Make a Difference on the Frontline of Healthcare

Registered Nurses (RNs) are the backbone of our healthcare system. Nurses work in almost every healthcare setting, from a doctor’s office to a hospital emergency room, senior care centers, schools, and specialty healthcare clinics. The demand for trained and qualified nurses is constant, and nursing careers provide opportunities to grow, specialize, and develop your expertise and skills to match your passion and interests.

Nurses perform a huge variety of healthcare tasks, focused on promoting, maintaining, and restoring health, as well as supporting individuals, families, and communities during times of illness or injury. They assess and monitor the condition of patients, provide medications and other treatments, consult with doctors and specialists, and work with families. They combine scientific knowledge, clinical expertise, clinical judgement and compassionate care to meet the physical, emotional and psychological needs of their clients.

As a nurse, you could work in a fast-paced emergency department, assist in surgery, work with patients at the bedside, support a medical clinic, or pursue a career in clinical research. You could work with patients of any age and specialize in any type of medical field.

As part of your nursing program, you will have the opportunity to explore different types of nursing jobs through a clinical experience. This will help you discover the area of nursing that interests you the most so you can build a rewarding career!

Faculty Contact

Dr. Heather Westerfield
Program Director
Health Professions and Athletics Center
Room 203M
410-827-5935
[email protected]

100%
NCLEX Pass Rate
3 out of last 4 years
11:1
Student-Faculty
Ratio Average
$$$$
Many Scholarships
Available

Nursing is one of the fastest growing occupations in the U.S. Employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 6 percent from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Why? There are several reasons, including an aging population and a large number in the workforce reaching retirement. This is an emotionally fulfilling and rewarding career with many tangible benefits.

This program will prepare you for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Upon passing the exam, you will be eligible for employment as a Registered Nurse.

The nursing: Registered Nurse A.S. degree program is for students who:

  • Want to become Registered Nurses
  • Want to begin or continue a career in healthcare
  • Important: Specific admission requirements apply for this program. Please see the College Catalog, speak to an advisor, or review the Admissions Guidelines for details. Selection is competitive and meeting the requirements for admission does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

The Registered Nurse Degree program will:

  • Facilitate proficiency in content knowledge and skills for the College’s general education competencies.
  • Prepare students in four broad program outcomes:
    • Human Flourishing: The graduate will advocate for patients and families in ways that promote their self – determination, integrity, and ongoing growth as human beings.
    • Nursing Judgment: The graduate will make judgments in practice, substantiated in evidence, that integrate nursing science in the provision of safe, quality care and promote the health of patients within a family and community context.
    • Professional Identity: The graduate will implement one’s role as a nurse in ways that reflect integrity, responsibility, ethical practices, and an evolving identity as a nurse committed to evidence-based practice, caring, advocacy, and safe, quality care for diverse patients within a family and community context.
    • Spirit of Inquiry: The graduate will examine the evidence that underlies clinical nursing practice to challenge the status quo, question underlying assumptions, and offer new insights to improve the quality of care for patients, families and communities.
  • Prepare students for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
  • Prepare students for successful careers in the nursing profession or for continued study of professional nursing education at the baccalaureate level.

Students are encouraged to contact the advising department when they become interested in applying for the nursing program to better ensure course requirements are met. All prospective nursing students must complete each of the following requirements by the application deadline in order to be considered eligible for admission to nursing courses:

  1. Graduation from an approved high school or GED. (Official transcript is required.)
    • Unless otherwise exempt, complete the College Accuplacer (Algebra) and Writeplacer (English) exams administered through the Testing Center. Students exempt from developmental math and English are able to register directly into the pre-requisite requirements for the nursing program.
  2. Complete prerequisite courses for the Nursing Program with a minimum of a “C” or better by the application deadline:
    • BIO 211, Anatomy and Physiology (4 credits)*
    • PSC 150, General Psychology (3 credits)
    • ENG 101, English (3 credits)
    • Math elective ( Mat 113, 115, 140, 204 ) (3,5,4 and 3 credits respectively)

*Bio 211 requires a Biology placement exam or completion of Bio 103 or Bio 111 or other appropriate exemption. Eligibility for the exam is obtained through the academic advising staff. Students that score greater than or equal to 70% may register directly into Bio 211. Students that score less than 70% need to register for BIO 103 either as a pre-requisite requirement to BIO 211 or as a co-requisite requirement to BIO 211.

Note: While not required, applicants are strongly advised to have BIO 212 (Anatomy & Physiology II) and BIO 202 (Microbiology) completed by the application deadline.

Note: Laboratory science and human growth and development courses taken 10 years or more prior to application for admission to the program will not be considered.

The application period for this program is from January 15 through May 25 for admission into the Fall cohort.

Admission to this program is limited, therefore, selection is competitive.

Application Process

Before You Begin

Review the item above “Am I ready to apply?” If you’re ready to begin the process, first, reach out to an advisor to make sure that you are on the right track to meet all program admission requirements.

Many students attend Chesapeake College as a “pre-nursing” student for a semester or two to fulfill all pre-requisites, and earn as many points as possible on their Nursing Application.

Apply to Chesapeake College

Completing the College’s online, general application is always the first step. Chesapeake is an open admissions institution, with start dates in spring, summer, fall and winter. Once your application has been submitted, you’ll receive an email confirmation with additional details for submitting your supplemental items, including information about Placement Testing (as needed), Official Transcripts, and other important documentation. (Check in your SPAM folder if you don’t see it in your inbox.)  Be sure that all of these items are submitted prior to the Nursing Application Deadline. 

Prepare for the Nursing Program Application

Complete any developmental course work prescribed through the placement testing process, as well as all prerequisite requirements before the Nursing Program Deadline.

If you currently hold a certification in an area of health professions (EMS, CNA etc.), provide documentation of the current certification to our Registration office AND be prepared to upload a copy of your current certification with the application, by the deadline.

Complete TEAS Exam

Complete the Nurse Entrance Examination (ATI TEAS) by May 25, 2025. DO NOT apply to the program until you have completed the TEAS. (More comprehensive information about the TEAS can be found below).

Complete the Nursing Program Application
Once you’ve applied to the College (step 1 above), you must also apply to the program. Admission to this program is a separate process from admission to the College, and is competitive, selective and based on established criteria.

Please complete the Nursing Program Application at the link below. New students are admitted in the fall semester only. The deadline for filing completed applications and submitting all required documentation is May 25, 2025. Applications will be accepted beginning one year prior to the date of anticipated admission.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

It’s never too early to explore the many financial aid and scholarship options available to you. Regardless of your financial situation, it is so important to first complete the Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA). Completing the FAFSA allows us to offer you the greatest possible amount of financial aid. Once your FAFSA is complete, be sure to apply for scholarships from the Chesapeake College Foundation. One application opens up the door to hundreds of potential scholarships.

Program Admission Decision

Students will be notified if a space is available by the first week of July, 2025 by the Director of the Nursing Program. Applicants are advised to save the date of July 15, 2025 for an orientation for all students accepted into the Fall 2025 nursing program. More information can be found below.

Pay & Prep

Pay either at the time of registration, or by the due date on your bill. Deferred tuition payment plans are available to students whose bills exceed $100. Before the semester begins, buy your textbooks and other needed supplies, check out the location of your courses, and get ready for your first day of class by attending a New Student Orientation session.

More Program Details

Program Mission: “The mission of the nursing department is to provide a sustainable and transformative educational experience. The nursing department prepares students for licensure eligibility, entry-level positions and continued education in nursing.”

Program Description: The Registered Nurse Degree curriculum provides the student with the basic knowledge and skills necessary for competent beginning level practice, including a balance of general education and nursing theory. Principles from the humanities and bio-psychosocial sciences are integrally related to nursing theory and research, and the learner is required to apply this knowledge to individuals, families, groups and communities in increasingly complex situations as they progress through the curriculum. Theoretical application takes place in a variety of planned clinical settings, and is viewed as an invaluable aspect of the educational process to obtain your Associate’s Degree in Nursing.

Students must earn a 75% average on all examinations in every course in the nursing program. This 75% average is calculated by taking the total number of points earned by the student on all unit, laboratory, and final exams divided by the total number of points possible for those same exams. Students who fail to pass the course examinations with an overall average of 75% or higher will not be able to progress in the program.

NCLEX Pass Rates Comparison
Fiscal Year Chesapeake College Maryland Average National Average
2020 93% 88% 88%
2021 100% 86% 84%
2022 95% 82% 80%
2023 100% 83% 83%
2024 100% 94% 92%

The Chesapeake College/MGW Nursing Program is fully approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing and the Maryland Higher Education Commission.

The associate degree nursing program at Chesapeake College at the Wye Mills campus located in Wye Mills, Maryland is accredited by the:
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, Georgia 30326
404-975-5000
www.acenursing.org

The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Chesapeake College/MGW Nursing Program is Continuing Accreditation. View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at www.acenursing.org/search-programs/

Professional Licensure Disclosure

NCLEX Pass Rates Comparison
Fiscal Year Chesapeake College Maryland Average National Average
2020 93% 88% 88%
2021 100% 86% 84%
2022 95% 82% 80%
2023 100% 83% 83%
2024 100% 94% 92%
NCLEX Pass Rates Comparison-
Advanced Pathway Students
2020 100%
2021 100%
2022 100%
2023 100%
2024 No Advanced Pathway
Graduates Testing
Completion Rates by Graduation
Year		 Advanced Pathway Students
Year Completed in 6 Semesters Attrition Year Completed in 3
semesters		 Attrition
2019 67% 33%
2020 60% 40%
2021 53% (6-8 semesters
COVID)		 47%
2022 70% 30%
2023 59% 41%
Completed in 4 semesters 2019 summer admission 4/7 42.8%
2021 44% 55% 2020- summer admission 1/1 0%
2022 60% 40% 2021- summer admission ¾ 25%
2023 48% 52% 2022- summer admission 2/4 50%
2024 36% 64% 2023 summer admission 0/1 0%
2025 2024 spring admission 0/2 (2 passed
NUR 131 but failed APUS)		 0%
Employment Rates 6
Months-Post Graduation
Graduation Year
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Number of Graduates 36 40 32 31 26 19
Number of Survey Respondents/
(Licensed)		 29 36 26 31 23 19
Return Percentage 80% 90% 81% 100% 88% 100%
Respondents Employed in
Nursing Full Time		 28 33 24 28 22 18
Respondents Employed in
Nursing Part Time		 1 2 0 0 0 1
Respondents Not Employed
in Nursing		 0 1 2 3 1 0
ELA Percentage (want 90%) 100% 97% 92% 90% 95% 100%
Represented Employers 5 15 8 8 5 (3 within the UM system) 8 (4 within the UM system)

All applicants need to be aware that enrollment in nursing courses is limited and therefore completion of all requirements does not guarantee admission to nursing courses. Applicants will be rank ordered for admission (highest to lowest) by the following selection criteria:

Criteria Points
PSC 150 1
ENG 101 1
Math elective
(MAT 113, 115, 140 or 204)		 A = 3
B = 2
C = 1
BIO 211 A = 3
B = 2
C = 1
*Pre-requisite GPA 3.75 – 4.0 = 5
3.5 – 3.74 = 4
3.25 – 3.49 = 3
3.0 – 3.24 = 2
2.5 – 2.99 = 1
TEAS 92% and Higher = 6
80% – 91.3% = 4
58.7% – 79.3% = 2
Less than 58.7% = 0
**Baccalaureate or Higher Degree 2
**Associate Degree 1
***Current certificate in area of Allied Health 0.5
MAT 113, 115 or 140 complete with a C or better 1
BIO 212 complete with “C” or better 1
BIO 202 complete with “C” or better 1

 

* Pre-requisite GPA is calculated from grades earned in PSC 150, ENG 101, Math, and BIO 211

**Applicants will earn points for one college degree

***Applicants will earn points (0.5) for one certificate and cannot earn additional points for more than one certificate.

Those students with the highest total of points will receive the first available spaces in the program. Students with equal point totals will be rank ordered by their overall prerequisite GPA, highest to lowest.

  • Residents of Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot County with 12 admission points or above will receive first consideration for any available spaces.
  • Residents outside the five county area with 12 admission points or above will receive second consideration for any available spaces.
  • Residents of Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties that have less than 12 admission points will receive third consideration if any spaces remain available. Admission will be provisional and contingent on completing additional requirements.
  • Residents outside the five county area with less than 12 admission points will not be considered for admission.

Students will be notified if a space is available by the first week of July, 2025 by the Director of the Nursing Program. Applicants are advised to save the date of July 15, 2025 for an orientation for all students accepted into the Fall 2025 nursing program. It is highly recommended that all those who receive a space plan to attend. Please plan summer vacations and activities around that date.

Final acceptance into nursing courses is contingent upon timely submission of the following:*

  • Health record validating sufficient stamina and mental stability to fulfill the requirements of the program and the customary requirements of the profession
  • Validation of immunization status, including the COVID-19 vaccine.
  • Certification in CPR as a health care provider
  • Completion of independent learning modules for clinical units
  • Satisfactory completion of a criminal background check and drug screening (please note that there are some medications that may preclude you from admission, even if you have a prescription for the medication) *Please do not submit these items until you have received more information about each of these requirements on July 15th.

 

Students not accepted may re-apply the following year for consideration.

Students who were admitted into the Nursing program, but were unsuccessful may Petition for Re-enrollment using this form.

Current Nursing students can find the 2024-2025 Nursing Student Handbook here.

Additional Nursing-specific questions? Contact Dr. Heather Westerfield at [email protected].

Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS)

The Test of Essential Academic Skills (ATI TEAS) is an assessment of basic academic knowledge in reading, mathematics, science and English and language usage.

All applicants to the Chesapeake College/MGW Nursing Program must complete the TEAS as part of the application process by May 25, 2025. The TEAS will be administered during the winter and early spring face-to-face or online through May 22, 2025. The exam provides feedback in several academic areas and the overall score on the exam will be used as part of the selective admissions process. Those who have not completed the TEAS by May 25, 2025 will be ineligible for Fall 2025 admission. TEAS scores must be received at the office for Health Professions by May 25, 2025.

The TEAS will be administered during the winter and spring face-to-face and online. Applicants should register for the exam immediately as no additional testing dates will be added to accommodate those that wait until April or May to register for the exam. There are plenty of dates to choose from.

2025 Dates for the ATI TEAS

TEAS Dates 2025 Nursing
Face-To-Face in Testing Center (maximum of 5 students per session) February 10, 2025-May 13, 2025
10:30 am on Thursday
May 14, 2025 – May 22, 2025
10:30 am Tue, Wed & Thursday
Online (no limit as to number of students per session) Be sure to sign up for the ATI Nursing TEAS exam. Choose Chesapeake College as an option to receive your results (results MUST be sent from ATI to be included in your application)
https://www.atitesting.com/

You will have the option to take the TEAS in person at the Chesapeake College Testing Center, or online (from home, office etc.) using a proctoring service. PLEASE NOTE – if you take the TEAS online there will be an additional fee of approximately $5.

Students must visit the ATI Website to purchase and register for the TEAS.

If you take the TEAS online it will be administered and proctored remotely. Students should plan on about four hours to complete the TEAS. Individuals need to present a valid photo ID and have their ATI username and password handy. Cell phones must be put away during the TEAS. A four-function calculator is built into the exam.

A complete student guide is available here.

Students are required to pre-pay and pre-register for the TEAS. The cost is approximately $120.00. An additional fee of approximately $5 will be charged if you are using the remote online testing option. Costs are subject to change without notice.

Chesapeake College will be offering a free “Back to Basics” workshop in the early spring through the academic support center. You can register for “Back to Basics” starting in mid-January, using the Trac Cloud scheduler. Email [email protected] for more information.

In addition, ATI offers a study manual “Study Manual for the Test of Essential Academic Skills,” two practice assessments, and a smart prep course for a cost at www.atitesting.com. The TRIO program may pay for this study prep for their students.

Each applicant may take the TEAS once during the year they wish to be admitted. Therefore, applicants that wish to be admitted in the Fall of 2025 may take the exam once between May 26, 2024 and May 25, 2025. If an applicant would like to apply again in 2025, they must repeat the exam between May 26, 2024 and May 25, 2025. If an applicant takes the TEAS more than once in an admission cycle, the score on the first TEAS will be utilized for admission purposes.

Applicants test scores will be available online at www.atitesting.com. Applicants must log into the ATI website to obtain their test scores. If applicants cannot remember their username/password or if they cannot locate their test scores, they will need to contact ATI at the phone number listed on their web site. Chesapeake College will have access to the scores.

The TEAS is not a pass or fail exam. Students completing the ATI TEAS will receive points based on their overall exam score as designated in the admission selection process information.

Note from the Director

“Nursing is an exciting career that can take you wherever you want to go and wherever your interests lie. You might want to work in a hospital, in a third world country, in nursing education, in an operating room, on rescue flights, with infants, with the elderly -the sky is the limit.”

As a nursing student at Chesapeake College, you will be learning in the classroom, of course, but you will also be learning in our new state of the art simulation labs. Our labs are designed to provide you with a genuine life like, thought provoking learning experience. You will have the opportunity to actively participate in scenarios that would take a life time to replicate in the real world. All are designed to get you ready to enter practice as a safe and effective nurse. Our goal is to prepare you for a variety of challenging practice settings. Stimulating learning activities in the classroom, in the lab, and in challenging clinical experiences will support you in your quest to earn your RN licensure (NCLEX-RN). Nursing requires education throughout your life time and we whole heartedly support lifelong learning. Chesapeake College/MGW Nursing has joined with partner universities and colleges and will assist you in smooth transfer options to achieve your Bachelors in Science in Nursing.

Heather Westerfield

Dr. Heather V. Westerfield

Director of Nursing Program

equipped for the FUTURE

Start Here. Go Anywhere.

Chesapeake’s degrees transfer where you want to go.

If specific transfer agreements for this program are in place, they will be listed below.
Not seeing your dream university listed here? No worries! Chances are, we can create a transfer agreement specific to your needs. Our advisors will help you plan every credit on your way to your bachelor’s degree.

Apply for Scholarships

This program qualifies for many of our institutional scholarships. Complete one application, and be considered for hundreds of potential scholarships. Make sure to complete your FAFSA as well to receive as much funding as possible.

A registered nurse associates degree can help open the door to your next career. Scroll through the options here to explore careers in healthcare, including projected growth in our five-county service area, and average salary information.

you belong HERE

Build your skills outside the classroom—join one of our clubs and organizations, or create your own!

Alpha Delta Nu – Nursing Honor Society

An invitation only honors society for nurses.

Astronomy Club

Calling all Stargazers!

Game Club

Relax and recharge at game club meet-ups!

Hispanic/Latino Student Union

Encourage others and celebrate culture in the Hispanic/Latino Student Union.

InterVarsity

Build each other up in faith and life at InterVarsity Club.

IPMS Club

Come join our local chapter of the International Plastic Modelers Society - a plastic modeling club that learns from the past with eyes on the future!

Kappa Delta Pi

What do Albert Einstien, George Washington Carver, and Eleanor Roosevelt all have in common? They were members of KAPPA DELTA PI, the community of educators dedicated to excellence, scholarship, and service!

Peake Players

Come join us on the mainstage! Peake Players welcomes and trains all actors to perform in a faculty-directed production.

Phi Theta Kappa

Phi Theta Kappa is the premier international honor society for two-year colleges.

Pride Club
Rad Tech Club

Rad Tech Club - for Chesapeake Rad Tech students!

Student Athletic Advisory Council

The SAAC represents the voices of student-athletes at Chesapeake College.

Student Athletic Advisory Council (SAAC)

The Student Athletic Advisory Council represents the student-athletes’ voice at Chesapeake College.

Student Government Association

Be a part of planning campus events and have a voice in College policy with the SGA!

Student Mental Health Organization

Be a part of prioritizing student mental health!

Student Nursing Organization

The Student Nursing Organization cultivates community, leadership skills, and self-direction for Chesapeake Nursing students!

Surgical Tech Club

Surgical Tech students can experience additional learning opportunities and social events!

UHURU

UHURU works to promote and preserve the history and culture of African Americans, and unity among the diverse student body at large.

Writing Club

Brainstorm, share ideas and connect with fellow scribblers!

related PROGRAMS

connect to WHAT’S NEXT