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2015-2016 College Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Nursing, AAS
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 Return to: Degrees by Type
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Four-Semester (Two Year) Program
Purpose: The associate degree program is designed to prepare a student to utilize the art and science of nursing to provide care to patients in a variety of health settings by serving in the roles of caregiver, teacher, advocate, and coordinator of the nursing team. Graduates of the program are eligible to apply to take the examination required for licensure as a registered nurse (R.N.).
Occupational Objectives: Employment opportunities include: Clinics • Civil Services • Health Departments • Home Health Care • Hospitals • Hospice • Industries • Long Term Care Facilities • Physicians’ Offices • School Systems
Application and Admission to the Clinical Component: Admission to the nursing program is a process that occurs separately from, and in addition to, admission to the college. Because the number of applicants to the nursing program generally exceeds the clinical capacity of the program, some applicants may not be accepted even if the minimum requirements for admission are met. Therefore, acceptance to the college does not guarantee admission to the clinical component of the associate degree nursing program.
Applicants should note that the Virginia Board of Nursing has the authority to deny licensure to an applicant who has violated any federal, state, or other statute. Examples include conviction of a felony or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, and alcohol or drug related issues.
A prospective student who has been convicted, or pled guilty or nolo contendre to any illegal offenses other than minor traffic violations should contact the program director prior to making application to the program. Additional information may be obtained from the Virginia Department of Health Professions, Virginia Board of Nursing, located at Perimeter Center, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Henrico, VA 23233 (phone 804-367-4515). Applicants should note that all healthcare agencies require a criminal background report and a negative urine drug screen prior to participating in clinical activities. A healthcare agency may deny clinical participation for findings on the reports. Some healthcare agencies also require that students be finger-printed. Affiliation agreements prevent the placement of a student who is denied clinical participation at one facility into a clinical group at another agency. Inability to meet the clinical requirements prevents the student from satisfactorily achieving the course objectives, resulting in failure of the course. Criminal background checks will be completed following acceptance to the program and prior to beginning the clinical component of any nursing (NUR) classes. Both criminal background checks and urine drug screenings must be done adhering to a specific policy and process, and data provided by other means are not acceptable. Further information will be provided on actions to take following acceptance to the nursing program. Prospective students are responsible for all associated costs.
Nursing is a physically, emotionally, and intellectually demanding profession. Students engaged in clinical experiences while enrolled in the program perform in the role of a registered nurse. The chart on the following page, based on expectations published by the Council on Collegiate Education for Nursing, describes activities associated with class and clinical requirements.
| Category |
Examples of Clinical Competencies and Responsibilities* |
| Analytical and Critical Thinking |
Read and understand written documents in English (e.g. protocols), focus attention on task in distracting/chaotic environment, identify cause-effect relationships, use long and short-term memory, prioritize tasks. |
| Professional Relationships |
Deal with the unexpected (e.g. patient crisis), handle strong emotions of others while controlling personal responses. |
| Communication |
Communicate in English with patients, families, and agency staff members (both orally and written). |
| Mobility |
Move within confined spaces, reach above shoulders (e.g. I.V. poles) and reach below waist (e.g. plug in electrical appliances), walk six to eight hours, stand at bedside up to 60 minutes to assist with procedures. |
| Motor Skills |
Perform CPR, operate a fire extinguisher, key/type (e.g. use a computer), manipulate a syringe, manipulate an eye dropper. |
| Hearing |
Hear faint body sounds (e.g. blood pressure, heart, lung, and abdominal sounds), hear monitor alarms, hear in situations when not able to see lips (e.g. when masks are used). |
| Visual |
See objects near (e.g. computer screen), see objects far (e.g. patient at end of the hall), distinguish color intensity (e.g. flushed or pale skin), read digital displays, read graphic printouts, read small medication labels. |
| Tactile Sense |
Use sense of touch to gather assessment data (e.g. palpate pulses, detect warmth vs. coolness). |
*Examples are intended as clarification, not as an exhaustive list
The college offers three options for the prospective student seeking admission to the nursing program:
Option One
The college offers an opportunity for recent high school graduates and other eligible adults to complete the associate degree nursing program in two years of full-time study, beginning in August. This is a rigorous and academically challenging program. The following must be completed for consideration for Option One admission:
- Requirements for general admission to the college, completed by March 15 for fall admission;
- An application to the nursing program (a separate process). Completed application packets for the ADN program are accepted until March 15 for fall enrollment. Applications received after March 15 will be considered for fall admission the following calendar year. Completed ADN program applications and packets should be hand-delivered or delivered via postal mail to the Nursing Admissions Advisor in the Admissions Office in Rooker Hall;
- Official copies of all college transcripts submitted to Admissions and Records Office;
- Attendance at a general information session for students interested in the associate degree nursing program;
- High school graduate or satisfactory completion of a GED. Current high school students may be accepted pending verification of high school graduation;
- One unit of high school biology (including a lab) or equivalent completed prior to March 15;
- One unit of high school chemistry or equivalent completed prior to March 15;
- Scores on placement tests must indicate readiness for ENG 111 and proficiency on modules 1, 2, 3, and 4 on the Virginia Math Placement Test. Placement testing must be complete by March 15 for fall admission. The score on the math placement test is valid for one-year in the March 16 to March15 application period. Applicants may substitute a college-level math class (course number greater than 100) successfully completed in the March-to-March application period;
- All necessary developmental studies identified by the placement tests must be completed by March 15;
- GPA in high school of 2.5 or curricular GPA of 2.5 in 12 or more college credits by March 15. Priority is given to students with higher GPAs;
- Admission Test: Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) scores in the 45th percentile or higher. TEAS assessments taken at NRCC must be completed by March 1 for fall admission. A student may take the TEAS one time per year. The TEAS assesses knowledge and skills in reading comprehension, science, English, and math. Priority is given to students who score higher on the TEAS test. NRCC will also accept HESI, or NLN test scores at or above the 45th percentile; and
- Legal residence (in-state domicile) in the NRCC service area.
Curriculum for Option One:
Total Minimum Credits: 69
Option Two
This option is for students who wish to attend part-time, or who wish to enroll in an academic course load with fewer credits each semester. Students who follow this course of study will plan to enroll in general education and support courses, completing as many as possible prior to applying for admission into the clinical nursing sequence of the nursing program to begin in August.
Pre-Nursing Plan of Study
Students seeking Option Two admission must complete the following:
- Requirements for general admission to the college by March 15 for fall admission;
- An application to the nursing program (a separate process). Completed application packets for the ADN program are accepted until March 15 for fall enrollment. Applications received after March 15 will be considered for fall admission the following calendar year. Completed applications should be hand-delivered or delivered via postal mail to the Nursing Admissions Advisor in the Admissions Office in Rooker Hall.
- Official copies of all college transcripts submitted to Admissions and Records Office;
- Attendance at a general information session for students interested in the associate degree nursing program;
- High school graduate or satisfactory completion of a GED by March 15;
- One unit of high school biology (including a lab) or equivalent completed by March 15;
- One unit of high school chemistry or equivalent completed by March 15;
- NRCC placement tests for reading, writing, and mathematics. Placement tests must indicate readiness for ENG 111 and proficiency in math modules 1, 2, 3, and 4 on the Virginia Math Placement Test. Placement testing must be complete by March 15 for fall admission. The score on the math placement test is valid for one year in the March 16 to March 15 application period. Applicants may substitute a college level math class (course number greater than 100) successfully completed in the March-to-March application period;
- All necessary developmental studies identified by the placement tests completed by March 15;
- Curricular GPA of 2.5 or higher in college courses at the time of application. Priority is given to students with higher GPAs as well as to those who have completed BIO 141 (with a grade of “C” or better), and a greater number of general education and support courses in the associate degree nursing curriculum by March 15;
- Admission test: Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) scores in the 45th percentile or higher. Priority is given to students who score higher on the TEAS test. TEAS assessments taken at NRCC must be completed by March 1 for fall admission. A student may take the TEAS one time per year. The TEAS assesses knowledge and skills in reading comprehension, science, English, and math. NRCC will also accept HESI or NLN test scores at or above the 45th percentile; and
- Legal residence (in-state domicile) in the NRCC service area will receive priority standing.
Clinical Nursing Sequence
Total: 10 credits (14 contact hours)
Total: 10 credits (16 contact hours)
Total: 11 credits (19 contact hours)
Total: 14 credits (22 contact hours)
Progression through the Program for Option One and Option Two
A grade of “C” or better is required in all NUR and BIO courses. A rating of “satisfactory” is required for the clinical aspect of all nursing courses with associated clinical components. A student who receives a grade of D, F, or W, or an unsatisfactory clinical rating will be required to retake the course to attain the minimum passing grade. Progress through the program will be impeded due to course pre-requisites. See Course Offerings for more information.
LPN-to-Associate Degree Nursing Track
The LPN-to-Associate Degree Nursing Track option is for LPNs who wish to earn an associate degree in nursing. The college values all levels of nursing education and is committed to reducing barriers to educational mobility. LPNs admitted to this track will be awarded 9 credits for previously completed practical nurse course work equivalent to NUR 104 , NUR 105 , and NUR 135 upon successful completion of the LPN-to- ADN curriculum. Students must complete all other courses in the curriculum. Please note that all criteria described under Application and Admission to the Clinical Component are applicable to the LPN-to-ADN track as well to traditional four-semester students.
Students seeking admission to the LPN-to- ADN program must complete the following:
- Requirements for general admission to the college completed by November 1 for spring semester admission;
- An application to the nursing program (a separate process). Completed application packets for the ADN program are accepted until November 1 for spring enrollment. Applications received after November 1 will be considered for spring admission the following academic year.
- Completed ADN program applications should be handdelivered or delivered via postal mail to the Nursing Admissions Advisor in the Admissions & Records Office in Rooker Hall; Official copies of all college transcripts submitted to Admissions & Records Office;
- Attendance at a general information session for students interested in applying to the associate degree nursing program;
- High school graduate or satisfactory completion of a GED;
- One unit of high school biology (including a lab) or equivalent completed prior to November 1;
- Hold a current unrestricted license to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse by November 1;
- Current professional-level CPR card. CPR card must be valid to begin clinicals during the first week of class in spring semester, and must be kept current throughout enrollment in program.
- NRCC placement tests for reading, writing, and mathematics. Placement tests must indicate readiness for ENG 111 and proficiency in math modules 1, 2, 3, and 4 on the Virginia Math Placement Test. Placement testing must be completed by November 1 for spring admission. The score on the math placement test is valid for one year in the November 2 to November 1 application period. Applicants may substitute a college level math class (course number greater than 100) successfully completed in the November-to-November application period;
- Completion of all necessary developmental studies identified by the placement tests by November 1;
- Curricular GPA of 2.5 or higher in curricular courses at the time of application. Priority is given to students with higher GPAs;
- Admission Test: The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) assesses knowledge and skills in reading comprehension, science, English and math. Minimum scores are expected to be 45th percentile. Priority is given to students who score higher on the admission assessment. A student may take the TEAS one time per year. NRCC will also accept HESI or NLN test scores at or above 45th percentile.
- Completion of the dosage calculation competency assessment with a minimum score of 78% correct. Students may complete an on-line review of dosage calculation prior to taking the assessment. The dosage calculation assessment will be administered in a proctored setting at various times during the application period, and may be taken one time. Students who fail to achieve 78% accuracy on the dosage calculation assessment must take NUR 135 in fall semester and reapply the following year. Bridge applicants may choose to take NUR 135 in fall semester prior to applying. In that case, completion of NUR 135 with a grade of “C” or higher will substitute for the dosage calculation competency assessment. For students re-applying to the program for initial acceptance, successful (78% or higher) completion of the dosage calculation competency test is required for each year an application is submitted.
- Completion of BIO 141 with a “C” or better. If currently enrolled in BIO 141 , admission will be provisional pending successful completion of the course.
- Completion of PSY 230 or currently enrolled at the time of application. If currently enrolled, admission will be provisional, pending successful completion of PSY 230 .
- Completion of SDV 100 ; and
- Legal residence (in-state domicile) in the NRCC service area will receive priority standing.
- Also note that priority is given to students who have completed a greater number of general education and support courses by November 1. Courses that must be completed prior to beginning the LPN-to-ADN track program include:
- BIO 141
- PSY 230
- SDV 100
- BIO 142 must be completed prior to beginning the LPN-to-ADN track or taken concurrently with NUR 180 , NUR 201 and NUR 226 .
- Students are encouraged to complete as many of the general education and support courses as possible prior to beginning the three semester sequence of nursing (NUR) courses.
Courses that may be completed prior to enrolling in the LPN-to-ADN track and must be completed prior to graduation are:
Curriculum for LPN-to-ADN Track
College Course Prerequisites:
Progression through the LPN-to-ADN Track
A grade of “C” or better is required in all NUR and BIO courses. A rating of “satisfactory” is required for the clinical aspect of all nursing courses with associated clinical components. A student who receives a grade of D, F, or W, or an unsatisfactory clinical rating will be required to retake the course to attain the minimum passing grade. Progress through the program will be impeded due to course pre-requisites. See Course Offerings for more information. An LPN who chooses to enter as a traditional student and earns a D, F, or W in NUR 104 , NUR 105 , or NUR 135 may not subsequently apply to be admitted to the LPN-to-ADN track.
Student Responsibilities for all Associate Degree Nursing Students
- An initial health form must be completed and submitted by September 15 for traditional students and January 15 for LPN-to-ADN students. To comply with clinical agency affiliation agreements, health screening, immunization documentation, and a urine drug screen with negative results are required. Drug testing must follow specific date and procedural stipulations. Further information will be provided on actions to take following acceptance to the nursing program. A repeat health form must be completed annually thereafter. The student is responsible for all associated costs.
- The student is responsible for costs associated with textbooks, uniforms, accessories, lab supplies, supplemental resources, and required achievement testing.
- The student is responsible for transportation to and from clinical sites. Clinical experiences may be scheduled during day and evening hours, and weekday or weekends, depending on availability of clinical facilities and community experiences.
- The student must obtain and maintain current CPR certification throughout the program. Initial CPR certification can be achieved by successfully completing HLT 105 . Please note: CPR certification courses must be either American Heart Association Healthcare Provider or Red Cross CPR for Professional Rescuers. Important reminder: HLT 105 (CPR) is taught only in September each year.
- The student is responsible for the costs of personal medical care incurred as a result of accidents or incidents in the clinical or laboratory setting.
- The student is responsible for fees associated with the application to take the exam for licensure as a Registered Nurse.
- The student is responsible for fees associated with criminal background reports. Criminal background checks will be completed following acceptance to the program and prior to beginning the clinical component any nursing (NUR) classes. Background checks must follow specific procedural requirements. Further information will be provided on actions to take following acceptance to the nursing program.
- The student is responsible for the Test of Essential Academic Skills fee, which is non-refundable.
Readmission Requirements to the Associate Degree Nursing Program
Readmission to the program is dependent upon clinical placement availability in the desired class. Prior to readmission the student must:
- Notify the Program Director in writing with readmission request as soon as possible in the semester prior to readmission.
- Have a 2.5 curricular GPA at the time of readmission. Priority will be given to students with higher GPAs and higher TEAS scores.
Students applying for re-admission who have been absent one or more semesters must validate dose calculation competency by completing the Dose Calculation Competency Assessment with 78% accuracy or higher prior to approval for re-admission.
Readmission to the program is not assured. The Program Director will contact the student with a determination on readmission status. Preparation to pass the licensure exam is more than a mere collection of credits. The curriculum is designed in a synergistic manner, intended to be completed in four consecutive semesters. Therefore, students absent from the program for more than two semesters will be required to audit one or more of the previously credited courses prior to readmission. Students absent from the program for four semesters must repeat all nursing courses. Students returning to the program are responsible for all program requirements in place at the time of re-admission.
Transfer Students
Transfer students who are currently enrolled in another nursing program are admitted on a space available basis, if they are currently in good academic standing with the nursing program at the previous college, have satisfactory clinical evaluations, provide a positive recommendation from the program director of the previous program, and meet all other admissions requirements. Nursing students seeking to transfer nursing credits to NRCC should contact the ADN program director at NRCC. Students from other colleges who are transferring only nonnursing credits should apply through the usual means for new students. All transfer students must validate dose calculation competency by completing the Dose Calculation Competency Assessment with 78% accuracy or higher.
Continuing Nursing Education Following Completion of an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing
Articulation agreements with senior colleges and universities facilitate the educational mobility of graduates of associate degree nursing programs into RN-to-BSN completion programs. Most RN-to-BSN programs require students to pass the licensure exam, complete additional general education courses, and enroll in upper division nursing courses. The specific requirements and length of BSN completion programs vary among senior institutions, and students are encouraged to contact senior institutions for advising.
An example of seamless articulation can be found with Old Dominion University’s School of Nursing. To earn a BSN from ODU, a licensed graduate completes additional credits in general education at NRCC, and then 36 credits at ODU. The general education credits that may be completed at NRCC are listed below. For more information visit http://dl.odu.edu.
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