Despite the desperate need for nurses throughout the state, City College is preparing to require all prospective nursing students to take an assessment test prior to being allowed into the program.
With the help of California Senate Bill 1309, passed in 2006, grant funding is being directed to create the test for students wanting to enter the nursing program.
The test, which should be in effect by fall 2008, will be required for all students on the waiting list to enter the program.
It will assess whether a student’s reading and math skills are at the college level.
Nursing hopefuls must score 67 out of 100 points on the assessment test. Depending on scores, students may be required to take basic classes in math and reading.
The test’s purpose is to identify academically challenged students and remediate them prior to enlisting in the program.
The reason, said Erika Endrijonas, dean of Educational Programs, is that some students do not have the basic college math, English, and science skills needed to succeed.
“We want students to be academically prepared when coming into the program,” Endrijonas said. “Education is very expensive, so we have to make sure the student has great skills.”
About eight out of 10 students who begin the program actually complete it. The new testing requirements are designed to bolster that completion rate.
Students scoring below 67 will be given a remediation plan with tutoring and extra classes to help bring the score up to standards.
Endrijonas said failing the test does not mean rejection.
“The nursing department wants to give a chance to those who want the challenge,” Endrijonas said. However, Endrijonas added that passing the test doesn’t translate success in the program.
“It establishes minimum skills in the program,” Endrijonas said. “It doesn’t guarantee.”
Endrijonas also said programs across the state are full to capacity with long waiting lists. City College’s list extends to 2012.
She added that the program has a good retention rate, with about 80 percent of students finishing.
Nursing student Susan McGibbon said the assessment testing would be a good idea.
“Students should take this test because they need to be prepared,” McGibbon said. “It is a very vigorous program.”
McGibbon added that knowing the basics is important for patient care skills.
In the long run, Endrijonas said having the assessment test will save students time and stress, conserve the program’s limited resources, and make the best use for the nursing program and its facilities.
