Nursing offers a wide variety of career options. Nurses can work in hospital settings providing direct patient care in various areas from pediatrics to the emergency room. There are also opportunities for nurses to work outside of the hospital in the home health care industry, long term care facilities, clinics, schools and more. Whatever career path is chosen, nursing provides many occasions 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 geographic area, specialty, and shifts worked. The Columbia State nursing program follows a competitive admissions process. Nursing applicants are admitted twice a year (during Fall and Spring terms) into the nursing program.
Important Announcements
- The highest actual composite ACT score is used to determine point value for ACT score. The DSPP composite ACT score is not used in determining point value for ACT score.
- LPN Mobility Option B has been revised. See “Career Mobility Option A and B” for revisions.
In the News
Current Licensed Practical Nurses LPNs who are contemplating advancing to the Registered Nurse (RN) level are welcome to complete the LPN Preparedness survey. As of August 2011, Columbia State has no confirmed plans to offer classes designed exclusively for LPNs bridging to RN. Collecting data regarding the number and eligibility status of LPNs who might be interested in such a program informs the decision making process for program officials.
Access the LPN Preparedness Survey by copying this address into any web browser: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/J7JPLD8
Current & Upcoming Events
- The application period for Spring semester is August 1 – 31. The application period for Fall semester is February 1 – 28. Early applications are not accepted and will be returned if received.
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)
- Re-Admission Requirements
- Tuition, Fees and Related Program Costs
Forms, Handbooks and Orientations
- Nursing Program Application for New Students
- Nursing Program Application for Transfer Students (for students that have already been in a nursing program)
- New Admissions Checklist with Physical Examination Form
- Criminal Background Check Acknowledgement Form
- One-Stop Shop for Clinical Healthcare Prerequisites (optional, students may choose other providers.)
- Workers Health and Walk-in Clinic
Dr. Caleb Wallwork
1223 Hatcher Lane
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 840-4200
- Universal Screen
2500 Cayer Lane, Ste., Unit 2
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 489-0045
Please download forms for Universal Screen:
Universal Screen Registration Form
Universal Screen Drug Screen Consent Form
Universal Screen Info Reporting Form
- Workers Health and Walk-in Clinic
- Background Check Options:
- 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
- LPN Mobility Application (for current LPNs)
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, 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 500, Atlanta, GA 30326, P. 404.975.5000 F. 404.975.5020)
For specific questions or to receive this information by mail, please contact Barbara Blum, Director of Nursing, at (931) 540-2609 or the Nursing Office at (931) 540-2600 or (931) 540-2599.
Helpful Websites and Information
Tennessee Board of Nursing
National League for Nursing
National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission
National Council of State Boards of Nursing
Tennessee Nurses Association
American Nurses Association
Mosby Textbooks and Tutorials
Tennessee Deans & Directors of Schools of Nursing