Admission to JSCC FAQs

When applying to JSCC, do I select “transient” or “transfer”?

Students applying to JSCC with the intent to apply to the UAB/JSCC Joint Program option must select “Transfer“. Upon
admission to the Joint Program option, a student’s major code will be changed. Admission status will be updated each
semester based upon completion of program requirements.

Can a student apply to JSCC while attending another college?

Students applying to the Joint Program option may continue to take courses at another institution until the actual start
of NUR 112. Official transcripts should initially be sent upon application to JSCC. If taking courses elsewhere the
semester before potential admission, students must send an updated transcript prior to the day before they would
begin nursing courses. For example, if applying for fall admission, transcript should be sent by May 12 (end of spring)
and an updated transcript sent at the end of summer semester.

Do I have to apply to UAB and send transcripts and ACT scores?

If you intend to apply for JE admission, you should complete UAB’s online admission application at least 1 term before
you apply for admission to JE, i.e., if you are applying for fall JE admission, you would need to have everything
completed for UAB admission by the end of the prior spring term. Both UAB and JSCC will need official copies of your
transcripts from all colleges you have attended. Only JSCC will need your ACT scores.

Joint Enrollment Application FAQs

How long are ACT scores valid?

JSCC’s Nursing Program does not have a time limit on ACT scores.

What is the ACT residual?

The ACT residual is the same test as the national ACT. The results are expedited to meet admission deadlines. We accept ACT residual results from all Alabama community colleges.

Can I use an ACT Superscore?

JSCC does not currently evaluate ACT Superscores.

How often can I take the ACT?

The ACT (national or residual) test can be taken every 60 days. You can make an appointment to take the ACT Residual
through the following Testing Office link: https://library.jeffersonstate.edu/testing or via phone to the Jefferson Campus at
(205) 856-7896 or the Shelby Campus at (205) 983-5276 to make an appointment.

I already have a degree already – do I have to take the ACT?

All Joint Program applicants MUST take the ACT. The ACT represents a large portion of admission ranking. No other tests will be utilized for admission ranking including TEAS, GRE, MAT, etc.

How many points do I need to get into the program?

A total of 58 ranking points is possible. Admission is based on the pool of applicants each admission term; therefore,
some semesters are more competitive than others. You only compete with students applying for the same admission
time. If you are not accepted one semester, we encourage you to apply again. JSCC does not have a nursing program
waiting list. See the JE Nursing Application Checklist and Ranking Score for a detailed list of how the ranking score is
calculated.

Can certifications from other colleges/universities be used for ranking points?

Only certificates obtained through JSCC can be used for ranking. Students can only claim a total of 2 points for either a
JSCC certificate or a bachelor’s degree.

Do I receive any credit for having achieved a bachelor’s degree?

Students with documentation indicating a bachelor’s degree has been awarded will receive 2 points. Students can only
claim a total of 2 points for either a JSCC certificate or a bachelor’s degree.

Can I apply if I have been previously unsuccessful in a nursing program within the past 2 years?

We want students to have the best chance at success in our program. Students with a previous unsuccessful nursing
attempt are strongly encouraged to apply to our traditional program instead. The JE program adds more workload and
increases the level of difficulty. Students in this situation also will not be eligible for the 7 ranking points awarded for a
first-time nursing student. This loss decreases your rank and competitiveness for the JE program.

When are the “Are You Ready for Nursing” sessions scheduled?

Several “Are You Ready” sessions are scheduled each term. Dates will be posted on the website. Attending an RUR session will provide you with one ranking point for admission.

https://www.jeffersonstate.edu/traditional-nursing-program/are-you-ready-for-nursing-school/

Is the UAB/JSCC Joint Enrollment option available on all campuses every semester?

Joint Program students are admitted on the Jefferson Campus every fall and spring. We are admitting students to the
Shelby Campus fall 2024. Stay tuned for 2025 updates.

Do all non-nursing courses need to be completed before applying to the nursing program?

All general education courses must be completed prior to the term the student is applying for admission. EX. For fall
admission, all general education courses must be completed by the end of the summer term. Transcripts must be sent
prior to the application deadline to ensure timely evaluation.

How many students are accepted into the Joint Enrollment option each year?

The Joint Enrollment option currently admits approximately 10-20 students each Fall and Spring admission. This is
subject to change based upon resources and clinical placement opportunities.

What are the Joint Nursing Program option’s nursing application deadlines?

All JE applications must be in by 4:30 p.m. on the deadline dates listed below:

• Fall: May 10
• Spring: September 27

I’ve turned in my application. How do I check on the status?

Application evaluations will not begin until after the application deadline. All applicants will receive an email regarding
their admission status via JSCC email. Students are strongly encouraged to check their JSCC email multiple times each
week following the application deadline. Once admitted, students will be given a reply deadline to accept or decline
their admission – usually required within 5 days of admission offer email. Admission placement may be forfeited if this
reply deadline is not met. Please do not call the Nursing Office or advisors to ask about status – just keep checking your
emails!

How will I know if I’m not accepted into the nursing program?

All applicants, whether accepted or declined, will receive an email to your JSCC email account.

Admission to the nursing education program is very competitive. Meeting admission criteria does not guarantee
admission. Students are encouraged to work with the pre-program nursing advisors to determine how to make you
more competitive for the next admission cycle.

What happens after admission to the Joint Enrollment option?

Can I continue to work full-time and be in the nursing program?

While the nursing program does not restrict students from working, we strongly encourage students to consider the
substantial amount of time it will take to complete all UAB and JSCC nursing course assignments. Schedules are also
impacted by family and other “life” responsibilities. Successful completion of the nursing program requires attendance
for lecture, lab, and clinical assignments. Having to work is not an excused absence for a required nursing activity or
assignment. Work hours have been one of the major factors contributing to students being unsuccessful in the nursing
program. Careful consideration should be given to work versus school.

The meeting times and days for nursing courses vary throughout each semester. Students should plan on being
available most Mondays thru Fridays for lecture/lab. In addition, students are required to complete clinical experiences
occurring anywhere in the central Alabama vicinity. Clinical assignments may be during the day, evening, or weekend.
While we try to arrange experiences to accommodate students’ requests, there are certain clinical dates that will require
participation outside of the usual daytime hours.

What expenses should I be prepared for after JE admission?

The following links outline costs for both JSSC and UAB: https://www.jeffersonstate.edu/traditional-nursing-program/curriculumcost-day-program-nur/

https://www.uab.edu/nursing/home/academics/undergraduate/joint-enrollment

Can I take more nursing courses than what is outlined in the curriculum since I have completed my prerequisites?

Students must follow the published five semester nursing curriculum for both UAB and JSCC. Each semester builds on prior nursing courses.

What happens if I am not successful in a nursing course at UAB and/or JSCC?

The Joint Enrollment Progression Guidelines require students to be successful in both UAB and JSCC nursing courses to
progress to the next semester.

JSCC nursing courses are the cornerstone of the JE option and must be completed successfully to continue with UAB
nursing courses. If unsuccessful in a JSCC nursing course, students may complete the UAB course they are
currently enrolled in. Once this semester is completed, students may not return to UAB nursing courses regardless of
progression at JSCC. Students must follow JSCC’s Progression Guidelines regardless of UAB course outcomes. If a
student is unsuccessful in a UAB course, they can continue in JSCC’s nursing program. Upon graduation from JSCC, the
student can then apply for one of UAB’s Nursing Mobility programs. Consult with UAB School of Nursing regarding
transferability of any UAB course completed while in the Joint Program option. Students may not reenter the Joint
Program option after an unsuccessful attempt in a UAB course.

If unsuccessful in both JSCC and UAB nursing courses, students must follow the JSCC Progression guidelines included in
the JSCC Nursing Student Handbook. Students may not progress at UAB if unsuccessful in either a JSCC or UAB nursing
course