Tarrant County College Nursing Program Review
If you’re detail-oriented, have a knack for medicine and healthcare and are interested in helping people from all walks of life, then you’ve probably considered a career in nursing. Without a doubt this profession requires sustained discipline, commitment and great communication skills which can be overwhelming at times. However, if you’re a duty-bound student who’s eager to learn, you’re going to find this job to be challenging, but also incredibly gratifying. Whether you’re interested in cardiology, clinical work or mental health, it’s important to be very selective when looking for your future nursing program in order to ensure that you’ll receive proper training and high-quality healthcare education.
One of the most esteemed schools that offer resourceful nursing training is the Tarrant County College District (TCCD) in Texas. Established in 1965 as a junior college district, the institution incorporates a centralized office, five physical campuses and an online platform (TCC Connect) and was founded by a countywide election in order to provide greater accessibility to affordable education. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, TCC offers a comprehensive 2 year nursing program which includes both theory courses and clinical practice. Without any prior experience in the medical field required, the program is certified by the Texas Board of Nursing, as well as the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and has an overall credit student enrollment of over 50,000 pupils since the fall of 2011.
Why TCC is a Reliable Choice for Prospective Nurses
As a graduate of the TCC nursing program you will obtain an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in nursing and become a Graduate Nurse (GN). Providing resourceful learning materials, quality teaching, as well as hands-on experience with laboratory work and clinical hours, the program prepares future employees for healthcare positions in hospitals, medical nursing homes, drug stores, pharmacies and medical laboratories. Moreover, after completing the program you can follow up with a National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) in order to become a Registered Nurse. At Tarrant Community College you will familiarize yourself with the basic healthcare procedures and environment, work towards achieving your professional goals and accelerate your track to nursing practice. You can also continue your studies and earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing or enroll in a doctoral program, as you will have gathered enough clinical experience for advanced practice nursing.
TCC Associate Degree in Nursing Program
The TCC Associate Degree in Nursing is a 60-credit hour program which includes specialized instruction courses and nursing training, as well as general education classes and on-site clinical practicums in a variety of designated facilities. Offering opportunities for both career development and personal growth, the program is available exclusively on Trinity River Campus East and also features a fast-track option for licensed practical nurses and certified paramedics. If you are interested in learning more about the training, then you can attend an information session from 5 p.m. at Trinity River Campus East in either of the following dates – 2nd August, 4th October or 7th December.
What Will I learn in Class?
Here are some of the main courses you will attend at the TCC program – Foundations of Nursing Practice, Nursing Skills, Maternal/Newborn Nursing and Women’s Health, Care of Children and Families and Mental Health Nursing. The lectures will provide an introduction to the fundamental concepts of nursing practice, the role of the licensed nurse as a member of the healthcare team, as well as a brief history of professional nursing. You will also learn the key-principles necessary to perform basic nursing procedures and develop competent skills in the field. In addition, you will learn a systematic guide for making decisions and thinking critically within the judicial and ethical framework. You will also receive basic information required in clinical care and you will be directly supervised by the clinical professional. When it comes to mental health, you will focus on elementary concepts regarding psychology and psychopathology, as well as learn about different treatment methods and how to efficiently anticipate and resolve unexpected situations.
Am I Eligible for the TCC Nursing Program?
Before applying for the college’s nursing program, you have to be accepted to Tarrant County College based on your GPA scores. Although the minimal requirement is 2.0, the average TCC applicant has a GPA of 3.4 or higher. Either way, the first step is to apply for a spot in the school. After that, you will be required to pass a Health Education System, Inc. (HESI A2) test, which includes 4 different sections – Reading, Math, Grammar and Vocabulary. In order to be admitted, you have to earn a score of 75 or higher on each of these categories. There are also additional prerequisite courses in microbiology, anatomy and physiology that have to be completed before applying. Note that these science courses have to be taken within 5 years of submitting your nursing program application. If you are a transfer student who joined a nursing program at a different college or university, then you should contact the Nursing Advising Office for more information on sending in your application.
How Do I Apply for the Program?
If you’re convinced that TCC is the right choice for you and you’ve been accepted into the college, then make sure you check the eligibility conditions for the Nursing Program. If you meet the requirements, schedule a time and date to take the HESI A2 exam. Once you’ve passed that test, you can attend a Nursing Information Session or one of the Group Advisement Sessions to learn about the upcoming schedule. Finally, submit both an application form and packet for the program you wish to enroll in. If you are an international or transfer student, you will also need to provide a transcript evaluation. There are also several post-admission requirements, including immunizations, screenings (annual tuberculosis test), health insurance, CPR certification (online CPR courses are not accepted) and mandatory attendance of New Student Orientation (information seminars that offer you additional information about the program).