Nurse - RN

Learn about our Nursing Associate in Science Degree (ADN) (RN) program.

All prospective nursing students begin in the Pre-Health Professions Program Once they fulfill the application requirements, they can apply for admission to either the Registered Nursing Program or the Practical Nursing Program. These admission criteria will be discussed during their advising sessions.

 

Clinical Application - See complete clinical admission information - Admission Criteria and Essential Requirements.
  • Clinical application for Spring 2025 RN has closed.
  • The application for summer 2025 at the York campus will be here in January.
  • YOU WILL NEED TO KNOW THE DATE YOU TOOK THE TEAS when you apply and you can apply ONE time - so be ready with your HACCID, Hawkmail email address and date you took the TEAS. ALL TEAS TESTS AFTER MARCH 1, 2024 MUST BE TAKEN IN PERSON AT A HACC CAMPUS by the cut-off - Sept. 19.
  • You may submit ONE application for each application cycle. (In other words you cannot re-test and use a newer higher TEAS score once you have submitted your application.)  If you did not take the TEAS at HACC, go to the ATI website and have your score sent to HACC PRIOR TO SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION. Only TEAS Version 7  will be accepted.
  • Nursing TEAS testing results that are dated on, or after, March 1, 2024, must be completed in person on a HACC campus. 
  • Nursing TEAS testing results that are dated before March 1, 2024, will be accepted regardless of testing modality or location.

To apply, you must:

  • Have taken the TEAS VERSION 7 (after June 1, 2022) IN PERSON AT HACC and scored (overall / composite / percentage) 70 or higher. Minimum TEAS required to apply does not guarantee clinical admission.
    • Highest TEAS score  (70 or higher) as of the application date is used to calculate your points
    • Have an overall GPA of 2.5 by the first day of the first clinical term
    • Complete Biology 121 (A&P 1) with a C or higher by the first day of the first clinical term
    • Be eligible to enroll in (or have completed) English 101 and Math 103 or 202
    • Have your high school transcripts on file in Admissions (admissionsrecords@hacc.edu) (required for everyone)
    • Met with a nursing advisor

    If you have NURSING courses to transfer in from another school - please see Nursing External Transfer Procedure (pdf) and complete the form linked in the document.   To be considered for external transfer, you must:

    • Have already applied to HACC and have an ID (you will need it to complete the form)
    • Have already submitted official transcripts to RECORD@HACC.EDU AND RECEIVED NOTICE that they have been evaluated by the Records office.
      • NOTE: Transcript evaluation will not be considered with courses in progress.
    • Have completed at least ONE nursing course at the transfer institution within the past 2 years
    • Be in good standing with a 2.5 GPA and no D, F, W in any nursing course
    • External Transfer Deadlines - Acceptance is restricted by clinical space availability

      • Dec.1 for a January start decision
      • April 1 for a May start decision
      • July 1 for an August start decision
 

We strongly recommend attending a nursing information session before you apply for clinicals. See below for dates and times.

Learn more about the TEAS test here. Includes link to the ATI website to register, remote proctoring, contact information, study groups and TEAS information sessions.

  • The TEAS test was updated to Version 7 June 2022.
  • Beginning in fall of 2023 ONLY Version 7 tests will be accepted.
  • TEAS version 7 scores are valid for 3 years (if taken in person on a HACC campus).
  • Nursing TEAS testing results that are dated on, or after, March 1, 2024, must be completed in person on a HACC campus.
  • Nursing TEAS testing results that are dated before March 1, 2024, will be accepted regardless of testing modality or location.
  • Minimum TEAS required to apply does not guarantee clinical admission.


How to meet with a HACC advisor - /Students/AdvisingCounseling/index.cfm

Have you created your parallel pathway yet?


Nursing Information Sessions - Please RSVP below and attend!

Get answers to all your nursing questions and hear about the following. Sessions last about 2 hours - one hour presentation followed by a question/answer period. Sessions are a general overview and information is given regarding programs and admissions for all campuses.

  • Nursing careers
  • HACC's programs
  • Time commitment
  • Expenses
  • TEAS
  • Essential Qualifications/Background Checks/Health Forms
  • Application process
NURSING Information Sessions - All sessions via Zoom.  ALLOW TWO HOURS!

RSVP (registration) required.    After RSVP'ing, students will receive details on how to connect to Zoom and a copy of the PowerPoint. Please login before session is scheduled to begin. WHEN YOU RSVP, be sure to include your name, HACCID and the date and time you wish to attend.

OR View a recorded information session (Recorded May 9)  - 1 hr, 40 min - https://youtu.be/Sl_dcekGJAk

Date Time Director Email for RSVP/Registration (required)
Oct. 22, 2024 10 a.m. Bauer mmeckenr@hacc.edu
Nov.  5, 2024 4 p.m. Lieb Slasri@hacc.edu
Nov. 18, 2024 4 p.m. Hinkle mshinkle@hacc.edu
Jan. 23, 2025 4 p.m. Lieb Slasri@hacc.edu
Feb. 11, 2025 1 p.m. Bauer mmeckenr@hacc.edu
March 18, 2025 4 p.m. Bauer mmeckenr@hacc.edu
April 7, 2025 1 p.m. Lieb Slasri@hacc.edu

 

An RN:

  • Promotes health, prevents disease and helps patients cope with illness
  • Advocates and educates patients, families and communities
  • Provides and coordinates patient care
  • Observes, assesses and records symptoms, reactions and progress
  • Has a good knowledge of human biological sciences, math and problem solving
  • Works well with others as part of a team

Learn more about a career in nursing (Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook).

 

Where do nurses (RNs) work?

Nurses work in many varied settings, including:

  • Hospitals, rehab centers and long-term care centers
  • Outpatient clinics and surgical centers
  • Home health, schools and industry

 

How much does the program cost?

Download Estimated expenses (pdf).

 

What degree will I earn? Will I be eligible for credentials? 

Upon successful completion, you will:

  • earn a Nursing Associate in Science Degree (ADN)
  • be eligible to sit for the RN licensure exam (NCLEX-RN®) administered by the PA State Board of Nursing

 

What are the required courses and what is the suggested schedule? How long does the program take to complete? Where are the clinical classes held?

  • Download a list of Course requirements/suggested schedule - includes evening program information (pdf).
  • HACC offers full-time day and part-time programs:

    • The full-time day program is at Gettysburg, Harrisburg and Lancaster campuses.
    • The part-time program is at Harrisburg, Lancaster and York campuses.
    • You can take general education (prerequisite) courses at other campuses and sites.

 

Does the HACC Nursing Program Accept Transfer Students from other Nursing Programs?

  • Yes, the HACC Nursing Program does accept transfer students from other nursing programs.
  • Please click this link to view the transfer process/requirements
  • Students requesting transfer must meet and complete all transfer requirements by the application deadlines.
  • Schedule an appointment with Counseling and Advising to begin the transfer process and to complete the external transfer form.
     

Is the program accredited?

  • The Associate Degree Registered Nursing Program at Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College), located at ONE HACC Drive, Harrisburg PA 17110-2999 is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326 (Phone: 404-975-5000), www.acenursing.org
    1. This program was initially accredited in January 1987.
    2. The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners (September 2019) for the Associate Degree Registered Nursing program is Continuing Accreditation.
  • You may view the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at Search ACEN Programs – Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (acenursing.org)
  • View the disclosure statement for ACEN (pdf)


What is the most current program student achievement data? (NCLEX Pass Rates, Completion Rates and End of Program Outcomes Data) (pdf)


Can I advance my education in this field?

  • You can pursue a Bachelor's degree with a major in nursing (BSN). You can also pursue a masters or doctorate degree.
  • You can earn your BSN from:
    • Albright College
    • Alvernia College
    • Capella University
    • Carlow University
    • Central Penn College
    • Chamberlain College of Nursing
    • Drexel University and Online
    • Eastern University —St. David's
    • Edenboro University
    • Grand Canyon University
    • Harrisburg University
    • Immaculata University —Accelerated and Online
    • Indiana University of PA
    • Messiah University 
    • Millersville University
    • Penn College of Technology
    • Penn State University —Harrisburg, Mont Alto and York
    • Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences
    • University of Phoenix
    • York College

How can I get more information?

 

Who can I contact for more information?
*Please sign up for (and attend) a nursing information session or watch the YouTube recorded version - see above.

Please contact an Admissions Counselor, by phone at 800-ABC-HACC, or by email at start@hacc.edu

Nursing Program Office — Gettysburg Campus
731 Old Harrisburg Road, Room 300
Gettysburg, PA 17325

Nursing Program Office — Harrisburg Campus
Select Medical, Room 218
One HACC Drive
Harrisburg, PA 17110

Nursing Program Office — Lancaster Campus
Main Building, Room 215
1641 Old Philadelphia Pike
Lancaster, PA 17602


Nursing Program Office —York Campus
Leader Building, Room 150
2010 Pennsylvania Avenue
York, PA 17404