HEALTH PROFESSIONS:  Registered Nursing Program

Associate of Applied Science Degree: Nursing (156)

The Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in nursing is designed to prepare students who want to pursue a career as a Registered Nurse. The program provides a background for maximum transfer opportunities to baccalaureate nursing programs. Registered nurses are eligible for employment in a variety of facilities including acute care, doctors’ offices, health departments, home health services, hospices, long-term care, and mental health and rehabilitation centers. Students experience planned theory and clinical practice in a variety of nursing/community settings. The program integrates clinical laboratory practice using state-of-the-art patient care simulators and state-of-the-art laboratory equipment. The use of state-of-the-art technology better prepares students for their role in the workforce.

The A.A.S. in nursing requires five semesters of full-time study and is fully accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission [61 Broadway, New York, NY (212-363-5555)] may be used as a resource for program information. TCC’s program also is approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing. The Board of Nursing can deny licensure to any applicant who has filed false credentials, who has falsely represented facts on the application for licensure, and/or has committed a felony/misdemeanor. Some health facilities may not employ individuals who have committed certain criminal acts and may conduct criminal background checks before hiring. Background checks for criminal history and sex offender crimes against minors are required for entrance into some clinical agencies. Students who have convictions may be prohibited from clinical practice and may not complete the degree program.

Prospective nursing applicants must be accepted into TCC and attend a nursing information session. Students are admitted in cohort groups—two groups are admitted in the fall and two groups are admitted in the spring. Applications are accepted between September 1, and May 15. All submission documents must be submitted by May 15. The criteria for admission to the nursing program are outlined in the Registered Nursing Program Admissions Procedures and Information Booklet for Students. Additional information related to diagnostic testing requirements is included in this booklet. Students are selected based on a weighted point system as outlined in the Information Booklet noted above as well as pre-entrance test results.

Students are responsible for costs related to required testing fees, liability insurance, uniforms, books, criminal history and sex offender crimes against minors’ checks, parking at clinical sites, and nursing skills packs.

Progression

Students must pass each nursing course to proceed to the next course. For clinically based nursing courses, students must pass theory as well as clinical to pass the course. Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 to continue in the program.

LPN to RN Options

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) who desire to pursue their RN education have two options: articulation or advanced placement. Articulation awards credits based on previous learning experiences at LPN programs after students successfully complete Nursing 115 (Transition from LPN to RN Education). For more information on these options, please see the specific admission requirements as outlined in the Registered Nursing Program Admissions Procedures and Information Booklet for Students.

Withdrawal/Re-enrollment

Students who withdraw should have an exit interview with the nursing faculty or program head. Those who withdraw because of academic failure may not re-enroll more than once and must have a GPA cumulative of 2.4 for readmission consideration. Students seeking re-enrollment must write a letter of intent to the nursing program head. Re-enrollment must occur within two years to maintain credits. Pending space availability, students may demonstrate certain competencies and meet health/clinical requirements to be considered for re-enrollment. Students who have failed two nursing courses will not be re-enrolled.

Transfer

Students transferring from other nursing programs must meet the admission requirements of this program. Letters of reference and submission of nursing course syllabi must be submitted to the nursing program head. Students who desire consideration of transferring nursing credits must have completed nursing courses within two years of beginning the nursing program. Specific details regarding transfer are found in the Registered Nursing Program Admissions Procedures and Information Booklet for Students.

See the TCC website (www.tcc.edu/academics/programs) for the most current program information.

Associate of Applied Science Degree: Nursing (156)

Contact(s):

• Nursing Program Website
• Health Professions Division ~ 757 - 822 - 7255
• TCC Information Center