Registered Nursing (RN)
Registered Nursing (RN)
The Registered Nursing Program provides educational opportunities to qualified students utilizing a curriculum that is designed to prepare graduates who are competent to function as entry-level registered nurses. Professional nursing is a dynamic and interactive process that views the client, family, and community holistically. The curriculum includes a balance of general education, current nursing theory, and clinical and laboratory experience. HCC offers two program options that allow students to choose between a three-year program or a more intensive, two-year program. Upon successful completion of the program, students are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
Program Options
Nursing Transition Tracks
- LPN to RN Transition Track
- Paramedic to RN Transition Track
- Military Medic/Corpsman to RN Transition Track
RN Program Pathways
Three-Year RN Program
Traditional Daytime Option – Allows students to earn the associate of science degree in nursing in three calendar years. This option is for students who have completed or are in progress of completing a minimum of 12 credits of required general education courses by the supplemental application deadline and meet other admission standards prior to enrolling in the two years of nursing courses. The application deadlines are January 15 for the fall start cohort and July 15 for the spring start cohort.
Weekend/Evening Option – Allows students to earn the associate of science degree in nursing in three calendar years. This option is for students who have completed or are in progress of completing all required general education courses by the supplemental application deadline and meet other admission standards prior to enrolling in the two years of nursing courses. Classes and labs will be held at HCC during evening hours, with clinical instruction to occur on weekends at Meritus Medical Center and other clinical facilities. Coming 2026.
Upon completion of the program, students may choose to enter the workforce or transfer to a four-year institution to earn a bachelor of science degree in nursing.
Two-Year RN Program
HCC’s two-year daytime nursing program allows qualified students to earn an associate of science degree in nursing in two years instead of the traditional three years by completing most general education courses while being enrolled in nursing courses. Upon completion of the program, students can choose to begin work or or transfer to a four-year institution to earn a bachelor of science degree in nursing. This program is a good fit for students who are able to take up to 16 credits a semester and who are academically prepared for a more rigorous course load.
Associate to Bachelor's Dual-Enrollment Option
HCC has developed plans to help students earn associate and bachelor’s degrees in nursing in as little time as possible, sometimes just four years. HCC offers an associate to bachelor’s (ATB) program with Frostburg State University, Towson University, and the University of Maryland, where competitive applicants can take classes toward their associate and bachelor’s degrees at the same time, minimizing the amount of time needed to complete the BSN. Several other BSN options allow students to apply during the second year of HCC nursing courses and start taking courses toward their BSN online.
Program Admissions
Career Outlook
$77K
Median annual salary for registered nurses
6%
Growth in employment over the next 10 years
3M+
Registered nursing jobs in the U.S.
FAQs
How do I apply to the Nursing Program?
In addition to the general admission criteria, a student must also:
- Have an overall GPA of 2.0 for all completed college coursework
- Have a 2.5 GPA for the Nursing Program general education requirement courses
- Complete the supplemental application for the program
- Complete and submit TEAS test scores to the Office of Admissions
- Have all official transcripts (college and high school) submitted to HCC
- Have all official AP test scores submitted to HCC
- Have all official SAT scores, if completed in the past 5 years, submitted to HCC
- All students applying to the RN and LPN program are required to attend a Nursing Preview Program before the application deadline
For a fall semester start into the program, students must complete these tasks by the final January 15 deadline. For a spring semester start into the program, students must complete these tasks by the final July 15 deadline. Completing these tasks would classify a student an eligible applicant to the program. Admission to the program is selective and competitive.
What classes do I need to take to apply for the RN program?
To do this, you must have fulfilled the following prerequisites:
- Complete or have BIO 203 (Anatomy and Physiology I) in progress at the time of the application deadline. (To be eligible for BIO-203, you need to complete BIO-113 or pass HCC’s Anatomy and Physiology placement test.)
- Place in approved Mathematics general education course (MAT-109 recommended) or complete MAT-090 or MAT-095 before applying
- Place into ENG 101 or complete at least RDG-095
What’s the difference between an RN and an LPN?
Registered nurses (RNs) typically work in hospitals, as well as a variety of clinical and social service fields. Unlike licensed practical nurses (LPNs), RNs require two years of clinical coursework to prepare them to deal with any acute care situation that may arise. LPNs typically work in facilities that require long-term care such as nursing care facilities, medical offices, and home health care environments. Some LPNs also work in specialty facilities, such as psychiatric or rehabilitative institutions. The clinical coursework to become an LPN takes 10 months. After an LPN has worked full-time for at least six months, he or she has the option of pursuing an RN degree.
Disclaimer: In certain professions within this area of study, a license is required prior to entering the workforce. Hagerstown Community College cannot guarantee professional licensure based solely upon the completion of a program of study. Please review the list of applicable programs, as well as details for licensure requirements within your state of residence, by visiting our “Professional Licensure Disclosure” webpage.