Associate Degree Nursing

Collin College's Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program prepares students for a career as a professional registered nurse.

 

Nursing is a passion and a profession!

Collin College’s Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program prepares students for a career as a professional registered nurse with state-of-the-art facilities and educators who have years of practical experience working in health care.

 

NLN Logo

 

Collin College has been recognized as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing (NLN) since 2011, one of only a handful of community colleges in the nation to earn that honor.  

 

Nursing Program Courses are offered at the McKinney Campus located at 2200 W. University Drive, McKinney, TX 75071

 

Notice to Potential Students

Each of our clinical facilities have requirements that must be met in order to be allowed to gain entry to the facility and to participate in clinical experiences.  Most of the requirements are standardized between healthcare organizations.  However, some have specific requirements related to patient population.  In order to meet program outcomes and complete your clinical experience you must comply with the clinical agency requirements.  If you choose to not comply with the agency's requirements, we cannot guarantee completion of the nursing program.  

 

According to the Special Requirements listed under the Texas Health and Human Services website, Texas Education Code 51.933 - Students in the health care field must have certain vaccines due to their coursework, which may expose them to viruses and bacteria at a higher risk. 

 

As summarized Title 25, Texas Administrative Code 97.64:  Students must have all the following vaccinations before they may engage in the course activities which will involve direct patient contact with potential exposure to blood or bodily fluids in educational and medical facilities.  The vaccinations are:  Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Hepatitis B, Varicella and Tetanus-Diphtheria.  

 

All of the Nursing Programs at Collin College are approved by the Texas Board of Nursing (TBON),  and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB).  

 

ACEN Seal

 

The ADN is fully accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) at 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326, (404) 975-5000. The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Collin College Associate Degree Nursing program in 2023 is Continuing Accreditation. 

 

 

To learn about accreditation status and more, visit Collin College

 

Nursing Program Student Handbook for ADN Students

ADN Student Handbook

 

Program Information


Nursing is a demanding but rewarding career. Upon acceptance into the nursing program, you must make a commitment to hard work and study to be successful in the program. The following suggestions are strongly recommended:

•  Plan to limit full-time work to fewer hours so that you have time to study nursing.

•  Complete as many of the support courses as possible before starting the nursing courses.

•  Allow at least 15 hours per week to study and prepare for class and clinical.


The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is a two-year degree offered by community colleges and hospital-based schools of nursing that prepares individuals for a defined technical scope of practice.  The Associate Degree Nursing program prepares students to be registered nurses (RN).  Registered nurses with an ADN degree can work in hospitals, physicians’ offices, home healthcare services, outpatient clinics, schools, and nursing care facilities. 


U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics


Visit RN-to-BSN for more information.

Visit Collin Bursar for information regarding Tuition and Fees. 


The nursing student should anticipate other costs in addition to books, tuition and fees paid to the college for courses taken.  


A few general additional fees include: 

•  Uniforms and/or lab coat (as applicable to the specific program)

•  ATI learning materials

•  Collin College Nursing Student ID

•  CPR Certification

•  Skills packet or medical equipment (as applicable to the specific program)

•  Drug testing

•  State Board of Nursing fee (as applicable to the specific program)

•  FBI fingerprints and background check

•  Health insurance

•  Physical exams

•  Immunizations

•  Online instructional resources

 

This list is not necessarily all inclusive and is subject to change. Special fees and charges may be added as necessary and as approved by the Board of Trustees of Collin College.

The ADN programs consist of 60 credit hours and prepare the student for licensure examination with the State of Texas Board of Nursing (BON). 


The ADN graduate will be able to:

•  Use clinical reasoning and knowledge based on the nursing program of study, evidence- based practice outcomes, and research studies as the basis for decision-making and comprehensive, safe patient care to improve quality of life.

•  Demonstrate skills in using patient care technologies and information systems that support safe nursing practice.

•  Promote safety and quality improvement as an advocate and manager of nursing care.

•  Coordinate, collaborate, and communicate with diverse patients/clients, families, and the interdisciplinary health care team to plan, deliver, and evaluate care.

•  Adhere to standards of practice within legal, ethical, and regulatory frameworks of the professional nurse.

•  Demonstrate knowledge of delegation, management, and leadership skills.

•  Demonstrate behavior that reflects the values and ethics of the nursing profession.


The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Program is offered at the McKinney Campus.   

 

The ADN Program is a two-year program (4 semesters).  The admission cycles will be in Spring and Fall Semesters.  

 

For the next admission start, see the application tab below. 


Notice to Potential Students:  At this time, the ADN Program is unable to accept students who have been unsuccessful in other nursing programs.  


Nursing Students requesting to transfer and are in good standing with their current Nursing Program and have not failed nursing courses, will only be considered if they meet the application requirements and understand they must start in the First Level of the ADN Program.  

 

The following steps are to be followed for application to the ADN Program.

1.  Application to Collin College:

•  The applicant must apply and be accepted as a student at Collin College before applying to the ADN program.

•  Applicants must have a CWID Student Number and a Collin College email. 

•  Official transcripts from all schools attended must be submitted to Admissions at Collin College. To determine if any of your courses will transfer to Collin College, contact Academic Advising at AcademicAdvising@collin.edu.


2.  Application to the ADN Program

•  Complete the steps listed above.


3.  TEAS:  

•  All nursing applicants are required to take the TEAS exam.  There are no exemptions.

•  The TEAS exam is available on the McKinney Campus.  The Testing Center can accommodate 34 applicants on each test date.

•  All Collin College TEAS test dates are through ATI.  The TEAS exam can be taken at the Testing Center (W206) on the McKinney Campus OR, as a online, proctored exam on any date that ATI Testing offers the TEAS.  See available TEAS test dates for the McKinney Testing Center below on the TEAS tab.   

•  Go to www.atitesting.com or call 800-667-7531 to register and schedule the TEAS.

•  The application will be considered with a minimum total composite score of 65%.  The Reading and Science components of the TEAS score needs to be 50% or higher.  

•  A TEAS score is accepted if it is within one year of the application deadline date.

•  The TEAS can be taken 2 times per application period.

•  The Applicant will receive 10% of the total composite TEAS score towards the application point process.

•  A TEAS score must be on file with ATI and available to Collin College on or before the application deadline date.  If the TEAS exam is taken as an online, proctored exam, contact ATI and authorize ATI to release the TEAS score to Collin College.  It is the applicant's responsibility to assure that ATI sends the TEAS score to Collin College.

•  The updated TEAS Version 7 is the only exam accepted.    


4.  Prerequisites:

 

Beginning with the FALL 2025 SEMESTER - ALL prerequisite courses must be complete with a grade of "C" or better before applying to the ADN Program by the application deadline date of March 1, 2025.   The Nursing Department will no longer accept the ADN Application with two complete prerequisites and one prerequisite "In-Progress".  The cumulative GPA on the three prerequisites must be 2.5 or higher.

•  There are 3 prerequisites.  

Biology 2401 (Anatomy and Physiology I),

Biology 2402 (Anatomy and Physiology II),

Biology 2420 (Microbiology).

•  Must have a satisfactory completion (grade of "C" or better) of the prerequisite courses.

•  A point is awarded for the completion of all three prerequisites.

•  Points are awarded for the prerequisite grade of "C" or better by the application deadline date.  One point will be deducted for prerequisite courses repeated/withdrawn within 5 years. 

•  Biology courses are accepted if taken within five years of the application deadline date.

•  Cumulative GPA on the three prerequisite courses must be 2.5 or above. 

 

5.  Application

•  The ADN Application is online.  Complete and submit the application.  After submitting the application, an email will be sent with a link to upload required documents.  Follow the directions to upload unofficial transcripts from ALL colleges/universities attended (including Collin College), TEAS score and military documents, if applicable. The application can not be considered if the required documents are not submitted.

 
6.  COVID-19

•  NOTICE TO POTENTIAL STUDENTS - Each of our clinical facilities have requirements that must be met in order to be allowed to gain entry to the facility and to participate in clinical experiences.  Most of the requirements are standardized between healthcare organizations.  However, some have specific requirements related to patient population.  In order to meet program outcomes and complete your clinical experience you must comply with the clinical agency requirements.  If you choose to not comply with the agency's requirements, we cannot guarantee completion of the nursing program.  


7.  Immunizations

•  Immunization records are NOT to be submitted at the time of application. Accepted students will be provided instructions on how to submit immunization records. Since some immunization are given over time, you are strongly encouraged to carefully review immunization requirements before applying (See Immunization Checklist for Clinical).

 

8Upon acceptance into the ADN program, students are required to:

•  Purchase Liability Insurance (provided through the school, included in your tuition).

•  Purchase school-approved uniforms for clinical experiences.

•  Obtain CPR certification -  Basic Life Support (BLS) must be from American Heart Association.

•  Have a Physical Form completed by your physician.

•  Complete all required immunizations.

•  Complete a TB (Tuberculosis) skin test and provide a copy of the results annually.

•  Agree to a criminal background check.

•  Complete drug screening at the student’s expense on a date specified by the Director of Nursing prior to the start of school.

•  Health Insurance documentation. All nursing students must provide documentation of having a health insurance policy.

•  Purchase required supplies, uniforms, and textbook to include mandatory instructional resources from ATI 

 


The next admission will be for FALL 2025 with an application deadline date of MARCH 1, 2025.  The application will be available in January, 2025.  

 

The next admission AFTER the Fall 2025 entry will be SPRING 2026 with an application deadline date of JUNE 1, 2025.  

 

ADN Application

 

Notice to Potential Students:  At this time, the ADN Program is unable to accept students who have been unsuccessful in other nursing programs. 

 

Nursing Students requesting to transfer and are in good standing with their current Nursing Program and have not failed nursing courses, will only be considered if they meet the application requirements and understand they must start in the First Level of the ADN Program.  

 

ADN Selection Criteria


•  All nursing applicants are required to take the TEAS exam.  There are no exemptions.

•  The TEAS exam is available on the McKinney Campus.  The Testing Center can accommodate 34 applicants on each test date.

•  All Collin College TEAS test dates are through ATI.  The TEAS exam can be taken at the Testing Center (W206) on the McKinney Campus OR, as a online, proctored exam on any date that ATI Testing offers the TEAS.  See available TEAS test dates for the McKinney Testing Center below. 

2024-2025  - Available Dates 

November 12, 19, 26

December 3, 10

January 7, 14, 21, 28, 30

•  Visit ATI Testing  or call 800-667-7531 to register and schedule the TEAS.

•  The application will be considered with a minimum total composite score of 65%.  The Reading and Science components of the TEAS score needs to be 50% or higher.

•  A TEAS score is accepted if it is within one year of the application deadline date.

•  The TEAS can be taken 2 times per application period.

•  The Applicant will receive 10% of the total composite TEAS score towards the application point process.

•  A TEAS score must be on file with ATI and available to Collin College on or before the application deadline date.  If the TEAS exam is taken as an online, proctored exam, contact ATI and authorize ATI to release the TEAS score to Collin College.  It is the applicant's responsibility to assure that ATI sends the TEAS score to Collin College.

•  The updated TEAS Version 7 is the only exam accepted.    

 


In response to the Americans with Disabilities Act, a national survey of administrators of health care facilities, which employ nurses, validated a list of essential competencies a nurse must possess in order to function safely and effectively in a variety of clinical settings. Results indicate that relatively high numbers of activities were identified in each essential competency category by the health care agencies as being necessary for nursing practice.


These competencies include:

•  Extended walking and standing daily

•  Ability to grasp, push, and/or pull

•  Ability to bend and stoop

•  Moving quickly in response to an emergency

•  Using upper body movements

•  Ability to reach carrying and moving equipment

•  Reaching and/or lifting


Other essential competencies identified for nursing care include:

•  Vision that allows detecting physical changes

•  Hearing that allows responding to physical and verbal cues

•  A sense of touch that allows for assessment and palpation


Adaptations most frequently reported as being used by nursing staff were hearing aids, adaptive phones, and calculators.


*The ADN Nursing Program at Collin College has also accepted these physical competencies as expectations for success in the program. Applicants will complete a Functional Abilities/Core Performance Standards Form upon conditional acceptance to the nursing program.


It is important to understand the licensing process in order to minimize potential problems nursing graduates might experience in obtaining a nursing license. Schools of nursing do not have the power to grant licensure for the Registered Nurse (RN). The nursing program has accreditation by the Texas Board of Nursing to provide education and training which qualifies the student to take a state licensing examination. The graduate of the program must make application to the Texas Board of Nursing to take the licensing examination.

 

An individual enrolled or planning to enroll in a basic nursing program who has reason to believe that he/she might be ineligible for licensure must petition the Board for a declaratory order to determine his/her eligibility.

 

Factors affecting eligibility for licensure include:

  1. been convicted of a misdemeanor?
  2. been convicted of a felony?
  3. plea nolo contendere, no contest, or guilty?
  4. received deferred adjudication?
  5. been placed on community supervision or court-ordered probation, whether or not adjudicated guilty?
  6. been sentenced to serve jail, prison time or court-ordered confinement?
  7. been granted pre-trial diversion?
  8. been arrested or have any pending criminal charges?
  9. been cited or charged with any violation of the law?
  10. been subject of a court-martial; Article 15 violation; or received any form of military judgment/punishment/action?

 

•  Are you currently the target or subject of a grand jury or governmental agency investigation?

 

•  Has any licensing authority refused to issue you a license or ever revoked, annulled, canceled, accepted surrender of, suspended, placed on probation, refused to renew a professional license, certificate or multi-state privilege held by you now or previously, or ever fined, censured, reprimanded or otherwise disciplined you?

 

•  Within the past five (5) years have you been addicted to and/or treated for the use of alcohol or any other drug?

 

•  Within the past five (5) years have you been diagnosed with, treated, or hospitalized for schizophrenia and/or psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, paranoid personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder, or borderline personality disorder? Additional eligibility criteria may be present and the requirements may change. The interested applicant is urged to review the information published by the Texas Board of Nursing.


In partnership with Collin College, HCA offers the ADN program to eligible employees. 

 

Below are the eligibility guidelines for Medical City Healthcare:

•  Must be employed at a Medical City Healthcare facility for a minimum of six months. 

•  Is in good standing with the facility - no disciplinary action/write-ups within previous six months.

•  Submission to the site coordinator for our respective facilities, a recommendation letter from your manager or director on hospital letter head addressing your professional behavior, attendance, work ethic and attitude.

•  Two-year employment commitment and completion of BSN degree (2nd step)

•  Application to Collin College

•  Completion of all primary prerequisites with a minimum GPA of 2.5.  All prerequisites must be complete with a grade of "C" or better.  We will no longer accept two prerequisites complete and one prerequisite "In-Progress".  

A&P I (BIOL 2401)
A & P II (BIOL 2402)
Micro (BIOL 2420)

•  Completion of all secondary prerequisites with minimum grade of “C”:

ENGL 1301
PSYC 2314
PSYC 2301
Humanities course

•  Completion of the ATI TEAS Exam with a minimum total composite score of 65%.  The individual scores for the Reading and Science portion of the TEAS score needs to be 50% or higher.

•  Complete the application process on the Admissions Requirements and Application tab.  

 

For more information regarding the program or to obtain a packet, contact Learning Institute Manager at GHuey@collin.edu.

 

View Immunization Checklist for Clinical

 

NOTICE TO POTENTIAL STUDENTS - Each of our clinical facilities have requirements that must be met in order to be allowed to gain entry to the facility and to participate in clinical experiences.  Most of the requirements are standardized between healthcare organizations.  However, some have specific requirements related to patient population.  In order to meet program outcomes and complete your clinical experience you must comply with the clinical agency requirements.  If you choose to not comply with the agency's requirements, we cannot guarantee completion of the nursing program.      


End of Program Student Learning Outcomes (EPSLO):

 

EPSLO #1: The students will demonstrate the knowledge to serve as a member of the profession. 

EPSLO #2: The students will demonstrate the ability to serve as a member of the profession. 

EPSLO #3: The students will demonstrate the knowledge to serve as a provider of patient-centered care. 

EPSLO #4: The students will demonstrate the ability to serve as a provider of patient-centered care using clinical judgment. 

EPSLO #5: The students will demonstrate the knowledge to serve as a patient safety advocate by reducing patient risks of harm, including safe medication administration. 

EPSLO #6: The students will demonstrate the ability to serve as a patient safety advocate by reducing patient risks of harm, including safe medication administration. 

EPSLO #7: The students will demonstrate the knowledge to serve as a member of the health care team through teamwork and collaboration. 

EPSLO #8: The students will demonstrate the ability to serve as a member of the health care team through communication.

 

ADN Program Outcomes: 

  NCLEX-RN Pass Rate from Texas Board of Nursing On-Time Completion Completion in 150% of Time Employment Within 1 Year of Graduation

2020

90.73%

186/205

92%

 

92%

 

68%

92%(employed or working on BSN)

2021

82.41%

89/108

82% 86% 96%

2022

90.05%

172/191

83%

90%

85%