Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ Category

What is your average age student?
FAQ Answer: Our average age student is 26. This age is the average for the past year. Although the average age fluctuates, it generally remains between 26 and 28.
What is the difference between an A.S. Degree University Parallel Major and an A.A.S. Degree Major?
FAQ Answer: The Associate of Science (AS) Degree is designed to meet a proposed baccalaureate major for the student who plans to transfer to a four-year college or university. The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree is constructed around majors and concentrations to provide students with the training needed to obtain a responsible position in their chosen fields of interest.
How do I know what books to purchase for my classes? Where can I purchase books?
FAQ Answer: You will need a copy of your class schedule listing the course(s) in which you are enrolled. Visit the DSCC website , click on the Current Students tab and the Bookstore link to look up the books to purchase. You may also visit the College Bookstore which is located on the main campus in Dyersburg and off-campus at the Gibson County Center and the Tipton County-Jimmy Naifeh Center.
When do the nursing classes start?
FAQ Answer:

Traditional class: Dyersburg classes begin in the Fall semester and classes at the JNC begin in the Spring semester.

LPN-RN class: Begins in May of each year.

Paramedic-RN class: Dyersburg classes begin in the Fall semester and classes at the JNC begin in the Spring semester.

What are the requirements for admission to the LPN-RN nursing program?
FAQ Answer:

You must have a GPA of 2.5 or above, successfully completed all Learning Support courses, taken the TEAS Exam, and completed a current nursing application. The pre-requisites are Anatomy & Physiology I, English Composition I and Introduction to Psychology. TEAS exam score is good for three years.

When is the nursing program application deadline?
FAQ Answer:

Traditional class:  Dyersburg campus application deadline is March 1 with courses to begin in the Fall. Jimmy Naifeh Center (JNC) at Tipton County application deadline is Sept. 1 with courses to begin in the Spring.

LPN-RN class:  Dyersburg campus application deadline is Dec. 31 with courses to begin in May. There is no LPN-RN class at the JNC.

Paramedic-RN class: JNC at Tipton County application deadline is Sept. 1 with courses to begin in the Spring. The Dyersburg application deadline is March 1 with courses to begin in the Fall.

What are the minimal requirements for admission to the traditional nursing program?
FAQ Answer: You must have a GPA of 2.5 or above, successfully completed all Learning Support (LS) courses, taken the TEAS exam, and completed a current nursing application. If you are not a current student at DSCC, you will also need to apply for admission as a student. If you have attended any other college or university, all transcripts must be forwarded to DSCC Admissions and Records as well as the Division of Nursing prior to the application deadline. The TEAS exam score is good for three years.
How is the nursing class selected?
FAQ Answer:

Traditional: To be considered for admission to nursing, you must meet all eligibility criteria. These include completion of all pre-college (LS) courses, GPA of 2.5 or above (nursing general education curriculum courses only), submission of an electronic application, and completion of the standardized preadmission test (TEAS). Points are calculated for applicants meeting eligibility criteria. The applicants with the highest points are selected. Points are awarded for the following: GPA; TEAS score (your score / 10); and general education courses (A&P I, English Composition I, and Introductory Statistics) with an A or B completed prior to application deadline will receive 1 point for each. Applicants with current healthcare experience can receive 1 point.

LPN-RN: To be considered for admission to LPN-RN Fast Track nursing, you must meet all eligibility criteria. These include completion of all pre-college (LS) courses, GPA of 2.5 or above (nursing general education curriculum courses only), submission of an electronic application, and completion of the standardized preadmission test (TEAS). Prerequisite courses that must be completed with a grade of C or better prior to the application deadline are Learning Support (if needed), Introduction to Psychology, English Composition I and A & P I. Points are calculated for applicants meeting all eligibility criteria. The applicants with the highest points are selected. Points are awarded for the following: GPA; TEAS score (your score / 10); and general education courses (A&P I, English Composition I, and Introductory Statistics) with an A or B completed prior to application deadline will receive 1 point for each.

Paramedic-RN: To be considered for admission to Paramedic-RN nursing, you must meet all eligibility criteria. These include completion of all pre-college (LS) courses, GPA of 2.5 or above (nursing general education curriculum courses only), submission of an electronic application, and completion of the standardized preadmission test (TEAS). Prerequisite courses that must be completed with a grade of C or better prior to the application deadline are Learning Support (if needed), Introduction to Psychology, English Composition I and A&P I. Points are calculated for applicants meeting all eligibility criteria. The applicants with the highest points are selected. Points are awarded for the following: GPA; TEAS score (your score / 10); and general education courses (A&P I, English Composition I, and Introductory Statistics) with an A or B completed prior to application deadline will receive 1 point for each.

When do I need to see an advisor?
FAQ Answer:

You must first follow the admissions process for the college (www.DSCC.edu). Once this is complete, an advisor will be assigned to you in order to assist in the registration of courses. Your advisor will be able to review your information and ACT/AccuPlacer scores and assist with an overall curriculum plan.

How many days a week is the Nursing Program?
FAQ Answer:

Traditional class typically meets 3 days a week on campus and 1 day a week in the clinical area. LPN-RN class typically meets 2 days a week on campus and 1 day a week in the clinical area. Paramedic-RN class typically meets 2 days a week on campus and 1 day a week in the clinical area.