Requirements for Admission

Admission to the College

Prospective students should complete an online application for admission or download a printable application at ww.dscc.edu. For assistance completing the application, prospective students should contact a DSCC One Stop Center on the Dyersburg Campus, or at the DSCC Gibson County Center, or at the DSCC Jimmy Naifeh Center at Tipton County. Admission to Dyersburg State Community College (DSCC) does not guarantee admission to all programs.

All prospective students must (1) meet entry-level standards for each course in which they enroll; (2) be able to complete assignments; and (3) be able to read and write at the required level. Inquiries about admission to the College should be addressed to the DSCC One Stop Center, located in the Student Center on the Dyersburg Campus, or by calling 731-286-3350. Individuals residing in Gibson County may obtain information from the DSCC Gibson County One Stop Center or by calling 731-855-1419; individuals residing in Tipton County may visit the DSCC One Stop Center at the Jimmy Naifeh Center or call 901-475-3100.

The Office of Admissions and Records receives and processes all applications and issues notices of acceptance to students. Students may apply for admission by the stated deadlines prior to the beginning of the fall or spring semester or at the beginning of any session of the summer term. The Office of Admissions and Records evaluates college/university transcripts and, if appropriate, awards credit for prior learning.

Misrepresentation of Academic Credentials

Misrepresenting academic credentials is a Class A misdemeanor. A person commits the offense of misrepresentation of academic credentials who, knowing that the statement is false and with the intent to secure employment at or admission to an institution of higher education in Tennessee, represents, orally or in writing, that such person:

1. Has successfully completed the required coursework for and has been awarded one or more degrees or diplomas from an accredited institution of higher education;
2. Has successfully completed the required coursework for and has been awarded one or more degrees or diplomas from a particular institution of higher education; or
3. Has successfully completed the required coursework for and has been awarded one or more degrees or diplomas in a particular field or specialty from an accredited institution of higher education.

Immunizations

Tennessee law requires that students enrolling in any of the following academic program areas are required to submit proof of compliance with the recommended immunization schedule:

1. Programs that involve interaction with children, such as teacher education or early childhood education training
2. Programs in the school of nursing, laboratory technology, or any other allied health professions  

For all other academic areas of study, students who provide proof of one of the following are considered to be compliant with the recommended immunization schedule:

1. Prior or current military service
2. Graduation from a Tennessee high school after 2014

Students enrolling in all other academic program areas who fail to provide health information that establishes the applicant’s compliance with the recommended immunization schedule for measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella for adults issued by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) shall be presumed to be un-immunized and subject to immunization, quarantine or isolation recommendations for the purposes of public health disease control.

Exemptions may be granted due to religious beliefs and practices or if a physician determines that the risk of harm from the vaccine outweighs the potential benefit.

Dual Admissions Programs

DSCC students who intend to transfer to either the Middle Tennessee State University or the University of Tennessee at Martin after graduating from DSCC with an Associate of Science or Associate of Arts degree can be assured of admission to the university by participating in the dual admissions program.

DSCC, in partnership with the University of Tennessee at Martin, offers a Dual Admission Partnership Program (DAP) that guarantees university admission to any student who completes the requirements for one of the following DSCC programs:

Associate of Science in Teaching;

Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education;

Associate of Science in the University Parallel Major with an area of emphasis in either Agricultural Business or Agriculture - Plant and Soil Science.
 

The Dual Admission Partnership Program (DAP) provides for general admission to the University of Tennessee at Martin. Requirements for admission to individual academic programs may vary.

More information about the application process and requirements for the DAP are available at www.dscc.edu or from the DSCC Office of Admissions and Records.

Middle Tennessee State University offers DSCC students the option to apply for Dual Admission by visiting http://www.mtsu.edu/how-to-apply/transfer-students/dual-admissions.php.

Assessment and Learning Support

To be successful in college, students should register for only those courses for which they are adequately prepared. To determine student preparedness, the following methods of assessment are used:

1. First-time degree-seeking students can be assessed on the basis of their ACT scores if they are less than five years old. Students whose ACT sub score is 17 or below on the English portion, 18 or below on the mathematics portion, and 18 or below on the reading portion of the ACT will be required to enroll in learning support courses. Students whose English score is 18 or above and whose mathematics and reading scores are 19 or above may enroll in college-level English and mathematics courses.
2. First-time degree-seeking students who do not have ACT scores less than five years old and have not taken a college-level course in English and mathematics and a reading intensive course (to be determined by DSCC) will be assessed using the ACCUPLACER assessment test.
3. Transfer students are subject to the same requirements listed in (1) and (2) above.
4. Transient students are subject to the same requirements listed in (3) above if they wish to enroll in a college-level English or mathematics course.

The results of the ACT, ACCUPLACER assessment test, transcripts of high school and college work attempted and other relevant information gathered at the time of assessment assist in determining the courses in which a student enrolls.

Students enrolled in learning support courses may not register for courses for which their deficiency is a prerequisite unless the Director of Learning Support grants approval. Students who fail or withdraw from a required learning support course will be subject to the same registration restrictions at each subsequent registration until the deficiency is removed.

ACCUPLACER® Brush-Up

Before taking the ACCUPLACER® computer-based assessment, students are required to first complete a short ACCUPLACER® Brush-Up session offered at no cost by the DSCC Academic Success Center (ASC). An appointment is recommended and can be made online using the DSCC AppointmentPlus system or by calling an ASC: 

• Dyersburg Campus (731-286-3219),
• DSCC Jimmy Naifeh Center at Tipton County (901-475-3155), or the
• DSCC Gibson County Center (731-222-5150).

Challenging Placement in Learning Support Courses

Placement in learning support courses may be challenged by taking or retaking the ACCUPLACER® assessment administered by the DSCC Testing Center. An applicant for admission may challenge their initial placement in learning support courses one time. The test must be taken before the applicant enrolls and attends as a degree-seeking student.

• An appointment to take ACCUPLACER® is required because space and dates of availability are limited. Appointments may be made online using the DSCC AppointmentPlus system or by calling the DSCC Testing Center on the Dyersburg campus (731-286-3355), the DSCC Jimmy Naifeh Center at Tipton County (901-475-3100), or the DSCC Gibson County Center (731-855-1419).
• A minimum of one calendar week is required between initial ACCUPLACER® testing and a challenge attempt.
• The cost to challenge is $10.00, payable at a DSCC Business Office. The test taker must present the receipt for the fee when they arrive to test.
• Placement will be based on the best score(s) from all ACCUPLACER® attempts.

Challenging the MATH 1005 Prerequisite

• First-time degree-seeking students will be initially assessed using the ACCUPLACER® Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics (QAS) test. Students with test scores 250 or greater on the QAS will immediately be tested using the ACCUPLACER® Advanced Algebra and Functions (AAF) test.
• Any student may challenge initial placement from either ACT scores or ACCUPLACER® into MATH 1005 by taking or retaking the ACCUPLACER® Advanced Algebra and Functions (AAF) assessment administered by the DSCC Testing Center. One challenge test is allowed and must be taken before the first day of classes for the semester. Students previously enrolled in MATH 1005 are ineligible for challenge testing. Students whose AAF score is 255 or greater will be allowed to register for any course for which MATH 1005 is a prerequisite.
• An appointment to take ACCUPLACER® is required because space and dates of availability are limited. Appointments may be made online using the DSCC Appointment Plus system or by calling the DSCC Testing Center on the Dyersburg Campus (731-286-3355), the DSCC Jimmy Naifeh Center at Tipton County (901-475-3100), or the DSCC Gibson County Center (731-855-1419).
• A minimum of one calendar week is required between initial ACCUPLACER® testing and a challenge attempt.
• The cost to challenge is $10.00 payable at a DSCC Business Office. The test taker must present the receipt for the fee when they arrive to test.
• Placement will be based on the best score(s) from all ACCUPLACER® attempts.

Further Considerations on Challenging Learning Support Placement:

• Writing: The English Department will provide challenge testing for ENGL 0810 with our initial general education assessment essay the first week of classes. If a student successfully completes ENGL 1010 with a C or higher, then that student will have his/her writing and reading competencies waived.
• Mathematics:
• MATH 0530/0105: If the student needs learning support (MATH 0105/0530), they can challenge on the first day of class with an in-class assessment.
• MATH 1005: If the student needs MATH 1005 (ACT 19-21), they can go to the DSCC Testing Center to challenge placement using Accuplacer (see information above).
• Reading: Applicants with an ACT Science sub score of 19+ will have the Reading competencies waived.

ACT Scores

An official copy of ACT scores may be used for placement only if the ACT scores are no older than five years *Official SAT scores may be accepted in lieu of ACT scores.

Selective Service Registration

Chapter 759 of the Tennessee Public Acts of 1984 requires that all male students 18 years of age or above must be registered with the Selective Service before enrolling in any state postsecondary school. In compliance with this act, DSCC requires all male applicants to indicate their Selective Service status on the Application for Admission.

Requirements for Regular Admission

Regular admission as a candidate for an associate degree or certificate will be granted to applicants who follow the procedures and meet the requirements under one of the following subcategories:

Requirements for Readmitting Students

Students who have discontinued attendance at DSCC for one or more terms, excluding the summer term, must apply for readmission. If the readmitting student has attended other colleges or universities since last attending DSCC, official transcripts must be submitted from those institutions. If a readmitting student elects to pursue a degree or certificate, the student must meet the requirements for Regular Admission if he/she has not previously done so.

Requirements for Special Admission

Special Admission is designed for two groups of applicants. The first group is those applicants who intend to take courses for credit but who do not intend to pursue a degree. The second group is comprised of those who intend to take college courses but who are unable to work toward a degree because they lack the proper credentials. Special Admission will be granted to applicants who follow the procedures and meet the requirements under one of the following sub-categories:

Health Information Management Admission, Retention, and Graduation Requirements

Students desiring to pursue an AAS degree in Health Information Management (HIM) are required to meet the following:

1. The student must be accepted to Dyersburg State Community College as a regular admission. Student should refer to Requirements for Regular Admission in this catalog section.
2. Indicate Health Information Management (HIM) as the desired concentration on the DSCC Application for Admission.
3. The student admitted from a high school must have a minimum 2.0 grade-point average (on a 4.0) scale. Applicants with prior college credits must have a cumulative grade-point average of 2.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
4. Students should complete Learning Support classes and HIMT 1301 Introduction to Health Information before acceptance into the HIM Program.
5. Each student will be monitored and advised by HIM faculty, and grades will be evaluated at the end of each semester by the HIM faculty. A student must meet minimum standards or be dismissed from the HIM AAS degree or certificate program. Minimum standards are a grade of “C” or better in each course in the curriculum. Students must complete prerequisite/co-requisite courses.
6. To graduate with an AAS degree or certificate in Health Information Management, students must earn a “C” or better in each required course and must have a 2.0 minimum cumulative grade-point average (GPA) in all college-level courses.
7. For students taking the professional practice experience courses, a criminal background check and drug screen are required by most clinical facilities for assurance of patient safety. Based on the results of these checks, an affiliated clinical site may determine to not allow a student’s presence at their facility.
8. For students taking the professional practice experience courses, most clinical facilities require current immunizations and a negative TB skin test or a chest X-ray, as indicated, at the student’s expense.
9. BIOL 2010 and BIOL 2020 must have been completed within five years prior to the admission date or approved by the HIM Director based on experience.
10. Contact the HIM Coordinator, Susan Osborne, about a portfolio for Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) or Credit by Departmental Examination to receive credit for a class.  osborne@dscc.edu or 731-286-3294

HIM Expenses

Additional expenses that are the responsibility of the HIM student include the cost of liability insurance for professional practice experiences, background check, drug screen, TB skin test or chest X-ray, immunization booster(s) if or when required and transportation to and from clinical facilities.

RHIT Exam fees are included in tuition cost with HIMT 2212 Seminar in Health Information Management Technology. This is a nonrefundable fee. First year student membership in AHIMA is covered in the cost of the textbook for HIMT 1301. Students will be asked to reference material from the AHIMA website for some classes and you will have to have student membership in order to access the material.

Note: The Health Information Management (HIM) AAS degree and Medical Coding and Electronic Health Record Certificates are offered online. The HIM AAS degree’s two professional practice experience courses do require the student to go to a healthcare facility. To be successful in an online class, the student must have basic computer skills, a computer at home or easy access to a computer, and internet access at home through dial-up, cable or DSL. The computer labs at the Dyersburg campus or the Gibson County Center or the DSCC Jimmy Naifeh Center at Tipton County may be used for this purpose. Students will have to schedule computer access during open lab times or at the Learning Resource Center (LRC).

Requirements for Admission to the Nursing Program

Requirements for Admission to the Traditional Nursing Track

The Dyersburg State Community College AAS degree with a major in Nursing is a program of study designed to prepare individuals to be eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination for the Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN). The Nursing Program is a daytime program that is offered at the Dyersburg Campus and at the DSCC Jimmy Naifeh Center at Tipton County. The Dyersburg State Nursing Program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

The DSCC Nursing Program is approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing.

To be considered for admission to the Nursing Program, the following requirements must be met:

1. The applicant must be accepted to DSCC as a regular admission student. Refer to Requirements for Regular Admission in this catalog section.
2. The applicant must submit a completed Application for Nursing to the Division of Nursing by the deadline specified:
   • September 1 for spring admission - DSCC Jimmy Naifeh Center at Tipton County, and
   • March 1 for fall admission - Dyersburg Campus.
   • This application is in addition to the DSCC Application for Admission.
3. Applicants with prior college credits must have a cumulative grade-point average of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) for all courses comprising the nursing curriculum and a minimum grade of “C” in each course in the nursing curriculum.
   • For repeated courses, the most recent grade will be used in the calculation of the nursing grade-point average.
   • By the application deadline for the Nursing Program, official transcripts from all previously-attended colleges and/or universities must be submitted to the Office of Records and to the Division of Nursing for evaluation. Failure to provide documentation as requested will result in the rejection of the student’s application.
   • At any time after a student has been admitted to the Nursing Program, if the student failed to submit all high school and/or college transcripts for review for admission, he/she will be dismissed from the Nursing Program at the point of discovery.
4. Each applicant is required to have on file his/her test results from the required preadmission examination: Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) for Registered Nurses.
   • Details regarding the dates, times, place and cost of the test are available from the Testing Office or at www.dscc.edu.
   • Test fees are non-refundable.
   • The test score will remain in the applicant’s file for three years from the testing date; if the student reapplies after three years, he/she must retake the preadmission examination again.
   • TEAS can be taken as many times as needed with the highest grade being used.
   • Students must reapply for each class to be considered; the Division of Nursing does not keep a waiting list of applicants.
5. A criminal background check and drug screen are required by clinical facilities for assurance of patient safety. These will be required if accepted into the Program.
   • Based on the results of these checks, an affiliated clinical site may determine to not allow a student’s presence at their facility. This will result in the student’s inability to successfully complete the requirements of this program.
   • Additionally, applicants should be aware that conviction of certain crimes may make them ineligible for registered nurse licensure even though they successfully complete the Nursing Program. Detailed instructions regarding the background check will be given during nursing orientation.
   • The student will assume the cost of the physical examination, drug screen, and background check. To obtain more information, please contact the Division of Nursing.
6. If accepted, the applicant must submit proof of satisfactory physical and mental condition, current immunizations, including Tdap and Varicella, and a negative TB skin test or a chest X-ray, as indicated. TB skin tests are required yearly. Students expected to have patient contact must present proof of protection against hepatitis B before patient contact. The applicant must submit a valid Basic Life Support (American Heart Association) CPR card to the Division of Nursing.
7. Transfer requests from other colleges will be considered on an individual basis and upon availability of space. Transfer requests should be directed to the Dean of Nursing.
8. Applicants may be interviewed by the Nursing faculty as part of the admission process.
9. Admission into the Nursing Program will be based on a point system.
   • The point system will be based upon the Preadmission Examination test score; GPA; BIOL 2010 Human Anatomy and Physiology I, ENGL 1010 English Composition I, and MATH 1530 Introductory Statistics courses completed with a grade of “B” or above; and a current certification/licensure in a healthcare field.
   • In the event an applicant has taken these courses more than once, the most recent grade will be calculated in the point system.
   • Science courses must have been completed within five years prior to the admission date and prior to the qualifying application deadline date to be included in the admission points (fall semester if applying for the next fall admission/Dyersburg Campus, and summer term if applying for the next spring admission/DSCC Jimmy Naifeh Center at Tipton County).
   • The five-year science requirement may be waived if the applicant successfully completed the science course(s) and has a current certification/licensure in the healthcare field.
10. Required learning support courses, if needed, must be completed prior to the qualifying application deadline date (fall semester if applying for the next fall admission/Dyersburg Campus, and summer term if applying for the next spring admission/DSCC Jimmy Naifeh Center at Tipton County).
11. Students who have made a “D” or “F” or have withdrawn from two nursing courses at DSCC (unless an Academic Fresh Start has been granted; refer to Academic Fresh Start in the Academic Affairs and Regulations section of this catalog) or any other college or university will not be considered for admission, readmission or transfer to the DSCC Nursing Program.
    •  If a “D,” “F,” or withdrawal is made from two or more nursing courses in the same semester at DSCC or any other college or university, the attempt may be counted as one unsuccessful attempt. 
    • Students who have made a “D,” “F,” or have withdrawn from two nursing courses prior to completion of Paramedic or LPN licensure may be considered on an individual basis for admission into the Traditional Nursing Track.
    • NURX CLEP exams given by Excelsior will not be considered an unsuccessful attempt if the student scored a “D” or “F.” Credit for courses will be given on a case-by-case basis as reviewed by the Nursing Admissions and Retention Committee.
12. Students admitted to the DSCC Nursing Program will be required to comply with the Nursing Program retention and progression policies. Details of these policies are published in the Division of Nursing Program Student Handbook.
13. Each semester, students will be required to pass a Math Dosage Validation Examination.
14. Students who apply but are not accepted for the class that begins in the fall semester on the Dyersburg Campus or for the spring semester class which begins in the spring semester at the DSCC Jimmy Naifeh Center must reapply if they wish to be considered for the following class. Applications will not be considered from previous semesters.
15. The new high school graduate will be assessed for admission differently. Points will be given for the Preadmission Examination test score; high school GPA; and the math, science and reading sections of the ACT test.
16. Applicants admitted from a high school must have a minimum 2.5 grade-point average (on a 4.0 scale).

Requirements for Admission into the Advanced Standing LPN to RN Fast Track

The Dyersburg State Community College AAS degree with a major in Nursing is a program of study designed to prepare individuals to be eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination for the Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN). The LPN to RN Nursing Fast Track is offered on the Dyersburg Campus. The Dyersburg State Nursing Program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

The DSCC Nursing Program is approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing.

To be considered for admission to the Nursing Program, the following requirements must be met:

1. The LPN applicant must be accepted to DSCC as a regular admission student. Refer to Requirements for Regular Admission in this catalog section.
2. The applicant must submit a completed Application for the LPN to RN Fast Track to the Division of Nursing by the deadline specified:
   • December 31st
   • This application is in addition to the DSCC Application for Admission.
   • The applicant must submit evidence of a current active LPN license.
3. Applicants with prior college credits must have a cumulative grade-point average of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) for all courses comprising the nursing curriculum and a minimum grade of “C” in each course in the nursing curriculum.
   • For repeated courses, the most recent grade will be used in the calculation of the nursing grade-point average.
   • By the application deadline for the Nursing Program, official transcripts from all previously-attended colleges and/or universities must be submitted to the Office of Records and to the Division of Nursing for evaluation. Failure to provide documentation as requested will result in the rejection of the student’s application.
   • At any time after a student has been admitted to the Nursing Program, if the student failed to submit all high school and/or college transcripts for review for admission, he/she will be dismissed from the Nursing Program at the point of discovery.
4. Each applicant is required to have on file his/her test results from the required preadmission examination: Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) for Registered Nurses.
   • Details regarding the dates, times, place and cost of the test are available from the Testing Office or at www.dscc.edu.
   • Test fees are non-refundable.
   • The test score will remain in the applicant’s file for three years from the testing date; if the student reapplies after three years, he/she must retake the preadmission examination again.
   • TEAS can be taken as many times as needed with the highest grade being used.
   • Students must reapply for each class to be considered; the Division of Nursing does not keep a waiting list of applicants.
5. A criminal background check and drug screen are required by clinical facilities for assurance of patient safety. These will be required if accepted into the Program.
   • Based on the results of these checks, an affiliated clinical site may determine to not allow a student’s presence at their facility. This will result in the student’s inability to successfully complete the requirements of this program.
   • Additionally, applicants should be aware that conviction of certain crimes may make them ineligible for registered nurse licensure even though they successfully complete the Nursing Program. Detailed instructions regarding the background check will be given during nursing orientation.
   • The student will assume the cost of the physical examination, drug screen, and background check. To obtain more information, please contact the Division of Nursing.
6. If accepted, the applicant must submit proof of satisfactory physical and mental condition, current immunizations, including Tdap and Varicella, and a negative TB skin test or a chest X-ray, as indicated. TB skin tests are required yearly. Students expected to have patient contact must present proof of protection against hepatitis B before patient contact. The applicant must submit a valid Basic Life Support (American Heart Association) CPR card to the Division of Nursing.
7. Transfer requests from other colleges will be considered on an individual basis and upon availability of space. Transfer requests should be directed to the Dean of Nursing.
8. Applicants may be interviewed by the Nursing faculty as part of the admission process.
9. Admission into the Nursing Program will be based on a point system.
   • The point system will be based upon the Preadmission Examination test score; GPA; and BIOL 2010 Human Anatomy & Physiology I, ENGL 1010 English Composition I, and MATH 1530 Introductory Statistics courses completed with a grade of “B” or above.
   • In the event an applicant has taken these courses more than once, the most recent grade will be calculated in the point system.
   • Science courses must have been completed within five years prior to the admission date and prior to the qualifying application deadline date to be included in the admission points.
   • The five-year science requirement may be waived if the applicant successfully completed the science course(s) and has a current health care license.
10. Required learning support courses, if needed, must be completed prior to the qualifying application deadline date. BIOL 2010 Human Anatomy & Physiology I, ENGL 1010 English Composition I, and PSYC 1030 Introduction to Psychology must be completed prior to the qualifying application deadline.
11. Students who have made a “D,” “F,” or have withdrawn from two nursing courses at DSCC (unless an Academic Fresh Start has been granted; refer to Academic Fresh Start in the Academic Affairs and Regulations section of this catalog) or any other college or university will not be considered for admission, readmission or transfer to the DSCC Nursing Program.
    •  If a “D,” “F,” or withdrawal is made from two or more nursing courses in the same semester at DSCC or any other college or university, the attempt may be counted as one unsuccessful attempt. 
    • Students who have made a “D,” “F,” or have withdrawn from two nursing courses prior to completion of LPN licensure may be considered on an individual basis for admission to the DSCC Advanced Standing LPN to RN Fast Track.
    • NURX CLEP exams given by Excelsior will not be considered an unsuccessful attempt if the student scored a “D” or “F.” Credit for courses will be given on a case-by-case basis as reviewed by the Nursing Admissions and Retention Committee.
12. Students admitted to the DSCC Nursing Program will be required to comply with the Nursing Program retention and progression policies. Details of these policies are published in the Division of Nursing Program Student Handbook.
13. Each semester, students will be required to pass a Math Dosage Validation Examination.
14. Students who apply but are not accepted for the Program must reapply if they wish to be considered for the following class. Applications will not be considered from previous semesters.
15. If accepted into the LPN to RN Fast Track:
    • Basic nursing skills competency/validation is required prior to beginning clinical rotation in NRSG 1700 and NRSG 1340.
    • After successfully completing NRSG 1700, the student will be awarded 7 credit hours for NRSG 1710 on the basis of their prior LPN educational program. The student must successfully complete NRSG 1700 to receive the 7 credit hours.
    • The applicant who does not successfully complete NRSG 1700 and NRSG 1340 may seek admission as a regular student (see requirements for Admission to the Nursing Program).

Requirements for Admission to the Paramedic to RN Track

The Dyersburg State Community College AAS degree with a major in Nursing is a program of study designed to prepare individuals to be eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination for the Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN). The Paramedic to RN Nursing Track is offered at the Dyersburg and DSCC Jimmy Naifeh Center at Tipton County locations. The Dyersburg State Nursing Program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

The DSCC Nursing Program is approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing.

To be considered for admission to the Nursing Program, the following requirements must be met:

1. The Paramedic applicant must be accepted to DSCC as a regular admission student. Refer to Requirements for Regular Admission in this catalog section.
2. The applicant must submit a completed Application for the Paramedic to RN Track to the Division of Nursing by the deadline specified:
   • March 1^st for fall admission
   • September 1^st for spring admission
   • This application is in addition to the DSCC Application for Admission.
   • The applicant must submit evidence of a current active Paramedic license.
3. Applicants with prior college credits must have a cumulative grade-point average of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) for all courses comprising the nursing curriculum and a minimum grade of “C” in each course in the nursing curriculum.
   • For repeated courses, the most recent grade will be used in the calculation of the nursing grade-point average.
   • By the application deadline for the Nursing Program, official transcripts from all previously-attended colleges and/or universities must be submitted to the Office of Records and to the Division of Nursing for evaluation. Failure to provide documentation as requested will result in the rejection of the student’s application.
   • At any time after a student has been admitted to the Nursing Program, if the student failed to submit all high school and/or college transcripts for review for admission, he/she will be dismissed from the Nursing Program at the point of discovery.
4. Each applicant is required to have on file his/her test results from the required preadmission examination: Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) for Registered Nurses.
   • Details regarding the dates, times, place and cost of the test are available from the Testing Office or at www.dscc.edu.
   • Test fees are non-refundable.
   • The test score will remain in the applicant’s file for three years from the testing date; if the student reapplies after three years, he/she must retake the preadmission examination again.
   • TEAS can be taken as many times as needed with the highest grade being used.
   • Students must reapply for each class to be considered; the Division of Nursing does not keep a waiting list of applicants.
5. A criminal background check and drug screen are required by clinical facilities for assurance of patient safety. These will be required if accepted into the Program.
   • Based on the results of these checks, an affiliated clinical site may determine to not allow a student’s presence at their facility. This will result in the student’s inability to successfully complete the requirements of this Program.
   • Additionally, applicants should be aware that conviction of certain crimes may make them ineligible for registered nurse licensure even though they successfully complete the Nursing Program. Detailed instructions regarding the background check will be given during nursing orientation.
   • The student will assume the cost of the physical examination, drug screen, and background check. To obtain more information, please contact the Division of Nursing.
6. If accepted, the applicant must submit proof of satisfactory physical and mental condition, current immunizations including, Tdap and Varicella, and a negative TB skin test or a chest X-ray, as indicated. TB skin tests are required yearly. Students expected to have patient contact must present proof of protection against hepatitis B before patient contact. The applicant must submit a valid Basic Life Support (American Heart Association) CPR card to the Division of Nursing.
7. Transfer requests from other colleges will be considered on an individual basis and upon availability of space. Transfer requests should be directed to the Dean of Nursing.
8. Applicants may be interviewed by the Nursing faculty as part of the admission process.
9. Admission into the Nursing Program will be based on a point system.
   • The point system will be based upon the Preadmission Examination test score; GPA; and BIOL 2010 Human Anatomy & Physiology I, ENGL 1010 English Composition I, and MATH 1530 Introductory Statistics courses completed with a grade of “B” or above.
   • In the event an applicant has taken these courses more than once, the most recent grade will be calculated in the point system.
   • Science courses must have been completed within five years prior to the admission date and prior to the qualifying application deadline date to be included in the admission points.
   • The five-year science requirement may be waived if the applicant successfully completed the science course(s) and has a current health care license.
10. Required learning support courses, if needed, must be completed prior to the qualifying application deadline date. BIOL 2010 Human Anatomy & Physiology I, ENGL 1010 English Composition I, and PSYC 1030 Introduction to Psychology must be completed prior to the qualifying application deadline.
11. Students who have made a “D” or “F” or have withdrawn from two nursing courses at DSCC (unless an Academic Fresh Start has been granted; refer to Academic Fresh Start in the Academic Affairs and Regulations section of this catalog) or any other college or university will not be considered for admission, readmission or transfer to the DSCC Nursing Program.
    •  If a “D,” “F,” or withdrawal is made from two or more nursing courses in the same semester at DSCC or any other college or university, the attempt may be counted as one unsuccessful attempt. 
    • Students who have made a “D,” “F,” or have withdrawn from two nursing courses prior to completion of Paramedic licensure may be considered on an individual basis for admission into the Paramedic to RN Track.
    • NURX CLEP exams given by Excelsior will not be considered an unsuccessful attempt if the student scored a “D” or “F.” Credit for courses will be given on a case-by-case basis as reviewed by the Nursing Admissions and Retention Committee.
12. Students admitted to the DSCC Nursing Program will be required to comply with the Nursing Program retention and progression policies. Details of these policies are published in the Division of Nursing Program Student Handbook.
13. Each semester, students will be required to pass a Math Dosage Validation Examination.
14. Students who apply but are not accepted for the Program must reapply if they wish to be considered for the following class. Applications will not be considered from previous semesters.
15. If accepted into the Paramedic to RN Track:
    • Basic nursing skills competency/validation is required prior to beginning clinical rotation in NRSG 1700 and NRSG 1340.
    • After successfully completing NRSG 1700, the student will be awarded 7 credit hours for NRSG 1710 on the basis of their prior Paramedic educational program. The student must successfully complete NRSG 1700 to receive the 7 credit hours.
    • The applicant who does not successfully complete NRSG 1700 and NRSG 1340 may seek admission as a regular student (see requirements for Admission to the Nursing Program).

Requirements for Admission to the RN Program-Evening Track

The Dyersburg State Community College AAS degree with a major in Nursing is a program of study designed to prepare individuals to be eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination for the Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN). This track in the Nursing Program is an evening program that is offered at the Dyersburg Campus. The Dyersburg State Nursing Program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

The DSCC Nursing Program is approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing.

To be considered for admission to the Nursing Program, the following requirements must be met:

1. The applicant must be accepted to DSCC as a regular admission student. Refer to Requirements for Regular Admission in this catalog section.
2. The applicant must submit a completed Application for Nursing to the Division of Nursing by the deadline specified:
   • May 15th for Fall Admission-Dyersburg Campus.
   • The evening program will be offered every other year. 
   • This application is in addition to the DSCC Application for Admission.
3. Applicants with prior college credits must have a cumulative grade-point average of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) for all courses comprising the nursing curriculum and a minimum grade of “C” in each course in the nursing curriculum.
   • For repeated courses, the most recent grade will be used in the calculation of the nursing grade-point average.
   • By the application deadline for the Nursing Program, official transcripts from all previously-attended colleges and/or universities must be submitted to the Office of Records and to the Division of Nursing for evaluation. Failure to provide documentation as requested will result in the rejection of the student’s application.
   • At any time after a student has been admitted to the Nursing Program, if the student failed to submit all high school and/or college transcripts for review for admission, he/she will be dismissed from the Nursing Program at the point of discovery.
4. Each applicant is required to have on file his/her test results from the required preadmission examination Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) for Registered Nurses.
   • Details regarding the dates, times, place and cost of the test are available from the Testing Office or at www.dscc.edu.
   • Test fees are non-refundable.
   • TEAS can be taken as many times as needed with the highest grade being used. There is a required six-month wait period between retesting.
   • The test score will remain in the applicant’s file for three years from the testing date; if the student reapplies after three years, he/she must retake the preadmission examination again.
   • Students must reapply for each class to be considered; the Division of Nursing does not keep a waiting list of applicants.
5. A criminal background check and drug screen are required by clinical facilities for assurance of patient safety. These will be required if accepted into the Program.
   • Based on the results of these checks, an affiliated clinical site may determine to not allow a student’s presence at their facility. This will result in the student’s inability to successfully complete the requirements of this Program.
   • Additionally, applicants should be aware that conviction of certain crimes may make them ineligible for registered nurse licensure even though they successfully complete the Nursing Program. Detailed instructions regarding the background check will be given during nursing orientation.
   • The student will assume the cost of the physical examination, drug screen, and background check. To obtain more information, please contact the Division of Nursing.
6. If accepted, the applicant must submit proof of satisfactory physical and mental condition, current immunizations including, Tdap and Varicella, and a negative TB skin test or a chest X-ray, as indicated. TB skin tests are required yearly. Students expected to have patient contact must present proof of protection against hepatitis B before patient contact. The applicant must submit a valid Basic Life Support (American Heart Association) CPR card to the Division of Nursing.
7. Transfer requests from other colleges will be considered upon an individual basis and upon availability of space. Transfer requests should be directed to the Dean of Nursing.
8. Applicants may be interviewed by the Nursing faculty as part of the admission process.
9. Admission into the Nursing Program will be based on a point system.
   • The point system will be based upon the Preadmission Examination test score; GPA; BIOL 2010 Anatomy and Physiology I, ENGL 1010 English Composition I, and MATH 1530 Introductory Statistics courses taken with a grade of “B” or above; and current certification/licensure in a healthcare field.
   •  In the event an applicant has taken these courses more than once, the most recent grade will be calculated in the point system.
   • Science courses must have been completed within five years prior to the admission date and prior to the qualifying application deadline date to be included in the admission points (fall semester if applying for the next fall admission/Dyersburg Campus).
   • The five-year science requirement may be waived if the applicant successfully completed the science course(s) and has a current certification/licensure in the healthcare field.
10. Required learning support courses, if needed, must be completed prior to the qualifying application deadline date (fall semester if applying for the next fall admission/Dyersburg Campus).
11. Students who have made a “D” or “F” or have withdrawn from two nursing courses at DSCC (unless an Academic Fresh Start has been granted; refer to Academic Fresh Start in the Academic Affairs and Regulations section of this catalog) or any other college or university will not be considered for admission, readmission or transfer to the DSCC Nursing Program.
    •  If a “D,” “F,” or a withdrawal is made from two or more nursing courses in the same semester at DSCC or any other college or university, the attempt may be counted as one unsuccessful attempt. 
    • Students who have made a “D,” “F,” or have withdrawn from two nursing courses prior to completion of a Paramedic or LPN license may be considered on an individual basis for admission into the evening track.
    • NURX proficiency exams given by Excelsior will not be considered an unsuccessful attempt if the student scored a “D” or “F.” Credit for courses will be given on a case-by-case basis as reviewed by the Nursing Admissions and Retention Committee.
12. Students admitted to the DSCC Nursing Program will be required to comply with the Nursing Program retention and progression policies. Details of these policies are published in the Division of Nursing Program Student Handbook.
13. Each semester, students will be required to pass a Math Dosage Validation Examination.
14. Students who apply but are not accepted for the Program must reapply if they wish to be considered for the following class. Applications will not be considered from previous semesters.
15. The new high school graduate will be assessed for admission differently. Points will be given for the Preadmission Examination test score; and high school GPA; the math, science and reading sections of the ACT test.
16. Applicants admitted from a high school must have a minimum 2.5 grade-point average (on a 4.0 scale).

Progression Requirements

1. Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 for retention in the Nursing Program. Students must receive at least a cumulative score of 80% for a passing grade of “C” in theory and a satisfactory performance in clinical nursing courses to progress.
2. Students must receive at least a grade of “C” in the non-nursing curriculum courses (BIOL 2010, BIOL 2020, BIOL 2230, ENGL 1010, MATH 1530, PSYC 1030, Guided Elective, Humanities/Fine Arts Elective).
3. Students must maintain current certification in BLS for Healthcare Providers (American Heart Association).
4. Students must complete their TB skin test annually.
5. Each semester of the Nursing Program, students must satisfactorily demonstrate competency on the Math Dosage Validation Exam except for Fundamental students.
6. An NCLEX-RN review course is required of all graduating nursing students prior to sitting for the NCLEX-RN. This course and course provider will be chosen and mandated by the Division of Nursing. The official transcripts required for licensure will not be submitted until this requirement has been met.

Readmission and Transfer into the Nursing Program

In addition to the required admission criteria, applicants seeking readmission or transfer admission should be aware that applications will be considered on an individual basis based upon space availability.

Transfer Applicants

1. Transfer applicants must submit a written request for transfer and a letter from the director of the previous nursing program to the Nursing Admission and Retention Committee verifying good standing in the nursing program.
2. Transcripts from all previously attended universities and/or colleges must be submitted to both the Office of Records and to the Division of Nursing for evaluation. In addition to all transcripts, appropriate nursing course descriptions from the previous school of nursing must be submitted to the Division of Nursing. Incomplete files cannot be considered for admission.
3. Nursing courses should not be over 2 years old; if so, these will need to be repeated. Nursing courses will be evaluated on an individual basis.
4. Students who have made a “D,” “F,” or withdrawn from two nursing courses at DSCC and/or another college or university will not be considered for transfer to the Nursing Program. If a “D,” “F,” or withdrawal is made from two or more nursing courses in the same semester at DSCC or any other college or university, the attempt may be counted as one unsuccessful attempt.
5. Students transferring into the Nursing Program will be required to successfully pass a Math Dosage Validation Exam and validate proficiency of previously-mastered courses through content testing.
6. Students transferring into the Nursing Program will be expected to have mastered all previously taught clinical skills. Validation of these skills will be required.

Requirements for Readmission

1. The applicant must submit a written request for readmission to the Nursing Admission and Retention Committee one month prior to the term of desired admission.
2. All students must follow the readmission policies for the College.
3. Students who have made a “D” or “F” or withdrawn from two nursing courses at DSCC or any other college or university will not be considered for readmission to the Nursing Program unless Academic Fresh Start status has been granted. (Refer to Academic Fresh Start in the Academic Affairs and Regulations section of this catalog.) Unsuccessful completion of NRSG 2240 (nonclinical) may not count as a second failure for readmission and will be reviewed on an individual basis.
4. A student who has been out of the Nursing Program for two years or more may apply for admission as a beginning student. No credit will be given for nursing courses previously taken. Science courses more than 5 years old will be evaluated on an individual basis.
5. Readmission is dependent upon space availability and curriculum placement. If the number of readmission requests exceeds space availability, applicants will be evaluated according to the Program “Point System” as outlined in the Requirements for Admission to the Nursing Program section of the DSCC Catalog and Student Handbook.
6. Students seeking readmission into any nursing clinical course, with the exception of NRSG 1710, will be required to successfully pass a Math Dosage Validation Examination.
7. With the exception of NRSG 1710/1700, students will be required to validate competency of previously-mastered content through proficiency testing and skills mastery validation.
8. A student granted readmission contingent upon proficiency testing may attempt to prove competency in content and skills once a semester. If unsuccessful on the content proficiency exam, a student will only be allowed to attempt readmission one additional time within two years of the unsuccessful completion of the course in which the student is seeking readmission. The maximum number of times a student can attempt the content proficiency exam is twice.
9. A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Paramedic who has made a “D,” “F,” or withdrawn from two nursing courses from DSCC or any other college or university (excluding NRSG 2240) will not be considered for readmission, regardless of the nursing curriculum track. If a “D,” “F,” or withdrawal is made from two or more nursing courses in the same semester at DSCC or any other college or university, the attempt may be counted as one unsuccessful attempt.
10. Students seeking readmission must be recommended by a majority of the Nursing faculty and must have a current GPA of 2.0 or greater.
11. Students seeking readmission will be admitted under the catalog of the current academic year.

Student Appeal Process for Readmission

The Readmission Policy of the Division of Nursing states that the student who has either failed or withdrawn from two nursing courses is ineligible for readmission into the Nursing Program.

A student wishing to appeal a decision to deny readmission into the DSCC Nursing Program must follow these steps.

1. Consult with the Division Dean to make known the intention of appealing this policy. This consultation shall be within five days following notification of the decision to deny readmission.
2. After this consultation, the student needs to submit a written request to the Division Dean. The Division Dean will attempt to resolve the complaint in consultation with the student and the faculty within five days of the formal presentation of the written request.
3. If a satisfactory resolution is not reached in Step 2, the student may inform the Division Dean, the Dean of Student Services, and the Vice President for the College that he/she wishes to make a written request for a review to the Appeals Board. The student shall make a written request to the Division Dean for a review to the Appeals Board within five days following the end of the prescribed time in Step 2 and shall include in the request a rationale for this request. The Division Dean, within five days of receiving the student’s request, must forward the student’s request to the Appeals Board, together with copies of all correspondence and records pertaining to the complaint.
4. Upon receipt of a request for review, the Chairperson of the Appeals Board shall set a meeting date and notify, in writing, the faculty, the Division Dean, the Dean of Student Services, and the Vice President for the College of the meeting date. The meeting date shall be within seven days of the receipt of the request.
5. The Appeals Board shall submit its findings in sufficient explicit detail to explain these findings.
6. The Vice President for the College, the Dean of the Division and the Dean of Student Services shall jointly review the findings of the Appeals Board. A final decision shall be made and announced after consultation with the President of the College.

Core Performance Standards

Procedure for Students Who Identify Potential Problems with Meeting “Core Performance Standards”

All TBR nursing programs have adopted the following core performance standards proposed by the Southern Council on Collegiate Education for Nursing (1993). Admission to and progression in nursing programs is not based on these standards; instead they will be used to assist each student in determining whether accommodations or modifications are necessary. If a student feels that there is need for any accommodations or modifications to meet these core performance standards, he or she should first make this known to the instructor of the course. The instructor will notify the Dean of Nursing. The Dean will then notify the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator. The student, instructor, Dean, and the ADA Coordinator will review the academic requirements and determine whether a reasonable accommodation is possible and/or which among possible accommodations will best serve the student.

Core Performance Standards for Admission and Progression

1. Critical thinking ability sufficient for clinical judgment.
2. Interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with individuals, families, and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds.
3. Communication abilities sufficient for interaction with others in verbal and written form.
4. Physical abilities sufficient to move from room to room and to maneuver in small spaces.
5. Gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to provide safe and effective nursing care.
6. Auditory abilities sufficient to monitor and assess health needs of patient.
7. Visual ability sufficient for observation and assessment necessary in nursing care.
8. Tactile ability sufficient for physical assessment.

Requirements for Admission to the Paramedic Program

The DSCC Paramedic Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Professions (CoAEMSP, www.coaemsp.org).

Paramedics are licensed by the Tennessee Department of Health, Division of Emergency Medical Services.

In addition to the requirements for admission to the College, applicants seeking a certificate or AAS degree with a major in Paramedic must meet the following prerequisites:

• Possess a current AEMT license in the State of Tennessee.
• Take the FISDAP Paramedic Entrance Exam.
• Participate in an oral interview.
• Complete a physical ability examination.
• Achieve at least the required minimum score in EMT knowledge and professional behavior evaluations.
• Obtain admission to the College.

1.  Academic background (FISDAP Entry Test)

• 85 and above                        5 points
• 78-84                                      4 points
• 70-77                                      3 points
• 65-69                                      2 points
• 60-64                                      1 point

   C.  Oral Interview

• Score is determined by an interview committee from references, work experience records, and observations during interviews. You may bring a resume and any other documentation you feel is appropriate. The following criteria will be used for interview evaluation:

1. EMS related experience
2. Level of maturity and motivation
3. Level of knowledge
4. Communication ability
5. Poise

• Each area evaluated in the interview shall be rated with a score of 0-5 depending on the quality of achievement, with 5 being the highest score and 0 being the lowest. Interview panel will be an odd number of scorers and the average of the scores will be applied to each portion of the interview.

   D.  Applicant must score an overall rating of 2.5 or higher to be accepted into the program.

Requirements for Admission to the Advanced Emergency Medical Technician Track (AEMT)

Advanced EMTs are licensed by the Tennessee Department of Health, Division of Emergency Medical Services.

In addition to the requirements for admission to the College, applicants for the DSCC Advanced Emergency Medical Technician Track must meet the following prerequisites:

1. Be at least 18 years of age.
2. Provide proof to the Office of Records that the applicant possesses a regular or academic high school diploma or a Tennessee High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma by successfully passing either the General Educational Development (GED) exam or the High School Equivalency Test (HiSET).
3. Submit a completed application to the AEMT Program to the Director of Emergency Medical Services by June 1. The application is available online at www.dscc.edu.
4. Pass a criminal background check and a drug screen. The costs of the background check and drug screen are the responsibility of the applicant.
5. Provide to the DSCC Emergency Medical Services Director proof of Emergency Medical Technician (Basic) licensure in Tennessee or proof of passing the National Registry of EMTs EMT Exam within 120 days of completing the EMT course.

A member of the EMS faculty will serve as the academic advisor and will assist the student in registering for classes prior to each semester of enrollment in the AEMT classes.

Requirements for Admission to the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Track

In addition to the requirements for admission to the College, eligible applicants for the DSCC EMT Track must meet the following prerequisites:

1. Be at least 18 years of age.
2. Provide proof to the Office of Records that the applicant possesses a regular or academic high school diploma or a Tennessee High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma by successfully passing either the General Educational Development (GED) exam or the High School Equivalency Test (HiSET).
3. Pass a criminal background check and a drug screen. The costs of the background check and drug screen are the responsibility of the applicant.

A member of the EMS faculty will serve as the academic advisor for students enrolled in the EMS curriculum and will assist the student in registering for classes prior to each semester of enrollment.

At this time, ​​advanced placement and/or experiential learning credit is decided on a case-by-case basis and is available to current or past EMS DSCC students only.