Nursing Applicant

Applications for EMCC’s associate in science in Nursing (Registered Nurse) are accepted beginning September 1 of each year. Priority deadline is March 1.

All supporting transcripts and test scores must be received prior to file review.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit applications as soon as practical to ensure sufficient time to complete the admission process as seats are filled on a first-come, first-served basis as qualified applicants complete all program prerequisites and meet established enrollment criteria (see “Selection Process” described below).


Program Prerequisites

To be considered for admission, all prerequisites must be successfully completed prior to file review.

Applications for students currently enrolled in prerequisite courses will not be reviewed for admission until a final grade is received.

Applicants who have not completed program prerequisites or who are not currently enrolled in the below-mentioned courses at the time of their application, will not be considered for admission to Nursing. (Updated transcripts for courses taken at institutions other than EMCC are required upon course completion in this case.)

The prerequisites required for admission to EMCC’s Nursing Program are:

  • Algebra I (high school level)
  • Biology with Lab (high school level)
  • Transferable college-level Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab (EMCC’s BIO127)*^
  • Transferable college-level College Composition (EMCC’s ENG101)*^
  • NRG101-Math for Nurses* (This course is offered at EMCC online synchronously and can be taken at a distance. While little is accepted in transfer for this course, a challenge exam is available.)
  • “Desired”  but not required academic courses relevant to the Nursing curriculum, including:
    • Transferable college-level Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab (EMCC’s BIO128^)
    • Transferable college-level Pharmacology (EMCC’s BIO251^)
    • Transferable college-level Pathophysiology (EMCC’s BIO222^)

*A limited number of 3-year slots (extended program) are available each year to current high school students who have not yet had the opportunity to complete college-level Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab, College Composition, or Math for Nurses.  Candidates for the extended program must meet all other admission criteria. See an admissions counselor for clarification.

Additionally, candidates to our satellite clinical locations may be offered admission to the extended program in order to complete program prerequisites and select general education curriculum requirements up to one year prior to scheduled clinical coursework at their intended off-campus location (which varies each year).

^Individuals who feel they have transferable credit for any of the college-level prerequisites listed above are urged to confirm course transferability with the Director of Admissions prior to submitting an application for admission to the Nursing program. Note that math and science courses more than ten years old at the time of application likely will not transfer and that math courses that may even be at a higher level than NRG101 may not substitute for that prerequisite. 

It is the responsibility of the applicant to have the final grades from prerequisite courses taken through adult education or at another college mailed to the Admissions Office. (In determining whether an application is “complete” and ready to be reviewed by the Admissions Committee, adult education transcripts are not considered if admission personnel are not aware that you are currently enrolled in these courses.) Applicants are strongly encouraged to follow up and ensure that all materials have arrived for your file. Additionally, if you are currently enrolled in prerequisite courses and/or Nursing general education courses, make sure the Admissions Committee is aware of the course name, location, and anticipated completion date.


How to Apply

The following must be submitted to the Admissions Office prior to file review:

  • Completed Application for Admission. Apply online here. Applications for EMCC’s Nursing program are accepted for fall term, unless otherwise noted.
  • All previous educational transcripts (high school, adult education, and college).
    • Regardless of whether transfer credit is being sought, applicants must disclose all prior colleges attended. Failure to furnish all information on past education may constitute adequate reason for disqualification of your acceptance or subsequent dismissal from the College as well as possible retraction or denial of financial aid funds.
  • Health Sciences Reasoning Test (HSRT) results. More information about this test below.
  • Attend a Nursing Information Session. Attendance at a session is required prior to receiving a final decision.

All applicants to Nursing who are offered admission to the program will be required to submit to a national criminal background screening process at their expense after the offer of acceptance. For more complete details regarding this requirement please see Criminal Background Screening. If after reading this information you have any questions or concerns, please contact Stacy Green, Director of Admissions, at sgreen@emcc.edu or 207-974-4679.


Pre-Entrance Assessment Information

Effective fall 2022, applicants to Nursing are required to take the Health Sciences Reasoning Test (HSRT) as part of the application process. More information regarding this assessment is emailed to applicants. For a basic overview of the assessment, see HSRT Test Instructions 2022.


Selection Process

The selection process used for the Nursing program involves an objective assessment of each applicant’s academic history including prerequisite and college-level coursework. To be seriously considered, applicants must:

  • Adult Learners: Earn a 3.4 GPA in the three college-level prerequisites as well as any general education course required of EMCC’s Nursing program which the applicant has completed; either when taken at EMCC or transferred in. (Not required for applicants to the extended track.)
  • Current high school seniors: Earn a 3.0 GPA overall in high school coursework with a 3.4 GPA in relevant prerequisite courses.
  • Earn a competitive score on the HSRT exam.

Personal interviews are not used as part of the selection criteria; therefore, requesting a personal meeting with the Director of Nursing will not have a positive or negative influence on the selection process.


Primary Contacts for Admission Questions

The Admissions Committee respectfully requests that all questions concerning the nursing admission process and transfer credit be directed as follows (e-mail preferred in all instances):

  • Application Documentation Received
    • Refer to the MyEMCC student portal to monitor receipt of required documentation.
  • Selection Process Questions (Stacy Green, Director of Admissions)
  • Transfer Credit Questions (Elizabeth Castro, Transfer Coordinator)