Nursing - Returning LPN FAQ

Licensed Practical Nurse to Associates Degree Nursing Program – Frequently Asked Questions 

Thank you in advance for your interest in the LPN-ADN nursing program at Stanly Community College. The following list of questions have been compiled to help answer the most common questions related to the nursing program admission process; however, this list of questions is not meant to take the place of collaborating with our Admissions staff or your Success Coach. 

1. Is your program online? 
No.  The nursing program uses a hybrid approach to meet the educational needs of students. Classroom attendance is an expectation of the program at least one day a week. You will also be expected to attend clinicals at least one day a week. This is not an evening or weekend program, and will require at least 20-40 hours a week outside of classroom and clinical hours.   

2. How do I apply to the LPN-ADN nursing program? 
Application to SCC can be started at How to Apply and follow the admission requirements process for applying to the program.  

3. When is the application deadline? 
The application deadline for the LPN-RN ADN program is January 15th for the following summer cohort. Each cohort starts in the summer and attends summer, fall and spring semester.  

4. What are the requirements for admission to the nursing program? 
The admission requirements and process are located at the following link: 
https://catalog.stanly.edu/current/programs/nursing-lpn-adn.html#admissionschecklist/

 
5. Who is my Academic Advisor/Success Coach? 
Melanie Alexander will be your advisor/Success Coach from the time you apply until you complete the program; you may email Melanie at malexander0134@stanly.edu

 
6. Can I take general education courses before being admitted into the nursing program? 
Yes. It is recommended that as many of those general education courses be taken before hand as possible, especially BIO 168 and BIO 169 due to the time intensity of those courses with NUR courses. Anything other than courses beginning with the prefix of NUR can be taken before admission. These classes include ACA 122, BIO 168, BIO 169, PSY 150, PSY 241, ENG 111, ENG 112 or 114, and a humanities elective. You will need to turn in transcripts in order to be advised appropriately.  

 

7. How am I invited to take the ATI Predictor? 
Applicants to the LPN-ADN program that have met the requirements of sections 1- 4 of the admission process will be invited by admissions to take the ATI Predictor test.  

8. Can I take the ATI Predictor elsewhere and have the results submitted to SCC? 
No. We only accept the test given here at Stanly Community College. Due to the high importance of this test, faculty believe that all students should be held to the same accountability; testing at SCC ensures testing standards are met. 

9. How long is my ATI Predictor score viable? 
The score is good for 2 years and it must be the most current version given by the college.  

 

10. Is there a cost associated with the ATI Predictor test? 
Yes. The test cost approximately $76 each time it is taken. Perspective students may also use Board Vitals to study.  

 
11. When do I find out if I have been granted conditional acceptance to the program? 
Admissions will notify applicants, by email, around the beginning of March. Applicants that are on the alternate list will also receive notification by email. 

12.  Do I have to complete a drug test for the program? 
Yes. As a requirement of the clinical facilities, all students within the nursing curriculum must complete drug screening. 

13. Do I have to complete a criminal background check as part of the admission requirements? 
Yes. As a requirement of the clinical facilities, a criminal background check must be completed. The College does not see the criminal background check results nor give advice related to the results. Being accepted to the program does not mean that you are automatically cleared to attend the clinical sites. If the clinical site denies a student clinical privileges, that student is withdrawn from the program. 

14. How much does the program cost? 
Tuition for the program is based on the number of credit hours you take within a given semester. The following link explains the tuition and other charges in great detail. Please refer to the chart to determine your approximate tuition costs.  
https://www.stanly.edu/business-office/tuition.html

 
15. How much are books and other items for the program? 
The required textbooks vary in price from year to year. Information regarding textbook resources will be given at orientation, and will be available through the bookstore for financial aid purposes. Uniforms and supplies will also be needed.    

16. Do I need clinical uniforms and equipment before the program starts? 
No. At a mandatory orientation session prior to your first day of nursing class, faculty will discuss the clinical uniforms and equipment in great detail. The items can then be purchased at a retailer given to you by your nursing instructors. 

17. Can I work while going to nursing school? 
Nursing school is a demanding program. Faculty will not tell you to work or not; that is up to you individually. However, we advise you to not work if at all possible. Every student is highly encouraged to apply for financial aid. 

18. Is the nursing program of SCC accredited? 
Stanly Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane,  Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Stanly Community College. External Web site: http://www.sacscoc.org

The nursing program is approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing (NCBON). 
http://www.ncbon.com/dcp/i/nursing-education-programs-in-north-carolina-approved-pre-licensure-nursing-programs-associate-degree 

  
Stanly Community College’s Annie Ruth Kelley Associate Degree Nursing Program holds accreditation status from the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation, located at:

2600 Virginia Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, 20037.  

 

19. What happens if I do not get accepted this year when I apply?   
You must submit a new application to the program each year that you are seeking admission.   Applications do not stay until the next year.  After the admission process is complete, all applicants are erased, and you reapply for the following year.   

Updated: 6/17/26