1. Nursing is not an insurance policy. It is not something to fall back on in case you are forced to work in the future. Skills and knowledge in nursing must be kept current. With technology changing so frequently, it is hard for a practicing nurse to keep up.

2. Nursing is not a "do-as-you-are-told" job. It demands that one be able to interview, analyze, detect, develop, write, teach, interpret, counsel, coordinate, collaborate, insert, inject, dispense, change, document, count, order, improvise, supervise, create, give, and take. It takes much more than a nice personality, a ready smile, and good intentions to make a good nurse.

1. a strong background in math (algebra) and science (chemistry and biology)?
2. good hand-eye coordination?
3. lots of common sense?
4. the ability to stay calm in emergencies?
5. excellent communication skills?
6. a sound body?
7. a stable mind?
8. an above-average intellect?
9. an affinity for machines and computers?
10. a compassionate heart?
11. teaching abilities?
12. leadership qualities?
13. patience, tolerance, flexibility, persistence?
14. a strong ego?
15. an affinity for problem solving?
16. confidence in your decision-making abilities?
17. good organizational skills?
18. reliable powers of observation?
19. the ability to see the best in people in the worst of times?
20. no objection to working weekends, nights, or holidays?

Chenevert states the more qualities that you have (the yes to the above questions), the more likely that you are to make a success out of the nursing profession. (From her book Tour Guide to Nursing School, Mosby Publishers.)

3. Jobs for a Registered Nurse (RN) are no longer found only in the hospital setting. Openings for RNs can be found in the home health setting, clinics, doctors' offices, schools, nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities, convalescent homes, adult day care settings, assisted living settings, community settings, etc. RNs have expanded the areas in which they work. Be prepared to expand too.

4. If you are interested in becoming a RN, apply to several different programs of nursing. Make yourself aware of what the application requirements are for each program (they are usually different). Meet the deadlines. Make certain that you have turned in everything that is needed. It is your responsibility to make sure that your application is complete and on time. Schedule an appointment with the faculty advisor or director of the nursing program to find out more information. Get the information in writing.

5. Points to keep in mind: what is the pass rate on the licensure exam (you want the high 80s to 100 percent); the program should be State Board of Nursing approved and National League for Nursing (NLN) accredited; cost of tuition, books, uniforms, and other incidentals of a nursing program; apply early.

1. What do I need to do first?

Read this entire packet. Note the application to Ohio University-Chillicothe. Fill this out and send it in with the application fee as soon as possible to the A.D. Nursing Office, P.O. Box 629, Chillicothe, OH 45601. Get all transcripts; high school, college, vocational school, GED scores, etc. sent directly from the school/college/office to the A.D. Nursing Office, P.O. Box 629, Chillicothe, OH 45601.

If you have not had a class or course in algebra, biology, and/or chemistry in high school or college with a grade of C- or better, take this/these course(s).

2. When will I get in?

Read over the admission information (link to admission information page) criteria. All prospective nursing students must meet the minimum requirements. Applications are reviewed on a quarterly basis. Therefore, the earlier the applicant has a completed file, including the ACT-COMPASS exam, the earlier the application will be reviewed. Only completed files are reviewed.

3. When do you admit a class?

The second Berger class of 32 students started at the end of March 2006. OUC admits a class every spring and fall quarter. Applications are reviewed on a quarterly basis.

4. Do I need Algebra, Biology, and Chemistry?

YES! Nursing draws upon the knowledge in these courses. You need to have some reference in which to know what is going on in the college courses of math, anatomy, physiology, and chemistry.

5. Do I need transcripts from high school and college?

No matter when you graduated from high school and/or vocational school, got your GED, or if you graduated from college, we need all of those transcripts. Have them sent to the A.D. Nursing Office, P.O. Box 629, Chillicothe, OH 45601. If you receive a letter from this office stating that we do not have a transcript, please make arrangements for it to be sent again. If we do not have all the transcripts, your file will be incomplete and will not be reviewed by the selection committee.

6. Is there a preadmission nursing exam before entering the nursing program?

To be considered for the A.D. Nursing Program at Ohio University, all prospective nursing students must take the ACT-COMPASS (placement test) exam before admission to the nursing program. "Scores" of Tier I Quantitative Math, English 151, and a reading level of at least 80 are expected. A student may have an opportunity to repeat the ACT-COMPASS exam once. Review courses in English, mathematics, and/or reading may be necessary if scores fall below these standards. To schedule the ACT-COMPASS examination, please phone 740.774.7257 or toll-free 1.877.462.6824, extension 257. These exams are free and are required.

7. What courses can I take?

You can take any of the Support Course Requirements listed on the curriculum page in this packet. These courses are CHEM 121, BIOS 130, BIOS 131, HCFN 128, BIO 201, PSY 101, SOC 101, ENG 151, PSY 120.

8. Are there evening or part time classes?

Most of the Berger support courses are scheduled in the evening to accommodate work schedules; however, this may not always be possible. When registering for classes, look for the course offerings in Circleville. Classes are held on-site at the hospital in the basement of the Medical Office Building. Classes with lab components, such as biology and chemistry, will be held at Circleville High School. Beware that the A.D. Nursing courses are during the day. Once you are in the A.D. Nursing Program, you will be a part-time student in your first year. Nursing courses for the Berger site are offered on Tuesday from approximately 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. plus additional clinical days as arranged.

9. What about scholarships, grants, and financial aid?

Berger Health System offers a Community Health Scholarship. Scholarship funds may be used to defer the cost of tuition, laboratory fees, and textbooks. To request an application packet, interested students may contact the Human Resources Department at 740.420.8343.

Tuition programs are also available to employees of Berger Health System.

If you are interested in financial aid, grants, and other scholarships, please contact the Financial Aid Office. They are located in the Student Service area of Bennett Hall at OUC. Their phone number is 740.774.7228 or toll-free 1.877.462.6824, extension 228.

The most important thing to do with any type of financial aid, scholarships, and grants is to fill out the form completely and turn everything in on time.

To be eligible to attend Ohio University, individuals must do the following:

A. Complete the application to Ohio University and submit it along with the non-refundable fee of $20.
B. Submit an official high school transcript or, if applicable, official GED scores.
C. Submit official transcripts from all previous college courses.
D. Submit official ACT scores (required for students who enter Ohio University directly out of high school). Students who have been out of high school for more than a full calendar year are exempt from taking the ACT or SAT.

Admission to the Associate Degree Nursing Program is by a selective process. Admission to Ohio University does not guarantee admission to the nursing program. The selection process for the nursing program at the Circleville, Zanesville, Chillicothe, and Southern campuses are separate. Therefore, admission to the Chillicothe Associate Degree Nursing Program does not guarantee admission into the other campus' program nor does admission into another campus' program guarantee admission into the Chillicothe program. Selection is based upon the following:

A. Graduate of a high school or hold the certificate of High School Equivalency (GED). A high school 3.0 grade point average on a 4 point scale is expected (or an established college grade point average of not less than 2.75).
B. The applicant must have completed courses in biology, algebra, and chemistry at the high school and/or college level with a minimum grade of C-.
C. All students are required to take the ACT-COMPASS (placement test) exam before admission to the nursing program. "Scores" of Tier I Quantitative Math, English 151, and a reading level of at least 80 are expected. A student may have an opportunity to repeat the ACT-COMPASS examination once. Review courses in english, mathematics, and/or reading may be necessary if scores fall below these standards. To schedule the ACT-COMPASS examination, please phone 740.774.7212 or toll-free 1.877.462.6824, extension 212.

When the maximum number has been admitted to the nursing program, qualified applicants will be placed on a waiting list. For additional information, contact the Nursing Office, Ohio University-Chillicothe, 740.774.7282, or toll-free 1.877.462.6824, extension 282.

Advance Placement for Licensed Practical Nurses

Graduates of approved schools of practical nursing who have met licensure requirements may be granted advanced placement. Advanced placement has no bearing upon admission to the nursing program. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) wishing to enter the Associate Degree Nursing Program must follow the above admission criteria.

Student Costs

1. Tuition: $1,527 - $1,678 per quarter for full-time students (11 - 20 hours); $139 - $153 per credit hour, part-time students.
2. Books and supplies: $250 per quarter.**
3. Uniforms: $125 (one-time cost).**
4. ERI Fee: $40 per quarter.
5. Liability Insurance: $29 per year.**
6. Health Insurance: Information regarding a special rate for OUC students is available in the student services office.
7. Other expenses: Including, but not limited to, health history and physical, BCI fingerprinting, immunizations, NLN achievement tests, and graduation costs.

* The tuition and fees listed above are effective with the fall quarter, 2008 - 2009 and are based upon lower division and upper division standing. They are necessarily subject to change without notice at the discretion of Ohio University. Please refer to a schedule of classes for further tuition information. ** Approximate costs -- could change. The first two quarters of nursing have a large book fee involved.

Financial Aid

Complete information regarding financial aid is available through the Student Services office at Ohio University-Chillicothe. Various types of financial aid are available; some may be specific for students enrolled in nursing programs.

The financial aid office phone number is 740.774.7228 or toll-free 1.877.462.6284, extension 228.

Scholarships

Berger Health System offers a Community Health Scholarship. Scholarship funds may be used to defer the cost of tuition. Some laboratory fees and textbooks may also be eligible for reimbursement. To request an application packet, interested students may contact the Human Resources Department at 740.420.8343.

Tuition program applications are available to employees of Berger Health System who meet the criteria. To learn about potential employment opportunities, please visit our Careers Page or contact us at 740.420.8352.

General Information

The two-year Associate Degree Nursing Program combines coursework and clinical experience to prepare you for licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN) as you earn an Associate in Applied Science degree.

The program enjoys an established reputation for graduating well-prepared, high-quality nurses. The Associate Degree Nursing Program is approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing, Ohio Department of Vocational Education, North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, and Ohio Board of Regents, and is accredited by the National League for Nursing. Upon completion of the associate degree, the graduate is prepared to take the National Council Licensure Examination which leads to licensure as a Registered Nurse.

Graduates of the associate degree program may choose to enter the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program for two additional years of more advanced education. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree Program is also offered on the Chillicothe campus.

Associate Degree Nursing Curriculum

Support Course Requirements: It is suggested for the purposes of this nursing partnership that these courses are taken prior to admission to the Associate Degree Nursing Program. If these courses are not taken prior to admission to the program, they must be taken at the time they are assigned within the curriculum.

• BIO 130 - Human Anatomy & Physiology I (5)
• CHEM 121 - Principles of Chemistry I (4)
• BIO 131 - Human Anatomy & Physiology II (5)
• HCFN 128 - Introduction to Nutrition (4)
• BIO 201 - Elementary Microbiology (4)
• PSY 101 - General Psychology (5)
• SOC 101 - Introduction to Sociology (4)
• PSY 120 - Elementary Statistical Reasoning (4)
• ENG 151 - Writing and Rhetoric I (5) -- Must be completed prior to graduation.

RECOMMENDED ELECTIVE (3 CREDIT HOUR COURSE): COMPUTER SCIENCE 120, PSYCHOLOGY 273, FINE ARTS, HUMANITIES, THIRD WORLD CULTURE, OR SIGN LANGUAGE.

Credit hours are in parenthesis.
These courses total 43 credit hours.

Required Nursing Requirements: These courses can only be taken by individuals admitted into the Associate Degree Nursing Program.

• First Year
  • First Quarter
    • NURS 110 - Foundations of Nursing I (4)
    • NURS 115 - Communication in Nursing (1)
    • NURS 120 - Assess. Middle & Older Adult (2)
    • NURS 130 - Pharmacology in Nursing I (1)
    • Total = 8
  • Second Quarter
    • NURS 111 - Foundations of Nursing II (4)
    • NURS 121 - Assess. Neonate/Young Adult (2)
    • NURS 131 - Pharmacology in Nursing II (2)
    • Total = 8
  • Third Quarter
    • NURS 132 - Pharmacology in Nursing III (2)
    • NURS 210 - Health Alterations I (7)
    • NURS 230 - Mental Health Alterations (5)
    • Total = 14
• Second Year
  • Fourth Quarter
    • NURS 211 - Health Alterations II (7)
    • NURS 220 - Maternal, Newborn, and Women's Health Alterations (5)
    • Total = 12
  • Fifth Quarter
    • NURS 212 - Health Alterations III (7)
    • NURS 240 - Child and Adolescent Health Alterations (5)
    • NURS 131 - Pharmacology in Nursing II (2)
    • Total = 12
  • Sixth Quarter
    • NURS 260 - Transition to Nursing Practice (10)
    • Total = 10

Clinical Experience

As a part of the nursing program, you will gain clinical experience at Berger Health System and surrounding health care facilities. Nursing 110, 111, 121, 210, 211, 212, 220, 230, 240, and 260 all have clinical components.

These courses total 64 credit hours.
Total hours at graduation are 107 credit hours.

Charlotte McManus, Associate Director for the OCU Nursing Program, is working with Berger on this collaborative. Please contact her if you have questions regarding the admissions process or course scheduling.

Charlotte McManus
Associate Director of Nursing

Nursing Office: 740.774.7282
FAX: 740.774.7711
mcmanusc@ohio.edu

PLEASE MAIL YOUR APPLICATION & TRANSCRIPTS TO:
OCU A.D. NURSING DPT., P.O. BOX 629, CHILLICOTHE, OH 45601