College of the Mainland Nursing Program Review

College of the Mainland (COM) began educating students in temporary quarters in 1967, and moved into its current location in 1970. COM enrolls over 5000 students each year in degree, workforce development, and continuing education programs. The college offers almost 70 different degree and certificate programs to students.

In addition to the main campus in Texas City, COM holds classes at Clear Springs High School, North County Campus, and the Allied Health Center in League City, as well as the Delmar Campus, Cosmetology Lab, and COM Cast Center in LaMarque. The COM Learning Center is also in LaMarque, to serve the North County area.

Nursing Programs

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

This program is for students wishing to begin their career as a Registered Nurse (RN). The ADN program requires completion of 72 credit hours, and students who complete it will graduate with an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree. They will also be prepared to take the licensing exam to become RNs.

Students are admitted to COM as Pre-Nursing. They must take the prerequisite courses of English Composition I, Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II, and Microbiology with grades of at least a C, and a GPA of at least 2.8, to be able to apply to the program. It is also recommended that students take Composition II, Nutrition, Pathophysiology, Introduction to Psychology, Lifespan Development, Fundamentals of Fitness and Wellness, Medical Terminology, Health Assessment, and a Humanities or Fine Arts elective, as these courses are also used to rank applicants.

To apply, students must have a GPA of at least 2.8 on all nursing curriculum classes, no more than one D or F in a science class, take the TEAS exam, be eligible to take College Algebra, meet the TSI requirements, and meet with an advisor to create an Educational Development Plan (EDP).

Applicants to the ADN program are ranked by an Applicant Placement System, and are admitted into the program in rank order as space is available. The ranking is based upon students’ TEAS scores, how many nursing science courses they’ve completed and what grades they’ve earned, as well as how many support classes they’ve taken and what grades they’ve received.

Certificate of Vocational Nursing

This program prepares students to enter nursing as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), and takes three semesters to complete. Students that complete the program will receive a Certificate of Vocational Nursing and be able to take the licensing exam to become an LVN. This program admits students once a year in January.

To be able to apply to this program, students must have a high school or equivalent diploma, meet the TSI requirements, be eligible to take Intermediate Algebra, complete an online orientation, fill out an EDP and have it signed by an advisor, be current on immunizations, and have a current CPR certification.

The prerequisites for this program are Vocational Nursing, Anatomy and Physiology for Allied Health, Essentials of Medication Administration, Basic Nursing Skills, Gerontology, Advanced Nursing Skills, and Introductory Clinical – Practical Nurse.

LVN to RN Transitional Track

This program allows LVNs to continue their education and bridge to the ADN program, where they may earn their AAS degree and become RNs. To be eligible, students must hold a current LVN license, be currently employed as a nurse, or have graduated from their LVN program within the last year. They must also meet all of the entry requirements for the ADN program.

The prerequisites for this program are Composition I, Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Microbiology, Introduction to Psychology, Lifespan Development, Pharmacology, and Foundations of Fitness and Wellness.

Once admitted to the program, students will take Transition from Vocational to Professional Nursing, and the Clinical that goes with it. Once they have successfully completed these two classes, they will receive advance standing and be given 11 credit hours for prior nursing studies.

Continuing Education

COM offers several Continuing Education programs in health care. Students must apply for Continuing Education through the Public Service Careers Building, which is across the street from the main campus. They will need a driver’s license or photo ID, a Social Security card, physical examination form and proof of immunizations, and criminal history and background check to apply.

  • Nurse Aid for Healthcare I and II – This is the classroom and clinical for the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program, and is a total of 82 contact hours. Students must complete both to be able to take the state CNA exam. Course tuition includes CPR certification and malpractice insurance.
  • CNA Refresher – This course is for former CNAs who wish to become recertified. Students will be able to attend any ongoing CNA course or clinical, to be able to pick up what they need to refresh their skills and knowledge. Students must provide proof of former CNA certification, and have a letter from the Department of Aging and Disability (DAD) showing they have permission to retest.
  • Medication Aide – This program prepares students to take the state exam to become Certified Medication Aides. It requires 142 contact hours to complete. There is also a Medication Aid Update course available for students wishing to update their certification.

High School Articulated Credit

High school students may get a head start on their college careers by earning college credit before graduation. Students may earn credit toward an AAS degree in Nursing.

To begin the process, high school students will complete a Petition for Award of Articulated Credit and file it with the Director of Educators Alliance for Articulated Credit at COM. They will also need to file a copy of their official high school transcript.

Students will be given credit for any college equivalent course they complete in high school. Once they enter COM, their credits will appear on their transcript. If they took a course that does not apply to their AAS major, it will show up as an elective.

Contact:
College of the Mainland
1200 Amburn Road,
Texas City, TX 77591