Tomorrow, hundreds of students will walk through the doors of Jefferson State Community College’s Clanton campus as they ponder their futures.

Advisors will be on hand from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. to talk with interested students about programs offered by the college, like nursing.

“There is so much interest in the nursing program,” Larry Mahaffey, site administrator, said. “I coordinated an advisor to come for just one day because Chilton County High School will be here. They are the largest [high school] class in the county.”

Although CCHS students will visit tomorrow, Mahaffey said all prospective students are welcome to visit during the stated hours.

Two of Jeff State’s advisors who deal specifically with nursing students, Tiffany Lane and Kathleen Johnson, will accompany Rodney Thompson of enrollment services tomorrow.

“We encourage students to come and meet with them,” Director of Admissions Lillian Owens said. “They will have brochures and other information available.”

Jeff State’s nursing program requires about nine prerequisite courses, all of which are offered at the Clanton campus. These courses are outlined on the college’s Web site, www.jeffstateonline.com.

Once a student completes the general education curriculum, then he or she may apply for admission to the nursing program.

“It’s competitive,” Owens said. “They compete with students from all [Jeff State] campuses.”

The full-time program lasts five semesters and is offered at the Jefferson and Shelby campuses, and a night/weekend program is available at the Jefferson campus only. Nursing students may pursue either an associate’s or an applied science degree.

Graduates of the program will become registered nurses pending passage of the state board exam.

Early registration and advising begins Nov. 17, and a person will be at the Clanton campus Nov. 17 and 18 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days. Those interested may call 280-8200 to schedule an appointment or e-mail advising@jeffstateonline.com.

Also, new student orientation for spring semester 2009 begins Dec. 1 at 9 a.m.

“We don’t have enough nurses, thereby interest is probably greater in that area than in other fields,” Owens said.

Other school visits are scheduled as follows: Maplesville on Nov. 10, Jemison High on Nov. 13, and Verbena today. Thorsby students visited the site Monday.