Nursing Program

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THE PROGRAM

The Nursing program is a blend of general education and nursing core courses that will prepare the graduate for licensure and entry as a member of the health care team.

Nursing knowledge in the curriculum is taught using a traditional medical model while presenting, defining, and integrating concepts to organize information. While learning content, students identify interrelated concepts, or concepts influenced by or dependent on one another.

Active learning, also called student-centered learning, is used in the Nursing program classroom.

This kind of learning:

• Promotes the analysis, synthesis and evaluation of complex material
• Inspires the critical thinking required while working in the nursing profession.
• Includes activities like case studies, journaling, classroom and online discussions, debates, presentations, role playing and simulations.

Greenville Technical College nursing graduates enter the workplace well prepared for success.

• According to data from the South Carolina Colleagues in Caring project, the nursing shortage is acute and is predicted to become worse in the next 10 to 15 years.
• Many health care providers require or prefer bachelor’s degree nursing graduates, so careful consideration must be given to pursuing a four-year degree.

Greenville Technical College BSN Bound students report satisfaction with the program because the first two years aren’t just spent in general education classrooms, but include hands-on, core nursing courses and labs.

National Outlook

Take a look at a nursing career from a national perspective

Local Opportunities.

Learn about real-time job openings and salary information through Career Coach.

South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, State Board of Nursing for South Carolina
Synergy Business Park, Kingstree Building
110 Centerview Dr., Suite 202
Columbia, SC 29210
(803) 896-4550
http://www.llr.state.sc.us/POL/NURSING/

The Associate in Applied Science nursing program at Greenville Technical College located in Greenville, SC is accredited by the:
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc.
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000
https://www.acenursing.org

The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Associate in Applied Science nursing program is Continuing Accreditation.

View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at http://www.acenursing.com/accreditedprograms/programsearch.htm

Professional Licensure and Certification Requirements

Students who are considering an academic program that may allow them to pursue professional licensure in another state are strongly encouraged to check that state’s information and contact the appropriate licensing agency for additional information and guidance before beginning the program.

Greenville Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate degrees and baccalaureate degrees. Questions about the accreditation of Greenville Technical College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

VISION

The Nursing Department is committed to providing excellence in education that facilitates the development of competent, caring and professional nurses. Faculty, as both nurses and educators, believe that nurses provide patient centered care with quality and safety to improve, maintain and restore the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities.

MISSION

The Nursing Department is dedicated to the preparation of individuals to meet the health care needs of the public. Graduate nurses will be able to use essential knowledge, attitudes, skills, and technology to meet the healthcare needs of patients, families, and communities while recognizing the need for an individualized plan of care. Faculty members strive to incorporate essential competencies for nurse educators while preparing graduates who will become the future of the nursing profession.

PHILOSOPHY

The Nursing Faculty strive continuously to achieve excellence in nursing education. Nursing Faculty believe that nursing education focuses on the nursing student and the practice of nursing, which centers around the nurse-client relationship and the provision of safe, quality, and evidence based nursing care to achieve desired client outcomes. Interactions between nurse educators (faculty) and learners (nursing students) focus on nursing knowledge while emphasizing the importance of the nursing profession. Nursing knowledge in the curriculum is taught using a traditional medical model while presenting, defining, and integrating concepts to organize information. Nursing students are able to link these concepts throughout the curriculum and learning is facilitated by this process. Programmatic outcomes measure competency in each domain of learning: cognitive, psychomotor, and affective. Nursing faculty believe excellence in nursing education is achieved through a combined teaching method of both the medical model and nursing concepts, based on the established Core Competencies for Nurse Educators.

The nursing student as a learner must be excited and motivated to increase learning. The learner must possess a spirit of inquiry, a desire for lifelong learning, and a commitment to a career in nursing. Emphasis is placed on student engagement in the learning process and faculty are the facilitators of learning. Students enter the program at different times in their lives and bring diversity and personal experiences that are enhanced through courses in the arts, sciences and humanities. These courses assist in building a foundation of knowledge upon which nursing concepts are added. The integration of a professional knowledge base and behaviors are the expected outcomes of nursing students.

Nursing practice is conceptualized as both an art and a science dedicated to promoting the highest level of health and wellness for a diverse population throughout the lifespan. Nursing professionals identify healthcare problems and use critical thinking skills to build a solid foundation for the direct-care practitioner. In the quest to promote health for individuals, families, and communities, nursing professionals function as advocates, educators, coordinators, and managers in addition to their traditional role as healthcare providers. These roles, combined with nursing knowledge and competence, facilitate the promotion and enhancement of the client’s optimal level of wellness.

The client is viewed as an individual, a family, or a community. Establishing nurse-client relationships is vital so that clients can be encouraged and motivated to acquire knowledge regarding their own level of wellness and the resources available to them. This motivation empowers the client to make autonomous choices regarding healthcare. The client is also encouraged to participate in self-care to reach an optimal state of health and wellness throughout the lifespan.

The curriculum is organized by thirty-nine concepts to introduce disease processes and promote a holistic approach to nursing care. These concepts fall within the headings derived from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing test plan categories. These headings include:

• Safe and Effective Care
• Health Promotion and Maintenance
• Psychosocial Integrity
• Physiological Integrity

Teaching conceptually helps the student link information from all aspects of the curriculum. While learning content, students identify interrelated concepts, or concepts influenced by or dependent on one another.
In addition, the curriculum uses integrated processes also derived from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing test plan. These processes serve as threads throughout all curriculum content and include the following:

• Nursing process
• Caring
• Communication/documentation
• Teaching/learning
• Culture/Spirituality

Nursing Department Outcomes »

Nursing (RN) 
Associate in Applied Science

This program covers all aspects of the nursing profession and is designed to integrate both theory and practical “hands-on” educational experiences. Nursing students can complete the program in two to three years as full-time students and practice as RNs upon passing the licensure exam.

Nursing program details from our current catalog »

Post RN Specialty Courses 

Post RN Specialty Courses allow current RNs, other healthcare professionals, or nursing students with Instructor Permission, to develop specialty skills necessary to meet the needs of patients with critical conditions. The courses provide basic knowledge and skills necessary for safe, competent and effective nursing practice in critical care and other specialty units. Courses may include Dysrhythmia Interpretation (NUR 260), and Physical Assessment (NUR 230). For specific current offerings, please call (864) 250-8216 or (864) 250-8547.

Specialty courses details from our current catalog »

Requirements for Nursing Program Admissions

In addition to the Greenville Technical College admissions process outlined in these Enrollment Steps, students interested in the nursing program must also

• understand the School of Health Sciences policies
• successfully complete Career Talk within 1 year of applying to the program
• complete the TEAS Test and earn a minimum score of 65
• submit the weighted application for the program of interest

Policies

The Nursing program strictly adheres to all School of Health Sciences policies, which are detailed on the Health Sciences admissions information page.

Career Talk

Career Talk provides valuable information regarding the application process, requirements, policies, procedures, and expectations of students interested in applying to the Nursing program. Completion of the online Career Talk is a requirement for submitting an application and is valid for one year. However, information is updated frequently, so check back often to be sure you do not miss important changes! 

Access the Career Talk presentation for Nursing »

TEAS Requirement

ADN and APN program applicants are required to complete the Test of Essential Academic Skills (ATI TEAS®) prior to submitting a Weighted Admission form for program admission. Scores from the TEAS test will be used in the point calculations on the Weighted Admission form. A minimum score of 65 is required for entry into the Nursing program. Please see full details for scheduling in the TEAS Information page.

Nursing Weighted Admission Forms

Associate Degree Nursing Weighted Admission Form

The application submission process for GTC's Nursing program is now electronic. The electronic application will only be accessible during the application acceptance periods, March 15-May 15 or July 15-September 15. Applications are not accepted during any other timeframe. Questions related to the Weighted Admission process may be directed to NURadmissions@gvltec.edu.

• To review the form prior to submitting, please view this sample form (pdf) »
  This pdf will not be accepted as an official application. It is for reference only. 

• To submit an application, you must log in using your GTC student access.  
  Access the Nursing Weighted Admission form »

Overview of the Nursing Program Admissions Process

Applications are accepted twice per year. Nursing courses begin on a seven-week rotation. Therefore, seating into one of five cohorts is possible, based on the seating process outlined below.

Seating Process:

• Submit a weighted admission form between the dates of March 15 – May 15 for potential admission into the August, October or January class. Submit a weighted admission form between the dates of July 15 – Sept. 15 for potential admission into the March or May class.
• Students with the highest scores will receive an admissions letter, letter of intent, and physical exam form with detailed written requirements.
• To complete the admission process, accepted students must submit a letter of intent, pay a $100 non-refundable deposit, complete the physical exam form, and provide proof of immunizations and current CPR training. All forms are provided with the letter of acceptance, along with the deadline for submission. Students must meet all deadlines in order to be seated as a student in the Nursing program. Continued enrollment is contingent upon a crime-free criminal background check and negative drug screen.

Some of our Clinical Affiliates and Graduate Recruiters include:

• Anmed Health
• Baptist Easley Medical Center
• Cannon Memorial Hospital
• Carolina Center for Behavioral Health
• Express Care – Pediatrics
• Greenville County School District
• Mary Black Hospital
• Mercy Health, Bon Secours St. Francis - Downtown
• Mercy Health, Bon Secours St. Francis - Eastside
• National Health Care
• Oconee Memorial Hospital
• Patrick B. Harris Psychiatric Hospital
• Piedmont Orthopedics
• Piedmont Reproductive and Endocrinology Group
• PRISMA Health System   
• PRISMA Medical Group (B&J)
• PRISMA Steadman Hawkins Clinic
• Self Regional Medical Center
• Serenity Place
• Shriner's Hospital for Children
• Simpsonville Rehabilitation Center
• Spartanburg Regional Health System

BSN Bound means the student plans to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing after graduating from Greenville Technical College Nursing. Anderson University, Bob Jones University, Clemson University, Grand Canyon University, Lander University, MUSC, Southern New Hampshire University, Southern Wesleyan University, USC Aiken and USC Upstate all have ADN to BSN or MSN programs and have outlined a curriculum and an articulation agreement for the GTC ADN student to progress while at GTC and then further their degree at a four-year college.

Learn more about the BSN Bound option »

Earn your BSN online and save!

Another option after you earn your Associate Degree in Nursing is to continue your education online with the above-accredited Universities to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The associate degree and general education courses required for the BSN can be completed at Greenville Technical College, then the BSN can be earned with an additional year of online nursing study.

GTC Student Nurses Association

Greenville Technical College’s Student Nurses Association (SNA) is a pre-professional organization for nursing and pre-nursing students. Members are eligible for numerous benefits including health insurance, leadership, networking and scholarship opportunities, community involvement, and professional development. For more information, email us at gtcsna@gmail.com or find us on Facebook at GTC Student Nurses Association.

MORE LINKS

• American Nurses Association
• South Carolina Nurses Association
•  National Student Nurses' Association (NSNA)

Academic Program Chair, Nursing
Dr. Tracy Hudgins
Tracy.Hudgins@gvltec.edu
(864) 250-8542

Assistant Academic Program Chair, Student Liaison
Dr. Alissa Samoya
Alissa.Samoya@gvltec.edu
(864) 250-8530

Assistant Academic Program Chair, Faculty Liaison
Victoria Queen
Victoria.Queen@gvltec.edu
(864) 250-8543

Nursing Clinical Placement Coordinator
Belgica (Bel) Condon
Bel.Condon@gvltec.edu
(864) 250-8229

Nursing Laboratory Coordinator
Susan Gadoury
Susan.Gadoury@gvltec.edu
(864) 250-8282

Tina Strutton
Tina.Strutton@gvltec.edu
(864) 250-8216