New Nursing Application Procedures

New School of Practical Nursing 2012 Application Procedures

PLEASE NOTE: All applications are handled through the main campus in Shelbyville by contacting the Student Services Department only. Failure to do so may result in your getting the incorrect information and could ultimately prevent you from entering the program (i.e. missed deadlines, etc.)

Classes meet Monday through Friday from 7:45 a.m. until 2:15 p.m. and last for one year. Once clinical practice has begun, the schedule is subject to change. Regardless of the program, travel is required to different sites for both clinicals and labs. Also, a computer with internet access is need at home or access to one is needed.

Step 1— Apply for the Center and Test (the first of two applications)

Applying for the Practical Nursing program is a two application process. You must first complete an enrollment application and submit proof of high school completion or GED to attend the Center. Also at that time, you must make an appointment for the entrance exam (COMPASS), and pay for the exam. If you have taken the COMPASS elsewhere or are under age 20 and have taken the ACT (no individual score may be below 19, composite must be 19 or higher) you must submit a copy of the scores with the application.

Step 2—Take the COMPASS—Appointments are required.

Studying for the exam is recommended. The exam covers Pre-Algebra and Reading & Vocabulary. Passing is 50% (out of 99%) for Math and 80% (out of 99%) for Reading. The first time the test is taken, you must take both the Math and Reading portion ($15 cash only). If a higher score is desired in a single area, you may take only one portion of the test. ($8 cash only) You must wait 30 days before retesting. Scores are good for two years. The COMPASS is a computer based test. It is not timed.  If you need special accommodations and desire to take the test pencil and paper, you must have a doctor’s documentation requesting such special accommodations.

**The following books were just published December 15, 2011 and appear to offer good study preparation for the COMPASS exam. 

  • Doug French's Verbal Prep for the COMPASS Exam (ISBN: 13:978-0-7386-1003-0)
  • Bob Miller's Math Prep for the COMPASS Exam (ISBN: 13:978-0738610023)

Please note: TTC Shelbyville is not endorsing nor recommending these books as the only sources of preparation to obtain a passing score on the COMPASS exam. They are only suggested as good sources of preparation material for the exam.

All tests will begin at 9:00 a.m. Appointments are required. The test is not timed. Calculators are provided, no other calculators will be permitted.

  • Thursday, January 12, 2012
  • Thursday, January 19, 2012
  • Tuesday, January 24, 2012
  • Thursday, January 26, 2012
  • Tuesday, January 31, 2012
  • Thursday, February 2, 2012
  • Tuesday, February 7, 2012
  • Thursday, February 9, 2012
  • Tuesday, February 14, 2012
  • Thursday, February 16, 2012
  • Thursday, February 23, 2012
  • Thursday, March 1, 2012
  • Tuesday March 6, 2012
  • Thursday, March 8, 2012
  • Tuesday, March 13, 2012
  • Thursday, March 15, 2012
  • Tuesday, March 27, 2012
  • Thursday, March 29, 2012
  • Tuesday, April 3, 2012
  • Thursday, April 5, 2012
  • Tuesday, April 10, 2012
  • Thursday, April 12, 2012
  • Tuesday,  April 17, 2012
  • Thursday, May 3, 2012
  • Tuesday, May 8, 2012
  • Thursday, May 10, 2012
  • Tuesday, May 15, 2012
  • Thursday, May 17, 2012 (Deadline for taking the COMPASS)

Please note: All testing is done on the main campus in Shelbyville.

When you arrive to take the test, a valid picture ID is required before beginning the test. There will be no exceptions.

Passing the COMPASS does not guarantee entrance into the Practical Nursing program. There are other criteria to be examined. See Step 4. Persons entering the program will generally score higher than the 50% in Math and 80% in Reading.

Step 3—Apply to the Practical Nursing Program (this is the second required application)

Full-Time—Shelbyville—Classes begin September 2012

Students will be notified to attend an information session only if they have applied for, taken the COMPASS, and passed both portions. There may be more than one session , but is imperative that you attend on the date assigned. Seating will be limited. Failure to attend the information session will prevent you from completing the application process and prevent you from beginning the program. The information sessions will take place during the month of May or June.

Step 4—Acceptance Standards

Each applicant will be evaluated according to the COMPASS scores, educational history, work history and reference questionnaires. Not everyone who applies will be accepted into the program. Persons not accepted into the program will have to re-apply to be considered for future programs.

Step 5—Notification of Status

You will be notified by mail regarding your status in the class. This should occur by early August for the Shelbyville program.

NOTE: Financial Aid is available to students who apply and meet the necessary qualifications. You must complete and submit the FAFSA to apply for federal student aid and for state and institutional aid. The website is www.fafsa.ed.gov and our school code is 005379. If you need additional assistance, please contact the Financial Aid office located in Student Services.