Application Process for Alternate Entry


Application Process for Alternate Entry

Before you proceed with the application process, we encourage you to read the Professional Nursing FAQ. If you need additional help, please contact us.

  • Applicants must be enrolled in Austin Community College. Click here for more information. Admission to Austin Community College does not guarantee admission to a Health Sciences program.
  • Alternate entry into the ADN Traditional Track is open to ACC VNG graduates. The applicant must begin the second level of the ADN Traditional Track within fourteen months (14 months) of graduating from the ACC VNG program.
  • Applicants who were withdrawn from and/or failed a VNG course for reasons of unsatisfactory clinical performance and/or personal behavior problems related to clinical performance (Fourth priority readmission to the ACC VNG program) are NOT eligible for the Alternate Entry. These applicants are eligible for entry into First Semester Traditional Track or Mobility Track.
  • All prerequisites must be completed by the application deadline.
  • Applicants must meet the Technical Standards required by the program.

Applications are accepted up to the deadline below (no later). If a deadline is on a weekend, the deadline will be the end of the next business day. All Alternate Entry prerequisites must be completed by the application deadline.

  • Fall 2024: May 16, 2024
  • Spring 2025: September 14, 2025
  • Fall 2025: May 16, 2025

Click here to view the Alternate Track Degree Plan and Application Process Checklist (PDF).

To view the Associate Degree Nursing Traditional (AAS) degree plan for 2024-25, pending THECB approval, click here.

  1. Activate your ACC email account. All correspondence regarding your application will be sent to your ACC email address. For information on how to set up your ACC email account, please see this page.
  2. For students requesting an appointment, you must complete the Information Session prior to your appointment. A meeting is not required to apply to the program.
  3. Review the Professional Nursing website and complete the mandatory Information Session and Post Test. Retain a copy of the Post Test confirmation email to submit to CastleBranch later as part of the application process.
  4. Complete all prerequisite courses with a minimum GPA of 2.7. We accept grades of “C” or better.
    • BIOL 2401: Anatomy and Physiology I – Assessment test is required before permission is given for this course. Permission is given through the Biology Department. Click here for more information.
    • BIOL 2402: Anatomy and Physiology II – Assessment test is not required in order to register for this course. Prerequisite is completion of BIOL 2401. BIOL 2402 must have been completed within 5 years of the application deadline.
    • BIOL 2420: Microbiology for the Health Sciences – Prerequisite is completion of BIOL 2401. BIOL 2420 must have been completed within 5 years of the application deadline. BIOL 2420 must also include a lab component. BIOL 2421 Microbiology is also accepted.
    • HPRS 2300: Pharmacology for Health Professions – Prerequisite is completion of BIOL 2401. See the ACC College Catalog for math testing requirements.
    • PSYC 2301: Introduction to Psychology
    • Completion of either BIOL 2304/2101 & BIOL 2305/2102 OR BIOL 2401 & BIOL 2402 is also required.
  5. You are encouraged to complete the 2 co-requisites — ENGL 1301: English Composition 1 and PHIL 2306: Ethics — with a grade before being admitted to the program. Co-requisites are not required to apply but will result in a higher ranking if some/all are complete at time of application.
  6. Go to the CastleBranch website and click the link “Place Order.”
  7. Enter UL32im in the “Package Code” field. The system will prompt you to upload the following application documents:
  8. Complete the TEAS Admission Assessment during or after completion of your final prerequisite semester. You will need to sign up with ATI-TEAS in order to register. Instructions to activate your ATI-TEAS account are found in the TEAS Registration Form.
  1. After completing the CastleBranch requirements (green checks = clearance) and passing the TEAS Test, you should download your application for Associate Degree Nursing – Traditional Track:
  2. Print and complete the application and prepare the following:
    • Minimum GPA of 2.7 in 5 prerequisites (GPA is not rounded)
    • Transcripts/course descriptions from colleges other than ACC, if applicable.
    • Copy of TEAS Test scores printed from ATI student account.
    • Copy of CastleBranch showing all requirements has been completed.
  3. Create a single PDF from all documents in Step 2. Please click here to upload the PDF of your Alternate Entry application and supporting documents.
  4. After applications are submitted, students should refer to the Application Status Update page for upcoming information.
  • Selection is based on space available basis.
  • The Professional Nursing Department uses a mathematical formula to compute an applicant ranking score based on four criteria. This ranking score is used to select qualified applicants for admission into the ADN Program. The formula is as follows: Rank = (Nursing GPA) X (# of degree plan courses completed) + (TEAS Points) + (Review points earned)
CRITERIA POINTS
Nursing Prereq GPA – computed with five prereq courses. Must be 2.7 GPA to move forward. This GPA is not rounded.

Nursing GPA – computed for degree plan courses only (prerequisite and co-requisite courses).

*Note: the prerequisite GPA is calculated first before adding in any co-requisite courses. The prerequisite courses must be a minimum 2.7. This GPA is not rounded up.

Must be 2.7 GPA or higher
Number of Degree Plan Courses – Prerequisite and co-requisite courses listed for the AAS in Nursing. Possible 5-7
TEAS Points – Based on ATI test score
Passing scores = 68% or higher (total score)
Score of 90-100% (10 points)

Score of 78-89% (7 points)

Score of 68-77% (4 points)

Review Points – Points are earned each time the application is reviewed for admission.

  • Each new eligible applicant earns one (1) point for attending or completing an online information session.
  • Five (5) points will be added to the ranking score for the first review totaling 6 points on the first review.
  • An additional three (3) points will be added to your ranking score if you have honorable military service and/or previous (active and unencumbered) healthcare licensure/certification. *Effective for the Spring 2023 application cycle.
  • An additional two (2) points if you have taken HPRS 1106 Essentials of Medical Terminology (with a passing grade, not mandatory). Effective for the Spring 2023 application cycle.
  • An additional five (5) points will be added to your ranking score each time you re-apply for admission. Missing 2 or more reapplication periods will result in the loss of all accumulated ranking points. Applications are only retained on file for one year after becoming inactive.
  • It is critical that each applicant maintain current contact information on file with the college Admissions Office and the Nursing Office (name, address, and telephone number) since these are the official sources of information for contacting applicants.
  • If an applicant is unable to begin the ADN program at the schedule time after having accepted the admission, the applicant must notify the ADN Program Admissions Coordinator at least forty-five (45) days prior to the first class day. Failure to do so will result in the loss of all review points AND the student will be required to skip an application cycle.
  • Please note that to be compliant with clinical facility requirements, a mandatory Criminal Background Check (CBC) and Drug Screening will be required prior to admission to the ADN Program. Specific timelines must be met, therefore do not submit the CBC or Drug Screen until instructed by the program.

Search the Health Sciences Website

Professional Nursing Updates