About Nursing

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The Associate Degree Nursing program is offered to men and women who meet the requirements for admission and are interested in careers as registered nurses. Maturity and effective communication skills are essential for success in the program.

The graduate of the program is awarded an Associate Degree in Applied Science in Nursing. Graduates are eligible to apply to the State of Wisconsin Board of Nursing to write the examination for licensure as a Registered Nurse.

The Associate Degree Nursing program consists of four semesters. It provides a combination of nursing and general education courses. The nursing courses are comprised of lectures, laboratory, and clinical experiences in area hospitals, long-term facilities, and community settings.

Associate Degree Nursing program students must receive a minimum grade of “C” in all required courses to earn promotion within the program.

Job potential for graduates of this program include:

Registered nurse in a variety of settings including acute care, long-term care, or some community settings.
ADN students are eligible to complete NCLEX-PN examination for LPN licensure after successfully completing the first two semesters.
An educational progression program is available for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN’s) interested in completing the ADN program.

Application Process

BTC is open to all persons who will profit from instruction and meet admission requirements. To apply to the College students must:

Submit a completed Wisconsin Technical College Application for Admission along with the $30 fee (non-refundable, one time fee per school)
Submit official high school, GED/HSED and/or college transcripts
Complete a pre-admission assessment (COMPASS, ACT, SAT, or ASSET are acceptable)

Program Ready Requirements

In order to be considered for the core nursing courses (543 courses), students must meet all of the following requirements:

One year of high school chemistry with a grade of “C” or above in each semester or one semester of college level chemistry with a grade of “C” or better (courses must include lab)
Minimum scores on the pre-admission assessment: COMPASS math of 60, reading of 85 and writing of 78; ACT english of 21, reading of 21, math of 18 and composite of 22.

Petition Process:

Students, who have completed all program ready requirements and are prepared to begin core nursing courses, must submit a petition form during the designated petition period. The petition dates are determined annually and are available on the BTC website at www.blackhawk.edu or in the Counseling Center at the Monroe or Janesville campuses. If not selected, students must submit a petition form (during the petition period) each year thereafter as a means of indicating a continued interest in beginning the core courses.

To be admitted into Core Nursing Courses:

Completion of program ready requirements.
Completion of Nursing Assistant course approved by the WI Dept. of Health & Family Services
Complete Petition process.
Completion of physical exam including immunizations.
Complete release of responsibility form.
Provide proof of medical insurance.
Complete CPR Health Care Provider course including adult, child, and two-man. Recertification is required every 2 years.
Attend orientation session (offered in semester prior to entering clinical).
Clear Caregiver Background Check.