Welcome New Nursing Students! 

GETTING STARTED:  

When is orientation? 

There is a required, on campus orientation session for all new students (ADN, Progression and PN programs) scheduled for Wednesday May 29, 2024.  You must attend one of two sessions:

0900-1100 

or

1600-1800

Location: M605

Check your email for an RSVP

Who will be there: 

You, Instructors, Healthcare Pathway Advisors, the Program Chairs and the Clinical Coordinator.  

What if I cannot attend the orientation sessions? 

Attendance at new student orientation is expected.  Essential and time sensitive information is explained during orientation so please plan accordingly.

Who do I ask if I have a CastleBranch question?  

Click on the CastleBranch button (above) or contact:

• Kristin MaierMerz, Student Services Specialist (Petition and Castlebranch specialist) maiermek@matc.edu at 414-297-6088 (direct line)  or

• Julie Murphy (Senior Specialist-Clinical Education & Compliance) at murphj26@matc.edu

Information about COSTS and UNIFORMS/SUPPLIES:

What supplies do I need? 

Click on the Important Information menu >  Textbooks and supplies 

Do I need a stethoscope? 

Yes.  A dual head (bell and diaphragm) stethoscope is required.  Here is some helpful information.

How much will everything cost?  

Besides tuition (which includes Nursing Central, HESI exams and Evolve) and textbooks (costs are approximate): 

Uniform: 75 dollars

Shoes: your choice per uniform policy

Stethoscope: 25 dollars and up

Blood pressure cuff: 15 dollars and up

Gait belt: 8-10 dollars if required

Penlight: 7-10 dollars

Bandage scissors: 7-10 dollars

Basic Calculator: 1-5 dollars

Clipboard/binders/notepaper: your choice

Watch with second hand: your choice

You can purchase many of these items from Amazon, the uniform vendor, MATC bookstore, TEMU, Goodwill, the Dollar Store/Target/Walmart. 

Do I need a uniform?  

Yes, you need a uniform for nursing school.  

We have a dedicated uniform vendor from whom you will purchase your uniform.  

Do not purchase your uniform elsewhere.  

Click on the button ("Uniforms") above for information about ordering your uniform and also to learn about the dress code.  

The uniform vendor will be at new student orientation - you can try on and purchase your uniform on this day.  Bring cash or credit card. 

If you do not purchase your uniform at orientation, your other option is to visit the shop or order online.  If you order your uniform online, be sure to order using the MATC portal to receive the student discount.  One uniform set is required, two are recommended.  

Is there a dress code for clinical? 

Yes, there is a dress code for nursing students.  The dress code can be found under the Important Information > Uniforms tab.  

Students should appear professional when representing the nursing program.  

Wearing a uniform conveys key messages about the responsibilities of an individual, particularly with respect to his or her job, and is one of the first steps a student can take to become socialized into the nursing profession.  

Students are expected to follow the program’s dress code policy when in clinical, in simulation or when representing the nursing program in the community.  

Additional requirements may be set by a particular clinical agency, in which case students must comply with the requirements of the clinical setting in which they are practicing.  Your instructor will provide further details.  

Do I need to wear my uniform in class?  

Besides clinical, students will wear their uniform while attending simulation and also on certain days in Nursing Skills.  

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN MY COURSE FEES? 

EVOLVE is an online program to enhance your learning.  Each course has required EVOLVE assignments (these are called "case studies" and "EAQs").  Orientation and your access code to EVOLVE will be provided at the start of semester.  

Nursing Central is an online resource/app offering essential resources on medications, labs and diagnostics, care planning, diseases, calculations and more.  Orientation to this product will be provided at the start of the semester. 

The HESI exam is a standardized, computer-based test students will take each semester of the program to help you prepare for the NCLEX examination. 

WHAT CAN I EXPECT?  

What I will be learning in nursing school? 

MATC follows the standard nursing curriculum established by the Wisconsin Technical College System.  Our programs include classroom, skills laboratory, simulation and clinical experiences. You will learn how to provide care to people of all ages and from many different backgrounds, starting on day one.  

Throughout your education, you will practice valuable clinical skills and be exposed to a variety of learning experiences.  You will learn nursing pharmacology and essential nursing skills such as physical assessment, medication administration, documentation and much more. You will also develop problem solving and critical thinking abilities so that you can be an effective and safe nurse.  You will grow to be a valued team member, patient advocate and leader. 

What kinds of classes are offered (in person, virtual?)

Most classes are in person (on campus or at a clinical site) and there are some that are blended or online.  

Are classes offered in the evening or on weekends? 

Most classes are scheduled during the day; there are some clinical rotations scheduled in the evenings.  

Where are classes offered?  

ADN classes are offered at the downtown and Mequon campuses. 

PN classes are offered at the downtown campus. 

LPN Progression (NRSAD 191) is offered at Mequon.  Other classes for Progression students are offered downtown and at Mequon campuses. 

Do you offer a part time track? 

Not at this time, possibly in the future! 

Where can I find out about textbooks? 

Click on the Important Information menu >  Textbooks and Supplies 

You can also visit the MATC bookstore website by clicking the bookstore button above.  

Do my professors have office hours?

Yes, faculty have office hours.  We encourage you to make use of office hours.  Faculty can also meet with students by appointment, in person or virtually.  

How do I find out about my clinical site? 

Clinical hours are regulated and set by the Wisconsin Technical College System.  

Information about clinical sites can be found on the "first page" of the nursing weblink.  Scroll down to find your semester and click on the picture.  You will register for your clinical course in Self Service. 

Choose a clinical site that works for you and your schedule -- however the nursing program cannot honor any special requests for certain clinical sites because of your work schedule, where you live, childcare, vacation plans or other personal matters.

We have many partnerships around Milwaukee.  Clinical sites are contracted and pre-arranged by the nursing program. Clinical sites are offered anywhere within Milwaukee County and in a few cases, in surrounding counties.  

Students must be prepared to travel to clinical sites; requests for a certain clinical site because of where you live will not be accommodated.  Students are responsible for their own transportation to/from their clinical sites throughout the nursing program. 

In the first semester, students attend 7 hours a week at a long term care facility (total 96 hours).  In subsequent semesters, ADN students will have clinicals at regional hospitals two days a week (AdvocateAurora, Ascension, Froedtert, VA and Childrens); PN students attend clinicals in hospitals, rehab centers and long term care facilities.  

I am requesting an exemption from receiving vaccines. 

Unvaccinated students must understand that it may not be possible to place you in a clinical rotation, thus preventing you from completing your education.  If you decide to request a vaccine exemption, you must contact the Clinical Coordinator for guidance.  Deadlines to request an exemption are strictly observed.  Further instructions can be found:  Important Information > Vaccine information.  

Registration is closed, can I make a change to my schedule? 

In this case, consult with your program chair for guidance.  No changes to class schedules are permitted after Monday, August 5th.  

Your clinical course (NRSAD 104 or NRSPN 304) carries a number of time sensitive restrictions and it is usually not possible to make changes.  If the class you want to change is a clinical, contact the clinical coordinator for help.  

The final date to sign up for a clinical course (NRSAD 104 or NRSPN 304) for new students is: Monday, August 5th

Note that deadlines to sign up for clinical courses are strictly observed.  No special requests for clinical sites or campus locations will be accepted.  

How many days a week will I be in class?  

Classes are scheduled Monday through Friday.  Most students will have one day off a week.  In the clinical setting, students are considered to be part of the nursing team and therefore, most clinical rotations start at 0700 to mirror work schedules in the clinical setting. 

How will this program prepare me for licensure?  

Preparation for licensure starts day one and is ongoing throughout the program.  At the end of each semester, you will take a standardized exam (HESI) that is designed to prepare you for licensure.  The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) and NCLEX-PN) is the national licensing examination for all nurses. Passing this exam after graduation is the final step to becoming a nurse. 

Can I work while in nursing school? 

Nursing is a rigorous program that will demand much of your time, energy and attention.  Based on past student experiences, it is recommended that if a student needs to be employed during the nursing program, they should carefully organize their work schedule and limit their work hours whenever possible.  

OTHER: 

What happens if I do not complete my CastleBranch or other requirements?  

Completing the requirements (as listed in CastleBranch; your clinical site may have additional requirements, as well) is your responsibility.  

Our clinical partners rely on us to ensure students are compliant with their requirements; this is a contractual agreement and is non negotiable.  Completing such requirements is time sensitive.  If the requirements are not completed, you will be withdrawn from your clinical courses by the deadline (which is published each semester on the nursing weblink).  

Withdrawal from a course may also affect your financial aid status.  CastleBranch sends email reminders; do not ignore these emails. It is in your best interest to work with Julie Murphy or Kristin MaierMerz if you have trouble uploading any documents or have questions.  Click on the CastleBranch button (above) for more information.  

The clinical coordinator and healthcare pathway advisors will not send repeated reminders to individual students about completing requirements for clinical courses.  It is an expectation that students attend promptly and willingly to requests for completion of requirements and to monitor their school emails daily.  

Are there any nursing student organizations I can join? 

During the pandemic, our nursing organizations (SNA = Student Nurses Association, FBNA = Future Black Nurses Association) were paused.  The SNA and FBNA activities have been re-launched again; watch for announcements and emails.  We also have a new student organization called Nursing Students Without Borders.  You are encouraged to join all or just one organization.  

Are the nursing programs accredited? 

Yes, our programs are accredited through ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing). 

Where do I go if I need help with math or writing skills? 

Welcome - Tutoring Services & Academic Support - Research Guides at Milwaukee Area Technical College

I need help with Blackboard. 

Visit this Student Support Site

I do not have Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel). 

Students can get these for free: Student Support Site - Microsoft Office

What if I would like to see a counselor? 

Students can see a counselor for any reason (school, personal, etc).  MATC Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

I need help with test taking strategies.  

Practice NCLEX style questions as much as possible (MyLab, Board Vitals, Nursing Central or review books in the library, apps online)

You can also make an appointment to talk with your instructor during office hours or visit the nursing tutors.  

What if I need financial assistance? 

https://www.matc.edu/student-life-resources/student-life/emergency-assistance-grant.html

I still have more questions:  

On the nursing weblink:  Important Information > Resources for Students or: https://www.matc.edu/gethelp/