Nursing Clinical Component
Enrollment in the clinical component is limited, and admission is selective and competitive. Selection criteria will include Kaplan scores, academic performance in pre-clinical courses, and related work experience. Admission preference is given to residents within BRCC’s service area.
Clinical Admissions
Clinical Admission Requirements
Students who have met the following minimum requirements may submit a clinical application:
- Sent official transcripts of all coursework taken at non-VCCS colleges attempted or completed (including LPN transcripts for students who completed LPN training).
- Earned a curricular GPA of at least 2.50 in all pre-clinical courses taken prior to, or concurrent with, application to the clinical component. All non-nursing courses that have been attempted must be passed with a “C” or better before entering a NSG course. Anatomy & Physiology courses (BIO 141 & BIO 142) must have been taken within the past 7 years (not before Fall 2017 for August 2024 admissions) to be considered.
- Completed the Kaplan Nursing Entrance Test and earned a score of 45 or higher on each of the sections. Note that successful applicants usually score >70.
Clinical Admissions Cycle for Fall 2024
There are two options in applying for admission to the clinical component. LPN applicants may apply for either option. The early admissions option is for students who have:
- Completed BIO 142 by December 2023
- Have the majority of nursing general education requirements completed
- Are prepared to take the Kaplan entrance exam prior to February 1, 2024
Early admission decisions are released by April 1st. Please note that if you are not accepted in the early admissions process your application will automatically rollover into the traditional admissions. The early admissions process allows for early notification of admission. These applicants will start the clinical component the same time as traditional students, in August 2024.
The traditional admission process allows for more general education courses to be completed during the spring semester of 2024. The more courses that you have completed, the stronger your application will be. This also allows for completion of BIO 142 in the spring semester and extension to take the Kaplan entrance exam by May 1st. Traditional admission applicants are notified of acceptance by June 1st.
Admission Information and Links
- Application Form (Opens November 1, 2023)
- DO NOT wait until the last minute to take the Kaplan Nursing Exam. The BRCC Testing Center has limited space available, and can only offer the Kaplan Nursing Exam as space and time allow.
- Testing Center Students are eligible to take the Kaplan Nursing Entrance Exam on a walk-in basis anytime the Testing Center is open (no appointment necessary). Please arrive 3 hours before close to allow adequate time. The Kaplan will not be given between December 23, 2023 – January 3, 2024 to accommodate winter break.
- Non-VCCS college transcripts (high school not needed) received by Admissions & Records: February 1, 2024
- Transcript Evaluation Form (non-BRCC college credits) submitted: February 1, 2024
Traditional Nursing Program
| Early Admission Decision | Traditional Admission Decision | |
| Application Opens | November 1, 2023 | November 1, 2023 |
| Kaplan Exam Opens | December 1, 2023 | December 1, 2023 |
| Transcripts Due | February 1, 2024 | February 1, 2024 |
| Application Due | February 1, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. | February 1, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. |
| Kaplan Closes | February 1, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. | April 26, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. |
| Notification to Applicants | March 31, 2024 | June 1, 2024 |
| Classes Start | August 2024 | August 2024 |
LPN to RN Bridge Program
| Early Admission Decision | Traditional Admission Decision | |
| Application Opens | November 1, 2023 | November 1, 2023 |
| Kaplan Exam Opens | December 1, 2023 | December 1, 2023 |
| Transcripts Due(Including LPN Transcripts) | February 1, 2024 | February 1, 2024 |
| Application Due | February 1, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. | February 1, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. |
| Kaplan Closes | February 1, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. | April 26th, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. |
| Notification to Applicants | March 31, 2024 | June 1, 2024 |
| Classes Start | January 2025 | January 2025 |
Accepted Clinical Student Requirements
New Nursing Student Orientation
New nursing clinical students will attend a student orientation in the summer before their enrollment begins.
Post-Acceptance Forms
Before beginning clinical coursework, accepted applicants will need to submit additional paperwork/documentation to the nursing department by the published deadlines (no exceptions for late documents). Documents and deadlines will be e-mailed to accepted students after program admittance. Please note, the below immunizations are required by our clinical sites.
- Physical & Health Insurance Forms
- Proof of Immunizations to include: MMR, Varicella, Tdap, influenza, Hep B, COVID, and a 2-step PPD
- CPR/BLS through the American Heart Association, and have an in-person component
- Malpractice Insurance
- Criminal Background Check Documentation & Completed Drug Screen
Clinical Handbook
Nursing students accepted to the clinical portion of the program should read and understand the requirements and policies outlined in the Clinical Nursing Student Handbook. For further information on admissions, progression, graduation, formal complaints and grievance procedures; and technology requirements, please contact Michele Rheault at rheaultm@brcc.edu to request a copy of the student handbook. This handbook will also be provided to you upon acceptance into the program.
18VAC90-27-80 – Resources, facilities, publications, and services
Readmission to the Nursing Program
Any student who was unsuccessful in their first attempt to complete the program may be eligible to reapply for admissions into a future cohort. Steps for reapplication include:
- Meet with the program director to review all current admission criteria for clinical students.
- Declare the intent to re-enroll, in writing, to the Nursing Program Director and Dean of Academic Affairs no later than April 1.
- The written declaration should include a detailed “plan for success,” indicating how their circumstances have changed since their prior attempt to complete the program.
- Complete the Nursing Readmission Test and earn a score of 80% or higher. A skills test may also be required for readmission into the program. (This assessment is designed to ensure that the student has retained key nursing concepts that they would have learned prior to leaving the program).
Additional notes about program readmission:
- Students who fail to complete the first clinical semester are not eligible for program readmission and should reapply to the program following the traditional application process.
- Readmission is reliant on available clinical seats in the program.
- Readmitted students must repeat each course in which they did not earn a final or theory grade of 80% or higher in order to graduate. Students must complete courses in the sequence outlined by the Course Catalog.
- Readmission to the clinical portion of the program is not guaranteed. Decisions will be made on an individual student basis. The final decision on readmission is made by the Dean of Academic Affairs.
Admission to the program as a third attempt is granted solely at the discretion of the Vice President of Instruction & Student Services.
Procedure Revision Date: November 2021