Frequently Asked Questions and General Program Info

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Nursing Application

Eligible students may apply to Santa Fe Community College’s Nursing Program, through the application link.

When can I send in my application?

Spring Application cycle runs from July 15 through September 15. Fall Application cycle runs from December 15 through February 15.

Is there an application fee?

No fee is required for SFCC, but Nursing CAS has a $50 processing fee.

Who should I contact with questions once I start my application?
Contact the nursing office at 505-428-1323, or The Nursing Program Director: 505-428-1897, or the Nursing Program Academic Advisor: 505-428-1462.

What do I submit with my application?

  • Please submit a letter requesting admission to the SFCC Nursing Program.
  • Official transcripts from all schools you have attending (post high school) should be sent directly to the Registrar’s office at SFCC.
  • HESI A2 test scores. Official results must be directly sent to the Registrar’s office at SFCC if taken offsite.
  • Copy of your CPR/BLS card (American Heart Association only).
  • Copy of any certifications or licensures that are health care related: Medical assisting, CNA, EMT.

How are applicants selected for admission?

Admission is based mainly on the GPA of prerequisite courses and the results of the HESI Admissions test. Extra points are given for students living in the SFCC district, which is identical to the Santa Fe Public School District, for diversity, and for some previous medical experience.

Once Accepted: You will receive a request for copies of a current health history  with, physical, immunization records, and copy of current BLS/ CPR (American Heart Association only).

General Nursing Program Information

What credits will transfer from other schools?

Many courses will transfer from other accredited colleges and universities. Science and math classes should be evaluated by an SFCC advisor.

How do I transfer credits?

Official transcripts must be sent to the Registrar’s Office at SFCC.

I have copies of my transcripts. Will they do?

Copies of transcripts can be used for advisement, but official transcripts from all institutions attended must be sent to the SFCC Registrar’s office, and for BSN applicants, to the Registrar at the University of New Mexico.

I have not completed all my prerequisites. Can I still apply?

SFCC is a NMNEC affiliate, and follows the NMNEC Admission Criteria, (NMNEC Admission Criteria for the prerequisites to apply to the nursing program.)

How is my GPA calculated for admission to the Nursing program?

GPA is calculated from the NMNEC admission criteria prerequisite list of classes.

Is there a minimum GPA?

The minimum GPA for admission is 2.75. Admission is competitive. The average GPA for incoming students is between 3.2-3.5. To calculate your GPA, see our college catalogue “Grade Options”.

Can I test out of any courses?

CLEP is available for General Chemistry I and II and a variety of social behavioral sciences, humanities, and English courses. Placement testing for Math is available through the Testing Center.

Testing Center CLEP & DSST | Testing Center Placement Testing

Can I transfer from another nursing program into nursing classes or do I have to start the nursing classes over?

Students who wish to transfer from another NMNEC school will be accepted on a case by case basis, if space is available. Due to sequencing of courses and course content, transfers from non-NMNEC school will not be accepted.

What if I already have a bachelor’s degree?

Many general education requirements are waived for students who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field. An academic advisor in the SHEM can help you determine transferability of coursework and prerequisite requirements.

What is the difference between the AAS and the BSN?

More prerequisites and corequisites are required for the BSN option. Students also complete their nursing education portion over 5 semesters instead of 4. The students in the BSN option also have to meet the University of New Mexico general education and nursing education requirements. NOTE: BSN students will receive their financial aid through the University of New Mexico, starting their first semester in the nursing program.

How many nursing students are admitted each semester?

We currently admit varying numbers of students in fall and spring. Please see an advisor for the most current information.

If I start in the AAS track, can I move into the BSN track?

No. But students in the BSN track can move into the AAS track.

I understand there is an admission test. When can I take it?

SFCC uses the HESI admission test. The test can be taken twice per admission period, with a 28 day interval between tests. The minimum passing score must be a 75 overall and 75 for each section: math, science and English. To register for the HESI admissions test, click here. The scores are good for one year.

How can I prepare for the HESI admissions exam?

There are many HESI admissions exam prep materials available on-line. The publisher of the HESI exams also publishes a HESI Admission Assessment Exam Review, which includes practice questions, review of content, and on-line resources.  The HESI A2 exam, used for the NMNEC admission criteria, includes sections 1-6. The sections on Anatomy and Physiology and Physics are NOT included on the nursing admissions exam.