Admission Requirements

• Selection for Enrollment in Nursing Courses:
  • Faculty will review each clinical application packet and selection will be made based on each student's rank:
    • TEAS exam - 30%
    • GPA - 30%
    • Fundamentals exam - 40%
    • TOTAL Possible = 100%
    • Additional points will be awarded if the student holds a degree/diploma/certificate:
      • Master +5
      • Bachelor +4
      • Associate +3
      • Diploma +2
      • Certificate +1
  • Faculty decisions for admission to the LPN to RN program are final. Appeals will not be considered.
• Must have an unencumbered Louisiana license to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse.
• Must have IV Therapy Certification.
• Must score a 67% on the entrance exam (TEAS VII) prior to registering for NURS 1153. The TEAS exam must be taken at the SOWELA testing center or another established testing center. No online or proctored TEAS exam scores will be accepted.
• Must score a Level II (65.5%) on the ATI Fundamentals Exam prior to registering for NURS 1153. The ATI Fundamentals exam must be taken at the SOWELA testing center. No online or proctored Fundamentals exam scores will be accepted.
• Must take NURS 1153 the summer accepted into the program. Must receive approval to register for class.
• Upon successful completion of NURS 1153, NURS 2300 and NUR 2310 - 17 Credit hours in nursing will be awarded for the following nursing courses: NURS 1100, NURS 1110, NURS 1150, NURS 2200, and NURS 2210.
• Must have a minimum grade of 'C' in all required prerequisites and co-requisites.
• Must have completed all required prerequisites for the program (see current curriculum pattern).
• Must have a minimum of 2.8 GPA in all prerequisite and co-requisite courses required for the degree. Grades earned in any required courses completed at the time of the application will be calculated in the GPA.

LPN to RN Application Checklist

Student Responsibilities

The application process must be completed, and students must be accepted into the program, prior to beginning any clinical nursing courses. Applications for the program will be available in February and due March 31st for summer enrollment. If March 31st falls on a weekend or holiday, the application will be due the Friday BEFORE. The application MUST be completed in full by the deadline or the student will be considered ineligible.

Checklist and required documentation:

• Apply to SOWELA Technical Community College. Must be a SOWELA student during the semester of application or have completed all pre and co-requisite courses. Official transcripts must be submitted prior to application.
• Students completing prerequisite/corequisite courses for the ASN program at SOWELA, or transferring from another institution, are subject to the same admission criteria. The Nursing Appeal policy has changed. Please review the policy before submitting the application. https://www.sowela.edu/appeals/nursing-appeals Credit for nursing courses from another institution will not be considered for transfer at this time.
• Must have completed all required prerequisites for the program (see current curriculum pattern).
• Must have a minimum of 2.8 GPA in all prerequisite and co-requisite courses required for the degree. Grades earned in any required course completed at the time of the application will be calculated in the GPA.
• Completion of the TEAS VII test with a score of 64%. This is a nationally ranked score and not necessarily on a 100-point scale. You will need to visit www.atitesting.com (opens new window) to enroll and pay for the test. Available dates to take the test are posted on the website by the Testing Center. The TEAS exam must be taken at the SOWELA testing center or another established testing center. No online or proctored TEAS exam scores will be accepted.
• Completion of the ATI RN Fundamentals Exam with a Level II score of at least 65.5%. You must first pass the TEAS VII test with a 64% to be eligible to take the ATI RN Fundamentals Exam. This is also a nationally ranked score. You will need to visit Register Blast (opens new window) to register and pay for the test. All individuals testing need to have an ATI account. The Nursing Fundamentals exam is only available to SOWELA students at this time. Available dates to take the exam are posted under our Testing Center page. The ATI Fundamentals exam must be taken at the SOWELA testing center. No online or proctored Fundamentals exam scores will be accepted.
• Unencumbered Louisiana license to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse (attach validation).
• Proof of IV Therapy Certification (attach document).
• Current CPR card (must be American Heart Association BLS Provider. Attach copy of card to application). Other certifications will NOT be accepted.
• Immunization record with current Tdap (must be current, within 10 years, include copy of immunization record).
• Proof of Hepatitis B status (vaccinations [3] or proof of immunity (titer), include copy of immunization record).
• Proof of two (2) Varicella vaccinations or Varicella titer showing immunity.
• Record of MMR- two (2) injections or Rubella and Rubeola titers showing immunity.
• Proof of two (2) meningococcal vaccinations (or signed waiver, located in the application).
• Proof of COVID 19 vaccination (or signed waiver, located in the application).
• Copy of negative PPD skin test or Chest X-ray result (must be within last year and be the official copy from Healthcare provider). If no skin test in the past year, must have 2 PPD tests or QuantiFERON®-TB Gold blood test (QFT-G).
• Signed Health Status Forms (health history and physical exam included in the application).
• Copy of health insurance card.
• Attach a passport photo with your name printed on the back of the photo to the application.
• Keep a copy of all documents for your records. Make copies prior to turning in application.

Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN RN) Admission Criteria

Official transcripts from all colleges and/or universities attended must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar at SOWELA Technical Community College.

Applicants must meet all general admission requirements of SOWELA Technical Community College before being considered for the ASN RN program. This includes meeting the required ACT score or approved equivalent entrance examination scores.

Admission to SOWELA Technical Community College does not guarantee enrollment in nursing clinical courses. Enrollment in nursing courses is competitive and based on the number of available seats. Applicants must meet the minimum eligibility requirements to be considered for selection.

Eligibility Requirements

Students applying to the ASN RN program must:

1. Be admitted to SOWELA Technical Community College and have all official transcripts on file with the Office of the Registrar.
2. If a transfer student, change-of-major student, or re-entry student, be enrolled and attending classes at SOWELA during the semester in which the application is submitted for consideration for Nursing 1100/1110.
3. If a student does not reenter the ASN RN program within 18 months of their drop date from the program, they will be required to retake all previous nursing courses completed, reentering in semester one of the curriculum.
4. Earn a minimum grade of C in all required biology, mathematics, and nursing courses.
5. Complete all prerequisite general academic courses listed in the first semester of the curriculum prior to submitting an application.
6. Maintain a minimum 2.8 GPA in all required non-nursing courses for the degree. Grades earned in any required non-nursing courses completed at the time of application will be included in the GPA calculation. (refer to the catalog for the curriculum layout)
7. Complete the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS), most current version, and achieve a minimum composite score of 67%.
   • Additional information about the TEAS is available at: https://www.atitesting.com (opens a new window)
   • Only SOWELA students may take the TEAS at the SOWELA Testing Center.
   • TEAS scores must be obtained through the SOWELA Testing Center or another approved testing center.
   • Online or remotely proctored TEAS scores will not be accepted.
8. Submit a completed application for enrollment in clinical courses, including all required supporting documentation.
   • Clinical application packets may be obtained from the Nursing Faculty Suite or requested through the Nursing Application Request Form (opens new window).

Additional Admission Policies

• Students transferring to the School of Nursing and Allied Health from another institution are subject to all admission requirements listed above.
• Failures in required nursing courses completed at another institution will be treated the same as failures in required nursing or non-nursing courses completed at SOWELA.
• Nursing coursework completed at another institution is not currently eligible for transfer credit.
• Applications for enrollment in clinical courses are valid for one semester only.
• Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
• Applications received after the published deadline will not be accepted.

Selection for Enrollment in Nursing Courses

Faculty will review all completed clinical application packets. Students will be ranked using the following criteria:

Ranking Formula

Additional Education Points

Applicants may earn additional points for previously earned degrees or credentials:

Admission decisions are based on applicant rankings and available program capacity. All admission decisions are final and are not subject to appeal.

ASN Clinical Nursing Courses Application Checklist

Student Responsibilities

• Applications for fall entry will be available in February and due March 31st.
• Applications for spring entry will be available in August and due August 31st.
• If March 31st or August 31st falls on a weekend or holiday, the application will be due the Friday BEFORE.
• Admission criteria must be met prior to the semester in which the application is made.
• Decisions regarding acceptance for spring admission will be made at the end of October. Decisions regarding acceptance for fall admission will be completed after grades have been posted in May.
• Understand that any crimes whether expunged or dismissed must be reported to the Louisiana State Board of Nursing and may result in the delay of approval to begin nursing clinical courses. Legal documents along with a typed explanation of the incident must be provided to LSBN with the application to the Board.
• The application process must be completed, and students accepted into the program, prior to beginning any clinical nursing course. The application must be completed in full by the deadline or student will be considered ineligible.

Checklist and Required Documentation

• Keep pages in order.
• Apply to SOWELA Technical Community College (you must be a student at SOWELA and attending classes before applying to the clinical courses).
• Students completing prerequisite/corequisite courses for the ASN program at SOWELA, or transferring from another institution, are subject to the same admission criteria. The Nursing Appeal policy has changed. Please review the policy before submitting the application. https://www.sowela.edu/appeals/nursing-appeals Credit for nursing courses from another institution will not be considered for transfer at this time.
• Completion of pre-requisite general academic courses (at least the first semester as shown on the curriculum).
• Minimum grade point average of 2.8 in ALL non-nursing courses required for the degree. All non-nursing courses shown in the ASN curriculum will be calculated into this GPA if taken prior to application for admission.
• Completion of the TEAS VII test with a score of 67%. This is a nationally ranked score and not necessarily on a 100-point scale. Visit the Nursing TEAS page for available testing dates. The TEAS exam must be taken at the SOWELA testing center or another established testing center. No online or proctored TEAS exam scores will be accepted. If you have not taken the TEAS TEST at SOWELA, you must contact ATI Testing (opens new window) and have results emailed to SOWELA ASN Program.
• Current CPR card (must be American Heart Association BLS Provider. Attach copy of card to application). Other certifications will NOT be accepted.
• Immunization record with current Tdap (must be current, within 10 years, include copy of immunization record).
• Proof of Hepatitis B status (vaccinations [3] or proof of immunity (titer), include copy of immunization record or titer). The vaccinations must have been given within the correct time frame or you must have a titer drawn.
• Proof of MMR- two (2) injections or Rubella and Rubeola titers showing immunity. If you have not had 2 vaccinations, you MUST get a titer drawn.
• Proof of two (2) Varicella vaccinations or Varicella titer showing immunity. Even if you have had the chicken pox; you must get a titer drawn if you do not have proof of 2 vaccinations.
• Proof of two (2) meningococcal vaccinations (or signed waiver, located in the application).
• Proof of COVID 19 vaccination (or signed waiver, located in the application).
• Copy of negative PPD skin test or Chest X-ray result (must be within last year and be the official copy from Healthcare provider). If you have not had a skin test in the past year, you must have 2 PPD tests or QuantiFERON®-TB Gold blood test (QFT-G). This is a CDC Guideline.
• Signed Health Status Forms (health history and physical exam included in the application).
• Copy of health insurance card.
• Attach a passport photo with your name printed on the back of the photo to the application.
• Keep a copy of all documents for your records. (Make copies prior to turning in application).

Louisiana State Board of Nursing Explanation of Application to Nursing Clinical Courses and Reasons for Denial or Delay of Approval

• All applications for nursing clinical courses are submitted online after acceptance into SOWELA's ASN or LPN to RN Program. This includes permission to perform a FBI background check.
• Students must set up an account through the LSBN Portal after SOWELA submits a list of accepted students to the Board.
• Incomplete applications or errors in payment to the Board may result in the delay of approval and jeopardize the student's seat in the class.
• All crimes including misdemeanors and felonies must be reported to the Board whether charges were dismissed, record was expunged, or student was found not guilty. This includes any charges at any age and whether the records were closed.
• Students are required to submit all documents related to any charges along with a typed explanation of the incident at the time of application.
• Student applications with misdemeanor or felony charges are sent directly to the investigations department within LSBN.
• Depending on the length of time it takes to investigate past charges, student approval may be delayed and jeopardize the seat in the class.
• It is the student's responsibility to follow the instructions for application carefully to avoid any delay in approval.
• It is also the student's responsibility to communicate with LSBN with any issues concerning the application.

To be considered for admission into the Practical Nursing program, all applicants must:

• Submit a completed SOWELA Technical Community College application online through our website. Those applicants interested in enrolling into the Practical Nursing program will need to select the "AGS - Practical Nursing" option on the application.
• Complete the admission testing with a minimum or greater score in reading, math, and English.
• Provide a high school or GED equivalent official transcript. Must be in a sealed envelope from the school, school board, or Department of Education.
• Provide an original birth certificate.
• Provide a valid driver's license or state issued ID.
• Provide a social security card.
• Provide Immunization record.

In addition to the items above, international students will need to provide their permanent resident card or student visa.

Testing Policy

A student wishing to apply for college admission and declare Practical Nursing as their program of study must meet the current testing scores required for entry into the program and those stipulated by the Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners (LSBPNE).

Current admission test scores can be found in the table below or by contacting the Support Coordinator or Program Coordinator.

It is recommended that students who do not earn sufficient ACT or ACCUPLACER Next Generation scores enroll in course work that will develop their content knowledge. Upon completion of that course work, the student must retest in order to meet one of the categories for admission.

If unable to meet the minimum scores after above steps, career counseling will be provided to explore alternate career options.

To be considered for admission to the Surgical Technology program, all applicants must:

• Successfully met all requirements for admittance and completed the application process to enroll at SOWELA Technical and Community College. See college admission requirements and new student checklist for information.
  • Enrollment in the college does not guarantee admittance into the Surgical Technology Program. Admission is competitive and based on cumulative GPA, meeting all application deadlines, and a rubric which will be provided in the program application.
• Students will be advised on the declared major they will be enrolling under by their enrollment specialists. Students should select the Surgical Technology AAS major when enrolling or when completing a Change of Major form once they have:
  • Been officially admitted into the program.
  • Attended a mandatory program orientation and been allowed by the program faculty to schedule the required course in the summer semester, MEDL 1303 Introduction to Healthcare for Surgical Technology.
• Provide a high school or a GED equivalent official transcript as well as any previous college transcripts to your admissions department enrollment specialist. Retain copies of your unofficial transcripts in case submission to the program Faculty is necessary during the admission process.
• Take a SOWELA placement test (Nex Gen ACUPLACER) or submit official scores from ACT or SAT test. Scores must meet the minimum required test score to enter an AAS degree program and be at least less than 10 years old.
• Students should note that some courses have prerequisites, which must be successfully completed before enrolling into upper level courses. All course work must be completed with at least 70% "C" or higher for program progression and completion. If the student is unsuccessful, any co-requisite courses must be repeated concurrently even if a passing grade was awarded during the first attempt. Students who are unsuccessful in a course will have to reapply for the program, will not be given preference above new applicants, and may be responsible for the costs incurred to repeat certain aspects of the required documentation.

Testing Policy

A student wishing to apply for college admission and declare Surgical Technology as his/her program of study must complete the 28 credits (- 1 year plan) of pre-requisite courses as well as meet testing score minimums and comply with the following testing guidelines:

• Placement Score Requirements
• If a student does not score the above, they are allowed to sit for retesting only once. If they are still not able to meet the minimum score(s), they must enroll and successfully complete the remediation class in that subject matter until is complete and they are eligible to enter the required level course (see curriculum and test placement score sheet)
  • Provide a certified copy of their birth certificate and up to date immunization records to Admissions. Retain a copy for future program submission and personal records.
  • Student should review and be able to meet ALL requirements for admission into the program including having the ability to perform all skill requirements necessary to successfully progress and complete the program in order to be considered for gainful employment as a Surgical Technology. Please see Clinical Application and the Student Handbook for complete lists of the requirements prior to beginning the Surgical Technology Application Process. For any questions regarding if you meet the requirements, please schedule an appointment with the program faculty for career advising.