Mississippi Delta Community College

Applicants must:

• Meet all general admission requirements for MDCC.
• Be a high school graduate or have a satisfactory High School Equivalency score (GED or HiSET).
• Have a minimum ACT score of 16 (12 if taken before October 28, 1989).
• Take the TEAS entrance test at the applicant’s own expense. Must be taken within 18 months of the application deadline and con only be taken 2 times 45 days apart during the application year.
• The Practical Nursing Program at MDCC may allow up to 15% admission for high-risk students (students who do not meet admission criteria)
• Must be 18 years of age at start of program

1. ALL Applicants must FIRST log on to the MDCC website at www.msdelta.edu to submit an online application for admission/readmission to the school.  Please click the APPLY button on the home page of the website and complete all required fields.  No applicant will be considered for admission into a Health Science Program without first applying to MDCC.  You may receive future correspondence from the Office of Admissions regarding your admissions status to MDCC.
   • If you attended MDCC previously, but are not currently enrolled, you will need to complete this step first.
   • If you are currently enrolled at MDCC, you DO NOT need to do this step.
2. E-Script or mail OFFICIAL transcripts to the MDCC Office of Admission.  All transcripts must be on file by April 1.
3. Submit ACT scores to the MDCC Office of Admission.  (*NOTE* ACT scores are NOT recorded on transcripts from colleges or universities.  It is the student’s responsibility to submit these scores.)
4. Print and Complete the “Practical Nursing Application” when it is active.  Fill out ALL information.  Do not leave any question blank.
5. Register to take the TEAS entrance test. Instructions are found on the  Health Sciences main web page (Entrance Testing Resources ). The TEAS test can be taken virtually or in person. You must register to take the TEAS through ATI (www.atitesting.com). The TEAS test must be taken within the last 18 months and can only be taken 2 times 45 days apart during the application year. Must be taken prior to April 1st AND must be sent to us directly from ATI, not the student.
6. Must be 18 years of age at the start of the program
7. It is the applicant’s responsibility to verify that all necessary information has been received.  Received information can be verified via the PN program application.  If all information is not received by the deadline, the applicant will not be considered for admission into the program.
8. All applicants will be notified by letter of conditional acceptance or non-acceptance by the middle of May.  Letters of conditional acceptance will include information regarding a required orientation in mid-June.

No applicant will be considered unless the minimum admission requirements are met. Admission requirements are evaluated by the use of a rating scale which includes ACT scores, GPA, entrance test scores, previous degrees awarded, health care background/experience, and performance on core courses.  The number of applicants accepted is limited due to the nature of the program.

All applicants will be notified of their conditional acceptance or non-acceptance to the program. If an applicant is selected for the program, they will receive a conditional acceptance notification with specific instructions regarding all requirements that must be completed prior to August admission. These requirements are listed below:

• Completion on Anatomy & Physiology I (BIO 2513/2511) and Anatomy & Physiology II (BIO 2523/2521) with a grade of "C" or better within the last 5 years to be exempt from Body Structure and Function (PNV 1213)
• Satisfactory completion of AHA-BLS Provider CPR course taught during the summer
• Satisfactory completion of Mat (MAT 1102) during the summer, if indicated by entrance test scores
• Satisfactory background check performed by our office
• Acceptable pre-admission drug screen performed by our office
• Health Exam form completed and signed by a licensed health care provider
• A 2-step TB skin test is required for all new entering students.  The 2nd step must be completed within 21 days of 1st step.
  • The exception to this is if a returning student has had a negative TB skin test within the last 12 months.  This student will only require a 1-step TB skin test.
• A stamped/signed Form 121 Immunization Record must be submitted.  Shots required include:
  • Tdap booster within the last 10 years
  • Series of 3 Hepatitis B vaccinations
  • Series of 2 MMR vaccinations
  • Proof of Varicella immunity (either by series of 2 Varicella vaccinations OR Positive Varicella Titer)
  • Flu shot (given only during flu season before October 1st)

To view a copy of the Rating Scale for Practical Nursing, please click here.

Important Update: New Selection Rating Scale Starting with Applications for Academic Year 2025/2026

We are excited to announce the implementation of a new selection rating scale for the upcoming College of Health Sciences admission process. The new rating scale is designed to provide a more comprehensive evaluation of each applicant, considering a wider range of factors to ensure a holistic assessment.

What You Need to Do:

1. Review all admission requirements and guidelines.
2. Review the new selection rating scale for guidance in preparation for application.
3. Reach out to our office if you have any questions or need further assistance.

We understand that this is a significant change, and we are here to support you throughout the process. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.

Thank you for your attention, and we look forward to reviewing your applications!

Link to the updated PN Selection Rating Scale for academic year 2025/2026

The following core performance standards provide descriptions of basic cognitive, sensory, affective, and psychomotor requirements for successful Practical Nursing Program completion.  Applicants and students who cannot meet one or more of the standards will be considered on an individual basis in terms of whether reasonable modifications/accommodations can be made. Reasonable accommodations will be examined in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as well as the Core Performance Standards.

In order to successfully complete the Practical Nursing Program, an applicant/student must be able to do the following:

Demonstrate critical thinking sufficient for clinical judgment.  Examples:

• prioritize information and identify cause-effect relationships in the clinical setting
• analyze assessment findings and use findings to plan and implement care
• evaluate plan of care and make revisions as appropriate
• make decisions using logic, creativity and reasoning to make sound clinical judgments based on standards of nursing care
• demonstrate arithmetic ability to correctly compute dosages, tell time, and use measuring tools

Display interpersonal skills sufficient to interact with individuals, families, and groups in a variety of settings in the community.  Examples:

• respect differences among clients and exhibit an attitude accepting of clients as individuals
• establish rapport in order to communicate effectively with clients, families, significant others, and health team members
• work effectively in small groups as a team member and a team leader
• recognize crises and institute appropriate interventions to help resolve adverse situations

Demonstrate appropriate verbal and written communication skills.  Examples:

• speak English coherently to clients, families, and other staff members
• clearly explain treatment procedures and initiate health teaching for clients, families, or groups based on assessed needs, available resources, age, lifestyle, and cultural considerations
• provide clear, understandable written client documentation based upon proper use of the English language
• convey critical information to other caregivers through graphic, print, and/or electronic media in an accurate, timely, and comprehensible manner

Exhibit physical ability sufficient to assist clients to meet health care needs in a variety of settings, including moving from room-to-room, to maneuver in small spaces, and to negotiate stairwells when necessary.  Examples:

• physical mobility and strength sufficient to propel wheelchairs, stretchers, etc. through doorways and close fitting areas alone or with assistance
• stand, walk up to 75% of 6 to 12 hour shifts
• stoop, bend, squat, reach overhead as required to reach equipment and provide nursing care
• lift a minimum of 20 pounds of weight
• transfer/position up to 300 pounds with assistance while lifting, positioning, and transferring clients
• provide for activities of daily living (bed bath, oral hygiene, dressing, etc.)
• perform CPR satisfactorily and respond quickly in an emergency situation

Demonstrate gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to provide safe and effective nursing care.  Examples:

• demonstrate physical dexterity and coordination in delivery of care, treatment, and medications
• hold skin taut with one hand while inserting needle in skin or vein with other hand and perform other procedures requiring the use of 2 hands
• pick up, grasp, and effectively manipulate small objects such as dials, syringes, switches
• calibrate and use equipment
• maintain sterile technique when performing sterile procedures

Display auditory, visual, and tactile ability sufficient to safely assess and care for clients.  Examples:

• hear monitors, alarms, emergency signals, lung/heart sounds, bowel sounds, and cries for help, telephone, intercom interactions, and public address systems (codes)
• perceive and receive verbal communications from clients, families, and health team members
• read written words and information on paper and computer screens, small print, gauges, measuring cups, syringes, and other equipment
• discriminate colors; changes in color, size and continuity of body parts
• discriminate alterations in normal body activities such as breathing patterns and level of consciousness
• observe hazards in environment (water spills, safety rails, restraints) and harmful situations
• perform physical assessment: palpate pulses, feel for heat or cold, tap body surfaces

A student may be considered for readmission to a specific health science program one time only. This applies to courses in any respective health science program, whether at MDCC or at another institution. The only exception may be: a student who had a passing grade in the classroom and clinical setting, but was forced to withdraw due to illness, accident, pregnancy, or family crisis may be considered for a second readmission. If an applicant has ever attended another health science program a letter of good standing from their former school’s program must be sent following MDCC’s program application instructions. A letter of good standing indicates that the student is eligible for immediate readmission into the former program of study.

Each student requesting readmission into a health science program will be considered on an individual basis.  The student should contact the appropriate program director/supervisor for the readmission procedure. Space must be available in the class and clinical setting. No precedent will be set by the decision of an admissions committee.

At the discretion of the Dean of Health Sciences, with the recommendation of the Admission Committee, a student requesting readmission to a Health Science program may be required to take a challenge exam to assess placement. Per program policy, it may be necessary for the applicant to repeat courses.

If an MDCC Health Science student is academically unsuccessful in their program of study and not eligible for readmission, the student may have one transfer to an alternate MDCC Health Science program. Students will be held to the readmission policies of the program.  OR

If an MDCC Health Science student is academically unsuccessful in their program of study and not eligible for readmission, the student will be eligible for one additional consideration of readmission after a waiting period of up-to three (3) years from last date of attendance. This shall not bar those applicants who wish to reapply beyond the aforementioned time-period so long as it is their first readmission application. The student must follow all readmission requirements as outlined in the program’s handbook.

Any MDCC student who was unsuccessful and not eligible for readmission due to non-academic dismissal will be eligible for one additional consideration of readmission after a waiting period of up-to five (5) years from last date of attendance. This shall not bar those applicants who wish to reapply beyond the aforementioned time-period so long as it is their first readmission application. The student will be held to the program’s readmission polices as outlined in the program’s handbook.

Any applicant who has ever been accepted and attended a Health Science program at another institution of higher learning and has been unsuccessful more than once will be eligible for one additional consideration of readmission after a waiting period of up-to five (5) years from last date of attendance. This shall not bar those applicants who wish to reapply beyond the aforementioned time-period so long as it is their first readmission application. The student will be held to the program’s readmission polices as outlined in the program’s handbook.

Please Note:

This estimate of costs is meant to be used only as a guide to students, parents, and sponsors.  The figures are based upon previous school year averages and are not binding on the college or the nursing program.

In addition to these estimates, students will incur expenses related to travel necessary for clinical laboratory experiences.  All students are responsible for their own transportation to class and healthcare agencies utilizes in the program’s curriculum. All costs are approximate and subject to change without notice and tax is not included.

Click here for Program Cost