Application Checklist
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Complete the Howard College application.
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Send official transcripts from any colleges you have previously attended.
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Complete the Nursing application.
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Review licensure eligibility information and complete the Declaratory Order process,
if applicable, through the Texas Board of Nursing website. All applicants must review Texas Board of Nursing licensure eligibility requirements
before acceptance. A clearance letter or blue card is mandatory before completion
of the Nursing Program. Providing inaccurate information may result in program dismissal.
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Complete a background check through CastleBranch using code HQ91bg.
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Complete the required 15 hours of prerequisite courses: Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Microbiology, and English 1301.
- Official college transcripts are required for courses taken outside Howard College.
- Transfer of prerequisite credits is contingent upon approval.
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HPRS 2302, Medical Terminology for Allied Health, or HPRS 1206, Essentials of Medical
Terminology, is strongly recommended. These courses are not prerequisites but may
provide additional points toward selection criteria.
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Complete a CNA course and provide proof of CNA certification.
TEAS Exam
Register for the exam through ATI TEAS Registration. Contact the Howard College Testing Center at 432-264-5637 or visit the Big Spring Testing Center page for scheduling information.
The TEAS test may be taken once every 30 days. Scores from exams not taken at Howard
College will be accepted from ATI and must be submitted with the application. Students
are ranked using total points based on prerequisite grades and TEAS scores. Refer
to the nursing packet for further information. TEAS scores must reflect the current
ATI TEAS version.
Required Documentation After Acceptance
- Proof of immunizations: Required by Texas Health Department Rule 97.64. Additional immunizations may be required
by some clinical facilities. Upload the required documents to the CastleBranch Compliance Tracker using code HQ91im.
- Hepatitis B: Three doses or a positive titer; two doses must be completed before admission.
- Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR): Two doses or a positive titer.
- Varicella: Two doses or a positive titer.
- Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap): One dose within the last 10 years.
- Influenza: Current-season dose.
- Tuberculosis: Test or screening results.
- Driver's license
- Physical examination
- BLS/CPR card: American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers. Contact 432-264-5649 for more information.
- Health insurance: Students enrolled in the Nursing Program must maintain health insurance throughout
their clinical experiences.
- Required drug test: Students may be required by a clinical facility to complete a random drug screening.
Students who cannot attend clinical because of an unsuccessful background check or
drug test may be unable to complete course requirements. Nursing faculty are not responsible
for arranging alternative clinical hours.
Applicants are responsible for submitting all required documents, scheduling appointments,
and paying all testing fees.
Nursing has been an integral part of Howard College's history for more than 50 years.
The Vocational Nursing program began in 1958, and the Associate Degree Nursing program
began in January 1976. The Big Spring campus hosts Vocational Nursing, Registered
Nursing, and Transition programs. Vocational Nursing is also offered at the San Angelo
campus.
Since June 2003, the didactic portion of the second year of the RN program has been
delivered through an online learning environment.
Clinical rotations are varied and supported through affiliation agreements with hospitals
and clinics in Big Spring, San Angelo, and surrounding communities.
“Unless we are making progress in our nursing every year, every month, every week,
take my word for it we are going back.”
Florence Nightingale, 1914
We, the faculty, believe nursing is a practice discipline with a unique body of knowledge
based on principles and concepts derived from the sciences and humanities. The goal
of nursing as a caring profession is to assist individuals, families, and communities
in health promotion, maintenance, and restoration throughout the life process.
Cost Information and Additional Expenses
The expenses listed below are approximate and subject to change. These costs are in
addition to standard tuition and fees. For current tuition and fee details, refer
to the Howard College Catalog or contact the Financial Aid Office.
Scholarship Opportunities
Students are encouraged to apply for scholarships to help offset educational costs.
Howard College Scholarship Opportunities
Fees Associated with Admission
- Immunizations: Variable
- Background check: Variable
- CNA course and certification: Variable
Additional Program-Related Expenses
These costs are the responsibility of the student and may vary by provider and location.
- Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers: Approximately $56
- Physical examination: Variable, depending on insurance
- Drug screening: Approximately $45
- Health insurance: Variable
- Influenza vaccination and tuberculosis test: Variable, annually
- Clinical travel expenses: Variable and may include out-of-town travel
Uniform and Equipment Costs
- Scrubs: Approximately $60 per set; at least two sets are recommended
- Closed-toe and closed-heel shoes: Variable
- Lab coat, optional: Approximately $50
- Stethoscope: Variable
- Program patch: Approximately $6
- Watch with a second hand: Variable; smartwatches are not permitted
Textbooks, Lab Kits, and Online Testing Programs
Estimated costs vary by program:
- Vocational Nursing Program: Approximately $1,500
- Registered Nursing Program: Approximately $2,500
- Transition Program: Approximately $2,500
Licensing Expenses During the Final Semester
- NCLEX examination fee: $200
- Texas Board of Nursing application fee: $100
- Additional reviews or preparation products before taking the NCLEX: Variable