Registered NurseAssociate Degree Nursing (ADN)

The Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Program at Midland College prepares students for a rewarding career as Registered Nurses (RNs). This competitive program admits a limited number of students each year. Graduates who pass the NCLEX-RN® and are approved by the Texas Board of Nursing will be licensed as RNs.

Program Pathways

Leading to an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing:

• Traditional Track: A full-time, 4-semester program.
  
  Degree Plan: Traditional AAS Nursing
  
  
• LVN to ADN Transition Track: A full-time, 3-semester program designed for Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) in Texas.
  
  Degree Plan: Traditional Licensed Vocational Nurse to Nursing AAS

Mission

Midland College's mission is to provide quality education, workforce development, and enrichment opportunities, fostering both personal and professional growth.

Accreditation

Midland College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award certificates, associate, and baccalaureate degrees.

For questions regarding accreditation, contact:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097
(404) 679-4500
www.sacscoc.org

The ADN program is approved by the Texas Board of Nursing (BON). For inquiries about program approval, contact:

Texas Board of Nursing
333 Guadalupe, Suite 3-460, Austin, Texas 78701
(512) 305-7400

Cohorts and Locations

• Traditional Track
  Admits ~30 students each fall and spring. Students complete the 4-semester program with summers off.
  
  
• LVN-to-RN Transition Track
  Admits ~15 students each spring. Students follow an accelerated schedule, attending classes in spring, summer, and fall semesters.

Classes are held on the Midland College main campus, with the LVN-to-RN students also attending remotely from Ft. Stockton WRTTC. Clinical rotations occur at various sites in Midland, Odessa, and Big Spring (for mental health).

Schedule and Expectations

Classes typically run from 8:30 am to 4 pm, with clinical days from 6:30 am to 6:30 pm. Due to the program's rigor, full-time employment is not recommended. Flexibility is required to balance classroom and clinical work.

Student Nurse Association (SNA)

The SNA offers nursing students opportunities for fellowship, professional development, service, and community engagement. All students are encouraged to participate for networking and growth.

Alpha Delta Nu Nursing Honor Society

Recognizes academic excellence of qualifying students.

Disclaimer

Information provided here is for informational purposes only and is subject to change without notice.

Download & Print ADN Program Details (pdf)

Admission Requirements

1. Apply to Midland College
   Complete the application process and meet all general admission requirements.
   
   
2. Submit the Health Sciences and Allied Health General Application:
   Complete the application for the ADN program.
   
   
3. Meet Texas Success Initiative Assessment (TSIA) Requirements
   Satisfy TSIA requirements unless exempt. The test can be taken at the MC Testing Center.
   
   
4. Maintain a Minimum College GPA of 2.5
   
   
5. Pass ATI TEAS Test
   • Score a minimum of “Proficient”
   • TEAS may be taken up to three times, with a 30-day gap between attempts
6. Meet TOEFL Score for International Applicants
   If you graduated from a school outside the US, a TOEFL score of 79% or higher is required.
   
   
7. Background Clearance (Traditional Track Only)
   • Traditional students must obtain background clearance from the Texas Board of Nursing.
   • LVN-to-RN Transition students are exempt because this was done for your LVN license.
   • Refer to the “Important Information Regarding Background Check” section for details.
8. American Heart Association BLS CPR Certified
   Complete an in-person Basic Life Support (BLS) course (adult and pediatric) and maintain certification throughout the program. The expiration date must be after the program application deadline. For CPR course recommendations, email adn@midland.edu.
   
   
9. Immunization Compliant
   Required Immunizations for Application Submission:
   • Bacterial Meningitis (for students 22 and under)
   • Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
   • Hepatitis B (3 doses)
   • Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap)
   • Varicella (Chickenpox)
     
     Required, but can wait until after accepted into the program:
     
     
   • Tuberculosis Screening (required annually)
   • Influenza (required annually)
10. Submit Official Transcripts
    Send transcripts from all colleges attended to the Midland College Registrar’s Office.
    
    
11. Create a CastleBranch Account
    Immunization and CPR compliance is provided through CastleBranch. Students are required to:
    
    • Create a CastleBranch account at midland.castlebranch.com/DQ94 | CastleBranch Flyer (pdf)
    • Pay the fees (non-refundable)
    • Upload proper documentation for immunizations and CPR compliance

Prerequisite Courses

• ENGL 1301: Composition I
• BIOL 2401: Anatomy and Physiology I (must be completed within five years of application with an "A" or "B")
• BIOL 2402: Anatomy and Physiology II (must be completed within five years of application with an "A" or "B")
• PSYC 2301: General Psychology
• PSYC 2314: Lifespan Growth and Development
• Humanities/Fine Arts Elective: Your Pathway Advisor will help you select a course. Transfer credits will be evaluated.
• RNSG 1201: Pharmacology (LVN-RN Transition Program only)

Course Completion Requirements

• All prerequisites, except BIOL 2401 and BIOL 2402, must be completed with a “C” or better.
• BIOL 2401 and BIOL 2402 must be completed with an “A” or “B” within the last five years.
• If BIOL 2401 and BIOL 2402 are more than five years old, you may substitute BIOL 2404 with a grade of “A” or “B” to meet program requirements.
• Prerequisites may be retaken for a higher grade, and the highest grade will be considered for admission points.

Key Recommendations

Complete PSYC 2314 and the Humanities Elective before entering the nursing program. Although these courses can be taken during the program, finishing them beforehand will reduce your workload and significantly improve your admission points.

Additional Admission Points for Certifications

Extra points may be earned if you have certifications from an accredited body or college in the following areas:

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) – 2 points
• Patient Care Technician (PCT) – 0.5 points
• EKG Technician – 0.5 points
• Phlebotomy – 1 point 

Additional Requirements After Admission

At student's expense:

• Health Insurance
  Must be maintained throughout the program. A copy of your insurance card must be uploaded through CastleBranch by the first day of class.
• Urine Drug Screen
  A negative result is required each semester. Urine drug screens are arranged through CastleBranch each semester.

LVN–RN Transition Option Applicants

• Must hold and maintain a current, unencumbered LVN license to practice in Texas. It must be current and valid at the application date deadline.
• All general education requirements for the degree must be completed before entering the program.
• RNSG 1201 can be taken during the program, but finishing it beforehand will reduce your workload and significantly improve your admission points.

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester Application Deadline: May 25
• Spring Semester Application Deadline: October 1
  (If the deadline falls on a weekend, it will be moved to the next business day.)

Submit Documents

Prepare and submit the following items in a 9x12 envelope with your name on the front:

• ATI TEAS results showing a score of “Proficient” or higher.
• Official or unofficial transcripts from all colleges attended. Unofficial MC transcripts are available in My MC Portal.
• Copy of Blue Card (front and back) or the letter from the Texas Board of Nursing showing background clearance.
• TOEFL score (if applicable)
• Submit all documents together in one envelope. Incomplete application packets will not be considered. If mailed, the envelope must be postmarked at least five days before the deadline.

Submission Options

• In person
  Main Campus, Davidson Family Health Science Building, Room 208, Dropbox
  
  
• By Mail
  Envelope must be postmarked at least five days before the deadline.
  Send to:
     Nursing Department
     Midland College
     3600 N. Garfield
     Midland, TX 79705

CastleBranch Submissions

After creating your CastleBranch account, upload the following to your account:

• Unexpired CPR Card
• Immunization Records

Selection Process

Applicants are evaluated based on a point system that considers grades earned in prerequisite and corequisite courses and also extra points awarded for certificates listed in the “Application Requirements” tab.

• A = 3 points
• B = 2 points
• C = 1 point

Applicants are ranked by total points, with the top-ranked individuals selected for the cohort. In case of a tie, cumulative GPA will be used as a tiebreaker. Admission decisions will be emailed approximately two weeks after the deadline. Accepted applicants will have two weeks to respond with an accept or decline decision.

• ADN Traditional Program Admission Points Worksheet (pdf)
• LVN-RN Transitional Program Admission Points Worksheet (pdf)

Criminal Background Check Information for Nursing Program Applicants

Eligibility to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) after successful completion of the nursing program is determined by the Texas State Board of Nursing on an individual basis. As part of this process, all nursing applicants in Texas must undergo a criminal background check conducted by the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), utilizing fingerprinting services through MorphoTrust. Applicants are responsible for any fees associated with these services

LVN-RN Transition Applicants:

LVN-RN transition applicants are not required to undergo a new background check, as this was completed during your LVN program. However, you must notify the Texas Board of Nursing if any circumstances have changed that could affect your background clearance or eligibility for the NCLEX exam.

Steps to Initiate the Background Check:

1. Submit the Health Sciences and Allied Health General Application*
   This will trigger the background check process with the Texas Board of Nursing. Since this process can take 6-8 weeks, it is essential to start as early as possible to ensure clearance before the application deadline.
   
   *Do this immediately because your application will not be considered for the program without background check clearance.
   
   
2. Fingerprints
   After submitting your application, we will forward your information to the Texas Board of Nursing. Within 2-4 weeks, you will receive an email from IndentoGo with instructions for fingerprinting. Be sure to monitor your Inbox (including your spam folder).
   
   
3. Blue Card or Clearance Letter
   Once your background check is cleared, the Texas Board of Nursing will issue a “blue card” or a clearance letter. Keep this document safe—you will need to submit a copy with your application.
   
   
4. Further Action or Questions:
   If you receive additional information requests from the Texas Board of Nursing or have questions about a specific situation—past or present—that may impact your background clearance (such as an arrest or disciplinary action), please consult:
   • FAQs for Students
   • Texas Administrative Code
   • Declaratory Order

ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) Information

The ATI TEAS exam plays a vital role in the admissions process for the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program at Midland College. This online, multiple-choice test assesses applicants in four areas: Reading, Mathematics, Science, and English/Language Usage. The current exam consists of 170 questions, with a total time limit of 209 minutes. All associated fees are the responsibility of the applicant.

Key Information

• Minimum Score: A score of “Proficient” or higher is required to be eligible for the ADN program. If you have achieved a "proficient" score, there is no need to retake the test for a higher score, as additional points are not awarded for exceeding this level.
• Retake Policy: You can attempt the exam up to three times per admission cycle, with a mandatory 30-day waiting period between each attempt.
• Accepted Version: Only results from the ATI TEAS Version 7 are accepted. If you take the TEAS at another institution, you are responsible for transferring the results to Midland College.
• Do not have your results electronically sent to Midland College. Instead, print a copy and include it in your application packet.

Testing Options

• Availability: TEAS testing is offered at the Midland College Testing Center every Thursday at 8:30 am. To reserve your spot, you must register by noon on the Tuesday before your desired test date. For questions or more information, contact the Testing Center at (432) 685-6495 or visit Midland College Testing Services.
• Additional Testing Methods: For alternative testing options, such as virtual exams, visit TEAS Exam Information | Exam Registration.

Preparation Resources

• Study Materials: ATI Testing offers a comprehensive study manual and online practice tests, which can be purchased at the MC Bookstore or online. For more resources, visit ATI TEAS Exam Prep.
• Free Practice Questions: Explore additional free practice resources available at Test Prep Preview.

Thorough preparation is essential to improve your chances of success on the ATI TEAS exam and boost your likelihood of admission into the ADN program. Be sure to use all available resources and give yourself ample time to study!

Immunizations required by the State of Texas, Midland College, and/or clinical affiliates:

Bacterial Meningitis	All entering students 22 and younger are required to show proof of an initial meningococcal vaccination or booster dose during the five-year period prior to enrolling. The vaccine must have been administered at least ten days before the semester begins.
Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)	Applicant must have one dose of the MMR vaccine or show immunity on Measles, Mumps and Rubella titers. Measles - If the applicant was born after January 1, 1957, a second dose of the Measles vaccine (this may be part of a second MMR) is required at least 30 days after the first MMR.
Hepatitis B	A series of three doses is required over a six-month period. The second dose is administered one month after the first dose while the third dose is administered four months from the date of the second dose. A screening titer confirming immunity is acceptable in lieu of vaccine dates.
Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (TD, Tdap)	The Tdap is preferred since it contains the adult pertussis vaccine. The vaccine must have been administered within the last ten years.
Varicella (Chicken Pox)	Two doses are required at least four weeks apart even if the applicant had the chicken pox previously. A serum titer confirming immunity is acceptable in lieu of vaccine dates.
Tuberculosis Screening	A tuberculosis screen test will be required after acceptance into the program and before clinicals start. This test must be repeated on an annual basis. P.P.D. skin test or the QFT-Gold blood test is required. If there is a history of positive skin test, results of a current chest x-ray demonstrating clearance are required.
Influenza Vaccine (Flu)	An Influenza vaccine test is required after acceptance into the program and before clinicals start. This test must be repeated on an annual basis.
COVID-19	This is no longer a requirement.

 

Marketable Skills

Pursuing a degree in this field of study will provide marketable skills in these areas:

• Critical thinking and complex problem-solving
• Computer skills
• Adaptability learning and functioning in new situations
• Time Management
• Dependability and work ethic
• Communication
• Ethics and Confidentiality
• Professionalism

Career Opportunities

There are a number of career opportunities for Registered Nurses including:

• Travel Nurse
• Acute Care Hospital Nursing
• Long Term Care Geriatric Nursing
• Dialysis
• School Nurse
• Employee Health Nursing
• Community health Nursing
• Nurse Researcher /Informatics
• Legal Nurse Consultant
• Nurse Educators
• Nurse Midwife
• Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
• Nurse Practitioner

Demand

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of nurses is projected to grow 7% from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. Growth will occur for a number of reasons including an increased emphasis on preventive care, growing rates of chronic conditions such as diabetes and obesity and demand for healthcare services from the baby-boom population as they live longer and more active lives.