Program Description

This Associate of Applied Science in Nursing program prepares the prepares the graduate to practice as a nurse generalist as a member of the healthcare team in a variety of settings. The program focuses on patient-centered care, teamwork and collaboration, and safety. The program emphasizes the use of innovative technologies and preparation for assuming the role of the professional nurse.

Program Outcomes (Student Learning Outcomes)

1. Upon completion of this program, the student should be able to:
2. Prioritize patient-centered care using clinical judgment and the nursing process.
3. Collaborate with patients, families and team members to provide safe and culturally competent care.
4. Minimize risk of harm to patients and providers through both systems effectiveness and individual performance.
5. Evaluate quality improvement processes to enhance patient outcomes.
6. Integrate professionalism and communication skills within the interdisciplinary healthcare environment.

Special Admissions Requirements

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

Program Content

A minimum of 65.00 semester credit hours is required for graduation.

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.

RN Exit Exam

The exit exam will cover content from all nursing courses, is reflective of NCLEX readiness and is administered in the final semester. Students will take practice assessments during the NSG 299 Review of Nursing Concepts  course, in conjunction with individualized remediation and completion of assignments focused on NCLEX readiness. This is followed by 2 attempts to meet the benchmark score at the final exit exam. Students who are unable to reach the *benchmark score in those 2 final attempts will be required to repeat the course.

*Threshold benchmark scores required to pass the exit exams are based upon national student performance data and may be changed at any time by the university. 

Clinical Readiness Requirement

This program requires completion of a clinical readiness preparation.