State. Graduates of this 72 credit hour program will be able to sit for the national credentialing exam to become a registered respiratory therapist (RRT). To practice in Tennessee, graduates must obtain a Respiratory Care License.

To apply to the program, students must have a 2.0 GPA or better in all prior college work, and submit their ACT or SAT scores. They must also complete the application and interview with faculty from the program.

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

The EMT program offers two options, EMT-IV and Paramedic.

The EMT-IV is a one semester program that allows graduates to take the National Registry exam to obtain EMT-Basic National Certification and Tennessee licensure as an EMT-IV.

The Paramedic program is three semesters long and is taken over the course of 12 months. Graduates will earn a technical certificate and will be allowed to take the National Certification Registry exam and test for the EMT-Paramedic license in Tennessee.

Applicants must be at least 18, have a background check and proof of immunizations, and supply high school or GED transcripts. They must also be eligible to enroll in college level Math, English and Reading.

Students who want to earn an AAS degree and become paramedics may follow the curriculum for the AAS in General Technology.

Radiologic Technology

Students may earn an AAS in Radiologic Technology at Columbia State. Space is limited in this 22 month program due to the lack of clinical sites available. Graduates will be eligible to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) national registry exam.

To apply, students must submit their ACT or SAT scores, have a 2.5 GPA or higher, and attend an orientation. They must also be able to operate and physically move equipment, and visually assess patients.

Contact:
Columbia State Community College
1665 Hampshire Pike,
Columbia, TN 38401