Department of Health Science - Nursing

Greetings and welcome to McDowell Technical Community College (MTCC). As the Director of the Practical Nursing Education (PNE) program, I was drawn to MTCC because as a former graduate I knew firsthand of MTCC's vision to be a leader in the transformation of nursing in McDowell county and beyond. Our nursing programs are committed to providing access to quality education with diverse clinical learning experiences throughout enrollment across various clinical facilities within the McDowell county area. The nursing faculty and staff at MTCC have chosen to be a part of a diverse and caring community because they believe in the mission of promoting the health and well-being of individuals within our community by fostering excellence and innovation in nursing education and healthcare.

Students who are admitted into an MTCC nursing program will have opportunities to learn among knowledgeable experts and can fully engage in the experience of connecting with nursing leaders, clinicians, and teachers and who are committed to improving health and health care.

Nurses have always been on the frontlines, and in these times of challenge through the COVID-19 pandemic, the work that nurses do is increasingly recognized as important and integral to health and healing. The world has seen how nurses respond with care and compassion, commitment, and expertise. Nurses are increasingly visible in their extraordinary efforts, facing daily challenges with bravery, courage, resilience, and professionalism.

We congratulate graduates of our programs who have joined this vibrant and intellectual profession. We welcome those of you who want to pursue nursing as a potential career and encourage you to consider MTCC for your education. Nursing is a remarkable profession and MTCC is an outstanding place to study and serve the citizens of McDowell county while obtaining a quality, cost-effective nursing education close to home.

With Warm and Welcoming Regards,

Dr. Lora Bartlett

Director Nursing Education

Prospective Students Please Read...
Prospective students should be aware that upon admission to a health science program with a clinical component, criminal background checks and or drug testing may be required by the clinical facilities used for clinical sites. Criminal background checks are handled through a designated third party vendor. McDowell Technical Community College is an open door college and will not refuse admission to anyone based on a criminal record. However, the clinical site reserves the right to refuse someone with a criminal record, positive drug test, and/or visible tattoo the use of its facility. If a student does not complete the clinical portion, he or she will not be able to successfully complete a health science program at McDowell Technical Community College.

MTCC offers several programs in the Nursing Department:

Associate Degree Nursing (ADN):

The ADN is a five-semester associate degree program. Graduates are eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) which is required to practice as a Registerd Nurse (RN). Employment opportunities are vast within the global healthcare system and may include positions within acute, chronic, extended industrial, and community health care facilities.

Practical Nursing Education (PNE):

The PNE program is a three-semester diploma program. Graduates are eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) which is required for practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Employment opportunities include hospitals, rehabilitation/long-term care, home health facilities, clinics, and physicians' offices.

Health Sciences: Therapeutic and Diagnostic Services/Nurse Aide:

This is a three-semester diploma program that prepared graduates for entry-level jobs such as Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT), Medical Assistant, Nurse Aide, Pharmacy Technician, Phlebotomist, or Massage Therapist dependent upon the selected program major.

Nurse Aide I (NAI) Registration:

Completion of this one-semester course the student is eligible to test for listing on the North Carolina Registry as a Nurse Aide I and other selected Nurse Aide registries as determined by the local program of study. After successfully completing the National Nurse Aide Assessment program individuals can work under the supervision of licensed professionals in performing nursing care and services for persons of all ages. (Note: Nursing programs may require NAI listing to apply to the program.)

Nurse Aide I (NAI) Refresher:

This 40-hour course provides a review of the Nurse Aide I core content to prepare individuals who are currently listed on a Nurse Aide I Registry, have successfully completed a state-approved training program, hold a state-recognized health care credential from any state, or as military personnel who have had medical/corpsman training to test for the Nurse Aide I state exam.

Nurse Aide II (NAII)

This one-semester course provides basic training in Nurse Aide II tasks building on NAI skills. Upon completion, the individual has opportunities to advance the career field and prepares students for opportunities in nursing.

Students are considered General Education majors until they are accepted into a health science program. Belinda Foster, Health Science Advisor/Career Coach, provides advising to students planning to pursue an Associates Degree in Nursing or a Diploma in Practical Nursing. Students applying for Nurse Aide I and Nurse Aide II will be assigned an advisor from the Health Science Department.

Nursing Information Meetings are held for those who want to learn more about the nursing programs or have specific questions. These meetings are held periodically to avoid interference with regular academic classes.

Resources:

ADN/PN program: Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) preparation information:
http://www.atitesting.com/Solutions/PreNursingSchool/TEAS.aspx