Nursing Petition Process - FAQ

Why is the admissions process changing?
The Nursing program at CVTC is very popular and academically rigorous. History has shown that academic preparedness plays a major part in the success of students once they enter the core courses of the Nursing program. The petition process encourages applicants to complete many of the Science and General Education classes before entering the core Nursing classes, providing students with more control over their start date.

When will this new petitioning process begin?
The Fall 2010 class will be the first class to be admitted following the new petitioning process.

How does this new admissions process affect me if I am currently on the Nursing Waiting List?
With the new Nursing Petition Process, CVTC will no longer maintain a Nursing waiting list.  You will continue to be considered a pre-program Nursing student, and you will need to follow the new petitioning process to be considered for program admissionif you are not admitted by the January 2010 semester.

During the selection process, your wait list date will be used as an additional criterion for acceptance (following number of Science and other General Education courses completed) when your packet is reviewed by the Nursing Admissions Committee. This will happen for a transitional period of time to be fair to students who have been waiting.

How does this new admissions process affect me if I am a pre-program Nursing student but not currently on the Nursing Waiting List?
You will continue as a pre-program Nursing student. You should complete the requirements in Phase II that need to be done prior to petitioning for program admission.  Refer to the Admission Requirements on Nursing-Associate Degree page for further details.

How does this new process affect me if I am applying to the Nursing Program for the first time?
You will need to complete all the required admission steps in Phase I. You will then be accepted as a pre-program Nursing student. As a pre-program student, you can complete the requirements in Phase II that need to be done prior to petitioning for program admission. Refer to the Admission Requirements for the Nursing-Associate Degree for further details.

How does this new process affect me if I am an LPN?
This process will not impact LPNs who choose to enter the Nursing-Associate Degree program. Check out Advanced Placement admissions requirements for further information.

How do I know if I am ready to petition?
In addition to meeting the requirements outlined in the petition instructions, please consider the rigor of the program, how education fits into your life at this time, the amount of time you can dedicate to studying, child care arrangements, how you will pay for your education, and other factors that may affect your ability to succeed in a college degree program.  If you need assistance with this decision, please schedule an appointment with a CVTC counselor.

When and how can I petition?
You may petition for admission into the Nursing program during the periods listed below. The "Petition Application" form will be available on the CVTC website (http://www.cvtc.edu/pages/565.asp) one month prior to the due date.  Sample copies of the form will be available throughout the year for students to view.

The petition periods include the first two weeks in February for fall semester and the last two weeks in May for spring semester.

Incomplete petition packets, as well as those received before or after the petition periods, will not be considered and will be returned.

Whether you are applying for the Eau Claire or River Falls program, all required materials must be submitted together in one packet by the due date.  To ensure your packet is received by the deadline, you must drop it off in person at the CVTC Admissions Office, 620 W. Clairemont Avenue, in Eau Claire only.  There will be no exceptions. See our website for directions to the Business Education Center on the Eau Claire campus, http://www.cvtc.edu/pages/538.asp

You are strongly encouraged to make a copy of your petition packet for your records before submitting it to the College.

Am I guaranteed admission to the program when I submit a petition?
No. We anticipate receiving more petitions than can be accepted for a given term.

How will students be selected?
Students will be selected based on the following criteria in the order listed:

1. Consideration for program acceptance will be given to students based on the number of completed courses with a C or better. Students who have completed the following science courses will be deemed more program ready than those who have not:
   • 806-179 Advanced Anatomy & Physiology (C or better), and 
   • 806-197 Microbiology (C or better) 
2. Additional consideration toward program readiness will be given to those students who complete additional general education requirements such as: 
   • 801-195 Written Communications (C or better) 
   • 809-188 Developmental Psychology (C or better) 
   • 801-196 Oral/Interpersonal Communications or 801-198 Speech (C or better) 
   • 809-198 Introduction to Psychology or 809-199 Psychology of Human Relations (C or better) 
   • 809-196 Introduction to Sociology or 809-172 Race Ethnic and Diversity or 809-195 Economics or 809-197 Contemporary American Society (C or better) 
3. Applicants currently on the CVTC waiting list for Nursing will have their waiting list eligibility date considered as well.
4. Past petitioners who met all requirements in a previous petition will be given additional consideration.

Should a tie exist after all four considerations have been met, a random selection will be made.

Will in-process classes be considered during the selection process?
All applicants must have General Anatomy and Physiology completed. We recognize applicants may be working to fulfill other General Education course requirements. Priority will be given to applicants who have completed courses; however, consideration may be given to in-process courses.

How will I know if I am accepted?
The Admissions Office will notify you within 60 days of the final date of the petition period. The College will not address inquiries regarding individual petition status.

If I petition and I am not accepted, do I need to petition again?
Yes. The College will return petition packets (with the exception of official transcripts) to individuals who are not selected. To be considered for program admission for a future semester, applicants will need to submit a new petition packet during the next designated petition period.

If I am not selected, can I appeal the decision?
No. All decisions regarding acceptance or non-acceptance are final and cannot be appealed.  CVTC reserves the right to hold all decisions final.

If I am accepted, can I defer my acceptance to a future semester?
No. Students should only submit a petition when they are prepared to begin Nursing (543) program courses. If your petition is accepted and you choose not to begin, you will need to submit a new petition packet for a future semester.

Where can I obtain additional information regarding the petition process?
Additional information is available on the College’s website at the Nursing-Associate Degree program page. In addition, applicants are required to attend Nursing Information Sessions.

When are the Nursing Information Sessions?

The dates and times for the Nursing Information Sessions are available on the College website on the Nursing Associate Degree Program page.