Health

West Shore Community College Practical and Associate Degree in Nursing programs are accredited by the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA) located at 2600 Virginia Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20037, 202-909-2526.

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) work in nursing homes, hospitals, private homes, and physician offices. They help people of all ages by assessing health, providing treatments, comfort, and caring. LPNs are respected members of the health care team, working under the direction of RNs and doctors. WSCC’s LPN program serves as the first year of the curriculum toward the associate’s degree in nursing.

Learn more about what LPNs do here.

Medical Assistants (MAs) work in medical offices assisting certified, licensed, and/or registered health care professionals under the direction of a physician, physician’s assistant, or nurse practitioner. The graduate will be able to perform administrative and clinical skills in a professional manner while supporting diversity, utilizing safety measures and applying practical knowledge when caring for patients. Upon completion of the program the graduate will be eligible to sit for the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) exam.

Learn more about what MAs do here.

Registered Nurses (RNs) work as respected health professionals who help people stay healthy or get healthy. RNs provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients, and provide advice and emotional support to patients and their families. RNs work in hospitals, private homes, nursing homes, schools, and correctional facilities and often lead a team of other healthcare providers. The Institute of Medicine is encouraging all RNs to obtain bachelor’s degrees by 2020 and WSCC has multiple articulation agreements with four‐year universities allowing for transferability of classes.

Learn more about what RNs do here.

Wherever there is a need for hands‐on personal care, certified Nursing Assistants (CNA), or nurse aides, are there. Nursing assistants are the caregivers who help patients of all ages perform the most essential basic activities of daily life, like bathing, toileting, dressing, and eating. CNAs work under the supervision of nurses, and since they have extensive daily contact with each patient, they play a key role in keeping nurses informed about patients’ needs.

Learn more about being a nursing assistant here.

Radiologic technologists, also known as “rad techs,” perform diagnostic imaging examinations using computerized equipment such as x‐rays and MRIs. They assist patients to be positioned correctly for the test procedure. They also maintain imaging equipment. Most radiologic technicians work in hospitals.

Learn more about being a radiologic technologist here.

Respiratory Therapists (RTs) examine and provide treatments for patients of all ages who have trouble breathing. They use instruments and tests to evaluate breathing and oxygenation. RTs perform chest physiotherapy, connect patients to ventilators, and instruct patients and their families on how to maintain home oxygen therapy.

Learn more about being a respiratory therapist here.

MRI scanners use a magnetic field and radio waves (non-invasive) to produce detailed images of the inside of the body that may not be seen with an X-ray, CT scan, or ultrasound. These images are used by physicians to diagnosis diseases and injuries. An MRI technologist operates the MRI scanner and assists and guides patients through the scan. Upon completion of the MRI program, students will be eligible to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT-MR) exam (required for employment).

• Application Deadline February 1, annually.
• Link to application
• Print application

EEG identifies electrical activity in the brain that aids in the diagnosis and treatment of headaches, seizures, strokes, and comas. An EEG technician places electrodes to cranial surfaces and records an electroencephalogram. Upon completion of the EEG program, students will be eligible to sit for the American Board of Registration of Electroencephalographic and Evoked Potential Technologists (ABRET) exam.

• Application Deadline June 1, annually.
• Link to application
• Print application

CT scan is a detailed X-ray that produces cross sectional images of the body’s internal structures that aids in the diagnosis of medical conditions. A CT technician operates CT equipment, administers contrast agents as ordered, and positions the patient so precise images are captured. Must be certified in radiography (ARRT), radiation therapy (ARRT), sonography (ARRT or ARDMS), or nuclear medicine (ARRT or NMTCB) to be eligible to apply for the CT program. Upon completion of the CT program, students will be eligible to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT-CT) exam.

• Application Deadline June 1, annually.
• Link to application
• Print application

Admission to the Nursing Program at West Shore Community College is competitive and based on a number of factors. The application period for the program is January 1 through March 1 for the upcoming fall.

Required Steps

• • • 1. Apply for Regular Admission to West Shore
         • Previously Dual‐Enrolled students must reapply as a regular student
      2. Have official High School and/or College transcripts sent to West Shore
         • Students with 12 or more college credits are not required to submit a high school transcript.
         • Currently enrolled high school seniors are eligible to apply.
         • Students with a GED and no prior college experience must submit GED scores
         • Students who took college classes more than eight years from the time they apply (i.e. prior to fall 2008 for students applying for 2017‐2018 admission) may choose to exclude them from the criteria if it is to their benefit, but must still send the official transcript.
      3. Successfully complete the following (C or better):
         • ENG 051/ENG 098 and ENG 052, transfer equivalents, or obtain appropriate test score
         • MTH 051, transfer equivalent, or obtain appropriate test score
      4. Obtain a score of 75 or higher on the HESI exam, taken in the Learning and Testing Center (testing fee applies)
         • Must be taken by February 20
         • Exam covers English and Math; study guides are available in the library
      5. Submit a Nursing Program Application to WSCC’s Admissions Office
         • The application can be found online here beginning December 1st.
      6. Obtain 90% on the Medication Math or Dosage Calculation test (three attempts allowed per year)
         • This is not a regular math test. Study materials are available in the library and student services office.
         • Students must earn 90% on this test in order to begin the program. You have to take it prior to applying.

Optional Steps

Students may elect to complete any of the following to increase their chances of getting into the program:

• • • 1. Successfully complete NUR 105 – Nurse Assistant and obtain state certification (CNA)
         • CNA certification will earn points on the Nursing Program Admissions application.
         • High school students who complete the CTE Allied Health course but have not yet obtained CNA certification can get additional points.
      2. Obtain employment in direct patient care for a minimum of six months. A letter from your employer will be required to verify.
      3. Successfully complete any of the following General Education courses required to obtain the nursing degree. Any courses not completed prior to nursing admission will be required during the program.
         • The courses below will earn bonus points on the Nursing Application if completed prior to applying to the program. All sciences must be completed with at least a B‐ to meet the requirement for Nursing, all non‐sciences must be completed with a C. However, while a grade of C meets the requirement, it will not grant bonus points.
           • ANP 230 – Anatomy and Physiology I (B‐ required)
           • ANP 231 – Anatomy and Physiology II (B‐ required)
           • BIO 232 – Elementary Microbiology (B‐ required)
           • ENG 111 – English Composition I (C required)
           • PSY 161 – Introduction to Psychology (C required)
           • CHM 107 – Introduction to Chemistry (not required for the nursing program, but will grant bonus points)
         • The following courses will not generate bonus points toward the nursing application, but are required to earn the nursing degree:
           • SPE 110 – Interpersonal Communications (C required)
           • PHL 104 – Bioethics (C required)
           • POL 151 – American National Government (C required)

Please be advised that students will be required to undergo a criminal background investigation prior to beginning the Nursing Program. Any negative factors in a student’s background may prohibit entrance into the program. In addition, students who are convicted of an offense during the program may be required to withdraw, or may be denied a license by the Michigan Board of Nursing. Please contact the Director of Nursing or the Dean of Student Services for further information.

Programs

Transfer Programs

• • • • Health Related, AS

Occupational Programs

• • • Associate Degree Nursing, AAAS
    • Medical Assistant-Business Medical Office Focus, AAAS
    • Medical Assistant-Science Focus, AAAS
    • Multi‐Skilled Health Care, Nurse Assistant Certificate
    • Multi‐Skilled Health Care, Nurse Assistant, AAAS
    • Practical Nursing Certificate
    • Radiologic Technology, AAAS
    • Respiratory Care, AAAS