Space in the ADN program is limited making acceptance competitive.  Students who have successfully completed the Dixie State College practical nurse program the previous semester, and remain in good standing, are able to continue with the ADN program.  Transfer students will be admitted on a space available basis only.  Applicants will be evaluated on the following:

•  Academic Excellence in prerequisite and practical nursing courses
•   Entrance Examination - TEAS test
•   Program Essay

All requests for exceptions to the application policies must be submitted in writing to the nursing admissions committee for consideration

• Academic Excellence

A crucial element for success in a rigorous ADN program is academic excellence in prerequisite courses.    Students must complete all prerequisite courses with a minimum “C” grade,  and have a cumulative GPA of 2.7 in those courses. Co-requisite courses must also be passed with a "C" grade or higher in order to continue in the program, and to remain eligible to receive the ADN degree.   

 

• Prerequisite/Support Courses

 Prerequisite and support courses for the ADN program provide students a solid foundation of knowledge and are essential for success in the ADN program.  Program eligibility will be determined based on GPA and completion of the prerequisite and co-requisite courses. It is recommended that transfer students consult with an advisor for more information. 

Classes may be repeated only once.  A student who has repeated any prerequisite or co-requisite course more than once, and neither grade has met the minimum requirement of "C" or higher, is ineligible to apply for the nursing program.

• Practical Nurse Program Completion

Applicants must have completed a practical nurse program prior to applying for the ADN program.  Transfer students must provide a copy of current LPN license with application.  New transfrer graduates must provide program completion and/or testing dates.  Acceptance will be contingent on successful licensure. 

•  Entrance Examination

 

Students will be required to pass the TEAS®   Entrance Exam.  This exam will evaluate the student’s projected academic success in the program.  It includes areas in: math skills, science, reading comprehension, and English. 

• Students will be allowed to take the test once per application period.  The highest score will be used for scoring purposes.  
• The test will be administered during regular Testing Center hours at the Testing Center located in the lower floor of the Financial Aid/Career Center Building at Dixie State College of Utah.   
  • Out of area students must arrange with ATI Testing for a proctored test locally.  Please call Toll Free: (800) 667-7531 
• The TEAS®  consists of four areas as outlined below.  Calculators are NOT allowed on this test.

 

READING   Paragraph Comprehension   Passage Comprehension   Inferences/ Conclusions          40 Questions    50 Minutes

MATH    Whole Numbers    Fractions/Decimals    Percentages    Ratio/Proportion    Metric Conversions    Algebraic Equations    Diagrams/Graphs       45 Questions    56 minutes

SCIENCE    Science Reasoning    General Science    Biology    Chemistry    Physics    Anatomy/ Physiology        30 Questions    38 Minutes

ENGLISH    Punctuation    Grammar    Sentence Structure  Contextual Words    Spelling        55 Questions    65 minutes

 

     

• Program Essay (More information is included in application packet.)

Because the nursing programs are writing intensive, applicants are required to write an essay to demonstrate their writing abilities.  The essay provides an opportunity for students to express their understanding of the different nursing roles, their personal feelings about nursing, indicate background and experience in the healthcare field, and their opinion as to why they would be a good candidate for the nursing program  

• The essay is to be completed at the testing center at Dixie State College of Utah. 
  • Out of area students will be required to find a suitable proctor for the essay.  Prior approval must be received from the nursing department. Have the proctor email  Alice Clegg, Nursing Advisor, directly for instructions and permission. 
  • The maximum length is not to exceed 2 pages, word processed. 
• There is a 2 hour time limit for the essay.
• Essays will be evaluated on the following criteria: (see scoring rubric)
  • Following Instructions
  • Logical, concise essay, demonstrating command of the English language
  • Proper grammar and spelling
  • Appropriateness of content 
• Discuss the following in your essay:
  • Why you feel you would be successful in the RN program
  • The specific strategies you will use to fulfill the intensive requirements of the RN program
  • Personal and/or professional experience in health-related areas
  • Discuss the similarities and differences between the LPN and RN roles and responsibilities
  • Respond to this statement: “Many LPNs, especially those who have worked for a while as an LPN, have difficulty making the transition to the RN role and/or to ‘new ways’ of doing nursing when entering an RN program.”  

• Grants and Scholarships

All students are encouraged to contact the financial aid office for information on grants and scholarships that may be available for them.  There is limited amount of endowment money available to award scholarships to nursing students based on financial need and academic achievement.  These scholarships are available only to students that have been accepted into the ADN program.  More information will be given after acceptance.

•  Health Requirements   

After acceptance into the PN program, students will be required  to meet and maintain certain health and safety standards. Specific details regarding these requirements will be given to students after acceptance

These include:

• Healthcare provider level CPR certification (American Red Cross or American Heart Association)
• 5 Panel drug screen.  Cost:  $30-$50 
• Immunization for:  
  • MMR (2 required -1 after age 18)
  • HEP B (2 required - Allow 1 month between)
  • TDaP (Must include Pertussis and after age 18)
  • Chicken Pox
• Negative TB test (annually)
• Background screen.  Cost:  $45

•   Approximate Program Costs

•   Application for Dixie State College of Utah

Complete and submit an application for admission and enrollment to the admissions office.  Students are required to submit previous college or university transcripts, high school transcripts, or GED test scores.

•  Academic Advisement

Students should obtain academic counseling and advisement from the Counseling/Advisement Center, at (435) 652-7690, to discuss transcripts, transfer credit, and  English, Math, and Reading levels.  The counseling center will help guide students towards taking the required college placement tests to evaluate academic abilities for college entrance level.  Readiness for college level classes and entrance into the nursing program is determined by:  College Placement Test (CPT) scores in English, Math and Reading.  ACT scores and GPA may be used to calculate this placement score, or in deciding which entry-level courses must be taken.  

 It is the responsibility of the student to receive evaluation of transfer credit.  The student must not only provide official copies of all transcripts for admission to Dixie State College of Utah, but official copies (from all colleges/universities) MUST be submitted with the ADN program application as well.

 It is strongly recommended that each potential applicant receive nursing program academic counseling to help determine which courses are transferable and to discuss eligibility for acceptance into the ADN program.                 

 

• Eligibility for State Licensure

 In order to be licensed as a Registered Nurse in the State of Utah, the application must be in conformity with the Utah Nurse Practice Act.  Applicants who have been convicted of a felony, treated for mental illness, or substance abuse should discuss their eligibility status for licensure with the Utah State Board of Nursing. Dixie State College of Utah will require all accepted applicants to complete a Criminal Background Check, a sexual offender status check, and a drug screening before acceptance into the nursing programs.