Associate Degree Nursing Program, AAS

A registered nurse (RN) deals with people ‐ sick, injured, and well. They are present at the most critical times in a person’s life ‐ at birth and death, and at times of joy and sorrow. They work in a variety of settings including hospitals, long‐term care centers, home health agencies, hospices, group medical practices, and community‐related programs. In addition to providing direct patient care, the RN often coordinates the healthcare team.

This career is suited to persons who are caring and sensitive to others’ thoughts and feelings. Honesty, compassion, intelligence, and motivation are important qualities for the RN, as well as leadership, organization, and attention to detail. Students take courses in anatomy/physiology, psychology, social sciences, as well as gerontological, medical‐surgical, psychiatric, pediatric, and obstetrical nursing. Upon completion of the program, the graduate is eligible to take the licensing exam for registered nurses (NCLEX). NC State graduates have an outstanding success rate of passing the licensing examination.

The Associate Degree Nursing program is a five‐semester program that is approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing and the National League for Nursing. Specific information about the program accreditation may be obtained from the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, Georgia 30326.

LPN to Associate Degree RN: LPNs may articulate into the RN program to complete their Associate Degree in Nursing. Students who have successfully completed BIOL 1101 , BIOL 2751 , BIOL 2752 , PSYC 1010 , PSYC 2010 , and STAT 1010 , or who have received transfer credit, qualify to take RNUR 1125 - Transition Concepts in Nursing . (CHEM 1030  and PSYC 1010  may be taken concurrently). Following successful completion of RNUR 1125 , students may enroll in second‐level RNUR courses: RNUR 2030 , RNUR 2050 , and RNUR 2070 .

Enrollment in the Associate Degree Nursing program is limited. There is a special admission procedure. PNUR to RNUR articulation programs are also available. Please contact the Admissions Office for details. The Board of Nursing may, at its discretion, refuse to accept the application for licensure of any person who has been convicted or has charges pending against them for a felony or who has been convicted of a misdemeanor resulting from or related to the use of drugs or alcohol.

The Associate Degree Nursing department publishes a student handbook which delineates specific department/program policies which are not explained in the general catalog. The specific policies as described in the department’s student handbook take precedence over any general policy outlined in the College catalog. A copy of the handbook is available for review in the Admissions Office. A minimum grade of 77% is required in all non‐RNUR courses (BIOL 1101 , BIOL 2751 , BIOL 2752 , BIOL 1550 , ENGL 1010 , CHEM 1030 , PSYC 1010 , and PSYC 2010 ) and all RNUR classes in order to meet prerequisite and graduation requirements.

The Associate Degree Nursing program contains a sequence of clinical classes that begin in the Fall Semester each year. Entrance into this clinical sequence is limited to students who have successfully completed the entrance requirements. Copies of the entrance requirements are available from the Admissions Office. An acceptable health physical and verification of immunizations/immunities are required. Students may begin non‐RNUR courses any semester. An acceptable Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (BCI&I) report/FBI background check and drug screening is required in order to enter the clinical sequence. The department also requires that students attend an NCLEX review course as a required component of the last nursing course and successfully complete a comprehensive exit examination.

The Associate of Applied Science degree is awarded for the completion of this program.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

1. Demonstrates critical thinking in the role of provider of care, manager of care and member of the discipline of nursing.
2. Integrates the nursing process to meet basic human needs of individuals and of groups with common health issues in a variety of settings.
3. Safely performs technical procedures using judgment based on knowledge of biopsychosocial principles.
4. Establishes therapeutic relationships with clients and families as an integral part of nursing care.
5. Facilitates cooperative, interpersonal relationships with co‐workers as a member of the health care team.
6. Assumes responsibility for self‐direction in the ongoing process of learning.
7. Incorporates knowledge of ethical and legal responsibilities and individual limitations in nursing practice.