Program Description

This associate degree in nursing program provides students with a foundation of general education, including courses in the natural sciences, the social sciences, and mathematics, as well as the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to work in a healthcare environment. Theoretical instruction is complemented with clinical experience in a variety of healthcare settings in order to provide a broad, holistic, and reality-based understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a professional nurse. Students will participate in planned clinical and laboratory experiences that will complement classroom learning and stress health prevention and promotion as well as disease processes.

This associate degree in nursing program prepares students to register/apply to the Board of Nursing for clearance. If approved, the graduates can apply to sit for the National Council Licensing Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). 

Program Outcomes (Student Learning Outcomes)

Upon completion of this program, the student should be able to:

1. Demonstrate the ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team.
2. Provide accurate patient assessments.
3. Provide appropriate healthcare interventions as a member of a treatment team.
4. Function as a beginning-level staff nurse in a variety of healthcare facilities to include hospitals, long-term care agencies, physician’s offices, clinics, outpatient surgical facilities, and other community organizations.
5. Function as a safe practitioner and, through critical thinking and communication skills, act as a patient advocate and educator, including the family and community in the total care.
6. Understand and utilize nursing-related medical and technological equipment.
7. Demonstrate a full understanding and practice of accepted ethical and legal standards.
8. Exhibit leadership qualities in diverse healthcare settings.
9. Understand the unique needs of diverse populations in regard to socioeconomic, cultural, and life span issues.
10. Promote health and wellness in order to facilitate positive growth and development.
11. Think critically, both conceptually and by using mathematical analysis, write and speak effectively, use basic computer applications, and understand human behavior in the context of the greater society.

Special Admission Requirements

Please refer to the “Undergraduate Nursing Program Requirements ” policy in the Admissions Information section of this catalog for nursing program admission requirements.

Program Content

A minimum of 72.00 semester credit hours is required for graduation.

Third Party Testing

Assessment and remediation are critical components of nursing education. Students in the nursing program may be required to take third-party, standardized exams in an electronic format throughout the curriculum. These standardized tests are valid and reliable predictors of success on the NCLEX examination and provide valuable feedback concerning student strengths and weaknesses. Student learning outcome data identifies content areas that require remediation, allowing faculty to personalize student support and intervention. Courses that utilize third-party exams will incorporate the points earned on the test as a percentage of the final grade earned for the course as specified in the course syllabus.

Statement on the Importance of Proficiency in Dosage Calculation in Nursing Programs

Proficiency in dosage calculation is a critical competency for nursing students and a foundational requirement for safe and effective patient care. Accurate dosage calculations are essential to ensure that patients receive the correct amount of medication, minimizing the risk of adverse drug events and medication errors, which can have serious or even life-threatening consequences.

In recognition of the vital role that dosage calculation plays in clinical practice, nursing programs require that students demonstrate mastery in this area before they are eligible to participate in clinical experiences. This ensures that nursing students are adequately prepared to handle the responsibilities of medication administration in real-world healthcare settings.

Validating proficiency in dosage calculation is not only a measure of academic achievement but also a safeguard for patient safety. By upholding this standard, nursing programs affirm their commitment to producing competent, confident, and responsible nursing professionals who are equipped to deliver high-quality care. Please refer to syllabi for specific requirements for individual courses.

Clinical Readiness Requirement

This program requires completion of a clinical readiness  preparation.