RCTC’s Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Prerequisites

*Admissions for the (AD) Program is changing, please read the requirements below for updates.*

NOTE: These must be complete prior to the application deadline.

• High school diploma or GED
• Nursing Assistant Course (NA 1500 or equivalent) – Proof of course or active status on the MN Registry must be provided at the time of application. If you are on the MN Registry, please provide a letter showing ‘active status’ dated within 60 days of the application deadline. See MN Registry website.
• Cumulative and Required Science GPA 2.5 or above – calculated from all college courses over the past five (5) years. (Required Science GPA includes BIOL 1217, 1218, 2021 and CHEM 1117 completed at RCTC or transferred from other institutions.)
• Demonstrated college-level reading and writing skills required (*)
• ATI TEAS Exam – Composite Score must be Proficient level or higher (58.7%) to be eligible – dated within two (2) years of the application deadline. ATI TEAS Exam is required for the Spring 2025 program application but this may change for the Fall 2025 application window. Please check back for updates.
• Health 1110 or equivalent BLS For Healthcare Provider/Professional must be completed prior to the start of nursing core classes – online certification is not acceptable.

* Please call the Welcome and One Stop Center at 507-285-7557 for further information on academic assessments.

 

RCTC’s Practical Nursing (PN)-Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Prerequisites

NOTE: These must be complete prior to the application deadline.

• Hold a valid Minnesota LPN License.
• Current CPR certification for Health Professional or Professional Rescuer (BLS).
• Completion with a ‘C’ or better in the general education courses required for the semester I of the Generic ADN program: BIOL 1217, CHEM 1117, ENGL 1117.
• Cumulative GPA of 2.5 calculated over previous 5 years.
• Please see PN-ADN Mobility Application for point structure.

 

Generic ADN Admission Point Structure

ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) Exam

All students interested in applying to the Associate Degree Nursing Program are required to take the ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) and test at a Proficient level (58.7%) or higher to determine admission into the Associate Degree Nursing Program.

1. This test is offered at RCTC in the Proctoring Center 2-3 times each month – please sign up early to ensure a spot before the application deadline.
2. Students will only be allowed to take the test twice per year and the best score will be used for ranking purposes. The score will be valid for two years.
3. Only official electronic TEAS copies will be accepted, no paper copies.

Create an Account with ATI and view testing dates at RCTC.

Current RCTC students, with approved accommodations through Disability Support Services, should reach out to the Disability Support Services office with any questions regarding TEAS testing.

Non-RCTC students needing accommodations for TEAS testing must go through their home institution for accommodations, not through RCTC.

Program Admission Structure

1. The combined total TEAS composite score and raw science GPA will be utilized to rank applicants.
2. TEAS composite score divided by a factor of 10 (Ex: Composite score of 72% = 7.2). TEAS scores are valid for two years.
3. Raw science GPA of 2.5 Raw science GPA includes all attempts of science courses required for the ADN program, including transfer credits (BIOL 1217, BIOL 1218, BIOL 2021, and CHEM 1117).
4. In the event of a tied combined total TEAS composite score and raw science GPA, the applicant with the highest TEAS science sub-score will advance in rank. If a further tie exists, the applicant with the highest TEAS math sub-score will advance in rank.
5. Applications of students not accepted into the program each round will not be retained. If a student chooses to reapply, the student must resubmit the entire application for the next admission cycle (TEAS scores are valid for two years.)

   Raw Science GPA

   3.75 – 4.00 = 11
   3.50 – 3.74 = 9
   3.25 – 3.49 = 7
   3.00 – 3.24 = 5
   2.75 – 2.99 = 3
   2.50 – 2.74 = 1

If you have additional questions, see the Nursing Program FAQ’s. Questions regarding the Program Admission Requirements can be directed to Jennifer Dahle, Nursing Advisor, via email Jennifer.Dahle@rctc.edu

TRANSFER STUDENTS

• Submit final official transcripts from ALL previously attended colleges and, if needed, high school. Your most current final official transcripts need to be on file at RCTC prior to the admission deadline.
• If a course is questionable, ALWAYS submit a Transfer Credit Equivalency Request available at eForms.
  If necessary, submit placement test results from other colleges.
• If your major is something other than Associate Degree Nursing, your transfer evaluation will NOT be correct. You may request, at Admissions, to have your major changed and your transcripts re-evaluated for Nursing.

TRANSCRIPTS

Only OFFICIAL transcripts will be considered.
Please request that the high school or college(s) mail the transcript(s) directly to Admissions and Records at RCTC.
If delivered by you, the final official transcript(s) MUST be sealed in an envelope from each school.

Evaluation of credits is based on receipt of official transcript(s) and is done automatically. Upon completion, a Degree Audit Report (DARS) link will be e-mailed to you. Please allow 4 weeks from the date we receive your official transcript(s).

If you have transcripts from within the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, e-transcripts can be pulled by RCTC Admissions and Records staff. Transcripts outside the United States MUST be officially evaluated by www.ece.org or www.wes.org

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY, AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER AND EDUCATOR
Rochester Community and Technical College is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment and education opportunities. No person shall be discriminated against in the terms and conditions of employment, personnel practices, or access to and participation in, programs, services, and activities. Applicants having special needs who require accommodations should contact the Director of Disability Services at 507-280-2968.