FYI. Note the TEAS test: Nursing school requirements are changing - WAFF.com: North Alabama News, Radar, Weather, Sports and Jobs-

The Nursing Department at Calhoun Community College announces the implementation of new admissions criteria mandated by the Alabama Department of Post secondary Education for nursing program admission.

According to Calhoun Nursing Director Angela Watkins, students will now be required to take a nurse entrance test- the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS V) created by Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI).

The TEAS V will replace the COMPASS reading score as one of the components for calculation of admission scores. The COMPASS will still be given for academic placement for English and Math courses.

"The TEAS score will be good for three (3) years," said Watkins. "A student may repeat the TEAS once during the semester, and must wait six weeks between taking each test," Watkins added.

There will be no cut off score for the TEAS test, and a copy of the TEAS score must accompany the Calhoun nursing application. Information regarding the TEAS V and new admissions criteria may be found on the Calhoun Community College Nursing department web site.

Calhoun admitted its first spring Associate's degree nursing class in January 2010.

"Last academic year, we admitted nursing classes in the fall and spring from one application pool which was, at that time, a success for both our students and faculty," commented Health Division Dean Bret McGill.

"However after reassessment of our application process, we have decided to implement a second application period for the spring semester," McGill added.

Starting July 1, 2010, the Nursing department will conduct a second application period for spring 2011 admissions into the Associate degree Nursing program. The online application will be available from July until October 15, 2010.

Admission requirements will remain the same as for the fall nursing application with the exception of the TEAS testing score. The Nursing Department will accept coursework from the spring and summer semester prior to the application deadline.

The deadline date for accepting applications is October 15, 2010, at 12:00 noon.

For more information, contact the Calhoun Nursing department at 256/306-2804 or 306-2794.