Nursing

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Associate in Applied Science in Nursing

The nursing program is available at nine Maricopa Community Colleges. Clinical experiences are provided in a variety of healthcare settings. Completion of the nursing courses and general education degree requirements and subsequent posting of the degree provides eligibility for students to apply for licensure as registered nurses. Licensing requirements are the exclusive responsibility of the State Board of Nursing.

The Nursing Program is approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing, 4747 N. 7th St. Suite 200, Phoenix, AZ 85014, 602.889.5150 and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), 61 Broadway 33rd Floor, New York, New York 10006, 212.363.5555, ext 153.

 

Waiver of Licensure/Certification Guarantee:

Admission or graduation from the Nursing Program does not guarantee obtaining a license to practice nursing. Licensure and subsequent procedures are the exclusive right and responsibility of the State Boards of Nursing. Students must satisfy the requirements of the Nurse Practice Act: Statutes, Rules and Regulations, independently of any college or school requirements for graduation.

Pursuant to A.R.S. § 32-1606(B)(17), an applicant for professional or practical nurse license by examination is not eligible for licensure if the applicant has any felony convictions and has not received an absolute discharge from the sentences for all felony convictions. The absolute discharge must be received five or more years before submitting this application. If you cannot prove that the absolute discharge date is five or more years, the Board cannot consider your application. All nurse applicants for licensure will be fingerprinted to permit the Department of Public Safety to obtain state and federal criminal history information. The Fingerprint Clearance Card required for application to the nursing program will not meet the requirements for certification or licensure through the State Board of Nursing.

If there is any question about eligibility for licensure, contact the nursing education consultant at the Arizona State Board of Nursing (602-889-5150.)

Health Declaration:

It is essential that Nursing students be able to perform a number of physical activities in the clinical portion of the program. At a minimum, students will be required to lift patients, stand for several hours at a time and perform bending activities. The clinical nursing experience also places students under considerable mental and emotional stress as they undertake responsibilities and duties impacting patients' lives. Students must be able to demonstrate rational and appropriate behavior under stressful conditions. Individuals should give careful consideration to the mental and physical demands of the program prior to making application.

Health & Safety Requirements for MCCD Nursing Program:

  1. Students must submit a completed Health and Safety Documentation Checklist and maintain current status throughout the program.
  2. Students must submit CPR card for Health Care Provider and maintain current status throughout the program.
  3. Health Declaration Form signed by a licensed health care provider.
  4. Negative urine drug screen.

Grade Requirements:

Student must obtain a C grade or better or pass in P/Z graded courses in all courses in program.

Course Fee Information:

Please see class schedule for information regarding course fees.

University Transfer Students:

For students planning a University Program
Students who are planning to earn the Bachelor of Science in Nursing may obtain their prerequisite courses at the Maricopa Community Colleges. For information on courses that meet requirements for admission into a baccalaureate program, please contact a program advisor.

REGISTERED NURSE PATHWAY

Associate in Applied Science Degree in Nursing Program

The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Nursing graduate is eligible to apply for licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN). The RN is educated as a generalist who delivers health care to clients and family groups and has competencies related to the art and science of nursing. The RN may be employed in a variety of acute, chronic and community based health care settings. The AAS degree in Nursing provides the graduate with an educational foundation for articulation into the university setting.

Admission Criteria:
High School diploma or GED, application and acceptance into the nursing program.

A reading score of 60% or higher and a math score of 50% or higher on the Nursing Entrance Exam (NET) must be achieved for admission. Retests can be taken only once in a 60 day period. The entire Nursing Entrance Exam (NET) must be taken on each retest. The test can be taken no more than 3 times in a 12 month period.

The Health Education System, Inc. (HESI) test will be administered to all prospective advanced placement students seeking admission into Blocks 3. A score of 800 or higher is required in order to be granted advanced placement into either of these blocks. A score of less than 800 will result in placement into either Block 1 or 2. The final decision rests with the Nursing Program Chair at the College to which the student is accepted.

All students must submit a copy of a fingerprint clearance card with their application for the Nursing Program. The Fingerprint Clearance Card must remain current and valid throughout enrollment in the program. All nursing students must undergo a background check to verify identity, social security number, and to show proof that they do not appear on the List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE) database. Any student who becomes sanctioned or excluded while enrolled in the program will not be permitted to continue in nursing courses.

Program Prerequisites: 18-31
The credit hour range is subject to change depending on the student's educational experience.
CHM130+CHM130LL Fundamental Chemistry with lab or one year high school chemistry 0-4 credits
BIO156/181 Introductory or General Biology or one year high school biology 0-4 credits
BIO201 Human Anatomy and Physiology I 4
PSY101 Introduction to Psychology 3
MAT 120, 121,122 Intermediate Algebra or higher Mathematics 3
Nursing Program Co-requisites Required for Progression into Block 3:
BIO202 Human Anatomy and Physiology II 4
BIO205 Microbiology 4
Nursing Program Co-requisites Required for Associate in Applied Science in Nursing degree:
ENG101* First-Year Composition 3
ENG102 First-Year Composition for ESL (3) 3
CRE101 Critical and Evaluative Reading or Test Exempt 0-3 credits
HUM Humanities Elective 2

Required Courses: 46
NUR111* Nursing Process and Critical Thinking I 4
NUR117* Pharmacology and Medication Administration I 2
NUR118 Nursing Science I 5
NUR121* Nursing Process and Critical Thinking II 4
NUR128* Pharmacology and Medication Administration II 2
NUR129 Nursing Science II 5
NUR231* Nursing Process and Critical Thinking III 4
NUR237* Pharmacology and Medication Administration III 1
NUR238* Nursing Science III 5
NUR241* Nursing Process and Critical Thinking IV 4
NUR248* Nursing Science IV 6


NOTE: *Indicates course has a prerequisite and/or corequisite.
Students must earn a grade of "C" or better for all courses required within the program.
Minimum GPA: 2.00