Q: What types of nursing programs are offered at Seward County Community College?
A: Seward County Community College offers the ten-month Practical Nursing program (Level I) and the two-year Associate Degree Nursing program (Level II). The two programs are viewed as separate, although the Practical Nursing program can serve as the first year of the Associate Degree program. Students successfully completing the practical nursing program receive a Certificate in Practical Nursing and become eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). Students successfully completing the associate degree nursing program receive an Associate in Applied Science degree and become eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
Q: Are the Associate Degree Nursing and Practical Nursing programs accredited?
A: Yes. Seward County Community College is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Institutions of Higher Education. The Practical Nursing program is approved by the Kansas State Board of Nursing. The Associate Degree Nursing program is approved by the Kansas State Board of Nursing and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).
Q: What are the nursing courses like?
A: The nursing courses consist of classroom study, practice in the nursing skills laboratory using manikans and simulation equipment, and in the hospital or agency setting, caring for patients under the direct supervision of a clinical instructor. Each week, depending on the nursing course, students will devote ten to twelve hours in the classroom, and ten to twenty-four hours in the clinical setting.
Q: I already have college credits. Can I complete the Practical Nursing program in less than ten months or the Associate Degree Nursing program in less than two years?
A: No. The nursing courses are offered in sequence, so the program may not be completed in less time.
Q: What is the cost of the Practical Nursing and Associate Degree Nursing programs?
A: Refer to the Estimated Expenses page on the web site.
Q: Are financial aid and scholarships available?
A: Yes, financial aid is available. Please check with the financial aid office (620-417-1110) to determine your eligibility for financial aid and various college-wide scholarships.
Q: I am a licensed practical/vocational nurse; may I receive advanced placement?
A: Yes. You will have to take the general education courses required of all students. Refer to the transfer and advanced standing policy in the Nursing Student Handbook.
Q: Do I have to take the college placement exam (COMPASS, ASSET, or ACT) if I already have college credit?
A: Yes, unless you have satisfactorily completed (grade of "C" or better) the following courses for college credit: English Composition I, General Psychology, and at least Beginning Algebra.
Q: What percentage of men and women are generally in the nursing program at Seward County Community College?
A: Approximately 6-7% of our students are men and 93-94% women. The national statistics for men in nursing is about 8% and 92% for women.
Q: What is the average beginning salary for graduates of the SCCC Practical Nursing and Associate Degree Nursing programs?
A: The average beginning salary of a graduate nurse from the SCCC Practical Nursing program is about $13.50 per hour ($28,080 annually). The average beginning salary of a graduate nurse from the SCCC Associate Degree Nursing program is about $18.50 per hour ($38,480 annually).
Q: Is there a required criminal background check?
A: Yes, all nursing applicants admitted to the program are required to have a criminal background check. Refer to the criminal background check policy on the web site.
Q: What should I do if I'm considering enrolling in the nursing program at Seward County Community College?
A: Make an appointment to talk with the program director at steve.hecox@sccc.edu or at 620-417-1400 or at 1-800-373-9951, ext 1400.