The U.S. healthcare system is currently facing an unprecedented nursing shortage due to the retirement of the Baby Boomer generation and increasing healthcare demands. Therefore, there has never been a better time to pursue a career as a Registered Nurse (RN). For those looking for the most efficient path, the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program at Bergen Community College (BCC) in New Jersey is an excellent choice. In this guide, we will explore the essential steps for BCC Nursing Admission to help you start your career.

Here is a detailed guide on the requirements and strategies for admission to BCC’s prestigious nursing program.

Practicing real-world nursing skills at the BCC lab

1. Academic Eligibility: Essential Prerequisites

Understanding the requirements for BCC Nursing Admission is the first step toward your goal. BCC determines academic eligibility based on a competitive process. Therefore, you must ensure you meet all prerequisites before applying:

• Minimum GPA: 2.50 or higher (on a 4.0 scale).
• Required Courses: High school or college-level Biology (with Lab), Chemistry (with Lab), and Algebra.
  • Tip: If your high school records are outdated, you can take equivalent courses at BCC (e.g., BIO-109, CHM-112).
• Science Recency: All science courses must have been completed within the last 5 years with a grade of ‘C’ or better.
• In-Person Lab Requirement: Since January 2022, all science prerequisites must include an on-campus lab component. Online labs are generally not accepted unless taken during the pandemic period (Spring 2020 – Fall 2021).

2. Day vs. Evening Program: Which is Right for You?

BCC offers two distinct tracks. In addition, choosing the right one is key to your success in becoming a USRN.

Category	Day Program	Evening Program
Start Term	Fall (September)	Spring (January)
Deadline	January 15th	September 15th
Requirements	Students can take corequisites alongside nursing courses.	All 6 general education corequisites must be completed before applying.

Note: The Evening program is ideal for those balancing work or family, but requires more preparation upfront.

3. The Entrance Exam: TEAS

Moreover, once you meet the eligibility criteria, BCC will invite you to take the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills). This exam measures your readiness for the nursing curriculum. Therefore, securing a solid score is crucial for a competitive application.

4. Background Check & Compliance

To ensure patient safety, BCC maintains strict compliance standards:

• Criminal History Background Check: Applicants must clear all background reports before BCC invites them to the entrance exam.
• Drug Screening: ** BCC Requires a drug screening** upon acceptance into the program.
• Certifications: You must hold a valid American Heart Association (AHA) CPR certification (Healthcare Provider level).

5. Nurse Cho’s Pro-Tips for Success

• Aim for ‘A’s: While a ‘C’ is the minimum, the high volume of applicants means you should strive for top grades in your science prerequisites.
• Communication is Key: Nursing requires independent and effective communication. Focus on mastering clinical English to collaborate seamlessly with healthcare teams.
• Time Management: The nursing workload is intense. In fact, consistent previewing and reviewing of materials are the secrets to surviving the program.

Conclusion

The path to becoming a USRN is open to everyone, regardless of age. If I could start this journey at 60, so can you. By following this guide and preparing diligently, you can turn your dream of being a Registered Nurse into a reality.

Need more details? You can find the full curriculum and syllabi in theBergen Community College Official Catalog.