El Centro College

1

Associate Degree Nursing (MHS) Revised 04/01/20

The Center for Nursing

and Allied Health

El Centro College

Associate Degree Nursing

at Methodist Health System

Spring 2021 Application

El Centro College in cooperation with Methodist Health System offers the Associate Degree Nursing

program to Methodist Health System employees at member hospitals throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth

area via a distance learning opportunity. The 60-credit hour curriculum leads to an Associate of Applied

Science Degree. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing

(Address: 3343 Peachtree Road, Suite 850, Atlanta, GA 30326; Telephone: 404-975-5000; Fax: 404-975-

5020; Email: info@acenursing.org; Website: www.acenursing.org;) and approved by the Texas Board of

Nursing (Address: 333 Guadalupe St., Suite 3-460, Austin, TX 78701-3944; Telephone: 512-305-7400;

Fax: 512-305-7401; Email: webm[email protected]; Website: www.bon.texas.gov).

NOTE: An FBI background check and fingerprinting is required for registration and formal

entrance to the program and is conducted after a student has applied and been accepted

to the program.

Acceptance to the El Centro College Associate Degree Nursing program at Methodist Health System is by

a competitive ranking process for selection based on a point’s award system for designated criteria

and meeting specific eligibility guidelines as determined by Methodist Health System (MHS). MHS

current sponsors tuition, fees, and electronic textbooks for students. The student must sign a contract

stating they will work for MHS for 36 months and in that timeframe complete an RN-BSN.

This information packet contains specific application guidelines and requirements. By submitting

an application packet, an individual verifies that they have 1) read the packet thoroughly, 2) obtained

all necessary documents from designated website addresses, and 3) understood the policies and

procedures for application and acceptance to the program.

EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY

Educational opportunities are offered by El Centro College without regard to race, color,

age, national origin, religion, sex, disability, or sexual orientation.

APPLICATION ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES

To be considered for the El Centro College Associate Degree Nursing program at Methodist Health

System, an employee must first meet the following criteria:

 Must be employed by Methodist Health System for a minimum of 6 months or a volunteer for a

minimum of 6 months, plus 100 hours of volunteer time completed consistently prior to application

or be an immediate family member (spouse, child, parent or sibling) of a Methodist Health System

employee.

 Have had no formal disciplinary actions in the last 6 months.

In addition, the employee must complete the following steps for application as determined by the

El Centro College Associate Degree Nursing program:

 Application and current admission to a Dallas County Community college.

 Viewing the MHS online information in order to receive program application forms.

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Associate Degree Nursing (MHS) Revised 04/01/20

 Completion of the three primary prerequisite courses (BIOL 2401, ENGL 1301, and PSYC

2301) with a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 on those courses with a

minimum grade of “C” in each course.

 Completion of all secondary prerequisite courses (BIOL 2402, BIOL 2420 or BIOL 2421, and

PSYC 2314) with a minimum grade of “C” in each course.

 Completion of designated sections of the HESI A

2

Test with a minimum score of 80% on each of

the required sections.

 Submission of complete application materials to the El Centro College Health Occupations

Admissions Office as outlined in this information packet.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

A. General Admission Requirements to the College

Applicants to the Associate Degree Nursing program must meet all college admission requirements

as outlined in the official college catalog.

Applicants must have earned either a high school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED) in

addition to complying with Texas Success Initiative (TSI) requirements before they will be eligible

to apply to the program. Students should consult the college counseling office to determine their

TSI status prior to application to a Health Occupations program.

All students applying or enrolled at a Dallas County Community college are required to submit their

Social Security number to the Registrar’s Office. Students who do not possess a Social Security

number must complete a form obtained at the Registrar’s Office. For more information, consult a

Registrar/Admissions Office at any Dallas County Community college.

Official College Transcripts

Prior to application to a health occupations program, potential applicants must have submitted to

the Registrar/Admissions Office at one of the seven Dallas County Community colleges official

transcripts from all colleges and universities the applicant has attended whether or not the

coursework is relevant to the program application. The transcripts must be current with the

print date no earlier than three years prior to the applicant’s anticipated admission to a health

occupations program. If the official transcripts have not been submitted, the individual’s application

to a health occupations program will be voided.

Transcripts may be mailed directly to Registrar – El Centro College, 801 Main Street, Dallas, TX

75202-3604. Electronic transcripts must be sent directly to Registrar-ECC@dcccd.edu.

Initial Advisement

Students who are beginning college for the first time or who need assistance with placement

testing, TSI issues, and/or registration for prerequisite courses must visit with an academic advisor

in the College Counseling Center as their first step toward future application to a health occupations

program The student who has not completed college coursework should request a general

Associate Degree plan from the Counseling Center as a starting point toward application to a health

occupations program. NOTE: Additional assessment testing in computer literacy and

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Associate Degree Nursing (MHS) Revised 04/01/20

learning frameworks courses may be required for certain students. See an Academic

Advisor for more information.

Online Program Information Sessions

Potential applicants are required to view an Associate Degree Nursing at MHS online information

sessions where the program, application procedures, and acceptance policies are discussed in

detail in order to receive application forms.

In person orientation at various MHS campuses are also occasionally scheduled. Check with the

education office at your MHS location for more information on those in person sessions.

B. Program Prerequisite Courses

Applicants must complete the following three primary prerequisite courses with a minimum

cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher on these specific courses with a minimum grade

of “C” in each course in order to submit an application to the nursing program:

Credit Hrs.

BIOL 2401 Anatomy & Physiology I 4

ENGL 1301 Composition I 3

PSYC 2301 General Psychology * OR

RNSG 1301 Pharmacology OR

RNSG 1311 Pathophysiology 3

10

In addition, applicants to the El Centro College Associate Degree Nursing program at Methodist

Health System must have completed the secondary prerequisite courses listed below with a

minimum grade of “C” or higher prior to applying to the program:

Credit Hrs.

BIOL 2402 Anatomy & Physiology II 4

BIOL 2420* General Microbiology OR 4

BIOL 2421* Microbiology

PSYC 2314 Developmental Psychology 3

11

* RNSG 1301 – Pharmacology and RNSG 1311 – Pathophysiology are not included in the official

curriculum of the program. However, if an applicant has completed either of those courses with a higher

grade than earned in PSYC 2301 – General Psychology, the grade on the RNSG course will be used in

the prerequisite GPA calculation. NOTE: Substitution of the RNSG grade does not replace the PSYC

2301 as a required prerequisite course.

** BIOL 2420 or BIOL 2421 – Microbiology must be completed less than 5 years prior to a student’s

anticipated program start date. For example, if the course is completed in spring 2016 it is valid for a

program which begins spring 2021. If completed before spring 2016, it will exceed the five-year time and

will not be valid.

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Associate Degree Nursing (MHS) Revised 04/01/20

ATTENTION

Although math has been removed as a prerequisite course, applicants must still meet Texas

Success Initiative requirements in math in order to apply to the program. This may involve

assessment testing and developmental math courses. See an academic advisor for guidance and

more information regarding TSI requirements.

C. Evaluation of Previous Coursework

To insure the transferability of previous coursework completed at colleges and universities other

than Dallas County Community colleges, potential applicants to health occupations programs

should have their coursework evaluated by the Health Occupations Admissions Office three to six

months prior to the application deadline for their program of choice. This procedure is especially

important for students with coursework from colleges and universities outside the state of

Texas.

NOTE: Previous coursework is evaluated toward the program degree plan and does not

include evaluation of additional courses toward BSN programs.

Transcripts will first be evaluated by the Health Occupations Admissions Office and, if necessary,

be reviewed by respective college faculty for that course discipline. When all courses have been

reviewed, an Educational Plan will be prepared for the student. The Educational Plan is accepted

as a preliminary “degree plan” for student advisement purposes only.

Educational Plans are usually completed within 4-6 weeks. The evaluation process is not

completed during individual appointments or on an “as you wait” basis. During peak times

such as registration or after the close of the semester when faculty are unavailable, an evaluation

may take longer to complete. Therefore, it is to the applicant’s advantage to request the

Educational Plan at their earliest convenience well in advance of anticipated application to the

program.

The El Centro College Health Occupations Admissions Office and the Health Sciences Division

reserves the right to accept or reject any coursework completed at other colleges presented for

transfer evaluation toward Health Occupations programs.

For more information on requesting evaluation of your previous coursework and the Educational

Plan, download the guidelines and Request for Educational Plan form under the “Resources for

Potential Applicants” link at https://www.ElCentroCollege.edu/HealthOccAdmissions.

Five-Year Time Limit on Science coursework

BIOL 2401 – Microbiology must have been completed less than five years prior to the anticipated

program start date of the Associate Degree Nursing program. For example, a BIOL 2420 course

completed in Spring 2016 would be valid only up to application for a program which begins in Spring

2021. If completed before Spring 2016, it would exceed the five-year time limit prior to the program

start date and be invalid. NOTE: Waivers are not considered for CHEM 1411 or CHEM 1406

toward BSN programs.

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Associate Degree Nursing (MHS) Revised 04/01/20

A student may petition for a waiver of the time limit through the Health Occupations Admissions

Office under one of the following considerations:

1. The student has current work experience in a healthcare setting utilizing their related science

knowledge.

2. The student has successfully completed advanced courses in a related science area with a

grade of “C” or higher.

The student may petition for a waiver of the time limit through the Health Occupations Admissions

Office as a separate review, in conjunction with an educational plan request, or with their application

materials.

NOTE: In order for a science course taken at other colleges to be considered for a five-year time

limit waiver, the course must first be approved for transferability. Information on the five-

year time limit waiver is found under the “Resources for Potential Applicants” link at:

https://www.ElCentroCollege.edu/HealthOccAdmissions.

Coursework from Foreign Universities

Only courses such as anatomy/physiology, and microbiology may be considered for

transfer to the Associate Degree Nursing program from colleges or universities outside the

United States. No other courses will be considered. Microbiology courses must be within

the five-year time limit. This evaluation is a multi-step process which may take several

weeks. The student must also be enrolled in credit classes at a DCCCD campus before the

evaluation process can be initiated.

More information regarding the evaluation of foreign coursework for transfer credit is found under

the “Resources for Potential Applicants” link at:

https://www.ElCentroCollege.edu/HealthOccAdmissions.

Credit by Examination, CLEP, and Advanced Placement Credit

Credit through CLEP, High School Advanced Placement Exams and Credit by Examination may

be awarded for a limited number of courses toward Health Occupations programs.

Advanced Placement (“AP”) credit for ENGL 1301 is acceptable if the credit appears on a college

transcript as ENGL 1301 equivalency. A letter grade is not awarded for “AP” credit.

NOTE: An applicant to the Associate Degree Nursing program may present credit by exam,

CLEP, or “AP” credit for only one of the three prerequisite courses and one support

course. Credit will be acknowledged but not calculated with the grade point average.

Detailed information regarding Advanced Placement, CLEP, and Credit by Examination can be

found under the “Resources for Potential Applicants” link at:

https://www.ElCentroCollege.edu/HealthOccAdmissions.

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Associate Degree Nursing (MHS) Revised 04/01/20

D. HESI A

2

Test – Minimum Scores Required

The HESI A

2

test is a timed, computerized test which is usually completed in 3-4 hours. In addition

to completing the primary and secondary prerequisites courses, applicants to the Associate Degree

Nursing program must also earn a minimum score of 80 of higher on the following sections of

the HESI A

2

test: Reading Comprehension, Grammar, Vocabulary/General Knowledge, Math,

and Anatomy/Physiology. Students must also complete the Learning Styles and Personality

Profile sections and submit those results with their application materials. The Learning Styles and

Personality Profile sections are not graded.

HESI A

2

scores are considered in the point’s award ranking process. Scores on the math and

anatomy/physiology sections are considered separately. Scores on the Reading Comprehension,

Grammar, and Vocabulary/General Knowledge are combined and the average score (referred to

as the “English” score in the sample ranking table on page 10) is considered for points.

The following is an example of points awarded for a sample applicant’s HESI A

2

scores:

HESI A

2

section Score Points Awarded

Math 94 5

Anatomy/Physiology 96 7

Grammar 88

Vocabulary/General Knowledge 92

Reading Comprehension 87.23

267.23 ÷ 3 = 89.08 (“English” score) 3

Please note the following important information regarding the HESI A

2

:

 Test scores are valid for two years from the date of testing to the application filing deadline

date.

 Applicants may take the HESI A

2

at any approved testing site including the assessment

centers at El Centro and Northlake Colleges. The approximate cost of the HESI test at

El Centro College is $42.00.

 Applicants are responsible for securing their own testing appointment at the

location of their choice. The procedure for making testing appointments and payment

varies among testing sites. Applicants are responsible for submitting their score

sheet with their nursing application materials.

 HESI A

2

testing appointments at El Centro College fill quickly. Applicants are encouraged

to schedule their HESI A

2

several weeks prior to an applicant filing deadline. NOTE: Score

sheets may not be available for download from the Elsevier website for 2-3 days. Do

not assume that you will have your score sheet to submit with application materials

if you test on the application deadline date.

 The HESI A

2

Study Guide is available at various bookstores including the Follett

Bookstores at El Centro and Northlake Colleges. A HESI A

2

Prep course is periodically

offered by the El Centro College Continuing Education Division. Contact that office at 214-

860-2147 for dates and times of the prep course.

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Associate Degree Nursing (MHS) Revised 04/01/20

 There is no limit on the number of times an applicant may take the HESI A

2

test for

application to the Associate Degree Nursing Program. If the applicant desires to retake

the HESI A

2

, ALL FIVE SECTIONS must be retaken. Only one score sheet should be

submitted with scores of 80 or higher on each of the five required sections. Scores on

individual test sections which are printed on separate score sheets cannot be combined.

If more than one score sheet is submitted, the scores from the latest HESI testing attempt

will be the scores of record. It is not necessary to repeat the Learning Styles and

Personality Profile sections on retests. The printout of these sections can be submitted

from one testing attempt.

 Before retesting, the applicant is encouraged to review the study guide and/or enroll in the

HESI A

2

prep course to prepare for the retest opportunity.

More information on the HESI A

2

and the process for scheduling a testing appointment to take the

HESI A

2

at El Centro College is available at:

https://www.ElCentroCollege.edu/HealthOccAdmissions

E. Castle Branch

Applicants to the Associate Degree Nursing program are required to have a current physical

examination, specific immunizations, a tuberculosis screening, and certification in CPR at the

Healthcare Provider level. The El Centro College Health Sciences Division utilizes Castle Branch,

a medical record management company, to verify these requirements. Applicants submit this

documentation directly to Castle Branch which will verify whether the records are complete.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Some of the immunizations require multiple doses on a specific

timeline over several months. Therefore, potential applicants to this program should begin

their immunizations at least six to seven months prior to the application deadline.

Castle Branch must receive this documentation and verify that the applicant’s records are complete

no later than the application filing deadline. Please be aware that it can take up to 4 weeks to

complete the verification process. Failure to submit this documentation and be complete with these

requirements on the date of the application deadline will result in disqualification of the applicant.

Applicants must be aware that the documentation required by Castle Branch must be kept current

throughout the application process and (if accepted to a program) during their participation in the

program. It is the responsibility of the applicant to assure that your health records are current.

NOTE: Additional proof of immunizations including titers may be required by hospital

clinical sites.

See the “Immunization Requirements” guidelines at the following link:

https://www.ElCentroCollege.edu/HealthOccAdmissions

If the applicant has personal healthcare coverage at the time of application, that documentation

may also be submitted to Castle Branch. If accepted to the program, the applicant must submit

proof of coverage to Castle Branch prior to attending clinical. For more information, see item 7 on

page 14 of this packet.

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Associate Degree Nursing (MHS) Revised 04/01/20

F. Associate Degree Nursing Application Packet Submission

READ THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY. Applicants must submit specific

application materials to the El Centro College Health Occupations Admissions Office and specific

application materials to the Methodist Health System Education Office. Please refer to the following

guidelines and insure that the appropriate application materials are submitted to the correct

location.

Application Materials Submitted to El Centro College Health Occupations Admissions Office

Applicants must submit complete nursing application materials to the Health Occupations

Admissions Office at El Centro College via email to ECCHO[email protected] on or before the

application filing deadline.

Incomplete application materials will be returned to the applicant.

The Associate Degree Nursing application materials submitted to the El Centro College

Health Occupations Admissions Office must include the following items to be considered

complete and valid:

1. A completed Associate Degree Nursing Program at MHS Application form and the

initialed and signed Statement of Students’ Responsibility form (obtained after viewing

the online information session).

2. The HESI A

2

score sheet indicating achievement of a minimum score of 80 or higher on

each of the five required sections and the Personality Profile and Learning Style results.

3. If a member of Phi Theta Kappa, include a photocopy of your official Phi Theta Kappa

membership card. NOTE: Submitted the PTK number of any other statement of

membership is not accepted.

NOTE: Applicants are solely responsible for ensuring that their current official transcripts

from ALL PREVIOUSLY ATTENDED COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES (excluding

Dallas County Community colleges) are submitted to a Registrar/Admissions Office

at a Dallas County Community colleges prior to applying to an El Centro College

health occupations program. Official transcripts must have a print date no earlier

than three years of anticipated program start date to a health occupations program.

Submitting incomplete application materials will disqualify the application and the

student will not be considered further in the application process. Students are

advised to retain a photocopy of all materials submitted as their application packet

and to Castle Branch.

ONCE AN APPLICATION PACKET IS SUBMITTED TO THE HEALTH OCCUPATIONS

ADMISSIONS OFFICE, ADDITIONAL MATERIALS CANNOT BE ADDED TO THE PACKET.

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Associate Degree Nursing (MHS) Revised 04/01/20

Documentation Submitted to Methodist Health System

A photocopy of the Associate Degree Nursing – MHS application form and Statement of

Students’ Responsibility form listed above which were sent to the El Centro College Health

Occupations Admissions Office must also be submitted to the Methodist Dallas Medical Center

Department of Education office including the following:

1. Profile Form (found in this packet)

2. HESI A

2

score sheet

3. Photocopy of Physical Exam form, immunization records and BLS CPR card which have been

submitted to Castle Branch. (See section E, page 7 for details.)

Submit the above documentation to the following contact person at Methodist Health System:

Kimm Wright, MSN, RNC-OB, C-EFM

Clinical Faculty/Clinical Education Specialist II

ECC/MHS ADN Nursing Program

Methodist Health System

Department of Education

1441 N. Beckley Ave.

Dallas TX 75203

G. Application Filing Period

Official application filing period for Fall semester (late August) admission only:

November 1 – January 31

Notification letters are mailed to students by April 30

th

.

Official application filing period for Spring semester (mid-January) admission:

May 1 – July 15

Notification letters are mailed to students by October 15

th

.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Late applications are no longer considered for the Associate Degree

Nursing Program.

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Associate Degree Nursing (MHS) Revised 04/01/20

H. Initial Ranking Procedure

Applicants are ranked for acceptance selection via a point award system*. Point award totals for

applicants may range from a minimum of 6 points to a maximum of 54 points on the designated

criteria below:

POTENTIAL POINTS

POINT AWARD CRITERIA PER CRITERIA

Prerequisite Course Cumulative GPA (2.5 minimum required) 5 points

2.50 – 2.99 = 3 points

3.00 – 3.49 = 4 points

3.50 – 4.00 = 5 points

Support Courses completed with a minimum grade of “C” ** 4 points

(BIOL 2402, BIOL 2420, PSYC 2314, humanities elective)

1 – 4 credit hours = 2 point

5 – 9 credit hours = 3 points

10 – 14 credit hours = 4 points

HESI A

2

Test – Points awarded for each of the following sections: 21 points

Math, Anatomy/Physiology, and combined “English” sections

80 – 84 = 1 point

85 – 89 = 3 points

90 – 95 = 5 points

96 – 100 = 7 points

Optional Pharmacology and Pathophysiology courses # 6 points

completed with a minimum grade of “C”

RNSG 1301 = 3 points

RNSG 1311 = 3 points

Phi Theta Kappa Membership (must submit PTK card with application materials) 3 points

Courses toward various RN to BSN transition program + – 1 point per course: 15 points

ARTS 1301 - Art Appreciation

BIOL 1322 - Principles of Nutrition

CHEM 1411 - Chemistry I OR

CHEM 1406 - Introductory Chemistry

ENGL 1302 - Composition II

ENGL 2311 - Technical Writing

GOVT 2301/2305 - Government I (U.S.)

GOVT 2302 /2306 - Government II (State & Local)

HIST 1301 - US History I

HIST 1302 - US History II

MATH 1314/1314 - College Algebra

MATH 1342/2342 - Statistics

PHIL 1301 - Intro to Philosophy

SOCI 1301 - Intro to Sociology

SPCH 1311/1315/1321 - Speech

2000 or above ENGL literature course

MAXIMUM TOTAL POINTS 54 points

* In the event that two or more applicants with the same point award total, the cumulative score on all five required sections

of the HESI A

2

will be used to break the tie.

** Applicants to the Associate Degree Nursing program at Methodist Health System (MHS) facilities must have completed 11

credit hours of the general education support courses (BIOL 2402, BIOL 2402 or BIOL 24021, and PSYC 2314) as

secondary prerequisite courses in order to apply to the program.

# Pharmacology and Pathophysiology courses are not required in the official nursing curriculum; however, extra points are

awarded if one or both of those courses have been completed. In addition, RNSG 1301 and RNSG 1311 may also be

considered for the PSYC 2301 prerequisite course for prerequisite GPA calculation only. PSYC 2301 must still be

completed as a prerequisite course required for application.

+ Points will be awarded for these courses only if the course numbers match exactly on an official transcript or on an El Centro

College advising report as evaluated by the Transcript Evaluation Center. This consideration does not guarantee

transferability of the courses toward any RN-BSN transition program.

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Associate Degree Nursing (MHS) Revised 04/01/20

The table below illustrates the ranking process for a sample group of applicants:

EXAMPLE OF POINT AWARD RANKING PROCESS

Cumulative

GPA on 3

Prerequisite

Courses

(Max. 5 pts.)

Support Course

Credit Hours

(Max. 4 pts.)

Completed

RNSG 1301

(Pharmacology)

RNSG 1311

(Pathophysiology)

(Max. 6 pts.)

HESI A

2

Scores on

English*, Math, and

Anatomy/Physiology

sections

(Max. 21 pts.)

PTK

(Max.

3 pts.)

Other

Courses

toward BSN

Articulation

programs

(Max. 15 pts.)

Total

Points

(Max.

54

pts.)

Cumulative

Score on all

five required

sections of

HESI A

2

(tiebreaker)

App #1

3.80 = 5 pts.

14 cr hrs = 4 pts.

RNSG 1301 = 3 pts.

RNSG 1311 = 3 pts.

English 97.26 = 7 pts.

Math 98 = 7 pts

A/P 96 = 7 pts.

TOTAL HESI PTS. 21 pts.

3

15 courses

from the list

on page 11

54

455.26

App #2

3.60 = 5 pts.

14 cr hrs = 4 pts.

RNSG 1311 = 3 pts.

English 96.89 = 7 pts.

Math 98 = 7 pts.

A/P 95 = 5 pts.

TOTAL HESI PTS. 19 pts.

3

12 courses

46

458.89

App #3

4.00 = 5 pts.

14 cr hrs = 4 pts.

None

English 96.74 = 7 pts.

Math 99 = 7 pts.

A/P 97 = 7 pts.

TOTAL HESI PTS. 21pts.

10 courses

40

451.74

App #4

3.40 = 4 pts.

9 cr hrs = 3 pts.

RNSG 1301 = 3 pts.

English 98.74 = 7 pts.

Math 92 = 5 pts.

A/P 98 = 7 pts.

TOTAL HESI PTS. 19 pts.

3

7 courses

39

468.74

App #5

3.87 = 5 pts.

14 cr hrs = 4 pts.

None

English 96.89 = 7 pts.

Math 95 = 5 pts.

A/P 92 = 5 pts.

TOTAL HESI PTS. 17 pts.

10 courses

36

436.89

App #6

2.93 = 3 pts.

11 cr hrs = 4 pts.

RNSG 1301 = 3 pts.

English 93.26 = 5 pts.

Math 98 = 7 pts.

A/P 96 = 7 pts.

TOTAL HESI PTS. 19 pts.

7 courses

36

422.26

App #7

4.00 = 5 pts.

4 cr hrs = 2 pts.

RNSG 1301 = 3 pts.

English 89.26 = 3 pts.

Math 88 = 3 pts.

A/P 95 = 5 pts.

TOTAL HESI PTS. 11 pts.

3

9 courses

33

415.26

* “English” score is derived from averaging the Reading Comprehension, Grammar, and

Vocabulary/General Knowledge sections of the HESI A

2

. Scores are not rounded.

The shaded columns reflect the total point award calculation and the final tie breaker which is the

combined scores on the five required sections of the HESI A

2

. You will note that no single

ranking criterion determines competitiveness in the applicant pool. All five ranking criteria

(cumulative prerequisite course GPA, support course credit hours completed, optional

pharmacology and pathophysiology courses completed, the three designated HESI A

2

scores, and

additional courses toward BSN articulation programs) factor into the point award process.

For example, Applicant #1 has a cumulative HESI A

2

score of 455.26 on all five sections combined,

had a 3.80 prerequisite GPA, completed all 14 credit hours of the support courses from the

Associate Degree Nursing curriculum with a “C” or better in each, completed both the

pharmacology and pathophysiology courses, completed all 15 additional courses toward BSN

articulation programs, and was a member of Phi Theta Kappa for a maximum point total of 54. The

final point totals for Applicants #5 and #6 are also tied at 36 each; however, Applicant #5 has a

higher cumulative HESI A

2

score than Applicant #6 which breaks the tie between them.

Therefore, if there were only six spaces in the Associate Degree Nursing program,

Applicants 1-6 would be accepted to the program.

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Associate Degree Nursing (MHS) Revised 04/01/20

Applicants may improve their points ranking by: 1) repeating one or more of the three prerequisite

courses to earn a higher prerequisite GPA (the last grade earned will be the grade of record); 2)

completing additional general education support courses; 3) completing the pharmacology and

pathophysiology courses; 4) repeating the HESI A

2

to earn a higher score in each section and

subsequently additional points (all five sections of the HESI A

2

must be repeated in a retesting

attempt); or 5) completing one or more of the additional courses toward BSN articulation programs.

NOTE: The decision to repeat a completed course (any prerequisite or general education support

course completed with a grade of “C” or higher) in order to improve an applicant’s competitiveness

in the ranking process rests solely with the applicant. The last grade earned will be the grade of

record.

I. Review of Ranked Applicants and Final Selection by Methodist Health System

The El Centro College Health Occupations Admissions Office generates a ranked list of applicants

received during an official filing period and forwards the list to Methodist Health System for further

screening. (See Section H for ranking procedure.) The Methodist Health System screening

process may include a personal interview with the Methodist Health facility and review of an

individual’s work record with the facility in addition to other criteria.

Methodist Health System will then make the final selection for the nursing class from the ranked

list of applicants and forward the names of those individuals to the El Centro College Health

Occupations Admissions Office which notifies the students of acceptance to the program.

Individuals who are not accepted also receive a notification letter.

Notification Emails

Using the point award ranking process, a ranked list is generated from those applications received

during an official filing period and both acceptance and non-acceptance notification emails are sent

out. A student who applies during an official filing period and who receives an acceptance email is

required to return a confirmation form within a specified timeframe to verify their intent to accept a

space in the class.

Applications submitted during an official filing period are not “held over” to the next official

filing period. Students who are not selected for admission the semester for which they apply or

students who decline their acceptance for that semester may reapply during the next filing period.

Program information packets are revised September 1

st

of each year and also at other times

throughout the academic year as needed. Program guidelines are subject to change. Students are

advised to obtain the latest program information packet from the Education Department at your

Methodist Health System facility.

Visit the Associate Degree Nursing Program webpage:

https://www.ElCentroCollege.edu/Nursing

Health Occupations webpage:

https://www.ElCentroCollege.edu/HealthCareers

Health Occupations Admissions Office webpage:

https://www.ElCentroCollege.edu/HealthOccAdmissions

Methodist Health Systems webpage:

http://www.MethodistHealthSystem.org/ElCentro

Like us on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/ECC.AlliedHealthandNursing/

We would appreciate your comments on our customer service by completing a brief survey found at

http://dcccdnlc.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1IcfIT5Ek7Q4C8d

13

Associate Degree Nursing (MHS) Revised 04/01/20

CURRICULUM OVERVIEW – ASSOCIATE DEGREE NURSING PROGRAM – 2019-2020 #

Prerequisites to Program Admission Lec Lab Ext Cont Cr

Hrs Hrs Hrs Hrs Hrs

BIOL 2401 Human Anatomy & Physiology I 3 3 0 96 4

ENGL 1301 Composition I 3 0 0 48 3

PSYC 2301 General Psychology * 3 0 0 48 3

9 3 0 192 10

SEMESTER I – First Year

RNSG 1216 Professional Nursing Competencies 0 8 0 128 2

RNSG 1128 Introduction to Health Care Concepts 1 0 0 16 1

RNSG 1430 Health Care Concepts I 4 0 0 64 4

RNSG 1125 Professional Nursing Concepts I 1 0 0 16 1

RNSG 1161 Clinical I 0 0 4 64 1

BIOL 2402 Anatomy and Physiology II 3 3 0 96 4

9 11 4 384 13

SEMESTER II – First Year

RNSG 1533 Health Care Concepts II 5 0 0 80 5

RNSG 1126 Professional Nursing Concepts II 1 0 0 16 1

RNSG 2362 Clinical II 0 0 12 192 3

BIOL 2420 General Microbiology OR *

BIOL 2421 Microbiology 3 4 0 112 4

PSYC 2314 Developmental Psychology 3 0 0 48 3

12 4 12 448 16

SEMESTER III – Second Year

RNSG 1538 Health Concepts III 5 0 0 80 5

RNSG 1137 Professional Nursing Concepts III 1 0 0 16 1

RNSG 2363 Clinical III 0 0 12 192 3

Elective Humanities area + 3 0 0 48 3

9 0 12 336 12

SEMESTER IV – Second Year

RNSG 2539 + Health Concepts IV ++ 5 0 0 80 5

RNSG 2138 + Professional Nursing Concepts IV ++ 1 0 0 32 1

RNSG 2360 Clinical IV 0 0 12 192 3

6 0 12 304 9

TOTAL PROGRAM HOURS = 1664 60

# The above curriculum outline is the official Associate Degree Nursing Curriculum.

* BIOL 2420 or BIOL 2421 must be completed less than five years prior to the anticipated program start date.

** If an applicant has completed RNSG 1301 or RNSG 1311, the course grade can be substituted for the PSYC 2301 grade

in the prerequisite GPA calculation. PSYC 2301 must still be completed as a prerequisite for application to the program.

+ Humanities elective must be chosen from the Humanity, Creativity and Aesthetic Experience section of the general

Associate Degree of Arts/Sciences degree plan. See the current El Centro College catalog for a full list of accepted courses.

Suggested courses include: ARTS 1301, DANC 2303, DRAM 1310, HUMA 1315, MUSI 1306, PHIL 1301, PHIL 1304,

selected ENGL literature courses at the 2000 level or higher, sophomore level foreign languages such as SPAN

2311.

++ RNSG 2539 – Health Concepts IV, RNSG 2138 – Professional Nursing Concepts IV, and an Exit Program

Competency Exam represent the Capstone experience for the Associate Degree Nursing Program.

A minimum grade of “C” is required in all courses. Support courses may be completed before but not after semester indicated.

14

Associate Degree Nursing (MHS) Revised 04/01/20

GENERAL INFORMATION

1. The El Centro College Associate Degree Nursing Program at Methodist Health System accepts two

classes per year in the Fall and Spring semesters. Each class is composed of approximately 10

students each semester. The El Centro College Health & Services Division and Methodist Health

System reserve the right to make changes in program enrollment capacity. Methodist Health

System is solely responsible for assigning accepted students to a specific Methodist Health

System facility for their clinical experience.

2. The Associate Degree Nursing program is completed in four, 16-week academic semesters. Each

course involves 16-20 hours per week of class, lab, and clinical experience with an additional 2-3

hours of studying and preparation time for each hour of class and clinical experience. Clinical

experiences in area hospitals are determined by a lottery system and may involve both daytime and

evening hours. The high demand on a student’s time will not allow for full-time employment while

enrolled in the nursing program.

3. Students enrolled in the Associate Degree Nursing program must be physically able to care for

patients that will involve lifting an adult patient of average size, moving, bathing, and transferring

patients into and out of bed. Students will be on their feet for at least eight hours each clinical day.

Students must be able to read fine print for medication administration purposes and be able to hear

heart and breath sounds. Manual dexterity is required for skills such as starting IV’s, administering

injections, etc. If a student has a medical condition which may compromise their ability to care for

patients, a medical release from their physician may be required. Students will be exposed to

infectious diseases.

4. Students must comply with class and clinical attendance requirements according to nursing student

handbook guidelines which are published annually. Students who are absent from clinical for

physical or mental illness, surgery or pregnancy reasons must present a written release from a

physician before being allowed to return to the clinical setting. Students who are anticipating surgery

or delivery of a baby during an academic semester are advised to wait until the following semester to

apply to the nursing program.

5. Applicants to the health occupations programs at El Centro College must submit physical examination

and immunization documentation to Castle Branch no later than the program application deadline.

To download the physical form and immunization requirements, see the “Immunization

Requirements” link at https://www.ElCentroCollege.edu/HealthOccAdmissions.

6. All nursing applicants must be certified in Basic Life Support (“BLS” formerly known as “Healthcare

Provider’ level) cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) as designated by the American Heart

Association and a photocopy of the front and back of the card must be submitted to Castle Branch

no later than the program application deadline. The CPR certification must not expire prior to the

anticipated program start date and must not expire during a semester when enrolled in the program.

CPR classes are available through the El Centro College Continuing Education Division, the

American Heart Association, American Red Cross, various hospitals, independent instructors, etc.

Totally online CPR certification classes including those offered by the American Red Cross

are not valid for application to health occupations programs.

7. Proof of current personal healthcare insurance coverage is required for all health occupations

students. If documentation of coverage is not submitted to Castle Branch with immunization

records, proof of coverage must be submitted by the first day of the semester if a student is

accepted to the program. Students must secure their own coverage and the insurance policy must

cover the student at any hospital facility for the entire program. Information on college student policies

and rates can be found at https://www.healthcare.gov/. The National Student Nurses’ Association

15

Associate Degree Nursing (MHS) Revised 04/01/20

also partners with United Healthcare which offers a student policy for their members. See the

following link for more information: https://www.uhcsr.com/NSNA

8. Clinical opportunities may be limited for students without Social Security numbers. If accepted to the

program, a student must contact the El Centro College Multicultural Center Office (Room A-140,

telephone 214-860-2090) regarding eligibility to apply for a Social Security number before graduation

from the program. A Social Security number is required to be sponsored by MHS for the nursing

program. IMPORTANT NOTE: A Social Security Number is now required to write the NCLEX-

RN exam.

9. Many of the nursing prerequisite and support courses are offered online. Students without prior

experience with Internet courses should take the Readiness for Education at a Distance Indicator

(READI) test to see if they are a good candidate for online learning. Go to

https://ecc.smartermeasure.com/ and log in as a First Time User. The User Name is choose El

Centro College and the Password is learner.

10. Criminal Background Check / Drug Screening

All students enrolled in Health Occupations programs are required by the Dallas/Fort Worth Hospital

Council member facilities to undergo a criminal background check and drug testing prior to beginning

their clinical experience. Students are responsible for all charges incurred (approximately $86.00) for

these screenings. This procedure is conducted after a student has been accepted to their

respective program.

Results of these screenings are forwarded to the El Centro College Health Sciences Division for

review and verification that a student is eligible to attend clinical rotation. All background check and

drug screening results become the property of the Health Sciences Division and will not be released

to the student or any other third party.

A clinical agency reserves the right to remove a student from the facility for suspicion of substance

use or abuse including alcohol. The clinical agency reserves the right to request that a student submit

to a repeat drug screening at the student’s expense on the same day that the student is removed

from the clinical facility. Failure to comply will result in the student’s immediate expulsion from the

clinical facility. Furthermore, regardless of testing or testing results, a clinical agency reserves the

right to expel a student from their facility.

NOTE: Should a student who has been accepted to a Health Occupations program be

prohibited from attending a clinical rotation experience due to findings of a criminal

background check and/or drug screening, the student may be dismissed from the

Health Occupations program.

More information regarding the Criminal Background Check and Drug Screening procedure is found

under the “Resources for Potential Applicants” link at:

https://www.ElCentroCollege.edu/HealthOccAdmissions.

11. Students are responsible for their own transportation arrangements to the college and to their

assigned health care facilities for clinical experience.

12. Students who are enrolled at El Centro College in 6 credit hours or more during a fall or spring

semester and 3 credit hours or more during a summer semester are entitled to a free DART train/bus

pass for that semester. DART passes are available at the Cashier’s office two weeks after the

semester begins.

16

Associate Degree Nursing (MHS) Revised 04/01/20

13. Individuals who were first-time college freshman students in Fall 2007 or after are subject to the

guidelines of section 51.907 of the Texas Education Code which prohibits a student from dropping

more than six (6) college level credit courses during their entire undergraduate career. For more

information on the 6 Drop rule, see the official college catalog online at:

https://www1.dcccd.edu/catalog/GeneralIno/GradesTranscripts/dw.cfm?loc=ECC

14. Students are required to answer certain questions on the Texas Board of Nursing application for

Registration by Examination to become licensed as a Registered Nurse. These questions are in

regard to criminal convictions, mental illness or chemical dependency, or prior disciplinary action by

a licensing authority for nurses. Students answering “yes” to those questions must submit the

required documents with an explanation to the Texas Board of Nursing at least eighteen (18) months

prior to graduation. The Texas Board of Nursing will consider these documents and reach a decision

regarding eligibility to write the licensing examination. An applicant may request a Declaratory Order

(a decision by the Texas Board of Nursing regarding an applicant’s eligibility to take the licensing

exam) prior to entering a program of nursing. More information on this issue is found on the Texas

Board of Nursing website at www.bon.texas.gov. For further information, contact Ms. Joan Becker,

Director of Nursing at 972-860-5098.

15. El Centro College charges a higher tuition rate for courses in which a student registers for the third

or more times. The “Third Attempt” policy includes credit courses taken at any of the Dallas County

Community colleges since Fall 2002. Developmental courses are not included in the Third Attempt

Policy. For more information regarding the “Third Attempt” policy, please visit the following website:

https://www1.dcccd.edu/catalog/GeneralInfo/GradesTranscripts/Third_Attempt.cfm?loc=ECC

16. A student may apply to more than one El Centro College Health Occupations program during a given

filing period. However, if the student receives an acceptance letter to a specific program, confirms

their intent to enter that program, and registers for program courses, their application to any other

Health Occupations program that may share that filing period will be null and void.

Further, an individual accepted for admission and currently enrolled in an El Centro College Health

Occupations program may not apply or be considered for admission selection for another El Centro

College Health Occupations program unless their current program of study will complete before the

second program curriculum begins.

An applicant may submit separate application materials to the El Centro College Associate

Degree Nursing program at MHS and to the traditional Associate Degree Nursing program

during the same application filing period. A qualified applicant would be considered initially

for the MHS program. If not selected for the MHS program, the applicant may still be

considered in the traditional applicant pool.

17. Financial Aid

Students should apply for Financial Aid Office well in advance of program application. More

information on filing procedures and deadlines is found at http://www.dcccd.edu/PC/FA. If a student

in the Associate Degree Nursing program at MHS qualifies for a Pell Grant, those funds will be applied

to the student’s account first and MHS will sponsor any remaining balance. The Health Sciences

Division Office located in Room P-712 at 301 North Market Street also has information regarding

scholarships and other financial assistance for health occupations students. Contact the Health

Sciences Division at 972-860-5095 for more information.

18. The El Centro College Associate Degree Nursing program has partnered with the University of Texas

at Arlington nursing program to provide a seamless transition for graduates who plan to pursue a

Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN). A student accepted into the El Centro Associate Degree

17

Associate Degree Nursing (MHS) Revised 04/01/20

Nursing program who expresses interest in the UTA Professional Nursing Pathways RN to BSN

transition program is automatically accepted into the UTA program providing they complete the

general courses required by UTA and have graduated from the El Centro nursing program. These

general courses include such classes as additional English composition and literature courses,

history, government, statistics, etc.

The El Centro College Associate Degree Nursing program has also collaborated with BSN nursing

programs at several Texas universities including Texas Tech University, Texas Woman’s University,

Midwestern State University, the University of Houston, and the University of Texas at Tyler to form

the Consortium for Advancement of Baccalaureate Nursing Education in Texas (CABNET) for RN to

BSN articulation programs. Students in the El Centro Associate Degree Nursing program will

graduate as “core complete with 54 credits hours plus nursing credits. Completion of the El Centro

60 credit hour nursing program coupled with 60 additional credits in a BSN program will result in a

true 120 credit hour Bachelor Degree in Nursing. All RN to BSN articulation programs included in

the CABNET are online, have no local residency requirement, and offer automatic acceptance to El

Centro College nursing graduates.

For more information on the UTA Pathways program and other RN to BSN programs, please see the

following link:

https://dcccd.blackboard.com/webapps/blackboard/content/listContent.jsp?course_id=_15563_1&c

ontent_id=_2549173_1

19. Please contact the education office at your Methodist Health System facility or the individuals below

for assistance (physical addresses):

Kimm Wright, MSN, RNC-OB, C-EFM

Clinical Faculty/Education Specialist II

ECC/MHS AD Nursing Program

Methodist Health System

1441 N. Beckley Ave.

Dallas, TX 75203

Email: kimm[email protected]

Telephone: 214-947-1534

Joan Becker, M.A., R.N.

Director of Nursing

Room P-715

El Centro College/Paramount

301 North Market Street

Dallas, TX 75202

Email: JBeck[email protected]

Telephone: 972-860-5098

Jesse Elizardo, MHS Nursing Admissions

Health Occupations Admissions Office

Room P-101

El Centro College/Paramount

301 North Market Street

Dallas, TX 75202

Email: jelizardo@dcccd.edu

Telephone: 972-860-5007

The official mailing address for all

application materials is:

MHS Nursing

Health Occupations

El Centro College/Paramount

801 Main Street

Dallas TX 75202-3604

Official transcripts should be mailed to:

Registrar

El Centro College

801 Main Street

Dallas, TX 75202-3604

EScript transcripts should be sent

directly to:

Registrar-ECC@dcccd.edu

18

Associate Degree Nursing (MHS) Revised 04/01/20

ESTIMATED EXPENSES FOR THE ASSOCIATE DEGREE NURSING PROGRAM AT MHS *

Dallas County

Resident

Out of County

Resident

Out of State/

Country Resident

Primary Prerequisite Tuition/Textbooks (10 cr. hrs.)

$ 790.00

$ 1,350.00

$ 2,000.00

Secondary Prerequisite Tuition/Textbooks (11 cr.hrs.)

869.00

1,485.00

2,200.00

Physical Exam and Immunizations **

225.00

CPR Certification

65.00

Castle Branch

25.00

HESI A

2

Entrance Test

42.00

Total

$ 2,016.00

$ 3,192.00

$ 4,557.00

SEMESTER I

Tuition (Nursing courses – 9 cr. hrs.)

$ 711.00

$ 1,215.00

$ 1,800.00

Exam Soft

27.50

HESI Final Exam

55.00

Board of Nurse Examiners screening fee

100.00

Background Check/Drug Screen

86.00

Uniforms (approximate cost of 2 sets/lab coat)

150.00

Name Tag (2)

20.00

Shoes (approximate cost)

60.00

Stethoscope (approximate cost)

35.00

Bandage scissors (approximate cost)

8.00

Watch with second hand (approximate cost)

40.00

Total

$ 1,292.50

$ 1,796.50

$ 2,381.50

SEMESTER II

Tuition (Nursing courses – 9 cr. hrs.)

$ 531.00

$ 999.00

$ 1,566.00

Exam Soft

27.50

HESI Mid-Curr. Testing Fees

55.00

Total

$ 613.50

$ 1,081.50

$ 1,648.50

SEMESTER III

Tuition (Nursing & humanities elec.-12 cr. hrs.)

$ 768.00

$ 1,404.00

$ 2,166.00

Exam Soft

27.50

HESI Final Exam

55.00

Total

$ 850.50

$ 1,486.50

$ 2,248.50

SEMESTER IV

Tuition (Nursing – 9 cr. hrs.)

$ 531.00

$ 999.00

$ 1,566.00

Exam Soft

27.50

HESI Comprehensive Final

47.00

NCLEX review

275.00

Pearson Vue NCLEX

200.00

NCLEX-RN License Fee

139.00

Total

$ 1,219.50

$ 1,687.50

$ 2,254.50

TOTAL ESTIMATED PROGRAM EXPENSE

$ 5,992.00

$ 9,244.40

$ 13,090.40

* Tuition and other fees are subject to change. Please refer to current catalog for tuition table. Tuition for the

primary and secondary prerequisite courses reflect the tuition table which includes textbook expenses.

** Estimated cost of physical exam and immunizations.

See Accounting Office for Tuition Payment Plan option. Other costs to consider: Transportation and Parking Fees to

El Centro and hospital clinical sites.

19

Associate Degree Nursing (MHS) Revised 04/01/20

NURSING APPLICATION CHECKLIST

This checklist is provided to assist you in following the steps toward program application.

1. _____ Obtain a nursing program information packet and attend an information session at a Methodist Health

System site.

2. ____ View the MHS online information session in order to receive program application forms.

3. _____ Complete an application for college admission and see an academic counselor as needed for TSI

counseling, placement testing, etc.: complete any developmental courses as may be prescribed from

test scores.

4. _____ Submit official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities to El Centro College

Registrar’s Office or the Registrar/Admissions Office at any other Dallas County Community college.

5. _____ If needed, request Educational Plan/transfer evaluation of course work taken at other colleges that

applies to Associate Degree Nursing curriculum with Health Occupations Admissions Office.

6. _____ Complete the following primary prerequisite courses:

_____ ENGL 1301 _____ PSYC 2301 _____ BIOL 2401

_____ In addition, complete the following secondary prerequisite courses:

_____ BIOL 2402 _____ BIOL 2420 or BIOL 2421 _____ PSYC 2314

7. _____ Complete the humanities elective prior to application submission as time allows:

_____ Humanities elective ___________________________

8. _____ Complete the HESI A

2

, scoring a minimum of 80% on all required sections of the test.

9 _____ If time allows prior to an application filing deadline, complete the optional pharmacology and

pathophysiology courses and other courses which apply to BSN Articulation programs. (See list of

courses on page 10 of this packet).

10. _____ Download the Immunization Requirements and Physical Exam form from the Castle Branch website; see

a physician or healthcare clinic for a physical examination, immunizations, TB screening etc., and obtain

BLS CPR certification.

11. _____ Submit physical exam form, immunization and TB screening documentation with photocopy of front and

back of CPR card Castle Branch prior to the application filing deadline.

12. Compile the following materials as your complete nursing application packet and email them to

[email protected]. (See Section F on page 8 of this information packet.):

_____ Completed nursing application form.

_____ Signed Statement of Students’ Responsibility form.

_____ Official HESI A

2

score sheet indicating minimum scores of 80 on the five required sections of the test

and the Personality Profile and Learning Styles section results.

_____ Photocopy of your official Phi Theta Kappa membership card (if applicable).

_____ Copies of any request for course substitution forms (for evaluated transferred courses) or 5-year waiver

forms that have been granted to the student.

13. Send photocopies of items listed below to Kimm Wright at Methodist Health System (mailing address on

page 9):

_____ Completed nursing application form and Statement of Students’ Responsibility form

_____ Completed Profile form (from this information packet)

_____ Official HESI A

2

score sheet indicating minimum scores of 80% on the five required sections of the test

and the Personality Profile and Learning Styles section results.

_____ Physical Examination form/immunization documentation with CPR card photocopy attached.

_____ Documentation of personal healthcare insurance coverage such as a photocopied insurance card

14. Methodist Health System will make the final selection for the nursing class and notification emails will be sent

from the El Centro College Health Occupations Admissions Office.