Program Requirements

CNA Certification

Proof of prior or current CNA certification or LPN licensure from any US state

Background Check & Drug Screen

Required after acceptance into the program, the Nursing Department will order & pay for the background check.
Drug screen results dated after acceptance into the program will be accepted, must be a 9 panel drug screen.

CPR Card

American Heart Association BLS with AED Certification
- First Aid course is not required
Must be kept valid throughout the program
May be taken through the UT EMS Program or enroll into AHA or DXATC

Immunizations

MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
- 2 immunizations OR antibody titer showing immunity to each disease
Hepatitis B
- Series of 3 immunizations
  OR
- Antibody titer (blood test) proving immunity
  - If it has been greater than 15 years since receiving the hepatitis B series, it is highly recommended that you receive a hepatitis B booster vaccination, wait 28-30 days, and then have the antibody titer level drawn.
TDaP (Tetanus, Diphtheria, & Pertussis)
- Proof of 1 TDaP vaccination after age 10
  - DTaP, TD, DTP do not substitute
Varicella (Chicken Pox)
- 2 immunizations OR antibody titer proving immunity
- Report of having the disease is not acceptable
Tuberculosis
- 2 separate TB skin tests within 12 months of each other OR negative QuantiFERON blood test
Seasonal Influenza
- Required each year after August 31
Covid Vaccination
- If vaccine requires: proof of two (2) Covid-19 vaccinations
- If vaccine requires: proof of one (1) Covid-19 vaccination

Student Schedule

Due to student schedule requirements, we strongly discourage outside employment for nursing students. Refer to the following schedule overview of the first two semesters.

Classroom courses are taught on Tuesdays and Fridays
- Times are generally 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
- Breaks between classes are 30-120 minutes
  - Students can use 2 microwaves at the east side of the Taylor Health Science building.
  - There is a nursing refrigerator for student use on the third floor of the Taylor Health Science building.
Clinical and Lab days are Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays
- Students are assigned day shift/night shift depending on availability
  - Day Shift – approx. 6:00 am until 2:00 pm
  - Evening Shift – approx. 12:00 pm until 8:00 pm
Example Schedule
- Monday: Lab (3-4 hours)
- Tuesday: Class from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm
- Wednesday: Clinical (8 hours, am or pm) or Lab (3-4 hours)
- Thursday: Lab (3-4 hours) or Clinical (8 hours, am or pm)
- Friday: Class from 8:00 am until 4:00 pm
- Saturday/Sunday: Not required