Nursing Requirements
Preparing for the nursing program
Prerequisite Coursework
Before applying to the Nursing program, you must complete the following prerequisite courses with a grade of C or higher. Students with a completed Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree may use that degree to satisfy ENG 101, ENG 102, and MAT 140 only, provided those courses were not already part of the degree. All other prerequisites are required regardless of prior degree.
- ENG 101 — College Composition I (3 credits)
- ENG 102 — College Composition II (3 credits)
- MAT 140 or higher — College Mathematics (3–5 credits)
- BIO 201 — Human Anatomy & Physiology I (4 credits)
- BIO 202 — Human Anatomy & Physiology II (4 credits)
- CHM 130 — Fundamentals of Chemistry (4 credits)
The following courses are co-requisites and are strongly encouraged to be completed before entering the program:
- BIO 205 — Microbiology (4 credits)
- BIO 218 — Human Pathophysiology (4 credits)
- NTR 135 — Human Nutrition (3 credits)
- PSY 240 — Developmental Psychology (3 credits)
- Arts & Humanities elective (3–4 credits)
All prerequisite and co-requisite courses must be completed with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a four-point scale to be eligible for admission.
Admissions requirements
Admission to the Nursing program is competitive and separate from general CCC admission. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Applications are reviewed once per year, with applications due in May for fall semester entry.
To apply, you must have completed all of the following:
- A grade of C or higher in all required prerequisite courses, with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on prerequisite coursework
- A current, unexpired Arizona Nursing Assistant (LNA) license
- A current, unexpired Arizona DPS Fingerprint Card, Level 1
- Completion of the ATI TEAS exam with a minimum score of 66.1%
- Attendance at a required Application Information Session
- Submission of a completed application
[INCLUDE APPLICATION INFORMTION SESSION DATE AND APPLICATION DEADLINE]
health and Documentation Requirements
All students accepted into the Nursing program must provide the following documentation before beginning the program. Health records are required for participation in clinical rotations and must remain current throughout the program. It is each student’s responsibility to maintain and provide updated documentation.
Health Records Required
- Confidential Medical History Form
- Negative TB skin test (must remain current through May 15 of each academic year) or chest x-ray/other testing if skin test was positive
- Evidence of two MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccines or blood titer showing immunity
- Evidence of two varicella (chickenpox) vaccines or blood titer showing immunity
- Hepatitis B vaccine series or signed declination form
- Tdap immunization within the past ten years
- Flu vaccine (annually by September 1st)
- COVID-19 vaccine (evidence of full vaccination)
- 10 or 12 panel urine drug screen (within 60 days of first clinical day)
Additonal Documentation Required
- American Heart Association BLS Provider certification (must remain current; renews every two years)
- Current, unexpired Arizona Nursing Assistant (LNA) license
- Current, unexpired Arizona DPS Fingerprint Card, Level 1
Students continuing in the program must update TB test and flu vaccine annually, prior to the start of each academic year. All documents with expiration dates must remain current throughout the program.
Clinical Training and Simulation
A significant portion of the Nursing program takes place outside the traditional classroom. Students participate in skills lab training, simulation exercises, and clinical rotations at local healthcare facilities throughout the program.
Clinical rotations provide hands-on patient care experience under the direct supervision of a clinical nursing instructor. Attendance at all clinical experiences is mandatory. Students who need to miss a clinical day must notify their instructor prior to the scheduled start time and are required to complete a makeup day.
Students must score 100% on a medication calculation test before administering medications during clinical rotations. A clinical nursing instructor may not supervise more than 10 students at a time and must remain on campus throughout the clinical period.
Students enrolled in the nursing program may not work for eight or more full hours prior to any clinical rotation or class. This is a safety requirement to ensure students can safely participate in patient care and operate a vehicle to and from clinical sites.
TEchnology Requirements
Nursing students must have access to a computer every day. A laptop is strongly recommended for proctored testing. If a student does not have a laptop, on-campus computer labs are available.
The Nursing program uses Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) throughout all four semesters of core nursing coursework. ATI modules, tutorials, and practice and proctored assessments will be assigned each semester as part of student learning.
NCLEX-RN Examination
Upon completing the Nursing AAS, graduates are eligible to apply to sit for the NCLEX-RN, the national licensure examination required to practice as a registered nurse in Arizona and most other states. Passing the NCLEX-RN is required to obtain an Arizona Registered Nurse license through the Arizona State Board of Nursing.
CCC’s 2025 NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate was 90%, above the Arizona state average of 89.3% and the national average of 86.5%.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happens if I do not pass a nursing course?
Students must earn a grade of B or higher in each core nursing course to progress. A grade below B may result in the student being unable to continue to the next nursing course. Contact the Nursing Department for information about re-admission procedures if a student does not progress.
- What if I started a nursing program at another institution?
Transfer into the Nursing program from another institution requires a separate application process, including submission of transcripts from the prior nursing program, syllabi for completed nursing courses, and letters from the previous program. The Director of Nursing evaluates prior coursework for eligibility and placement. Acceptance is dependent on space availability and program compatibility.
- What is the ATI TEAS exam?
The ATI TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) is a standardized exam that measures skills in reading, mathematics, science, and English. CCC requires a minimum score of 66.1% for Nursing program admission. The exam is available at CCC and other testing locations. Contact the Nursing Department for information on scheduling.
- Is admission guaranteed if I meet the minimum requirements?
No. The program is competitive with approximately 30 students accepted per year. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
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