Mar 28, 2024  
2011-2012 Catalog 
    
2011-2012 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Nursing (PN/AD), Associate of Applied Science Degree Option in Nursing


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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 a registered nurse. The program is licensed by the New Jersey Board of Nursing and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. 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 fully equipped college laboratory.

The program requires one summer session (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. Due to its concentrated and rigorous design, it is recommended that students devote themselves full-time for study and preparation. In order to progress through the program, a grade of “C” or better in all nursing and science courses and satisfactory clinical evaluations must be achieved. Nursing policy states that two grades of D, F, or W in any required science courses or Nursing courses will make a student ineligible to continue in the Nursing program. 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. This is a rigorous program. Students with weak basic skills or no previous college-level experience may require a longer period of time to complete the program. All students must have a yearly health maintenance survey by their health care practitioner and maintain current liability insurance while in the program.

Licensure for the practice of professional nursing is regulated by the New Jersey Board of Nursing. Limitations to NCLEX-RN testing, licensure and professional practice may occur for substance/alcohol abuse or violation and conviction of any federal or state law involving moral turpitude or relating adversely to the nursing profession.

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
Admission requirement(s): Complete RVCC application including proof of high school completion or GED, transcripts from all colleges attended, transcript from LPN school verifying 85% average or 3.25 GPA, and signed Acknowledgement Form, Work History Form, and LPN Program Recommendation Form from the PNAD packet. Applicants must have completed all prerequisites before applying to the clinical courses. Entrance testing may be required. Graduation from a practical nursing program within five years of application with at least six months full time work experience as an LPN or, if graduated more than five years ago, the applicant must have worked at least three out of the last five years as an LPN, and provide a recommendation from the current or most recent employer. Students who submit proof of residency for Somerset or Hunterdon County are given priority placement.

Curriculum – PN/AD Option


  • Transfer credits from LPN education 15 Credits

Prerequisite Courses


Total Credits 68


1 A grade of “C” or better is required in all Science and Clinical Nursing courses.

2 Select a course from the appropriate category of the General Education  list. Current Moral and Social Issues (PHIL 106 ) is the preferred Humanities course.

3 Enrollment in these courses is restricted to students formally admitted to the Nursing Clinical courses. All other courses are open and should be taken by students waiting for admission to the Nursing Clinical courses.

4 Mathematics Proficiency - This degree requires a minimum math proficiency through Elementary Algebra (MATH 020 ).

5 Select a course from the appropriate category of the General Education  list. Technological Competency may also be met by passing the Technological Competency test (no credit). 

6 Complete any developmental courses required in Reading and Writing, including ESL (English as a Second Language) courses.

7 Refer to the Health Science Education website,  http://www.raritanval.edu/academics/dept/hs/index.html.

 

 

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