A career in healthcare is a great choice. Jobs are available in our community, and the training and education you receive at SC4 can also take you anywhere in the United States – or around the world!
Nurses are passionate about helping others. Great nurses also have a strong interest in science and are good problem solvers. Being able to explain treatments and procedures to their patients, who are often a bit confused and afraid, can reduce their concerns and make the whole healthcare experience a positive one, as well as improving patient results.
If this sounds like you, SC4 can help you get started in the critical field of nursing. As one of the first Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) programs in Michigan, SC4 nursing graduates have the clinical and critical thinking skills needed to help patients in our community and beyond. Our ADN program prepares you to take Michigan’s licensing exam (NCLEX). When you receive your license as a registered nurse (RN), you’ll have potential employment opportunities in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, urgent care clinics and home care nursing.
SC4’s nursing faculty are knowledgeable and caring, and have thousands of hours of actual patient care experience to share with their students. Our facilities are state-of-the-art and always improving, with simulation lab manikins and other equipment that allow our nursing students to experience real-world situations long before they face them in a clinic, hospital or other setting. This video explains the benefits of gaining experience in our labs during your SC4 nursing education:
However, an associate degree in nursing may not be the right first step for you. You can still start at SC4 by considering taking the non-credit Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) program, which takes about ten weeks to complete, or our one-year Practical Nursing (PN) certificate. As a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or other licensed healthcare provider (such as a paramedic), you can then apply to our transition nursing program to complete the ADN degree to become a registered nurse.
Approvals and accreditation
- The Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) and Practical Nursing (PN) programs at SC4 are approved by the Michigan Board of Nursing, Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, P.O. Box 30670, Lansing, MI 48909.
- The Associate Degree Nursing program at SC4 is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (ACEN), 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, GA 30326 or www.acenursing.org.
Nursing Information Sessions (Group Advising Sessions)
Attending a mandatory Group Advising Session is your first step toward attaining a nursing degree. Please choose the session(s) applicable to your goal and call for a reservation at 810-989-5675 or 800-553-2427, Ext. 5675, choose option 1. Leave your name, phone number and date/time of session. Confirmation calls are not made as walk-ins are welcome.
*Dates and times are subject to change; check this page before coming to campus.
Associate Degree Nursing
| Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, March 20, 2019 | 2-3 p.m. | 102 North Building |
| Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2019 | 2-3 p.m. | 102 North Building |
| Thursday, Nov. 21, 2019 | 10-11 a.m. | 102 North Building |
Practical Nursing
| Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday, June 13, 2019 | 10-11 a.m. | 102 North Building |
| Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2019 | 1-2 p.m. | 102 North Building |
| Thursday, Nov. 21, 2019 | 9-10 a.m. | 102 North Building |
Transition Programs (LPN to ADN, Health Care Professional to ADN)
| Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday, June 13, 2019 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | 102 North Building |
| Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2019 | 9-10 a.m. | 102 North Building |
| Thursday, Nov. 21, 2019 | 1-2 p.m. | 102 North Building |
Handbooks and resources
“SC4’s nursing instructors are very good about teaching theory and also real-life situations. You can read and read and read, and it’s never going to prepare you for what to do once you really are faced with having a patient’s life in your hands.”
Rebekah Smith, former CEO, Lake Huron Medical Center
Practical nursing
The practical nursing program prepares graduates to take the state exam to become a licensed practical nurse. This program prepares students to work in a variety of settings such as long-term care facilities, rehabilitation facilities, doctor’s offices and home health care. Practical nurses assist physicians and registered nurses in the modifications of patient care plans, perform basic tests and assist with medications and other treatments. The program maintains a standard of 75% pass rate for all nursing courses. The first-time pass rates for graduates taking the state exam exceed the state and national averages.
This link will take you to the current working catalog. On that page, you may also select other available catalog years from the drop-down menu located in the upper right.
Gainful employment information
This program may be eligible for funding assistance through MichiganWorks! Call 810-966-3300 for details.
Admission Criteria
Complete the Nursing Program Application.
The application deadline for the Practical Nursing Program has been changed to Sept. 1.
The LPN program at St. Clair County Community College has a competitive pre-admission score. The score is based on a point calculation of the following:
| Criteria | Description | Worksheet/point calculation |
| GPA – overall No rounding up on GPA GPAs from more than one college will be averaged together High School GPA will ONLY be used if no college classes taken 2.5 GPA required | GPA Points 3.8-4.0 25 3.5-3.7 20 3.2-3.4 15 2.9-3.1 10 2.6-2.8 5 2.5 0 (minimum required) | Points ____________ |
| Recommended college classes 5 points for each of the 4 courses with B- or better 2 points for each of the 4 courses with C or C+ | HE-101 HE-102 ENG-101 BIO-160 (or BIO 271/171 and 272/172) | Points ____________ |
| HESI testing HESI minimum score in each area – 70 HESI pre-admission test will measure reading comprehension, vocabulary, English and math A & P will be tested, but not counted Watch the Web site for dates (late April/May) The English composite score and math score will be used for points | English language composite score 91-100 6 points 80-90 5 points 75-79 4 points Math score 96-100 5 points 91-95 4 points 86-90 3 points 81-85 2 points 75-80 1 points | Points ____________ |
| Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Certification Three points for current CNA certification. Must submit proof of current CNA certification with allied health application. | CNA | Points ____________ |
Frequently asked questions:
How many points do I need to be considered?
- Since it is a competitive process, it depends on the number of students and their overall scores. The top candidates are admitted. The maximum number of points an applicant can earn is 56.
Can I use my HESI score from the ADN admission HESI or from another school?
- You can use the ADN HESI score only if taken at SC4 during the same calendar year. Requests to transfer HESI score must be made in writing to the Health and Human Services office. SC4 does not accept transfer of HESI scores from other colleges.
Who should I call if I have questions?
Contact your academic advisor at 810-989-5520.
Is there a time limit associated with my past courses?
| Application deadline | Five-year time limit |
| Sept. 1, 2018 | Spring 2013 or later |
| Sept. 1, 2019 | Spring 2014 or later |
| Sept. 1, 2020 | Spring 2015 or later |
| Sept. 1, 2021 | Spring 2016 or later |
Questions about HESI Testing?
Associate Degree nursing
The associate degree nursing (ADN) program prepares students a successful career in the health profession that is rewarding, challenging, stimulating and demanding. Graduates are eligible to take a national licensure examination to become a registered nurse.
This link will take you to the current working catalog. On that page, you may also select other available catalog years from the drop-down menu located in the upper right.
Admission Criteria
Complete the Nursing Program Application.
The application deadline for the traditional program has been changed to April 1.
| Percent | Criteria | Detail | Maximum potential |
| 25% | GPA-General Education courses | Courses include: BIO-271 (171), BIO 272 (172), ENG-101, ENG-102 , PSY-180, PS-101, HE-101, HE-210 | 4.0 |
| 25% | Number of credits toward degree | Potential courses include: Same as above. | 24 |
| 50% | HESI score (average) | Average scores of 5 tested areas: grammar, reading comprehension, vocabulary, math, anatomy and physiology. Critical thinking is tested, but NOT part of the admission criteria. | 100 |
Frequently Asked Questions:
What if I am enrolled in a class at another college by the April 1 deadline?
- Students who are enrolled in courses outside of St. Clair County Community College must have all transcripts in the Registrar’s office no later than May 15. This may require students to hand deliver sealed official transcripts to the Registrar’s office to meet the deadline.
When should I take HE-224 (Altered States of Adult Health)?
- Students are advised to take HE-224 in the second semester of the Nursing Program (see model schedule).
What can you tell me about HESI registration?
- Registration will begin February 1. When registration is open for the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) HESI, you can register online at The Pier website. Testing is in March on SC4’s Port Huron campus.
How do I calculate my admission criteria?
- See an academic advisor to assist with calculating your pre-admission score
What should my pre-admission score be?
- The closer your score is to a 100, the better your chances to be one of the top students.
After the admission process has been completed, you will be informed by mail of your status and the qualifying score for the fall class.
What if my score is the same as another student?
- Your Cumulative Score on the HESI will be used if needed for a tie breaker.
How long will it take for me to know if I have been accepted into the program?
- You will be notified of your acceptance/placement by the end of May for fall admission.
How do I calculate my grade point average (GPA)?
- Each letter grade has a corresponding grade point. The GPA is calculated as follows: total grade points earned divided by the number of credit hours attempted = GPA. See example:
| Class | Grade | Grade points | Credit hours | Total grade points |
| HE-101 | A | 4.0 | 1 | 4.0 |
| ENG-101 | B+ | 3.3 | 3 | 9.9 |
| PS-101 | A- | 3.7 | 3 | 11.1 |
| Total | 7 | 25.0 |
Total: 25 divided by 7 = 3.57 GPA
See catalog for additional information.
What if my credits are transferred from another college?
- All transfer credits required for the nursing program are evaluated by the Registrar. Transfer credit is granted based upon the number of credits earned at the transfer institution. For example, if your Introduction to Psychology transfer class was 3 credits, you will only receive 3 credits for the SC4 PSY 180 class, not the actual 4 credits that would have been earned at SC4. This also includes BIO courses. Likewise, if you completed a 4 credit hour transfer Introduction to Political Science class, you will only receive the 3 credits that would have been earned in the SC4 PS 101 class and one general political science credit. However, only the 3 credits will apply toward the RN Admission process.
Is there a time-limit associated with my past courses?
- All biology A & P courses, HE-101, and HE-224 must be completed within five academic years of admission to the Nursing Program. See the table below for details.
| ADN program start date | 5-year time limit completion date |
| Fall 2018 | Winter 2013 or later |
| Fall 2019 | Winter 2014 or later |
| Fall 2020 | Winter 2015 or later |
| Fall 2021 | Winter 2016 or later |
| Fall 2022 | Winter 2017 or later |
What if I retake a course to improve my GPA and receive less than a “C” grade?
- Your most recent score must be at least a “C” grade. Therefore, if you are retaking a class for any reason and receive less than a “C” grade, the class will need to be repeated prior to applying for the nursing program.
Questions about HESI Testing?
ADN Transition Program
This program is for licensed health care providers who want to become registered nurses. The program is an accelerated course of study designed to expand upon previous education and experience. Students are expected to apply prior knowledge to all nursing courses.
This link will take you to the current working catalog. On that page, you may also select other available catalog years from the drop-down menu located in the upper right.
Admission criteria
Complete the Nursing Program Application.
| Percent | Criteria | Detail | Maximum potential |
| 25% | GPA-Program prerequisites and general education courses | Courses include: ADN-203, BIO-272, HE-101, HE-224, ENG-101, ENG-102 , PSY-180, PS-101, HE-210 | 4.0 |
| 25% | Number of credits toward degree | Potential courses include: Same as above. | 26 |
| 50% | HESI score (average) | Average scores of 5 tested areas: Grammar, reading comprehension, vocabulary, math, anatomy and physiology. Critical thinking is tested, but NOT part of the admission criteria. | 100 |
Frequently Asked Questions:
What can you tell me about HESI registration?
- Registration will begin August 1. When registration is open for the ADN Transition Program HESI, you can register online at The Pier website. Testing is in September on SC4’s Port Huron campus.
How do I calculate my admission criteria?
- Use the following equation to calculate your admission criteria
(GPA_________ x 25) x 0.25 =__________
((# Credits________ / 26) x 100) x 0.25=___________
(HESI average_________) x 0.5=____________
Total Pre-admission Score_____________
What should my Pre-admission score be?
- The closer your score is to a 100, the better your chances to be one of the top students.
After the admission process has been completed, you will be informed by mail of your status and the qualifying score for the fall class.
What if my score is the same as another student?
- Your Cumulative Score on the HESI will be used if needed for a tie breaker.
How long will it take for me to know if I have been accepted into the program?
- You will be notified of your acceptance/placement by the end of October for winter admission.
How do I calculate my grade point average (GPA)?
- Each letter grade has a corresponding grade point. The GPA is calculated as follows: total grade points earned divided by the number of credit hours attempted = GPA. See example:
| Class | Grade | Grade points | Credit hours | Total grade points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HE-101 | A | 4.0 | 1 | 4.0 |
| ADN-203 | B+ | 3.3 | 2 | 6.6 |
| HE-224 | A- | 3.7 | 4 | 14.8 |
| Total | 7 | 25.4 |
Total: 25.4 divided by 7 = 3.62 GPA
See catalog for additional information.
What if my credits are transferred from another college?
- All transfer credits required for the nursing program are evaluated by the Registrar. Transfer credit is granted based upon the number of credits earned at the transfer institution. For example, if your Introduction to Psychology transfer class was 3 credits, you will only receive 3 credits for the SC4 PSY-180 class, not the actual 4 credits earned at SC4. Likewise, if you completed a 4-credit-hour transfer Introduction to Political Science class, you will only receive the 3 credits earned in the SC4 PS-101 class and one general political science credit. However, only the 3 credits will apply toward the RN Admission process.
I am an LPN applying for the transition program. How do I register to take the NLN pharmacology challenge exam?
- LPNs are eligible to take the NLN challenge exam. It is offered in April and November in the Testing Center. LPNs must achieve a 75% or better on drug principles and effects. The challenge exam must be taken prior to the start of the program. For further information call the testing center at 810-989-5555.
Is there a time limit associated with my past courses?
| Transition start date | 5-year time limit completion date |
| Winter 2018 | Fall 2012 or later |
| Winter 2019 | Fall 2013 or later |
| Winter 2020 | Fall 2014 or later |
| Winter 2021 | Fall 2015 or later |
| Winter 2022 | Fall 2016 or later |
What if I retake a course to improve my GPA and receive a less than “C” grade?
- Your most recent score must be at least a “C” grade. Therefore, if you are retaking a class for any reason and receive less than a “C” grade, the class will need to be repeated prior to applying for the nursing program.
Questions about HESI Testing?
