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 follows a competitive admissions process. Nursing applicants are admitted twice a year (during Fall and Spring terms) into the nursing program.
Important Announcements
- Note to Students considering applying to the Nursing Program in August 2010
Beginning August 2010, the Admission Committee will be looking at not only the grade in Anatomy & Physiology I (BIOL2010) but how many times the course has been taken. Full points for grades of A and B will be given on first attempts only. Any grades on subsequent attempts may receive a decrease point value.
Please be advised: Students planning to retake A&P I in spring 2010, the repeated grade will be considered under the above review.
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
- Background Check Options:
- Verified Credentials
- Certified Background Checks
- Sterling Background Checks and Drug Screening (school code: 80100)
- Sterling Background Checks only (school code: 80996)
- 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