Question 1

Can you tell me a little about NWACC's Nursing Program?

Accepted Answer

Sure! At NWACC we offer two nursing programs:  
1. Nursing – Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
2. Practical Nursing – Technical Certificate

Through our main nursing program, our AAS degree plan, we offer 5 tracks to choose from: traditional (2 locations), accelerated (2 locations), and a bridge track for LPNs/Paramedics. Each track is designed to provide students with a broad base of nursing knowledge and prepare graduates for the NCLEX-RN to function as Registered Nurses (RN).
For our Practical Nursing program, we offer one track – which puts you on the path to Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Upon completion of program, one would graduate with a technical certificate (as opposed to an AAS degree) and be qualified to take the NCLEX-PN to function as LPNs.

Question 2

What are the prerequisite courses for applying to one of the RN tracks? (Traditional, Accelerated, and Bridge track)

Accepted Answer

To be eligible for admission, the following general education courses must be completed with a grade of C or better by the end of the application semester:

• MATH 1203 College Algebra*
• ENGL 1013 Composition I
• ENGL 1023 Composition II***
• PSYC 2003 General Psychology
• PSYC 2103 Human Growth and Development***
• BIOL 2214 Anatomy and Physiology I**
• BIOL 2224 Anatomy and Physiology II**
• MBIO 2014 Microbiology
• NURS 9313 Pharmacological Basis of Nursing
• HIM 1123 Electronic Health Records or CISQ 1103 Intro to Computer***

Notes:
*ALL starred courses must be completed within the past 5 years. 
** Course has transfer-level prerequisites not included in this degree plan.
*** Course can be in progress during the application period but must be completed before nursing classes begin.

Question 3

Additional information for LPNs/Paramedics when applying for the bridge track:

Accepted Answer

The course requirements for the bridge track are slightly different (chronologically) when comparing it to the traditional and accelerated prerequisites. Bridge applicants must complete the following by the end of the application semester: (see asterisks)

• HIM 1123 Electronic Health Records or CISQ 1103 Intro to Computer Information 
• NURS 9313 Pharmacological Basis of Nursing*** (this is also required for paramedics who did not attend NWACC)

Required for Paramedics who did attend NWACC:

• EMTP 1041 Paramedic Pharmacology & Parenteral Meds Lecture 
AND
• EMTP 1042 Paramedic Pharmacology & Parenteral Meds LAB

Note: *** Course can be in progress during the application period but must be completed before nursing classes begin.

Question 4

What are the prerequisite courses for applying to the Practical Nursing program/track?

Accepted Answer

To be eligible for admission, the following general education courses must be completed with a grade of C or better by the end of the application semester:

BIOL 2214 Anatomy & Physiology I**
HIM 1403 Medical Terminology for Health Sciences
MATH 1003 Survey of Technical Math OR 
MATH 1203 College Algebra*

*Can be met with MATH1203R College Algebra w/ Review. Must be completed within the past 5 years. This also applies to our AAS degree plan for college algebra. See Health Professions advisor for more information. 
** This course has transfer-level prerequisites not included in this degree plan. It must be completed within the past five years.

Question 5

How long is the Nursing program?

Accepted Answer

Our main Nursing program consists of ‘paths to RN tracks.’ The duration varies depending on the track you are admitted into.

- Track I Traditional (at both BCC and WCC,) begins each fall for four semesters with the summer semester off: fall, spring, fall, and spring.  
- Track II Accelerated (at both BCC and WCC,) begins each summer for four consecutive semesters: summer, fall, spring, and summer.  
- LPN/Paramedic to RN Bridge (Online) begins each spring for three consecutive semesters: spring, summer, and fall.

Upon successful completion of the program (any of the tracks above), students would graduate with an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AAS) and be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam for licensure.

Question 6

How long is the Practical Nursing program?

Accepted Answer

Our Practical Nursing program is three semesters and runs consecutively through the spring, summer, and fall.

Upon completion of program, one would graduate with a technical certificate (as opposed to an AAS degree) and be qualified to take the NCLEX-PN to function as LPNs.

Question 7

When can I apply?

Accepted Answer

Applications for each track close at 11:59 p.m. on the last day of the application period (the 30th) and recur each following year.

Application periods for RN program: 
- Track I Traditional: April 1 – April 30  
- Track II Accelerated: November 1 – November 30 
- LPN/Paramedic Bridge Track: August 1 – August 30

Application period for PN program: 
- Practical Nursing: July 1 – July 30  
- Practical Nursing (DTSOI): July 1 – July 30 (this track is held at the Don Tyson School of Innovation and is available to any high school student.)

Question 8

Are these programs/tracks only available at the NWACC Bentonville Campus?

Accepted Answer

No, some of our tracks are also offered at our Springdale location! (Our Springdale campus is often referred to as WCC or Washington County Campus.)

RN tracks
* Track I Traditional – offered at both Bentonville and Springdale campuses.  
* Track II Accelerated – offered at both Bentonville and Springdale campuses. 
* LPN/Paramedic Bridge Track: only offered online

LPN tracks
* Practical Nursing I: only offered at Bentonville campus  
* Practical Nursing II: only offered at DTSOI for high school students

Clinicals for any track listed above will occur in person.

Question 9

What is the NLN exam and how do I go about taking it?

Accepted Answer

The National League for Nursing’s (NLN) Exam (Test Version-NEX) is a standardized entrance exam for students seeking admission to a pre-licensed nursing program. It is divided into three sections: verbal, math, and science, and the results are typically used as one component in the total evaluation of each individual applicant in admission decisions.

If you have not previously taken the NEX, students may take the NEX in-person at NWACC AFTER applying for the track they want. Students will purchase the exam online, but take the test at our Bentonville Campus.

Question 10

What should I use to study for the NLN exam (NEX)?

Accepted Answer

NWACC offers a free NEX prep study book. However, it is recommended that students purchase the study material bundle online. Below is a link to purchase this material, as well as the exam. (Students purchase this exam through this website linked below but take the exam in-person here at NWACC.)

https://ondemand.questionmark.com/home/405669/catalog?type=All&sku=&name=&category_1%5B15%5D=15

'Nursing Entrance Exam (NEX)' - $68.50 (required)
'NEX Prep Study Materials Bundle' - $75 (recommended)

Question 11

What are the clinical hours for each track?

Accepted Answer

The times for clinicals vary depending on which track you are accepted into.

- Track I Traditional: Clinicals occur during the day for BCC; Nights and weekends for WCC.
- Track II Accelerated: Clinicals are during the day for both BCC & WCC students. 
- Bridge: LPN and Paramedic clinicals will occur on nights and weekends.

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