Pre-Licensure Admissions

Functional Abilities and Performance Standards

Mount Carmel College of Nursing believes that certain essential functional abilities and performance standards are necessary for the safe practice of professional nursing and the successful participation in completion of a nursing education program.

Students (and prospective students) are encouraged to review these Functional Abilities and Performance Standards. Students will need to demonstrate satisfactory application of these functional abilities and performance standards, with or without reasonable accommodations or academic adjustments, during their course of study in nursing.

The essential functional abilities and performance standards include:

• Sensory:  The ability to gather accurate and complete data from the physical environment using vision, touch, and hearing. Ability to accurately distinguish between colors and see changes in colors; discriminate, visually, at the millimeter level between technical markings and small type fonts; ability to hear device and overhead alarms, communicate via telephone and other electronic modes of communication, and use a stethoscope to auscultate sounds within the human body; tactile ability to sense changes in the temperature of an object, including the skin of another person, perceive pulsatile forces (such as produced in an artery by the contraction of the heart), and to detect the presence of abnormal bumps, nodules, or masses upon palpation of skin and tissues.
• Communication:  The ability to communicate verbally and non-verbally with other people, including through the use of telecommunication technologies such as phones, computers, and intercoms. Ability to interpret common non-verbal expressions indicating pain, discomfort, anxiety, and other behavioral states. Effectiveness in communication using both written and spoken English. Ability to give and provide information accurately, quickly, and efficiently. The ability to enter text using a standard computer keyboard and print text and place a signature, in a legible fashion, on paper and other surfaces.
• Cognitive:  Ability to process multiple sources of information, develop an understanding, make judgments and decisions, and take actions based on this information. Ability to read and understand electronic and paper documents, including technical medical and clinical documents, in English. Ability to develop increasingly complex understandings of cultural, social, scientific, and interpersonal concepts necessary for making sound professional nursing judgments. Ability to take measurements, communicate and describe the physical environment quantitatively, perform advanced arithmetic and numerical operations (such as is necessary for calculating medication dosages and rates), and interpret graphical displays of scientific and real-time physiologic data.
• Motor:  Fine and gross motor skills sufficient to operate common clinical equipment such as IV pumps, suction devices, and floor lifts; ability to perform a physical assessment or examination on clients across the lifespan; ability to carry out delicate and/or emergency clinical procedures such as airway suctioning, intravenous line insertion, and giving injections. Ability to lift up to 40 pounds independently. Stamina required to completely satisfy nursing work requirements during a “shift” of 10 consecutive hours.
• Behavioral and emotional:  Ability to work in teams of diverse providers in a positive, non-threatening, and non-discriminatory manner. Ability to develop effective therapeutic relationships with clients. Ability to effectively perform professional duties in stressful situations and under significant time pressures. Ability to regulate emotions in times of stress, anger, or upset. Ability to adhere to and apply ethical and professional codes of conduct and all applicable laws and regulations. Openness to new experiences, revision of existing attitudes, and positive regard for uncertainty and change in work and study settings.

Advanced Placement Credit

Mount Carmel College of Nursing recognizes the Advanced Placement (AP) Examination Program of The College Board as an excellent way to earn college credit toward the baccalaureate degree. Mount Carmel College of Nursing will award equivalent course credit for the following AP examinations with a score of ‘3’ or higher.

In addition, Mount Carmel College of Nursing will award equivalent course credit up to a maximum of 3 courses (9 semester hours) with a score of ‘3’ or higher on AP examinations in the subject areas of humanities or social sciences. This credit will be applied toward the humanities/social science elective requirement at MCCN. Contact the Mount Carmel College of Nursing Transfer Credit Evaluator for specific AP examinations covered under this policy.

Evaluation of AP credit is handled by the Mount Carmel College of Nursing Transfer Credit Evaluator. Official confirmation of AP scores must come directly from The College Board to the Mount Carmel College of Nursing Admissions Office. Notation of AP work on a high school transcript will not suffice. All AP credit accepted will be noted on the student’s transcript as “EM.”

A student requesting evaluation of AP credit must contact automated service (https://apscore.collegeboard.org/scores/score-reporting) and request the score report be sent directly to the Admissions Office at Mount Carmel College of Nursing. The College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB) code for MCCN is 1502.

AP Services
P.O. Box 6671
Princeton, NJ 08541-6671
Fax:  610-290-8979

CLEP Credit

Mount Carmel College of Nursing recognizes the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) of The College Board as an excellent way to earn college credit toward the baccalaureate degree. MCCN will award equivalent course credit for the following CLEP examinations with a score of ‘50’ or higher.

In addition, MCCN will award equivalent course credit up to a maximum of 3 courses (9 semester hours) with a score of ‘50’ or higher on CLEP examinations in the subject areas of humanities or social sciences.  MCCN. Contact the MCCN Transfer Credit Evaluator for specific CLEP examinations covered under this policy.

Evaluation of CLEP credit is handled by the MCCN Transfer Credit Evaluator. Official confirmation of CLEP scores must come directly from The College Board to the MCCN Admissions Office. Notation of CLEP work on a high school transcript will not suffice. All CLEP credit accepted will be noted on the student’s MCCN transcript as “EM.”

A student requesting evaluation of CLEP credit must submit a transcript request from the College Board by completing the Transcript Request Form. Transcripts must be sent directly to the Admissions Office at Mount Carmel College of Nursing, 127 S. Davis Ave., Columbus, OH 43222. The College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB) code for MCCN is 1502.

International Baccalaureate Credit

Mount Carmel College of Nursing recognizes the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program as an excellent way to earn college credit toward the baccalaureate degree. MCCN will award equivalent course credit for the following IB coursework examinations with a score of “4” or higher.

In addition, MCCN will award equivalent course credit up to a maximum of 4 courses (11 semester hours, with 5 semester hours of electives maximum) with a score of “4” or higher on IB examinations in the subject areas of humanities or social sciences. This credit will be applied toward the humanities/social science elective credit at MCCN. Contact the MCCN Transfer Credit Evaluator for specific IB examinations covered under this policy.

Evaluation of IB credit is handled by the MCCN Transfer Credit Evaluator. Official confirmation of IB scores must come directly from the International Baccalaureate Organization to the MCCN Admissions Office. Notation of IB work on a high school transcript will not suffice. All IB credit accepted will be noted on the student’s MCCN transcript as “EM.”

A student requesting evaluation of IB credit must go through IBO’s website and fill out the Online Request Results Service Form and request the score report be sent directly to the Admissions Office at Mount Carmel College of Nursing.

Placement Testing

All new freshmen and transfer freshmen in the undergraduate traditional nursing program at Mount Carmel College of Nursing are required to complete the Test of Essential Academic Skills (ATI TEAS) in the areas of Reading, Mathematics, Science, and English/Language Usage. This assessment is conducted as part of the entrance and placement process. All other students, including Second Degree Accelerated Program (SDAP), are exempt from taking the ATI TEAS.

Math Placement

All entering pre-licensure students in applicable programs, regardless of class level or previous math coursework, are reviewed for math placement based on the results of their ATI TEAS scores.

• All entering students who score at Basic or Developmental level in math are required to successfully complete a non-credit, remedial math course (MATH 090 ), regardless of previously completed college-level math courses.
• Freshmen must take MATH 090  the first or second semester of enrollment
• MATH 090  must be completed prior to enrolling in NURS 206 - Pharmacological Foundations of Caring Health Practices , at the sophomore level.

English Placement

All entering pre-licensure students in applicable programs who do not have equivalent transfer credit for English Composition are reviewed for English placement based on their ATI TEAS and ACT-English scores.

• Students are placed into ENGL 110  if their ACT-English score is 18 or higher.
• Students with an ACT-English score less than 18 are placed into ENGL 110  if their ATI TEAS English level is Proficient or higher.
• Students with an ACT-English score below 18 and a ATI TEAS English level of Basic or Developmental are placed into ENGL 100 .
• Credit for ENGL 100 counts toward total hours earned but not in total hours required to graduate.
• Students who successfully complete ENGL 100  are subsequently required to complete ENGL 110 .

College and Career Success (SSCI 111 & 112)

• All new students classified by MCCN as first-time freshmen and new transfer students are required to successfully complete College and Career Success during the first two semesters, regardless of their ATI TEAS results.
• Exceptions are only granted for undergraduate students who have a prior degree.

Proficiency Exams

Some academic areas within the College have developed subject-based proficiency exams leading to the award of Credit by Examination (“EM” credit) if passed with a grade of “C” (73%) or higher. Credit by Examination is not an option for nursing clinical courses. Science exams are available to students who have not completed a science course within the past five years or those whose knowledge was gained from job experience or training. However, all students permitted to take science proficiency exams must have completed some college-level course work in the subject area.

There is a non-refundable fee for each proficiency exam that must be paid prior to taking the exam. Refer to Tuition and Fees  for the current fee.

Requests for proficiency exams are handled through the Transfer Credit Evaluation office.

Transfer Credit

Mount Carmel College of Nursing will evaluate course credit taken by prospective and accepted students who have attended a post-secondary institution accredited by one of the seven regional accrediting commissions. As a rule, the following guidelines are followed when considering transfer credit at MCCN:

• Only college level courses with grades of “C” or higher are eligible for consideration of transfer credit (grades of “C-” or lower are not acceptable for transfer). MCCN refrains from the transcription of credit from other institutions that it does not apply to its own programs.
• MCCN reserves the right to accept or reject all transfer credits in terms of their own institutional standards and requirements. Courses considered for transfer must be equivalent to those required in the MCCN curriculum or meet established requirements for humanities or social science electives.
• Transfer credit grades are not included in the cumulative grade point average at MCCN. However, credit for transfer courses are included in total credits earned. All courses accepted for transfer will be noted on the student’s MCCN transcript as “K.”
• Except for courses articulated through transfer policies or institutional agreements, the institution makes no promises to prospective students regarding the acceptability and applicability of credit awarded by examination or credit for transfer until an evaluation has been conducted by the MCCN Transfer Credit Evaluation office.
• The Associate Dean, Undergraduate Programs, is responsible for the determination of the transferability of nursing courses for pre-licensure nursing students (see “Nursing Transfer Credit” below).
• If a student should waive the credit for a transfer course, he/she is held accountable for completing the course at MCCN. If a failure results in that course, it must be repeated at MCCN.
• Credit earned at institutions outside the United States must first be evaluated by a Credential Evaluation Service. Click here  for a list of evaluation services accepted by MCCN.

Nursing Transfer Credit

New pre-licensure nursing students with transfer nursing credit from other institutions and former MCCN nursing students being readmitted to the College must undergo evaluation of academic nursing credit after admission is offered and confirmed. In order to assure student success in the MCCN program the Associate Dean, Undergraduate Programs, will evaluate previous nursing credit and determine, prior to registration for any MCCN nursing course, the need for prerequisite review. Examples of what may be required include: a computer documentation course or session, demonstration of nursing skill levels, auditing courses, independent study, and/or consultation with the Academic Resource Center.

Transcripts from applicants to the Online RN-BSN Completion Program are evaluated by the Program Admission Advisor for transfer credit.

Military Credit

Credit for military training and experience in the armed forces of the United States, the National Guard or the Reserve Components may be granted in accordance with the credit recommendations provided by the American Council on Education (ACE). In order to have such work evaluated and added to the permanent academic record, a potential student needs to submit, to the Office of Records and Registration, certified copies of any documentation related to these experiences, including official military transcripts and discharge forms. Decisions regarding the utilization of credit granted through this program shall be made at the discretion of the Transcript Evaluator, in consultation with the Associate Dean of the applicable program.

Non-Degree Students

Enrollment in specific classes for non-degree students is on a space-available basis. Permission is granted by the Director of Records and Registration. Students enrolled in the College on non-degree status must achieve a minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA by the time twelve credit hours are completed or be dismissed from the College.

International Students

Mount Carmel College of Nursing does not issue Immigration Form I-20 from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Therefore, the College is not eligible to accept new or transfer international students who need I-20 credentialing. The College welcomes international applicants who do not require an I-20 clearance.

International transcripts must be evaluated by an international transcript evaluation service. The evaluation must be sent directly from the credentialing service to MCCN. Click here  for a specific list of accepted National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) members.

TOEFL scores (required of students for whom English is not their native language) must be sent directly from the Educational Testing Service (www.ets.org/toefl) to MCCN; a minimum score of 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based) or 79-80 (Internet-based) is required. The institution code for Mount Carmel College of Nursing is 1502.

Provisional Acceptance Requirements

Students admitted provisionally must achieve a 2.0 GPA at the end of the first semester of study to gain full acceptance and remain in the program of study.

Admission: Pre-Licensure Nursing Program

The College accepts students on a modified rolling admission basis. Applicants are encouraged to apply early and are notified in writing of the admission decision after application documents are complete and have been reviewed by the Admissions Committee. Applications and associated materials are accepted during the following periods prior to the entering semester.

Listed below are requirements for admission to the pre-licensure nursing program:

• High school graduation with a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 or GED. A minimum college-level cumulative GPA of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale is required for transfer students.
• Completion of the following high school courses with a minimum grade of “C” (a grade of “C-” is not acceptable). If a minimum grade of “C” was not achieved in the listed course, the applicant is required to complete the course at the college level and earn a minimum grade of “C.” 

• ACT or SAT test scores are required unless the applicant has been graduated from high school for more than five years or has earned at least 30 hours of college credit. A composite ACT score of 20 or better or SAT of 950 or better is recommended. The institution code for Mount Carmel College of Nursing is 3297 (ACT) and 1502 (SAT).
• TOEFL scores (required of students for whom English is not their native language) must be sent directly from the Educational Testing Service (www.ets.org/toefl) to MCCN; a minimum score of 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based) or 79-80 (Internet-based) is required. The institution code for Mount Carmel College of Nursing is 1502.
• In addition, an applicant with college credits must submit evidence of a college GPA of 2.80 or higher (only grades of “C” or higher are eligible to transfer).
• Transfer applicants must also meet the high school course requirements. College courses will be evaluated for transfer credit.* Applicants must be admitted to Mount Carmel College of Nursing before courses will transfer. Enrollment classification/class level will be determined based on satisfactory completion of prerequisite/corequisite courses applicable to the Mount Carmel curriculum.

Click here  for the pre-licensure BSN plan of study at the Columbus campus.

Click here  for pre-licensure BSN plan of study at the Lancaster campus.

Traditional High School Students/Transfer Students

The following documents are required to complete the application process (the Admissions Committee reserves the right to require additional information):

• A completed Application for Admission (link to the online application).
• A non-refundable, one-time, $30 application fee (credit card, check, or money order made payable to Mount Carmel College of Nursing) must accompany the Application for Admission.
• A typewritten essay of 300 words or less (specific details are included on the Application for Admission).
• A high school transcript. Transfer students are required to submit an official high school transcript even with an earned degree.
• Current High School Students: A completed Course Enrollment Form (available with the admission packet) that lists any courses not included on transcripts in which the applicant is currently enrolled or plans to enroll prior to starting classes at Mount Carmel.
• GED scores (if applicable) – official scores forwarded to Mount Carmel College of Nursing, Office of Admissions, as well as official high school transcript of courses completed prior to leaving high school.
• ALL college/university transcripts (if applicable). Official transcripts forwarded directly to Mount Carmel College of Nursing, Office of Admissions (no photocopies or faxes).
• ACT or SAT standardized test scores (see admission requirements).
• A typewritten activities/interests resume highlighting employment, community service, athletic participation, hobbies, interests, honors, and awards.
• A copy of visa or permanent resident card, if applicable, (see International Students).
• TOEFL scores (required of students for whom English is not their native language) must be sent directly from the Educational Testing Service (www.ets.org/toefl) to MCCN; a minimum score of 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based) or 79-80 (Internet-based) is required. The institution code for Mount Carmel College of Nursing is 1502.

Home-School Students

• A completed Application for Admission (link to the online application).
• A non-refundable, one-time, $30 application fee (credit card, check, or money order made payable to Mount Carmel College of Nursing) must accompany the Application for Admission.
• A typewritten essay of 300 words or less (specific details are included on the Application for Admission).
• A typewritten activities/interests resume highlighting employment, community service, athletic participation, hobbies, interests, honors, and awards.
• A typewritten personal essay discussing academic preparation and detailing any unique experiences, academic or otherwise, which demonstrate the student’s preparation for college.
• A written verification from the appropriate school district indicating that the student was excused from compulsory attendance for home education (signed by the school district superintendent).
• ACT or SAT standardized test scores (see admission requirements).
• A transcript or list, with grades, verifying that the student received the following instruction:

• Home school course content descriptions (syllabus) with a list of textbooks or other basic teaching aids.
• Official GED score report.
• All college/university transcripts (if applicable). Official transcripts forwarded directly to Mount Carmel College of Nursing, Office of Admissions (no photocopies or faxes).
• TOEFL scores (required of students for whom English is not their native language) must be sent directly from the Educational Testing Service (www.ets.org/toefl) to MCCN; a minimum score of 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based) or 79-80 (Internet-based) is required. The institution code for Mount Carmel College of Nursing is 1502.
• One letter of recommendation from a coach, pastor, employer, sponsor of an extracurricular activity, or teacher of any kind of private instruction (e.g., music lessons, etc.)

A personal interview may be required for any applicant. Application and correspondence related to admission should be mailed to:

Mount Carmel College of Nursing
Office of Admissions
127 South Davis Avenue
Columbus, Ohio 43222 

Admission: Advanced Placement Program (APP)

The Advanced Placement Program (APP), offered during Summer Session, will be of particular interest and value to students who have completed significant college credit and who have completed the required prerequisites. Following initial acceptance to Mount Carmel College of Nursing, the APP is an option that allows transfer students the opportunity to complete the BSN in five semesters.

Acceptance to the APP is highly competitive, and enrollment is limited. Students are selected for this accelerated and highly structured program based on strong academic performance in previous college coursework and successful completion of all prerequisite courses. A minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA is required to apply for the APP. Applicants are not guaranteed admission to the APP. Applications and associated materials are accepted during the following period prior to the entering semester. Link to the online application.

Completed applications are reviewed for acceptance and applicants are notified in writing by mid-March regarding admission decisions. Those accepted will be required to submit a $300 deposit to confirm their intent to enroll in the Advanced Placement Program.

Students selected for the APP will complete a 12-week summer program. This demanding and intense program begins in mid-May and concludes in early August. It is comprised of all three sophomore level nursing courses. Once these courses are completed successfully, students begin the Fall Semester at Mount Carmel in junior level coursework and clinical experiences.

Minimum APP Admission Requirements

• TOEFL scores (required of students for whom English is not their native language) must be sent directly from the Educational Testing Service (www.ets.org/toefl) to MCCN; a minimum score of 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based) or 79-80 (Internet-based) is required. The institution code for Mount Carmel College of Nursing is 1502.
• Applicants must have successfully completed all non-nursing courses in the freshman and sophomore MCCN curriculum (with grades of “C” or higher) . These courses include:

* Credit will not be granted for science courses completed at another institution more than five years prior to Mount Carmel admission and enrollment.

Click here  for the pre-licensure BSN Advanced Placement Program (APP) plan of study.

Admission: Second Degree Accelerated Program/Second Degree Accelerated Program-Hybrid (SDAP and SDAP-H)

Applications and associated materials are accepted during the following period prior to the entering semester.

SDAP Admission Requirements

• Earned baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution. If the degree was earned outside of the United States the transcripts must be evaluated by a member of NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services). Click here  for a list of accepted NACES members.
• Minimum 3.00 cumulative grade point average on all post-secondary coursework is strongly recommended.
• In-person interview; telephone interview if residing out of Ohio.
• TOEFL scores (required of students for whom English is not their native language) must be sent directly from the Educational Testing Service (www.ets.org/toefl) to MCCN; a minimum score of 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based) or 79-80 (Internet-based) is required. The institution code for Mount Carmel College of Nursing is 1502.
• Completion of the following prerequisites:

The following are required to complete the application process:

• A completed Application for Admission (link to the online application).
• $30 non-refundable application fee.
• A typewritten essay of 300 words or less (specific details are included with application).
• Official transcripts from all high schools, colleges, and universities attended.
• A typewritten activities/interests resume highlighting employment, community service, athletics, hobbies, honors, and awards.
• Copy of visa or permanent resident card and TOEFL scores, if applicable.

The following requirements must be completed prior to the first clinical:

• Completed institutional health requirements.
• Current professional-level CPR certification from either the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross, as follows:

Click here  for the pre-licensure BSN Second Degree Accelerated Program (SDAP) plan of study.