Programs of Study

Associate Degree Nursing (Integrated)

Related Information:

ADN - Integrated

ADN - LPN (Completion)

ADN Philosophy

Practical Nursing (LPN)

LPN Philosophy

Department: Health & Public Services Technologies

For additional information regarding this program,
contact Cathy Norris, Director of Nursing
Phone: 704-216-3701 / Email:

Full-Time Faculty Information:
Please refer to the Faculty Directory Listing.

Award(s) Offered:
A45100	-	Associate in Applied Science Degree

Important Policies:

ADN Competency Standards

ADN Advanced Placement Policy

NUR Clinical Behavior Policy

Estimated Cost by Semester:
Click here to view an "estimated" program cost by semester.

Description:

The Associate Degree Nursing curriculum provides individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide nursing care to clients and groups of clients throughout the lifespan in a variety of settings.

Courses will include content related to the nurse’s role as provider of nursing care, as manager of care, as member of the discipline of nursing, and as a member of the interdisciplinary team.

Graduates of this program are eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) which is required for practice as a Registered Nurse. Employment opportunities include hospitals, long term care facilities, clinics, physicians’ offices, industry, and community agencies.

The following Admission Requirements are not eligible for appeal and are subject to change:

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

Click here for Associate Degree Nursing Admissions Checklist

Health Information Session
Part of the admission requirements is attending an information session in your field of interest - *students are required to attend one health information session the year prior to admission*. These are held three times a year; generally in March, June, and September, but times may vary. No appointment is required. The next scheduled sessions are:
Program of Study	Date	Time	Location (North Campus)
Nursing: Associate Degree Nsg. Practical Nursing	September 30, 2008	1:00P - 3:00P	Teaching Auditorium

Please note important deadlines for applying to the nursing programs. Admission requirements will be finalized by February 1 of each year for the subsequent year. Program requirements will be finalized by August 1 of each year for the subsequent year.

In addition to the general enrollment process for Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, the applicant must complete the following:


1.	To be considered for the nursing class beginning August of each year, all applicants must:

	a.	Submit an “Interest Form” to the Admissions office February 1 – October 1 of the previous year. Interest Forms will be available in Student Services.

	b.	Meet admission requirements (1-7) prior to January 1 of the year to be admitted. *Example: Applicant wants to be considered for admission August, 2009:* *(1) applicant must complete admission criteria (1-7) prior to January 1, 2009;* *(2) applicant must submit an Interest Form February 1-October 1, 2008.*

	c.	Applicants will be admitted based on a competitive selection process.

	d.	All applicants who are not accepted must re-submit an Interest Form during the following time period of February 1 - October 1, to be considered for the next year’s class.

2.	Attend one (1) of three (3) Nursing Information Sessions offered by the nursing education faculty annually, in order to make informed decisions regarding their program selection (must be within one year of the admission year).

3.	At the end of the Information Session, all applicants must complete the “Program Survey” form and must sign the “Statement of Understanding Regarding Acceptance for Clinical Training”. The clinical training statement pertains to submission of a required criminal history report and mandatory drug screen. Please realize that for admission to the program, a criminal background check will be required. A negative review may prevent students from participating in clinical practice (which means that they cannot complete program requirements). FAILURE TO ATTEND WILL DELAY THE ADMISSION PROCESS. Applicants should direct all questions regarding the program requirements to their assigned nursing facuty advisors. All applicants will be required to sign in.

4.	Submit evidence of high school graduation and transcript of grades, as well as GED scores, and college transcripts, if applicable. In regards to transfer credit (or credit previously earned at RCCC), related courses within the nursing curriculum – BIO and PSY – must be within 5 years of January 1 of the admission year.

5.	Present evidence of successful completion of the following within the last five years:

	a.	Biology – high school or BIO 106 or higher at a college level

	b.	Chemistry – high school or CHM 090 or higher at a college level

	c.	Computer – CIS 110 or make an acceptable score on the RCCC Technical Proficiency Exam (TPE)

6.	Be academically prepared to enroll in ENG 111, Expository Writing, and show proficiency in the mathematics area (Numerical/Pre-Algebra, Algebra I). All applicants for admission into the nursing programs can satisfy this requirement by meeting one criterion from each of the following areas: NOTE: Placement test scores, remedial course work, and demonstrated proficiency in mathematics (Algebra I) must be acquired within the last 5 years of January 1 of the admission year.

	Writing
		Standard score of 42 or higher on the ASSET Writing (or)
		Standard score of 71 or higher on the COMPASS Writing (or)
		Satisfactory completion of ENG 090 (or)
		Satisfactory completion (grade C or higher) of at least one college-level (associate degree or higher) course in English composition (or)
		SAT Writing score of 500 or ACT Writing score of 21 (completed within 5 years of January 1 of the admission year)

	Reading
		Standard score of 42 or higher on the ASSET Reading Skills (or)
		Standard score of 81 or higher on the COMPASS Reading Comprehensive (or)
		Satisfactory completion (grade C or higher) of a college level (associate degree or higher) course in English composition (or)
		Satisfactory completion of RED 090 (or)
		SAT Reading score of 500 or ACT Reading score of 21 (completed within 5 years of January 1 of the admission year)

	Math-Numerical Skills/Pre-Algebra Skills
		Standard score of 42 or higher on the ASSET Numerical Skills (or)
		Standard score of 47 or higher on the COMPASS Pre-Algebra (or)
		Satisfactory completion of MAT 060 (or)
		Satisfactory completion (grade C or higher) of at least one college-level (associate degree or higher) math course (or)
		SAT Math score of 500 or ACT Math score of 21 (completed within 5 years of January 1 of the admission year)

	Math-Elementary Algebra
		Standard score of 42 or higher on the ASSET Elementary Algebra + 42 or higher on the Numerical Skills (or)
		Standard score of 46 or higher on the COMPASS Algebra + 47 or higher on the Pre-algebra (or)
		Satisfactory completion of MAT 070 (or)
		Satisfactory completion (grade C or higher) of at least one college-level (associate degree or higher) math course within the last 5 years (or)
		SAT Math score of 500 or ACT Math score of 21 (completed within 5 years of January 1 of the admission year)

	The applicant is limited to testing twice in a twelve-month period (initial test and one re-test). Placement test requirements can be met by successfully completing the remedial courses recommended after COMPASS/ASSET testing. Students who have withdrawn from the nursing education program due to academic reasons may be required to re-test and meet minimum acceptable scores. Specific placement re-test requirements will be based on individual academic deficiencies (see ADN Competency Standards). Applicants should check with the Admissions Office if they have any questions related to testing.

7.	Provide evidence of successful completion of a current, non-restrictive North Carolina Nurse Aide I listing. Student must remain current in NC Nurse Aide I listing throughout the nursing program. For information on Nurse Aide I training, contact RCCC Continuing Education at 704-216-3657.

8.	Applicants meeting admission requirements (1-7) prior to January 1 and submitting an Interest Form from February 1 – October 1 of the previous year will be eligible for the Health Occupations Basic Entrance Test (HOBET). The college reserves the right to extend the deadline date if necessary to secure qualified applicants for program admission. Testing dates will be provided.

		Testing fee must be paid in the Business Office prior to testing

		A photo ID is required for entrance to the test

		Study guides will be available for purchase in the RCCC bookstore (North and South campuses)

	Selection Criteria

		There will be 60 ADN students selected for the day option and 20 students will be selected for the evening* option of the Associate Degree Nursing program. Admission into the nursing program is competitive. The higher the applicant’s HOBET scores, the greater the opportunity for selection. Scores at or above the current national passing standard will be utilized to rank the applicant for selection into the Nursing program(s). Applicants must take the current HOBET test; only current test scores will be used to rank the applicants. *The evening option may be offered only every other year. Students interested in the evening option should contact Student Services to re-affirm the availability of this option offering. Applicants who do not acquire the current national passing standard for math and reading components of the test during the initial testing period or who desire to improve their score will be eligible for one (1) re-test within the allotted admission selection time period of that year. The applicant’s highest reading and math score, which constitute the Composite score, will be utilized and evaluated for program selection. In the event that the applicants have identical HOBET scores, the HOBET reading component will be used to further rank the applicants for the nursing program selection.

	Alternate List for the Nursing Program

		Applicants not offered Tentative Program Placement will be ranked, placed on an alternate list and will be admitted in that order, if space becomes available. Applicants remaining after the fall class has been filled will not be carried over to a waiting list the following year(s); they will have to reapply, meet current admission requirements, retest, and will be ranked with the applicants for the next year.

9.	When items 1-8 have been successfully met, the applicant’s file is reviewed by the Admissions Committee and tentative program placement is established. Full acceptance/admission into the Nursing program is not granted until the applicant completes the following items:

	a.	Satisfactory completion of the Readiness for Nursing course (grade of 77 or higher) that will be offered through the Continuing Education Program. All applicants will be required to attend one of three five-week sessions offered. Days and times will be provided through Continuing Education. In order to get credit for the course, no absences are permitted. The sessions will be scheduled beginning the month of April and ending during the first of July. Class sessions will be restricted in class size to no more than 35 per class. Early registration is advised in order to ensure enrollment and to meet this prerequisite for admission into the nursing program.

	b.	Criminal Background History Report as required by clinical sites. RCCC Admission Office will provide directives for securing the report.

	c.	Completed physical examination form (exam within the last 6 months) that provides evidence of satisfactory physical, emotional, and mental health. Pre-admission drug screening is required (see Evaluation of Physical and Emotional health guidelines and Procedure Regarding Acceptance for Clinical Training for Health Programs). Problematic areas will be handled on an individual basis by the Director of Nursing Education after consultation with clinical affiliates.

	d.	Certification in basic life support, CPR, at the Health Care Provider level (adult, child, and infant). Certification can be obtained through Continuing Education and must be maintained throughout the NUR course sequence.

	e.	All applicants’ admission data, including health form, CPR verification, and criminal background check, must be finalized ten (10) business days prior to the first day of fall semester due to required diagnostic testing and reporting of results. Final approval for admission has to be granted by the Director of Nursing Education.

	f.	All students are required to attend the Fire Safety/Infection Control seminar scheduled in August, prior to the beginning of fall semester (date will be announced). There will be no make-up sessions provided and no exceptions. Failure to attend this required clinical seminar will prevent the student form entering NUR 110.

10.	When problematic, physical, or mental health conditions exist, faculty may require timely medical reports from the student’s physician confirming that the individual is physically and mentally competent to enter, or continue, in the Nursing program.

	Second-year Students
		Students progressing to NUR 210 are required to attend the Student Services’ sponsored nursing workshop held at the end of the Summer Term of NUR 130. The Director of Nursing Education will communicate the date and time to the students.

	Re-entry Students

		Students unable to continue in the Nursing Program course sequence may re-apply to the Nursing Program one time. The student desiring to reapply to the program must do so within one year and will be re-evaluated for program placement based on individual circumstances and program requirements.

		Acceptance is contingent upon:

		a.	Meeting the current admission, advanced placement and graduation requirements in effect at the time of re-application. (HOBET scores that are within two years of re-entry and are at or above the current passing national average will be exempt in satisfying this ADN admission criteria).

		b.	Availability of space.

	Final approval for re-entry has to be granted by the Director of Nursing Education following a thorough review of the student’s record by the nursing faculty. The Director of Nursing Education will communicate the faculty’s decision to the Admissions Committee.

	Advanced Placement Students

		Students applying to enter the program in an advanced placement status must follow requirements stated in the Advanced Placement Policy and stipulations specified for admission. Failure to meet pre-requisite requirements will result in denial of admission. Advanced placement for college transfer students is for first level courses only in order to meet RCCC residency requirements. Final approval for advanced placement admission has to be granted by the Director of Nursing Education following a thorough review of the student’s record by the nursing faculty. The Director of Nursing Education will communicate the faculty’s decision to the Admission Committee.

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY:

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College does not discriminate in its admissions policies and procedures on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, age, religion, or handicap.

Suggest Course Sequence:

			Title	Class	Lab	Clinical	Work Exp.	Credits
Fall Semester
	ENG	111	Expository Writing	3	0	0	0	3
	BIO	168	Anatomy and Physiology I	3	3	0	0	4
	NUR	110	Nursing I	5	3	6	0	8
	PSY	150	General Psychology	3	0	0	0	3
**	COE	110	World of Work	1	0	0	0	1
			Total	14-15	6	6	0	18-19
First Year (Spring)
	BIO	169	Anatomy and Physiology II	3	3	0	0	4
	ENG	112	Argument-Based Research	3	0	0	0	3
	NUR	120	Nursing II	5	3	6	0	8
	PSY	241	Developmental Psychology	3	0	0	0	3
**	COE	110	World of Work	1	0	0	0	1
			Total	14-15	6	6	0	18-19
First Year (Summer)
	NUR	130	Nursing III	4	3	6	0	7
**	COE	110	World of Work	1	0	0	0	1
			OR
**	COE	111	Co-op Work Experience I	0	0	0	10	1
			Total	4-5	3	6	0-10	7-8
Second Year (Fall)
	BIO	275	Microbiology	3	3	0	0	4
	NUR	210	Nursing IV	5	3	12	0	10
**	COE	110	World of Work	1	0	0	0	1
			OR
**	COE	111	Co-op Work Experience I	0	0	0	10	1
			Total	8-9	6	12	0-10	14-15
Second Year (Spring)
	NUR	220	Nursing V	4	3	15	0	10
**	COE	110	World of Work	1	0	0	0	1
	---	---	Humanities/Fine Arts Elective	3	0	0	0	3
			Total	7-8	3	15	0	13-14
Total Semester Hours Credit (SHC) in Program:								70-71

This is a Core Course and cannot be substituted.

Note: If COE 111 is selected, students should contact the Director of Cooperative Education regarding special cooperative education requirements for ADN students.

** Students who select COE 110 may take the course prior to admission or corequisite with a NUR course. Students who select COE 111 must take this course in Summer Term or Fall Semester of the second year and in accordance with approval by the Director of Nursing Education.

Note: Clinical rotations in NUR courses may be scheduled during weekdays, evenings or weekends

Note: For students enrolled in the Associate Degree Nursing and Practical Nursing programs, numerical grades below 77 (C) in all required nursing and non-nursing courses are considered unsatisfactory attainment of course competencies.

Note: Class sessions for the evening option may require alternative day scheduling depending on class size.

This program offers various courses via distance education. See our Catalog for a listing of these courses.