Nursing
Program Description
Nursing is a career that combines both art and science. Nurses directly care for patients and their families in a variety of settings. While nursing is a highly-sought after career by many, those that are most likely to be successful choose nursing because they care about and want to help others.
Nurses must possess a wide variety of knowledge, skills, and abilities. They must be knowledgeable about disease processes that impact patients across the entire lifespan. They have to perform technical skills such as intravenous catheter insertion. They also need to be able to empathize with patients and families to understand what they are going through. Nurses will see life begin with the birth of a baby and will be with patients as they take their last breath.
While nurses commonly work in the hospital or acute care setting, there are many other settings nurses can work in such as long term care facilities, schools, clinics or doctor’s offices, correctional institutions, mental health care facilities, and drug and alcohol abuse treatment centers. No matter where a nurse works, the goal is to provide safe quality care in a manner that demonstrates respect for persons and their individual needs.
The VGCC Nursing programs prepare students for a career in nursing by providing instruction in the classroom, SimLab, and clinical settings. Students practice skills that will be used in clinical in the SimLab first using manikins and other equipment. Students also participate in clinical simulation in the SimLab in which scenarios that the student may encounter as a nurse are created using high-fidelity manikins and equipment. Each semester, students are assigned a clinical rotation in which they provide care to patients and their families in different settings under the guidance of an RN clinical instructor or preceptor. Students participate in clinical in all of the following areas: medical-surgical; mother-baby; pediatrics; mental health; and community health. Our clinical sites include local agencies such as Maria Parham Health, Granville Health Systems, and the Granville-Vance Health Department, as well as large teaching hospitals such as Duke University Health System and UNC Hospitals.
Contact
KIMBERLY
ROBERTSON
Academic Advisor
SOUTH CAMPUS - Creedmoor
Room:
G1103-B
(252) 738-3526
| Program Name | Credit Hours | Program Type |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree Nursing A45110 (Course Sequence) | 71 | |
| RIBN (ADN/BSN) A10300S/A45110 (Course Sequence) | 69 | |
| LPN to ADN Transition A45110 (Course Sequence) | 63 | |
| Practical Nursing Diploma D45660 (Course Sequence) | 43 |
Degree
Diploma
Certificate
Workforce Training
Program Details
In order to work as a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in North Carolina, students must complete a nursing educational program and then apply for licensure with the North Carolina Board of Nursing. A component of obtaining a license as an RN or LPN is passing the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX). Graduates of an RN program take the NCLEX-RN and graduates of a PN program take the NCLEX-PN. In addition, graduates must have a background check conducted prior to the North Carolina Board of Nursing issuing a license as an RN or LPN.
Application Deadlines
Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Program (TEAS ≥ 58%)
Begins Fall 2025
Application Dates: November 1st, 2024 – March 31st, 2025
Acceptance/Alternate/Denial Letters: April 2025
Practical Nursing (PN) Program (TEAS ≥ 58%)
Begins Spring 2026
Application Dates: May 1st, 2025 – September 30th, 2025
Acceptance/Alternate/Denial Letters: October 2025
LPN to ADN Program (RN Fundamental ≥ Level 1)
Begins Spring 2026
Application Dates: May 1st, 2025 – September 30th, 2025
Acceptance/Alternate/Denial Letters: October 2025
Additional Requirement: RN Fundamentals score must be Level 1 or higher
RIBN Program
Application Deadline: March 31st, 2025
The School of Health Sciences (SHS) strives to provide admission processes that are fair and equitable for all students who have the desire to become healthcare professionals. Additionally, we have an obligation to set our students up for programmatic success and board passage.
The SHS admission processes for the nursing programs will select students based on the completion of the listed minimum requirements and on a first completion basis. If one of the nursing programs is your desired program of study it is important that you begin the process now.
We recognize that no one process is perfect; however, we will continue to monitor our processes to improve and to ensure equitable opportunities for all applicants. Please read the admission requirements very carefully and follow the instructions as directed.
Application Instructions – Overview
Vance-Granville Community College offers three distinct nursing programs: the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Program, the Practical Nursing (PN) Program, and the LPN to ADN Program. The following outlines the application requirements and process for each of these programs. The below overview does not include RIBN instructions. All information regarding RIBN will be included in a separate section for RIBN application processes.
Minimum Application Requirements
- GPA Requirement
- All applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale.
- TEAS Score Requirement
- Applicants must achieve a TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) score of 58% or higher.
- Point System
- Admission to the Nursing Programs is competitive and based on a points system. Points are awarded based on a variety of factors, including certificates, degrees, course completion grades, and other academic achievements. For detailed information on how points are awarded, please refer to the Nursing Minimum Admission Review (PDF, 173 KB), also available through the Academic Advisor.
- In the event of a tie in points, the applicant with the highest GPA will be given preference.
- Course Expiration Policy
- Please note that all Biology (BIO) courses must have been completed within the last 10 years to be eligible for points in the admissions process.
LPN to ADN Additional Requirement: RN Fundamentals score must be Level 1 or higher
Steps to Apply
- Apply to VGCC
- If you are not already a student, you must first apply to Vance-Granville Community College. This can be done through the VGCC Admissions Office or apply to VGCC online via CFNC.
- Meet with an Academic Advisor
- Schedule and attend a meeting with an academic advisor. The advisor will assist you in planning your course of study and ensuring you meet all prerequisite requirements for the nursing program to which you are applying.
- Attend a Mandatory Nursing Information Session
- It is mandatory to attend a Nursing Information Session. These sessions provide critical information about the nursing programs, the application process, and what to expect if accepted.
- Nursing Information Session Sign-Up (Microsoft Forms)
- Complete the Nursing Program Application
- Submit a completed application for the specific nursing program you are interested in. The application form can be obtained from the Nursing Department or downloaded from the VGCC website during the application period.
- Submit All Required Documentation
- Ensure that all necessary documents (e.g., transcripts, TEAS scores, proof of GPA) are submitted by the specified application deadlines.
Important Notes
- Application Submission: All application materials must be submitted by the specified deadlines. Late applications or incomplete submissions will not be considered.
- Communication: Keep an eye on your email and postal mail for communication from VGCC regarding your application status.
- Nursing applicants were required to complete BIO-163 (PN applicants), BIO-168 & BIO-169
(ADN, LPN to ADN Transition and RIBN applicants), PSY-150 and ENG-111, prior to applying to
the program. - The above overview does not include RIBN instructions. All information regarding RIBN will be included in a separate section for RIBN application processes.
For further assistance or more detailed information, please contact the VGCC Nursing Department or your Academic Advisor. Good luck with your application!
Relevant Documents
- Nursing Admission Instructions 2025 (PDF, 229 KB)
- 2025 Nursing Minimum Admission Review (PDF, 175 KB)
- Nursing Program Re-Entry Procedure (docx)
Note: Health Insurance is required for all students enrolled in the Nursing Programs. It is recommended that students obtain Health Insurance prior to being accepted into the program as the Open Enrollment Dates do not correlate with our admission dates. Students without health insurance at the start of the program will be unable to remain enrolled in the program. For information on obtaining health insurance, please see the Resources tab.
Deadline
Deadline for application to VGCC for Fall Admission to the RIBN Program is by 3 p.m. in person or by 11:59 p.m. online on March 31st. Applicants will be placed into a Pre-Health Curriculum (Associate in General Education-General Science A10300S), until selected into the program.
RIBN Academic Advisor: Pierce-Cappetta, Veta Success Center Campus Coordinator/Counselor
FRANKLIN CAMPUS – Louisburg Room: F1111-D
(252) 738-3603
[email protected]
Admissions Procedures – Short Overview
Full Admissions and Selection Process Overview (PDF)
Students are admitted to the RIBN program (A10300S/A45110) in accordance with policies set by VGCC. Each applicant is required to meet the minimum admission eligibility requirements as set by the College. Meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission into the program, only an opportunity for consideration. Completion of the VGCC RIBN program does not guarantee success in passing the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX®).
The selection process for this program includes: Application to VGCC, PROGRAM APPLICATION Completion (must be completed for consideration for the Associate Degree Nursing Program), Points Allocation, and Acceptance Status. Regulations, procedures, and course requirements are subject to change as necessary and without prior notice.
Note: This program is offered at the Main Campus in Henderson. Students may be required to travel to NC A&T State University in Greensboro while enrolled in the RIBN program.
NC A&T Admissions Requirements
- Completion of the SAT or ACT.
- A composite score of 1010 or higher is required for the SAT.
- A composite score of 20 or higher is required for the ACT.
- High School unqeighted GPA of 3.0 or higher is required.
- Official test scores and high school transcripts are required to be sent to NC A&T University.
VGCC Nursing Program Requirements
- Completion of TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) with a score of 58% or higher.
- Cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
- Completion of the program application by March 31st, 2025.
- Application to NC A&T will be completed after being notified of acceptance into the RIBN program at VGCC.
Steps for Application
- Apply to VGCC. Designate RIBN/ADN as the desired program of study. Deadline for application to VGCC for Fall Admission to the RIBN Program is by 3 p.m. in person or by 11:59 p.m. online on March 31st. Applicants will be placed into a Pre-Health Curriculum (Associate in General Education-General Science A10300S), until selected into the program.
- Test scores or developmental coursework must be completed within five years of the program application deadline. Students must meet the VGCC admission requirements for College Ready in English and DMA-010 – DMA-050 in order to be considered for the RIBN program.
- Meet with the nursing advisor to complete the program application. The following is required as a part of the program application:
Dr. Brande McILroy, DNP, RN
Nursing Faculty – Associate Degree Nursing Program
Vance-Granville Community College
Dr. Brande McILroy, joined the Vance-Granville Community College Nursing Faculty in 2017 bringing with her a strong foundation in patient care and a passion for nursing education. She earned her Doctorate of Nursing Practice -Educational Leadership from Post University and her Master of Science in Nursing from California State University Dominguez Hills
Dr. McILroy has over 38 years of clinical experience in critical care nursing, with a focus on patient safety, interdisciplinary collaboration, and evidence-based practice. Her background in acute care settings informs her teaching, helping students make real-world connections between theory and practice.
At VGCC, she teaches in both the classroom and clinical settings, working closely with first-level nursing students. Dr. McILroy is committed to fostering clinical judgment and critical thinking skills in her students, preparing them for the demands of modern nursing practice. She actively participates in curriculum alignment and student evaluation processes, supporting the mission and outcomes of the ADN program.
Dr. McILroy is currently teaching skills and simulation to all levels of students in the Nursing program. She believes in creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment that promotes student engagement, professional growth, and lifelong learning.
Rosa Faulkner, BSN, RN, NCSN
Nursing Faculty
Vance-Granville Community College
Rosa Faulkner, BSN, RN, NCSN, is a dedicated nursing faculty member at Vance-Granville Community College with over 13 years of nursing experience. She is nationally certified as a school nurse in North Carolina and is pursuing her Master of Science in Nursing Education through the University of North Carolina Wilmington.
Since joining VGCC, Rosa has contributed to the Practical Nursing and Associate Degree Nursing programs. Her clinical background includes school health, community nursing, and acute care, which she draws upon to support student learning through real-world application and evidence-based practice. She is bilingual in Spanish and English and brings a grounded cultural perspective to the VGCC nursing program.
In addition to her classroom and clinical teaching responsibilities, Rosa assists in the simulation lab and supports students during open lab hours. She is passionate about helping students build clinical judgment, confidence, and critical thinking skills through hands-on, student-centered learning experiences.
Rosa believes that growth is continuous in an ever-developing healthcare environment. She remains committed to lifelong learning and strives to create a supportive, engaging, and challenging learning atmosphere that prepares students for success in the evolving world of nursing.
Leslie Parrott, BSN, RNC-OB, NCSN
Nursing Faculty – Practical Nursing and Associate Degree Nursing Program
Vance-Granville Community College
Leslie Parrott, BSN, RNC-OB, NCSN, brings over 25 years of diverse nursing experience to her role as a Nursing Instructor at Vance-Granville Community College, where she teaches in both the Practical Nursing (PN) and Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) programs. She is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Nursing Education at Post University.
A proud graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Leslie holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and is nationally certified in both Inpatient Obstetrics and School Nursing. Her extensive clinical background spans ICU, telemetry, case management, and discharge planning, obstetrics, mother-baby care, special care nursery, and school nursing. Leslie is also an American Heart Association (AHA) BLS Instructor.
At VGCC, Leslie is actively involved in classroom teaching and is integral to the Skills and Simulation Lab and clinical instruction. She is committed to helping students develop strong clinical judgment, hands-on skills, and critical thinking needed for today’s nursing practice.
Since joining the faculty two years ago, Leslie has remained dedicated to creating an inclusive, supportive learning environment that promotes student success and lifelong learning. She is passionate about mentoring the next generation of nurses and ensuring they are well-prepared to meet the demands of the ever-evolving healthcare landscape.
Dr. Nakisha Powell, DNP, MSN, BSN, RN, PMH-BC
Clinical Progression Specialist
Vance-Granville Community College
Dr. Nakisha Powell is a dedicated nursing professional with over a decade of experience in clinical care, nursing education, and healthcare leadership. She holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Healthcare Systems Leadership and serves as the Clinical Progression Specialist at Vance-Granville Community College. In this role, she oversees the coordination of clinical education across nursing programs, ensuring alignment with state and national regulatory standards.
Dr. Powell’s expertise spans care coordination, utilization review, mental health nursing, and quality improvement. She is board-certified in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing and is a certified instructor for Medication Aide and Personal Care Aide programs in North Carolina. Her commitment to student success and regulatory excellence guides her approach to fostering strong clinical partnerships and supporting innovative educational strategies. Passionate about patient-centered care and nursing advancement, Dr. Powell brings a data-driven and compassionate perspective to nursing education.
Kassie Felts, MSN, RN, CEN
Nursing Faculty Collaborator
Vance-Granville Community College
Kassie Felts, MSN, RN, CEN, joined Vance-Granville Community College (VGCC) in January 2023 as the Nursing Faculty Collaborator, bringing a wealth of clinical expertise and a deep passion for nursing education. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing Education from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Barton College.
With several years of experience as an Emergency Room nurse, Kassie continues to practice part-time in the ER while serving as a full-time faculty member at VGCC. She is a Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN), which complements her broad experience in high-acuity clinical settings. Her diverse clinical background allows her to integrate real-world insights into her teaching, fostering an understanding of critical care, patient safety, and emergency response strategies among her students.
As the Nursing Faculty Collaborator, Kassie works across all nursing programs at VGCC, including the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), Practical Nursing (PN), and Regionally Increasing Baccalaureate Nurses (RIBN) programs. She plays a key role in ensuring compliance with the North Carolina Board of Nursing (NCBON) and Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) standards. Kassie contributes significantly to the Comprehensive Program Evaluation, supporting continuous improvement efforts and helping maintain the highest standards in nursing education.
Kassie is dedicated to advancing nursing education through her work with faculty and students, ensuring quality teaching and learning outcomes. She remains committed to her professional development and believes in creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment that encourages student engagement, professional growth, and lifelong learning.
Dr. Kelly Eller, EdD, MSN, RN
Director of Nursing
Vance-Granville Community College
Dr. Kelly Eller is the Director of Nursing at Vance-Granville Community College, where she provides leadership and oversight for the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) and Practical Nursing (PN) programs. She has been a licensed Registered Nurse since 2008 and brings over 10 years of experience in nursing education, including classroom, online, and clinical instruction across multiple community college systems in North Carolina.
Dr. Eller holds a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership from Maryville University, a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a concentration in Clinical Research from The George Washington University, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from East Carolina University.
Her teaching portfolio includes pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, nursing concepts, and leadership in both ADN and PN programs. She has also led curriculum development efforts, accreditation preparation, and interdisciplinary clinical simulation initiatives. Prior to joining VGCC, she served as Program Director at Halifax Community College and supervised the Nurse-Family Partnership program in a multi-county collaborative—one of the first of its kind in North Carolina.
At VGCC, Dr. Eller leads program evaluation and quality improvement efforts, including implementation of strategies to enhance NCLEX performance, clinical judgment, and student progression. Her scholarly work, A Mixed Methods Study to Understand the Perceptions of ADN Graduates Concerning Nursing Faculty Attrition and the Impact on Student Success, was selected as the Editor’s Choice in the North Carolina Community College Journal of Nursing Innovation.
Dr. Eller is actively engaged in professional development through the ACEN Immersion Conference, the TPM Academy with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and national forums focused on innovation in nursing education. Her leadership style emphasizes collaboration, mentorship, and data-informed decision-making to ensure the success of students and faculty alike.
All students enrolled in the Nursing programs must have health insurance by the start of the semester. It is recommended that students obtain health insurance prior to being accepted into the program as Open Enrollment dates do not correlate with admission dates. Failure to have health insurance by the start of the program will require the student to be unenrolled from the program.
Links for Health Insurance Information:
- Student CCSI
- Cigna.com – Students and Young Adults
- eStudent Insurance
- VGCC Student Medical Form
- Job Hazards Information for Nursing
All students enrolled in the Nursing Programs must view this MRI Safety Video and complete the MRI Screening Form annually.
An estimation of the fees associated with the Nursing Programs and other important information can be found in the Nursing Programs Student Handbook (PDF, 549KB).
VGCC NA II Application for Listing
Students in the Associate Degree Nursing program are encouraged to join the VGCC Student Nurses’ Association (SNA) by signing up for membership in the National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA)
Students may be a part of the American Nurses Association and the North Carolina Nurses Association
RN to BSN Affiliated Program Information
EPSLOs for Practical Nursing Program
- Clinical Competence
- Outcome: Graduates will demonstrate safe, effective, and evidence-based nursing care in diverse healthcare settings.
- Patient-Centered Care
- Outcome: Graduates will provide compassionate, culturally competent care that addresses the needs of patients and their families.
- Professionalism
- Outcome: Graduates will exhibit professional behavior, ethical practice, and accountability in nursing practice.
- Communication
- Outcome: Graduates will utilize effective communication skills to interact with patients, families, and healthcare team members.
- Health Promotion and Maintenance
- Outcome: Graduates will promote health and wellness through patient education and preventive care strategies.
EPSLOs for Associate Degree Nursing Program
- Clinical Judgment and Evidence-Based Practice
- Outcome: Graduates will demonstrate clinical judgment and decision-making skills by applying evidence-based practices to provide safe, effective, and patient-centered care.
- Patient-Centered Care
- Outcome: Graduates will deliver holistic, compassionate, and culturally competent care that respects individual patient preferences, values, and needs.
- Professionalism and Ethical Practice
- Outcome: Graduates will adhere to professional standards and ethical principles, demonstrating accountability, integrity, and responsibility in all aspects of nursing practice.
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Outcome: Graduates will effectively collaborate with healthcare team members to provide coordinated and integrated care that improves patient outcomes
- Quality Improvement and Safety
- Outcome: Graduates will engage in quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient safety and healthcare outcomes, utilizing data to identify and address system-level issues.
- Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
- Outcome: Graduates will incorporate principles of health promotion and disease prevention in their practice to support the well-being of individuals, families, and communities.
Updated information as of 3/3/2025
As of January 1, 2025, the North Carolina Board of Nursing requires nursing programs to maintain an NCLEX® examination pass rate that meets or exceeds 90% of the national pass rate for first-time test takers.
Accreditation Status:
VGCC’s nursing programs are approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. The Associate Degree Nursing Program currently holds a status of “Fully Approved,” while the Practical Nursing program is “Approved with Warning.”
Additionally, VGCC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate degrees.
The college is exploring national accreditation and will apply for ACEN candidacy in 2025.
VGCC remains dedicated to continuously improving its nursing programs and student support services. We are committed to working closely with accrediting bodies and utilizing data-driven strategies to enhance our student’s success on the NCLEX examinations.
For more detailed information on NCLEX pass rates, please visit the North Carolina Board of Nursing’s official website.
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