Nurses face tougher rules

Nurses face tougher rules

MATT THOMPSON

Managing Editor

Starting in Fall 2011, it will be harder to get into Washtenaw Community College’s nursing program. Applicants will need to have a cumulative grade point average of 2.7, up from the previous 2.5 GPA prerequisite. They also must pass the TEAS test (Test of Essential Academic Skills). “We looked at it historically. If students did poorly on the TEAS test, they’re not likely to get through the program,” said Linda Blakey, associate vice president of Student Services. The program has an attrition rate of 20-30 percent, college officials said. “When we looked at those students who left the program, most often related to academic difficulties, we found that their TEAS scores were very low,” said Gloria Velarde, chair of the Nursing Department. The college is notifying anyone on the program waitlist, as well as students who have shown interest, letting them know that the TEAS test will need to be completed successfully for all those to be admitted for the Fall of 2011 and beyond. Students already on the waitlist won’t have to get their GPA up to 2.7, but they will have to pass the TEAS. However, all newcomers to the waitlist will have to have a cumulative 2.7 GPA after the Fall 2011 semester and later. “There is nothing more devastating for students when they do not complete the program they start,” said Velarde. “Nursing school is expensive. If they lack some of the essential academic skills for nursing, hopefully this will provide an opportunity for them to go in another direction.” There are 12 scheduled dates during this Fall semester for students to take the TEAS test. It costs $25 to take the test and another $22 to receive the official test transcripts that the program requires. Information on each section of the test: Math covers whole numbers, metric conversion, fractions, decimals, algebraic equations, percentages and ratio/proportions. (No calculators provided.) Reading covers paragraph comprehension, passage comprehension and the rate at which you read. English covers grammar, spelling, punctuation and sentence structure. Science covers biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology, physical principles and general science. TEAS test guidelines Applicants have three chances to pass the test. They must pass each section with a certain percent success rate: Math: 60 percent Reading: 70 percent English: 60 percent Science: 45 percent Overall TEAS score: 60 percent will have to pass the TEAS.