HEALTH SCIENCES: Nursing Program

Nursing offers a wide variety of career options. Nurses can work in a hospital setting providing direct patient care in various areas from pediatrics to the emergency room. A demand also exists for nurses outside of the hospital in the home health care industry, nursing home industry and even schools.

Whatever career path is chosen, nursing provides many opportunities for professional growth. Nurses are lifelong learners due to the ever-changing nature of health care Many employment opportunities are available, with area starting salaries of approximately $35,000 or more. Salaries are dependent upon the geographic area, the specialty, and the shifts worked.

The Columbia State nursing program moved to a competitive admissions process in 2007. For more information, view the Nursing Program Admissions Procedures (PDF). Nursing applicants are admitted twice a year (during Fall and Spring terms) into the nursing program. A proposal is being prepared regarding the application process.

Note: Applicants who have been convicted of a crime other than a minor traffic violation may be ineligible for licensure as a registered nurse. For more information, contact the nursing program director. Any felony convictions must be reported to the nursing program director. Criminal background checks may be a requirement at some affiliated clinicaltraining sites. Based on the results of the criminal background check, an affiliated clinical site may determine to not allow your presence at their facility. This could result in your inability to successfully complete the requirements of a specific course and your program. More information is available from your program director.

For specific questions or to recieve this information by mail, please contact Barbara Blum, Interim Director of Nursing,
at (931) 540-2609 or the Nursing Office at (931) 540-2600.

For specific information on the nursing program, explore the following links:

• Admission Requirements
• Mission Statement and Program Philosophy
• Admission Process
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Program / Continuation Requirements
• Program of Study
• Career Mobility Option A and Option B (for individuals with a LPN license)
• Readmission Requirements
• Tuition, Fees and Related Program Costs
• Helpful Web Sites and Information
  

Forms

• Nursing Program Application for New Students
  FORM ONLY ACCEPTED FROM AUGUST 1 TO AUGUST 29 -- NOT BEFORE OR AFTER!
• New Admissions Checklist with Physical Examination Form
• Criminal Background Check Acknowledgement Form
  Background Check Service: Verified Credentials
• Student Drug Screen Form
• Declination of Influenza Vaccination Form
• Hepatitis Vaccine Recombivax HB Information
• Nursing Handbook
• Orientation for Clinical Studies (TCPS)
• Nursing Program Scholarship Application
  
  

Accreditation/Approval:
The nursing program has full approval from the Tennessee Board of Nursing. The program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC, 61 Broadway, 33rd Floor, New York, NY 10006; 1-800-669-9656, Ext. 153)