Nursing, R.N., Admission

This program is for individuals with no previous or dated Nursing educational experience. Applicants can select from a two-year program or three-year curriculum plan. Those who do not meet the criteria listed below should apply as a Health Care Science, Pre-Registered Nursing student.

• 2.80 cumulative, unweighted GPA minimum
• Completion of a Chemistry with lab course with a “C” or better grade in the last five years at high school or college-level
• Completion of a Biology with lab course with a “C” or better grade in the last five years at high school or college-level

This program is for individuals previously enrolled and graduated from BC3’s Practical Nursing – Anatomy and Physiology Track, Certificate program (052). Students who meet the criteria below are eligible for admission into the second year of the Nursing, R.N., program.

• Graduate of BC3’s Practical Nursing – Anatomy and Physiology Track, Certificate program (052) within the past three years
• 2.00 GPA minimum in Practical Nursing and supporting courses
• Completion of a Chemistry with lab course with a “C” or better grade in the last 10 years at high school or college-level
• Completion of a Biology with lab course with a “C” or better grade in the last 10 years at high school or college-level
• Proof of current, valid Pennsylvania Practical Nursing license
• Employment as a current LPN

This program is for individuals who are graduates of an outside accredited Practical Nursing program or transfer Nursing students with clinical experience equivalent to BC3’s NURS 101: Nursing 1: Introduction to Nursing within the last year passed with a “C” or better.

• 2.50 cumulative, unweighted GPA
• Completion of a Chemistry with lab course with a “C” or better grade in the last 10 years at high school or college-level
• Completion of a Biology with lab course with a “C” or better grade in the last 10 years at high school or college-level
• Proof of current, valid Pennsylvania Practical Nursing license (LPNs only)
• Employment as a current LPN (LPNs only)

• Submit an official high school transcript or GED/HiSET score report. International transcripts should be evaluated for course-by-course equivalencies through WES.org or ECE.org.
• Official high school transcripts must be sent by USPS mail to the BC3 Main Campus Admissions Office or by a third-party transcript service to admissions@bc3.edu. They cannot be emailed or faxed by the student or school.
• If you had your final, official transcript sent previously to BC3, you do not need to resend it.

The mailing address is as follows:
Butler County Community College
Attn: Admissions Office
PO Box 1203
Butler, PA 16003

Failure to submit required transcripts or test scores will delay application processing and admission decision.

• Submit all official transcripts from colleges and universities attended. International transcripts should be evaluated for course-by-course equivalencies through WES.org or ECE.org.
• If attending another college or university during the fall or spring semester prior to the Nursing, R.N., program starting, submit a final, official transcript once no longer enrolled.
• Official college or university transcripts and AP test scores must be sent by USPS mail to the BC3 Main Campus Registration Office or by a third-party transcript service to registration@bc3.edu. They cannot be emailed or faxed by the student or school.
• If you had your final, official transcript(s) sent previously to BC3, you do not need to resend it.

The mailing address is as follows:
Butler County Community College
Attn: Registration Office
PO Box 1203
Butler, PA 16003

Failure to submit required transcripts will delay application processing and admission decision.

Successful completion of this program may potentially lead to professional licensure. Licensure may be global or state-specific. This program meets the requirements for the state of Pennsylvania. Requirements for other states may vary: bc3.edu/professional-licensure.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to the BC3 Admissions Office at admissions@bc3.edu or 724-284-8501.

• Armstrong Memorial Hospital
• Concordia Lutheran Ministries
• Independence Health System
• Penn Highlands Health System
• Punxsutawney Area Hospital
• Quality Life Services
• Sunnyview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
• UPMC

The following costs for the BC3 Nursing, R.N., program are only estimates. These may be changed at any time without prior notice. Additions may also be made to this list without prior notice. The BC3 Shaffer School of Nursing and Allied Health has no direct control over these costs. 

See www.bc3.edu/paying for more information.

• Application Fee | $25.00
• Butler County Residents Tuition | $140.00 per credit
• All other Pennsylvania Residents College Tuition | $243.00 per credit
• All Non-Pennsylvania Residents College Tuition | $343.00 per credit
• Comprehensive Fee (All Students) | $57.00 per credit
• Distance Education Fee | $25.00 per credit 
• Lab Fee (per course) | $35.00
• Malpractice Liability Insurance (per semester) | $10.00

Additional Program Costs

• Pre-Entrance & Annual Physical Assessment | $800.00--$1,000.00 + immunizations
• Urine Drug Screen (Annually) | $40.00/per year
• Clearances
  • PA State Police (PATCH) Criminal Record Check | $22.00
  • PA Child Abuse History Clearance | $13.00
  • PA Department of Public Welfare (FBI Background Clearance (Fingerprints) | $23.85
• Castle Branch Electronic Document Tracking System
  • First year | $142.75
  • Second year | $99.75
• American Heart Association CPR for Healthcare Providers | $55.00 – 75.00
• Student Uniforms (approximately)
  • Women's top and pants Set | $47.00 – 53.00 
  • Men's top and pants | $53.00 – 59.00
  • Stethoscope | $79.00
  • Student Pocket Organizer | $13.00
  • Watch with second hand, white shoes, and white stockings
    (Variable prices - to be purchased by student off campus)
• Textbooks (approximate and variable)
  • First year | $1,048.00
  • Second year | $310.00
• HESI Computerized CURRICULUM SUPPORT PACKAGE | $185.00 per semester
  • Fundamentals/Medical/Surgical Nursing administered at the end of NURS 101
  • Customized: Medical Surgical, Maternity, Pediatric Exam at the end of NURS 102
  • Customized: Medical Surgical, Psychiatric Nursing Exam at the end of NURS 103
  • Pre-Licensure Readiness Test – HESI E² at the end of Nursing 105
  • Computerized Nursing Case Studies for Classroom/Clinical Enhancement
  • Remediation Support and NCLEX-RN Review Course (included)
• Graduation Fee | $40.00
• NCLEX Exam Fee | $200.00
• State Board Initial Licensure Fee | $95.00
• Temporary Practice Permit Fee | $70.00
• Graduate Pin | $65.00

All applicants are considered equally without regard to race, color, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, handicap or disability, use of a service animal due to disability, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, perceived gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, family status, or other classification protected by applicable law.

However, please note that Nursing students must be 18 years of age prior to the start of their first clinical experience.

Pennsylvania law prohibits the State Board of Nursing from issuing a license to anyone who has been convicted of a crime with variable criteria according to Act 53 of 2020.  This law allows for candidates with a criminal conviction to consider an occupation or profession that requires licensure.

With regard to the consideration of criminal convictions, Act 53:

• Prohibits Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affair’s (BPOA) licensing boards and commissions from denying licensure based on considerations of “good moral character,” “crimes of moral turpitude,” or “ethical or honest practice.”
• Requires each board and commission to develop and publish a schedule of criminal offenses that may constitute grounds to deny, suspend or revoke a license. The list must also identify which crimes are likely to pose a barrier to licensure because they are considered to be offenses “directly related” to the occupation/profession.
• Provides for an “individualized assessment” of each license applicant using objective, detailed criteria that includes rehabilitation and public safety.
• Provides a process for individuals who have criminal convictions to request a “preliminary determination” as to whether a particular conviction will be a bar to licensure. This new tool will enable people with criminal convictions to find out if their convictions would prevent them from getting a license − before enrolling in a training or educational program, before investing significant time and resources, and before formally applying for licensure.

Students are encouraged to complete the request for preliminary determination from the State licensing board. This request once submitted will be reviewed by the PA State Licensure board and returned to the applicant within 45 days. This should be completed prior to or the first semester of the registered nursing program to inform the candidate of their eligibility. Information regarding Act 53 of 2020 can be found at the following website: https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/Pages/ACT-53-2020.aspx

The BC3 Nursing Admission Committee assumes the responsibility to review the data of all applicants and has the right to offer admission to the best qualified individuals.

The clinical requirements indicated below must be met by all Nursing students prior to initial enrollment in the first clinical course in the Nursing Program and annually thereafter for continued enrollment in each clinical course in the Nursing Program.

Evidence of all requirements indicated below is to be submitted through the Castle Branch website by a special pass code exclusive to BC3 Nursing students. The code necessary for access to the Castle Branch website will be provided by the Dean of Nursing to all eligible BC3 Nursing students. All student information uploaded to the Castle Branch website can only be viewed by the individual student who uploaded the information and by the Dean of Nursing.

Clearances

Pennsylvania law prohibits the State Board of Nursing from issuing a license to anyone who has been convicted of a crime with variable criteria.  According to Act 53 of 2020.  This law allows for candidates with a criminal conviction to consider an occupation or profession that requires licensure.

With regard to the consideration of criminal convictions, Act 53:  

• Prohibits Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affair’s (BPOA) licensing boards and commissions from denying licensure based on considerations of “good moral character,” “crimes of moral turpitude,” or “ethical or honest practice.” 
• Requires each board and commission to develop and publish a schedule of criminal offenses that may constitute grounds to deny, suspend or revoke a license. The list must also identify which crimes are likely to pose a barrier to licensure because they are considered to be offenses “directly related” to the occupation/profession. 
• Provides for an “individualized assessment” of each license applicant using objective, detailed criteria that includes rehabilitation and public safety. 
• Provides a process for individuals who have criminal convictions to request a “preliminary determination” as to whether a particular conviction will be a bar to licensure. This new tool will enable people with criminal convictions to find out if their convictions would prevent them from getting a license − before enrolling in a training or educational program, before investing significant time and resources, and before formally applying for licensure.  

Students are encouraged to complete the request for preliminary determination from the State licensing board.  This request once submitted will be reviewed by the PA State Licensure board and returned to the applicant within 45 days.  This should be completed prior to or the first semester of the nursing program to inform the candidate of their eligibility.  Information regarding Act 53 of 2020 can be found at the following website: https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/Pages/ACT53-2020.aspx    

Pennsylvania State Police Clearance (PATCH), PA Child Abuse History Clearance and Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare (DPW) FBI Background (fingerprint) Clearance.

Nursing students are required to order and submit a PA State Police Criminal Record Check, a Child Abuse History Clearance, and a Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare (DPW) FBI Background Clearance (fingerprint) prior to beginning NURS 101, before beginning NURS 103 and again, prior to course enrollment if a student is readmitted to the Nursing Program. Directions to complete these clearances will be provided upon program acceptance.

In order for a student to participate in clinical coursework, clearance results must be incompliance with PA State Board of Nursing regulations, Act 169 Older Adult Protective Services Act, and Act 34/151. A student who fails to obtain the requisite Act 169 and Act 34/151 clearances will be unable to attend the required clinical experiences and meet course objectives.

The original report of all clearances (not copies) must be completed and uploaded to Castle Branch by the posted deadline. Failure to complete the clearances by the stated deadline will negate the student from starting the Nursing program.

Additional clearances obtained by Castle Branch for each enrolled student include a residency history, unlimited county criminal searches outside the state of Pennsylvania, nationwide criminal database search2/nationwide sex offender, nationwide healthcare fraud & abuse (OIG, GSA, OFAC, SDN & DPL) and a certified record review.

These clearances indicate whether the student has been convicted of any of the enumerated prohibitive offenses as listed in the Older Adult Protective Services Act (Act 169) or of any crimes which would prevent them from being licensed as a registered nurse in Pennsylvania. Any student convicted of a prohibitive offense or any offense related to child abuse is not permitted to practice as a student nurse in institutions requiring these clearances. If students are unable to meet the clinical requirements of the Butler County Community College Nursing Program they are not eligible to complete the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and cannot be licensed to practice as a registered nurse in Pennsylvania.

Once initial clearances are submitted, students are responsible for reporting to the Dean of Nursing and Allied Health any change to their criminal or child abuse record. Failure to do so can result in automatic dismissal from the Nursing Program. All criminal offenses must be reported by the student to the PA State Board of Nursing when applying for licensure as a registered nurse in Pennsylvania. 

Initial and Subsequent Health Requirements

A physical examination including a complete history & physical examination, laboratory testing and evidence of specific immunizations must be completed prior to entering the Nursing Program, and annually thereafter for each year of program enrollment. These health requirements are at the student’s expense. Failure to submit this information on the date specified to the student will result in dismissal from the Nursing Program.

Upon admission to the Nursing Program the student is required to submit documentation of a complete history and physical examination, including evidence of certain immunizations and laboratory tests, to verify that the student is free from communicable disease as mandated by the clinical affiliating agencies where students will be placed for clinical practice experience while enrolled in the Nursing Program.

The physical examination must include a review of the physical and emotional abilities necessary for the student to participate in the clinical practice experience required while enrolled in the Nursing Program.

The history and physical examination including the administration of immunizations and review of laboratory testing must be conducted by a Licensed Physician (MD or DO), Certified Nurse Practitioner (CRNP), or Physician Assistant (PA).

Upon acceptance into the Nursing Program for the first time, incoming students must submit a complete Initial Health Form as evidence of the following:

1. Two-Step Mantoux - Tine test is not acceptable (Chest X-ray if Positive).
2. Laboratory tests and Titers- The date of results must be within six months of the due date specified on the health form.
   1. CBC, Fasting Blood Glucose, & Lipid Panel
   2. Urinalysis (routine and microscopic)
   3. Hepatitis B Surface Antibody titer (HBs AB) - if Hepatitis B series has previously been completed
   4. MMR - Measles (Rubeola), Mumps, & Rubella titers
   5. Varicella titer
   6. Hepatitis C Virus antibody screen titer
3. Evidence of Immunizations:
   1. MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) two immunizations if not immune per titers
   2. Varicella-- two immunizations required if no evidence of immunity per titer
   3. Tetanus/Diptheria/Pertussis-- (Tdap) --mandatory (within past 10 years)
      1. Single Tetanus or Tetanus/Diptheria immunization only acceptable if received within the past two years from date specified on health form.
   4. Hepatitis B series (3 injections) followed by Hepatitis B surface antibody titer.
   5. Influenza vaccination by date specified on health formmandatory unless medically contraindicated.
4. Urine drug screen- 10 panel urine drug screen plus alcohol

Note: Initial Health Requirements for NURS 135 students

Students entering the Nursing Program via acceptance into NURS 135 will be expected to submit evidence of the all of the above noted health requirements on January 4 of the spring semester in which they will enter NURS 102.

Students who enter the Nursing Program via NURS 135, and progress to Level II in the following fall semester, must submit evidence of all of the annual health requirements indicated below at the time as all other students entering NURS 103. 

Subsequent Health Requirements

Progressing and returning students must submit a complete Subsequent Health Form to evidence the following:

1. Complete history & physical examination by a licensed physician (MD or DO), certified registered nurse practitioner (CRNP), or physician assistant (PA).
2. One-Step Mantoux (PPD) – Tine test is not acceptable. (Chest X-ray if Positive)
3. Evidence of immunizations/laboratory tests with date of results as recorded on the student’s initial health form.
   1. Two MMR’s (dates as documented on initial health form).
   2. Rubeola titer, Mumps titer, & Rubella titer as evidence of immunity by date of positive result for each as documented on initial health form.
   3. Varicella titer—evidence of immunity by date of positive result as documented on initial health form.
   4. Hepatitis B Surface Antibody titer-evidence of immunity by date of positive result as documented on initial health form.
   5. Hepatitis C Virus Antibody screen—date and result of current laboratory test. 
4. Urine drug screen—10 panel urine drug screen plus alcohol is required. 
5. Influenza vaccination—by date specified on health form is mandatory unless medically contraindicated.

A special physical or mental health examination may be requested if there is a reason to suggest that the health or safety of the student/client is threatened. 

American Heart Association Basic Life Support (CPR) for Health Care Providers

Evidence of American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Providers (CPR) Certification is mandatory for initial and continued enrollment in all clinical courses in the Nursing Program.

The required CPR certification must be current throughout the length of enrollment in the BC3 Nursing Program, up to and including to graduation and evidence of current CPR certification must be provided prior to enrollment in every clinical Nursing course. The CPR requirement can only be met by completion of an American Heart Association (AHA) BLS for Healthcare Providers course that includes classroom instruction with demonstration/redemonstration. Online CPR courses or courses from any agency other than (AHA) are not acceptable.

The (AHA) BLS for Healthcare Providers course is currently based on the American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care and must include:

• Critical concepts of high-quality CPR
• The American Heart Association Chain of Survival
• 1-Rescuer CPR and AED for adult, child and infant
• 2-Rescuer CPR and AED for adult, child and infant
• Differences between adult, child and infant rescue techniques
• Bag-mask techniques for adult, child and infant
• Rescue breathing for adult, child and infant
• Relief of choking for adult, child and infant
• CPR with an advanced airway
  • This is an introduction to the compression/ventilation rate and ratio for a patient who has an advanced airway in place.

In the approved (AHA) BLS for Healthcare Providers course, students participate in simulated clinical scenarios and learning stations. Students work with an (AHA) BLS Instructor to complete BLS skills practice and skills testing. Students also complete a written exam. The Initial Provider Course includes skills practice and skills testing. The American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Providers Course Completion Card is valid for two years. 

Mandatory Health Insurance

Health insurance is required for all students enrolled in the Nursing Program. Evidence of continuous health insurance coverage must be submitted on the Health form, and a copy of the insurance card to indicate coverage must be uploaded to Castle Branch when all other clinical requirements are submitted.

Malpractice Liability Insurance

Malpractice liability insurance is provided through a blanket policy carried by the College. The student is billed the amount of $10.00 each semester by the College to cover the individual’s cost for the malpractice liability insurance.

Health Records Access & Maintenance

Appropriate cumulative student health records can be accessed throughout the student’s enrollment by the Dean of Nursing & Allied Health via the Castle Branch website. Student health records are maintained via the Castle Branch website and can be accessed by the individual student both during program enrollment and after graduation.

The student’s health record uploaded to Castle Branch will be retained by the Nursing Program for five (5) years following the student’s completion of or withdrawal from the program.

Students are advised to keep copies for their own files of all health records/clearances uploaded to the Castle Branch. Copies of any health forms or clearances cannot be provided to the student by the Dean or Division office personnel.

Students with incomplete physical examination reports, clearances, and/or those lacking current and required CPR certification will not be permitted to participate in clinical coursework. Days absent due to incomplete files must be made up per the attendance policy. No exceptions will be granted. 

Urine Drug & Alcohol Screening

Butler County Community College (BC3) is committed to working collaboratively with our students to provide a safe, secure, and healthy learning and working environment and enhancing the quality of life of the College Community. Student placement in a variety of health care settings is necessary in order to meet the clinical objectives of the BC3 Nursing and Allied Health Division programs. To that end, a urine drug and alcohol screen is included in the Initial and Subsequent Health requirements for all students who enter, continue, or return to the Nursing Program to assure the safety of the patients or clients served by the health care facilities in which the students are assigned for clinical practice experience.

1. Failure of a Nursing and Allied Health Division student assigned to a facility for clinical practice to submit the urine sample on the designated date and time(s) specified by the College will result in cancellation of the student’s enrollment in the respective Nursing and Allied Health Division program.

2. A confirmed positive test report will result in cancellation of the student’s enrollment in the respective Nursing and Allied Health Division program.

3. Following initial screening, a random urine drug and alcohol screen may be required for cause at any time during the student’s enrollment. Only Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA) certified labs will be used for testing all samples. The facilities which must be utilized by students shall be designated by BC3. The cost of the test will be responsibility of the individual student.

4. The Dean of Nursing and Allied Health will serve as the primary contact for the College to ensure the “Chain of Custody” is maintained with respect to Nursing and Allied Health Division student record.

5. If a clinical instructor believes that a student is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the student will be sent off of the clinical area immediately. The student is required to meet with the Dean of Nursing and Allied Health and may be dismissed from the course or the program. The student will also be required to meet with the Vice President for Student Services.