The Associate of Applied Science Degree program in Nursing (PN/AD Option) prepares graduates of Practical Nursing programs who want to advance their educational preparation to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Graduates are prepared for an entry-level position as registered nurses. The program is accredited by the New Jersey Board of Nursing and by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). The course of study is designed as a career program, although graduates may wish to continue their studies for a baccalaureate degree in nursing at a four-year institution. Credits earned are applied in whole or in part to the upper division program depending on the policies of the institution to which application is made. Articulation agreements which enhance this process are in effect with numerous colleges and universities.
The nursing program includes nursing courses, general education courses and clinical experiences. These experiences are in varied health care settings in acute care, subacute and long- term care and community-based care under the supervision of nursing faculty. In addition, students practice nursing intervention skills in the nursing simulation laboratory.
All prerequisites must be completed before submitting an application to the clinical program. Eligible applicants will be evaluated based on selective, objective ranking criteria. Admission to clinical nursing courses is granted to the highest ranked applicants. All nursing clinical courses must be taken in an unbroken sequence. If there is a break in sequence, the student must request re-admission into the program with re-entry on a space-available basis.
The program requires one summer session (NURS 130-Nursing Transition) and one year of study. All developmental courses and Anatomy and Physiology I and II must be completed with a grade of “C” or better and an overall 2.75 GPA is required for admission into Nursing Transition. Eligible applicants will be evaluated based on selective, objective ranking criteria . Due to its concentrated and rigorous design, it is recommended that students devote themselves fulltime for study and preparation. In order to progress through the program, a grade of “C” or better in all science courses and 78 or higher in nursing courses and a satisfactory clinical evaluations must be achieved.
Nursing policy states that two grades of D, F, W or AU in any required science courses or Nursing courses will make a student ineligible to continue in the Nursing program. All required science courses must have been completed within the past 5 years. Nursing clinical courses must be taken in an unbroken sequence. If there is a break in sequence, the student must request re-admission into the program with re-entry on a space-available basis. Re-entry is not guaranteed.
Licensure for the practice of professional nursing is regulated by individual State Boards of Nursing which base licensure decisions on whether or not applicants meet all the requirements for licensure as set forth in individual state statutes and rules. Licensure for the practice of professional nursing in New Jersey is regulated by the New Jersey Board of Nursing. Limitations to licensure and professional practice may occur for circumstances including but not limited to pending or actual indictments, information or complaints alleging violation of federal or state laws.
Graduates are able to:
- provide client-centered holistic nursing care across the lifespan by responding to evidenced wellness states
- manage and coordinate care for individuals, groups and families experiencing disruptions in wellness states
- practice as a member within the profession of nursing
| PLEASE NOTE: Students interested in pursuing the PNAD/RN nursing program will initially be enrolled into the AS in Health Science degree as pre-PNAD majors. Students must complete the pre-requisites in order to become eligible to apply for selective admission for entrance into the PNAD nursing program. |
| Additional Requirement(s): The following forms are to be submitted to the Admissions Office - completed RVCC application, including proof of HS completion or GED, transcripts from all colleges attended, official transcript from LPN school, and LPN Recommendation Form. Graduation from an accredited LPN program with a 3.25 GPA or higher is required. A current LPN license from the State of New Jersey must be presented at time of registration. All developmental classes and prerequisites must be completed by the PNAD clinical application deadline date. Applicants must complete 6 credits at RVCC prior to applying to the clinical nursing program. ATI -TEAS test may be taken every 3 months. Entrance testing will be required by the nursing program. Qualified students who submit proof of residency for Somerset or Hunterdon County are given priority placement. Students must be 18 years of age by July 15 of the application year. Admitted students are subject to the immunization, health screening, drug screening and criminal background check requirements of clinical agencies. Maintenance of Basic Life Support (BLS) and liability insurance is required. Clinical clearance by clinical site is required prior to registration for clinical courses. Costs related to clinical clearance are the responsibility of the student and subject to change. Clinical site preference is not guaranteed and subject to change. |