Valley Baptist Medical Center Vocational Nursing Program PRE-ENTRANCE PACKET Class of 2014 Dear Prospective Student, You must read all the information in this packet and on the school website before you may register for the pre-entrance exam. This packet contains information about the program and the pre-entrance process required to be considered for enrollment. The school faculty are pleased about your interest in nursing. The nursing profession is challenging yet rewarding and offers you the opportunity to be part of an exciting era in health care. The Texas Board of Nursing (TBON) and our program are committed to providing quality, safe health care to persons in need. 1. Due to strict qualifications for licensure, set forth by the TBON, and policies on healthcare employment by Valley Baptist, a criminal background check (CBC) is required. The CBC is processed through the TBON by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Once the TBON receives the DPS/FBI CBC, the TBON will: A. Mail a postcard directly to the applicant who has a cleared CBC; or, B. Correspond with anyone who has a positive CBC and request a petition for a declaratory order; or C. Correspond with the applicant who has a rejected fingerprint scan and request another one. Any applicant with a positive CBC is required to follow the directions from the TBON. You must be cleared by TBON and submit their letter of clearance to the school to be eligible for admission. This must all be complete by the application deadline. 2. The TBON, in compliance with the authority granted by the Texas Legislature, may refuse to approve persons to take the licensure examination who have been convicted or plead guilty or no contest (including deferred judgments) to a felony, a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, or engaged in conduct resulting in the revocation of probation imposed pursuant to such conviction or plea. The TBON review of applicants with eligibility issues can take three (3) to six (6) months. If you answer YES to any of the following questions, you may have eligibility for licensure issues. For any criminal offense, including those pending appeal, have you: A. been convicted of a misdemeanor? B. been convicted of a felony? C. pled nolo contendere, no contest, or guilty? D. received deferred adjudication? E. been placed on community supervision or court-ordered probation, whether or not adjudicated guilty? F. been sentenced to serve jail or prison time? court-ordered confinement? G. been granted a pre-trail diversion? H. been arrested or have any pending criminal charges? I. been cited or charged with any violation of the law? J. been subject to a court-martial; Article 15 violation; or received any form of military judgment/ punishment / action? (You may only exclude Class C misdemeanor traffic violations.) Page 1 of 9
NOTE: Expunged and Sealed Offenses: While expunged or sealed offenses, arrests, tickets or citations need not be disclosed, it is your responsibility to ensure the offense, arrest, ticket or citation has, in fact, been expunged or sealed. It is recommended that you submit a copy of the Court Order expunging or sealing the record in question to our office with your application. Failure to reveal an offense, arrest, ticket or citation that is not in fact expunged or sealed, will at a minimum, subject your license to a disciplinary fine. Nondisclosure of relevant offenses raises questions related to truthfulness and character. NOTE: Orders of Non-Disclosures: Pursuant to Tex. Gov t Code 552.142(b), if you have criminal matters that are the subject of an order of non-disclosure you are not required to reveal the criminal matters on this form. However, a criminal matter that is the subject of an order of non-disclosure may become a character and fitness issue. Pursuant to other sections of the Gov t Code chapter 411, the Texas Nursing Board is entitled to access criminal history record information that is the subject of an order of non-disclosure. If the Board discovers a criminal matter that is the subject of an order of non-disclosure, even if you properly did not reveal that matter, the Board may require you to provide information about any conduct that raises issues of character. -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, cancelled, 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 behavior, bipolar disorder, paranoid personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder, or borderline personality disorder? *Pursuant to Texas Occupations Code 301.207: Information regarding a person's diagnosis or treatment for a physical condition, mental condition, or chemical dependency that the person submits to the board for a petition for a declaratory order of eligibility for a license or for an application for an initial license or a license renewal under this chapter is confidential to the same extent information collected on a nurse as part of an investigation of a complaint is confidential under Section 301.466 Any questions or concerns related to the above information may be discussed with the TBON or School personnel. Page 2 of 9
ELIGIBILITY FOR LICENSURE BY TEXAS BOARD OF NURSING Texas Board of Nursing Rules 214.8 (b)(1-2)and 215.8 (b)(1-2)related to Students, requires that individuals enrolled in approved nursing education programs preparing students for initial licensure shall be provided verbal and written information regarding conditions that may disqualify graduates from licensure and of their rights to petition the Texas Board of Nursing for Declaratory Order of Eligibility. You may refer to the following sites for more detailed information. Texas Occupations Code http://law.onecle.com/texas/occupations/chapter301.html 301.252 License Application 301.257 Declaratory Order of License Eligibility 301.452-469 Regarding Disciplinary Action Texas Administrative Code located on Texas Board of Nursing Website http://info.sos.state.tx.us/pls/pub/readtac$ext.viewtac?tac_view=4&ti=22&pt=11&ch=213&rl=y 213.27 to 213.30 relating to good professional character; licensure of persons with criminal convictions; criteria and procedure regarding intemperate use and lack of fitness in eligibility and disciplinary matters, and declaratory order of eligibility for licensure Regarding eligibility for nursing licensure information can be viewed on the Texas Board of Nursing website under the following link www.bon.state.tx.us General Information Valley Baptist Medical Center Vocational Nursing Program began in 1957. This program provides knowledge and learning opportunities that allow an individual to become a safe practitioner who is capable of meeting the basic care needs of an acutely or chronically ill client. This is an equal opportunity educational institution and complies with all Federal and State laws regarding affirmative action requirements in all Program policies and procedures. In compliance with all Federal laws, this institution does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, religion, sex, national origin or disability in the administration of its educational programs and related policies and procedures. Our program, approved by the TBON, and Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), is one year long, which begins in January and ends in December. The hours are full time Monday thru Friday. Lecture hours are typically 8:00 4:00 and clinical hours 6:30 5:00. Strict attendance and academic policies are enforced. Graduates receive a certificate of completion and are prepared to take the licensing (NCLEX-PN) examination. A Licensed Vocational Nurse assumes roles and responsibilities for patient care in a variety of hospital and community based settings, caring for patients of all ages with a variety of conditions, under the direction of a Registered Nurse or Physician. Requirements for the Program: Each applicant must be eighteen (18) years of age before graduation. Each applicant must take the current ATI - TEAS pre-entrance exam. The test must be taken at least one time at Valley Baptist. An official high school transcript or General Education Degree (GED) must be submitted with the application. Non-United States citizens must show proof of citizenship or hold a valid permanent visa from Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). A medical background or health care classes may be helpful but are not required. Each applicant must complete a (SAFRAN) MORPHOTRUST USA Criminal Background Check (CBC) and must be cleared by the Board of Nursing. A health assessment must be completed at Valley Baptist Health Management Services. Page 3 of 9
Testing Process: The pre-entrance exam is the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) V, or current updated TEAS. It is a multiple-choice assessment of basic academic knowledge in reading, mathematics, science, english, and language usage. The test is computerized, consists of 170 multiple-choice questions, and is timed. Any person arriving 10 minutes after the test begins must reschedule. Required: 1.) Before registering for a test date, candidates must create an ATI account online. Go to www.atitesting.com, click on Create New Account, and follow the screen prompts. 2.) To take the test, candidates must bring a valid picture ID, the receipt/confirmation from ATI, and # 2 lead pencils. Failure to follow the instructions or comply with testing rules (written or verbal) will result in dismissal from the exam. Calculators are not permitted. Test results are generated upon completion of the exam and will not be given over the phone. To retake the exam, a candidate must follow the same payment and registration process as the first time. Candidates must wait at least 5 calendar days between pre-entrance exam attempts. The highest score will be considered for the application process. Study Guide: To prepare for the pre-entrance exam, a study guide is available for purchase at the VBMC Gift Shop or www.atitesting.com. Qualification for Selection Test of Essential Academic Skills Five (TEAS-V) test scores will be ranked according to the following criteria: ACCEPTABLE: 60% or greater: Total Score 63% or greater: Math 69% or greater: Reading 40% or greater: Science BORDERLINE: 54.5% - 59.9%: Total Score 53.3% - 62.9%: Math 57% - 68.9%: Reading 35% - 39.9%: Science UNACCEPTABLE: 54.4% or lower: Total Score The names of the top qualified candidates for the admission process will be posted on the VBMC Vocational Nursing Program office window on September 27th. Once selected, candidates must attend a mandatory Information Session on October 2 nd (a designated time slot will be posted by the candidate s name). At the information session, application packets, background checks, fees, and general information will be reviewed. Candidate interviews will be scheduled. Final selection of candidates and alternates will be posted in November (school office window). Admissions and Enrollment: Applicants are chosen on the basis of the pre-entrance test score, the application, the background check, interview, reference letters, and health screening. You are required to complete a health assessment by Valley Baptist Health Management Services. Assessment includes: health history, blood work, drug screen, and TB test. The Chest X-Ray may be required if TB test is positive or if you are a positive converter. Hepatitis B Series-3 vaccine doses is a requirement. You MUST bring Immunization record to show proof of starting or completion of the Hepatitis B series-3 doses. Any applicant who has attended this Program or any other nursing program(s) must meet all admission requirements and give written authorization to request any additional information from Page 4 of 9
previous schools or programs. Each applicant will be considered for admission on an individual basis. Program Cost Program tuition and fees are divided into scheduled payments throughout the year. Texas BON application fees and National Council for State Boards of Nursing examination fees are not included in the program cost. Payments can be paid with cash or credit card. Personal checks will not be accepted. Failure to comply with the payment schedule will place the applicant/student at risk of not being processed for enrollment or continuation in the program. The Program is not approved to offer Federal Student Aid (F.S.A). However, the Program is approved by the Veteran s Administration for students who qualify for the G.I. Bill. If any additional information is needed, contact a program representative at 956-389-1721. Tuition and Fees (Class of 2014) Tuition... $8,251.00 Fees... $1,639.00 Administrative Fee (non-refundable)... $100.00 *Other Fees The following expenses are the responsibility of the student and are not covered in tuition and fees: Immunizations, any medical treatments for clearance, (Safran) MorphoTrust USA (Criminal Background Check), Basic Life Support training, health assessment, transportation, clinical site parking, shoes, books (textbooks, reference books, & PrepU), uniforms, replacement items, medical equipment, personal nursing assessment equipment, school supplies, Texas Board of Nursing Licensure application fee, NCLEX-PN examination fees, and testing site fees. *Estimated Cost Item Cost Books (if purchased in packages) $858.52 Uniforms $350.00 Health Assessment $183.00 Basic Life Support $35.00 Criminal Background Check $45.00 *Purchase of these is the responsibility of the student. Estimates of costs have been provided but may be subject to change by vendors. Timeline June 2013 June September 2013 September 27, 2013 October 2, 2013 November 1, 2013 November 14, 2013 December 4, 2013 January 2, 2014 Pre-Entrance registration begins Pre-entrance testing dates including retakes Candidates posted for the Interview/Application Information Session Interview/Application Information Session Application Deadline by 12:00 noon Post Class of 2014 Final Selection with Alternates 9:00 AM Mandatory Class of 2014 Information Session 11:00AM Meet and Greet (Old and New Class Mixer) 4:00 PM Payment due 9:00 AM Mandatory Orientation/Enrollment Session 4:00 PM Payment Due Page 5 of 9
To Register: Testing registration will begin in June. Registration must be completed and paid online at www.atitesting.com. The testing receipt and/or confirmation and Pre-entrance Information form must be printed, completed, signed by the individual test taker, and submitted to the Proctor before scheduled testing begins. A NON-REFUNDABLE VENDOR FEE of $65.00 for testing must be paid. To reschedule, or retake exam, a fee of $65.00 (non-refundable vendor fee) is required and must be completed online. To Register Online 1. Create an account with www.atitesting.com 2. Click Online Store 3. On the left, under Register, click TEAS. 4. Enter State (Texas), and City (Harlingen), click next 5. Location (VBMC LVN School Administered at Boggus Education Pavilion) 6. Find date and time, follow instructions to complete registration. Page 6 of 9
PRE-ENTRANCE INFORMATION FORM Instructions: This form MUST be printed, completed, signed by the individual test taker, and submitted for each testing session to the Proctor before testing is permitted. Please print legibly. Scheduled Testing Date: Name: Last First Middle Maiden Mailing Address: No. and Street Apt# City Texas Zip Social Security Number: - - Date of Birth: / / Month Day Year Area code/telephone: Work: Home: Cell: Email address: High School Grad? Yes No If Yes, What year? Where: GED? Yes No If Yes, Last Grade Completed? Attended College? Yes No Have you ever been ENROLLED in a Nursing program? Yes No If Yes, LVN RN When: What School/Program: Valley Baptist employee: (please mark if applies) Current? Yes No If Yes, Harlingen Brownsville What Department? Previous? Yes No If Yes, What Year(s)? Harlingen Brownsville What Department? My initials and signature indicate the following: I have READ and UNDERSTAND all the pre-entrance information on the Valley Baptist Medical Center, School of Vocational Nursing website. In terms stated in this packet, from the Texas Board of Nursing, I acknowledge the receipt of verbal and written information regarding conditions that may disqualify me as a graduate from licensure and the rights to petition the Texas Board of Nursing for Declaratory Order of Eligibility. I have Read and Understand the information on ATI s website. I understand I must bring a Valid photo ID, two (2) or more pencils, my ATI username and password. I understand this form (Pre-entrance information form) is only available online and must be completed and submitted to Proctor on scheduled exam date. I understand failure to bring the required materials/documents and/or comply with requirements will result in the need to reschedule the exam at applicant s additional expense. Signature (Blue Ink) Here Date: Page 7 of 9
Pre-Entrance Testing Dates for Class of 2014 Must register online at www.atitesting.com Date Time Location Tuesday, June 18, 2013 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Computer Lab Thursday, June 20, 2013 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm Computer Lab Tuesday, June 25, 2013 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Computer Lab Wednesday, June 26, 2013 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm Computer Lab Thursday, June 27, 2013 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm Computer Lab Tuesday, July 9, 2013 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Computer Lab Thursday, July 11, 2013 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm Computer Lab Tuesday, July 16, 2013 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Computer Lab Tuesday, July 23, 2013 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Computer Lab Wednesday, July 24, 2013 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm Computer Lab Thursday, July 25. 2013 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm Computer Lab Tuesday, July 30, 2013 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Computer Lab Thursday, August 1, 2013 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm Computer Lab Tuesday, August 6, 2013 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Computer Lab Thursday, August 8, 2013 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm Computer Lab Saturday, August 10, 2013 9:00 am 1:00 pm Computer Lab Tuesday, August 13, 2013 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Computer Lab Wednesday, August 14, 2013 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm Computer Lab Thursday, August 15, 2013 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm Computer Lab Tuesday, August 20, 2013 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Computer Lab Thursday, August 22, 2013 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm Computer Lab Tuesday, August 27, 2013 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Computer Lab Thursday, August 29, 2013 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm Computer Lab Wednesday, September 4, 2013 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm Computer Lab Thursday, September 5, 2013 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm Computer Lab Tuesday, September 10, 2013 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Computer Lab Thursday, September 12, 2013 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm Computer Lab Tuesday, September 17, 2013 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Computer Lab Wednesday, September 18, 2013 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm Computer Lab Thursday, September 19, 2013 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm Computer Lab Tuesday, September 24, 2013 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Computer Lab Wednesday, September 25, 2013 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm Computer Lab Thursday, September 26, 2013 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm Computer Lab Valid Photo ID, receipt, pencils and ATI Username and Password, Pre-entrance Information Form are required to take the exam. Page 8 of 9
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