Somerset Community College Nursing Program Review

Somerset Community College (SCC) is a two-year public college that is located in Somerset, Kentucky. It is one of 16 community colleges of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System. It was established in 2002 and offers academic, general education, and technical programs. The college awards certificates, diplomas, and associate’s degrees to graduates.

In 2002, Laurel Technical College, Somerset Community College, and Somerset Technical College combined to become Somerset Community College. Somerset Technical College began in 1940. Somerset is one of the fastest growing community colleges in the United States. Daytime, evening, and weekend classes are offered at SCC. There are six campus locations. Two of these are main campuses located in Somerset and Laurel County. There are also four centers in Casey, Clinton, McCreary, and Russell Counties.

Nursing Programs

Practical Nursing

The Practical Nursing (PN) program at SCC is held at the Somerset North Campus, Laurel North Campus, and the Clinton Center. Students complete liberal arts and science classes plus nursing courses, and at the completion of the program the graduate takes the NCLEX-PN to obtain a license as a Practical Nurse (PN). PNs are employed in many different healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, retirement homes, long-term care facilities, doctor’s offices, and others. Three semesters are required to complete the program that includes clinical practice at a variety of healthcare facilities.

A selective process is used in accepting students into the PN program. Students must meet the admission requirements of the college as well as the program requirements. To be admitted to the college, applicants must have ACT scores of 19 or above in math, 18 or above in English, and 20 or above in reading. Students who have scores below these must take the COMPASS assessment test and complete developmental courses before enrolling in college level courses. Applicants must submit their high school transcript or GED certificate and ACT or COMPASS scores. Students coming from high school must also submit a copy of their high school transcript. Once a student is accepted into the program, a grade point average of at least 2.0 must be maintained. Students must also have completed a CPR course for healthcare providers and they must have the required immunizations. PN students who have completed the program receive either a diploma or a General Occupational and Technical Studies (GOTS) degree from the college.

Nursing – Associate Degree

SCC offers a Nursing – Associate Degree program that takes two years to complete. When all of the required liberal arts and science courses, plus nursing courses and clinical experience are completed, students may take the NCLEX-RN to obtain their license as a Registered Nurse (RN). They are trained to begin working in hospitals, clinics, schools, doctor’s offices, and other healthcare facilities as entry level RNs. Those who are interested in a career in nursing should first submit their application to the college. Along with their application, applicants should have an official copy of their high school transcript or GED scores forwarded to Somerset Community College, along with a transcript of college work, if any, that has been completed.

Applicants must take the ACT or National League for Nursing Pre-Entrance Exam, and they must attend a mandatory pre-admission conference with the Nursing Coordinator. A conference with the Degree Nursing Admissions Committee is also required to be considered for admission to the Nursing – Associate Degree program. Applicants are also required to complete a 75 hour nursing assistant course or another similar program and to be actively listed on the Medicaid Nurse Aide Registry in Kentucky.

Students are accepted into the program based on their ACT score if it is 20 or higher or an equivalent score on the NLN Pre-entrance Exam. Also, students who have completed 12 or more credits with a grade point average of at least 3.0 at the college level are given preference. Those who had above average standing in high school or on their GED are also admitted before other applicants. Those admitted to the program must currently have CPR certification and current immunizations. They must also pass the criminal background check and drug screen. A total of 71 credits are needed to graduate.

Contact:
Somerset Community College
888 Monticello Street,
Somerset, Kentucky 42501
(877) 629-9722

[wpgmza id=”462″]