Nursing, Associate of Science (ASN)
ASN Program Overview
Albany State University offers an opportunity for motivated healthcare professionals: A high-quality Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) that's affordable and convenient. The ASN Program is designed for students desiring an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) and, as such, is an ideal program for high school, transfer, and change-of-major students. We typically refer to this program as part of our "working professional" track, as this program both allows students to enter the nursing workforce quickly and offers more accessibility for individuals already working full-time positions (especially in reference to our Evening, Hybrid, and Bridge track variants).
Throughout the nursing curriculum, students are exposed to the various fields and specializations within the nursing profession, including Women's Health, Pediatrics, Adult Medical-Surgical, and many others. This program culminates with the student earning an Associate of Science in Nursing, which makes the graduate academically eligible to write the state licensing examination (the NCLEX-RN) to practice as a registered nurse. Undergraduate nursing education—whether at the associate or baccalaureate level—prepares the nurse to function as a generalist utilizing the triad of evidenced based practice, teaching, and practice in providing nursing care in traditional and nontraditional settings. The professional nurse is broadly prepared to assume responsibilities as a leader, client advocate, change agent, health care provider, health educator, and consumer of research. Additionally, our ASN graduates are prepared to enter baccalaureate- and (in the case of RN-to-MSN programs) graduate-level nursing programs to order to advance their careers!
Albany State University proudly offers several program tracks that allow our students to complete this degree quickly and conveniently:
Traditional ASN Track
The Traditional ASN Track of our ASN Program is designed for students desiring the more "traditional" college experience with courses offered throughout the week during normal business hours (typically between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM). Currently, students are accepted into this program each semester (Spring, Summer, and Fall). Courses within this program are primarily on-campus (that is, on Albany State University's East and West Campuses) with the potential for some courses to be offered as online or hybridized, but please be aware that this is not guaranteed. Clinical experiences are held in our clinical skills lab(s), Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, and other facilities in the surrounding area as needed.
Freshmen desiring to attend this program will enter ASU as a Health Science major with a secondary major/degree indicator of "AS in Nursing," which should be specified upon application to the University. During the student's first semester, they will complete (at a minimum) the three (3) courses necessary to become eligible to apply for the nursing program beginning the following semester. After being accepted into the nursing program, this track comprises five (5) additional consecutive semesters with the remaining Core curriculum courses incorporated into the curriculum pattern, culminating with the student earning their Associate of Science in Nursing.
Evening ASN Track
The Evening Track of our Traditional ASN Program offers evening nursing courses and, as such, is designed for those students who work during the day. Currently, students are accepted into this program each Spring semester of every odd year. As its name suggests, all nursing classes are held in the evening with starting times between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM and ending times between 9:00 PM and 10:00 PM. Most clinical experiences are held in the evenings or on weekends; however, some facilities require that students perform their clinical experiences during daytime hours during the weekdays, though we work closely with our clinical partners in an attempt to minimize these occurrences.
Freshmen desiring to attend this program will enter ASU as a Health Science major with a secondary major/degree indicator of "AS in Nursing," which should be specified upon application to the University. During the student's first semester, they will complete (at a minimum) the three (3) courses necessary to become eligible to apply for the nursing program beginning the following semester; however, students should be aware that while our nursing courses are offered during the evening, Core curriculum courses may not have similar accessibility. After being accepted into the nursing program, this track comprises five (5) additional consecutive semesters with the remaining Core curriculum courses incorporated into the curriculum pattern, culminating with the student earning their Associate of Science in Nursing.
Hybrid ASN Track
The Hybrid Track of our ASN Program requires that students come to campus only once a week (twice if faculty availability and/or clinical limitations require otherwise), with courses lasting from about 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM, encompassing lecture, testing, and clinical experiences. All other coursework is completed online through GeorgiaVIEW. This unique program format allows students to meet all of the same theory and clinical requirement as traditional classroom students. Currently, students are accepted into this program each Spring semester of every odd year. Clinical experiences are held in our clinical skills lab(s), Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, and other facilities in the surrounding area as needed.
Freshmen desiring to attend this program will enter ASU as a Health Science major with a secondary major/degree indicator of "AS in Nursing," which MUST be specified upon application to the University. During the student's first semester, they will complete (at a minimum) the three (3) courses necessary to become eligible to apply for the nursing program beginning the following semester. After being accepted into the nursing program, this track comprises five (5) additional consecutive semesters with the remaining Core curriculum courses incorporated into the curriculum pattern, culminating with the student earning their Associate of Science in Nursing.
Students within the Hybrid Track are required to complete online assignments and actively participate in online discussion forums. All testing will be performed on the ASU West Campus under the supervision of a member of the nursing faculty. Similarly, all clinical assignments will be completed under the direct supervision of ASU clinical faculty utilizing various healthcare facilities within the Albany area. As such, students will be required to travel to Albany throughout the semester to complete these requirements. Unfortunately, while we do work closely with our clinical partners to coordinate, some clinical assignments will occur during the weekdays while others may require weekend participation. Consequently, for students commuting more than 2 hours, overnight Albany accommodations are recommended.
Healthcare-Professional-to-RN Bridge
The Healthcare-Professional-to-RN Bridge program is an accelerated Associate Degree Nursing program for applicants who already hold active paramedic and/or LPN licensure. Currently, the Healthcare-Professional-to-RN Bridge accepts a new cohort of students every 5 semesters and, as such, may begin in the Spring, Summer, or Fall semester; consequently, it is important that the applicant contact the Department of Nursing to inquire as to the next acceptance cohort for this program. This accelerated program meets one day a week to incorporate classroom lecture, online activities, and clinical rotations and is currently available on both our Albany and Cordele Campuses.
Regarding the Albany Bridge Program, courses are primarily on-campus (that is, on Albany State University's East and West Campuses) with the potential for some courses to be offered as online or hybridized, but please be aware that this is not guaranteed. Clinical experiences are held in our clinical skills lab(s), Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, and other facilities in the surrounding area as needed.
Regarding the Cordele Bridge Program, courses are primarily on-campus (that is, on Albany State University's Cordele Campus) with the potential for some courses to be offered as online or hybridized, but please be aware that this is not guaranteed. Clinical experiences are held in our clinical skills lab(s), Magnolia Manor, Phoebe Sumter, and Crisp Regional, as well as other facilities within the surrounding area as needed.
Freshmen desiring to attend this program will enter ASU as a Health Science major with a secondary major/degree indicator of "AS in Nursing," which MUST be specified upon application to the University. During the student's first two semesters, they will complete eight of the nine nursing Core classes necessary to become eligible to apply for the nursing program beginning the following semester. After being accepted into the nursing program, this track comprises four (4) additional consecutive semesters with the remaining Core curriculum courses incorporated into the curriculum pattern, culminating with the student earning their Associate of Science in Nursing.
Admission Criteria: Associate Nursing Programs
General Admission Criteria
Applicants must:
- FIRST, submit an application to Albany State University and be admitted in good standing.
- AFTER being accepted as a student at Albany State University, submit the completed application, the $20.00 application fee money order, and an official copy of their TEAS exam scores by the application deadline.
- Applicants who take the TEAS exam at Albany State University’s West Campus Testing Center may submit a printed copy of their results page with the application and money order.
- Applicants who take the TEAS exam at a testing site other than ASU’s West Campus Testing Center will need to purchase the “TEAS transcript” through ATI Testing’s online store and indicate that they wish to have their scores transferred to Albany State University.
- Successfully complete and exit all learning support courses.
- Complete 10 hours of the associate program's Core Curriculum with a minimum grade of "C" in the following courses: Anatomy and Physiology I (BIOL 2411K), English Composition I (ENGL 1101), and an approved math course (Quantitative Reasoning [MATH 1001], College Algebra [MATH 1111], or higher-level math course).
- Have a minimum cumulative Nursing Grade Point Average (NGPA) of 2.8 in the three (3) courses listed above. Passing, failing, and repeated course grades in these courses will be computed to obtain this GPA.
- While not required for program admission, there are six (6) additional Core Curriculum courses that students are required to complete prior to graduation: English Composition II, Anatomy and Physiology II, Microbiology, General Psychology, American Government, and an elective in Humanities/Fine Arts (either a Literature, Foreign Language, or Appreciation course). All courses must be passed with a "C" or better, and performance in these courses will also be included in the calculation of a student's NGPA if taken prior to admission into the program.
- Grades in Core courses applicable to the nursing program that are older than 10 years may be excluded from NGPA calculations.
- Must have passed the standardized entrance exam for admission to nursing at or above the established percentage rate within no more than two (2) attempts within the past 12-month period. Students who have taken the entrance exam within the last year must present official scores to the admission committee prior to being admitted to the program. Currently, the entrance exam is the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS), and the minimum qualifying score is 65.0. Pre-admission cutoff scores for admission vary each semester based on applicants' performances.
- Complete all required science courses with a grade of “C” or higher in each course. Sciences courses taken more than 5 years prior to enrolling in the nursing program will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the departmental chairperson and/or the program director.
- If the applicant is not an active healthcare professional (LPN or paramedic), their Anatomy and Physiology course(s) will need to be repeated if greater than 5 years old at the time of potential admission into the nursing program. If the applicant is an active healthcare professional (LPN or paramedic), these courses will need to be repeated if greater than 8 years old at the time of potential admission into the nursing program.
- Applicants may elect to either retake both Anatomy and Physiology courses or retake only Anatomy and Physiology II as a "refresher" course to meet this science requirement.
- Microbiology courses (BIOL 2211K) will not have to be repeated.
- If the applicant is not an active healthcare professional (LPN or paramedic), their Anatomy and Physiology course(s) will need to be repeated if greater than 5 years old at the time of potential admission into the nursing program. If the applicant is an active healthcare professional (LPN or paramedic), these courses will need to be repeated if greater than 8 years old at the time of potential admission into the nursing program.
- When faculty/student ratio limits the acceptance of all qualified students, preference may be given to students with the highest GPA and nursing pre-admission test score, and who have completed all required core classes. In addition, other factors may contribute to acceptance/denial in situations where the admission criteria are highly competitive (such as previous nursing attempts, etc.)
- Applicants who were previously enrolled in another institution's nursing program but who are interested in applying to Albany State University may be requested to submit a letter from the dean/director of their former program verifying the applicant left their program in good standing. If accepted to ASU’s nursing program, no transfer credit will be given for prior nursing courses.
- Applicants who have failed (D, F, or WF) two (2) nursing courses, whether at a 2-year or 4-year institution (including ASU), must wait a period of three calendar years before they are eligible to reapply for admission into the nursing program (traditional track). Upon acceptance, the student will be required to begin the program in NURS 1101, regardless of previous progression within the program, though NURS 1101, NURS 1105 NURS 1105 and NURS 1111 can be challenged.
- Students who are dismissed from the nursing program due to excessive nursing failures may also return to the nursing program (traditional track) after completing a LPN or paramedic program and working for a minimum of one year.
- ASN students who have completed an LPN Nursing Program or the Advanced Naval Corpsman Hospitalman Course (NER-HN-001) and have one year of active practice within the past two years may challenge NURS 1101, NURS 1105, and NURS 1111 for credit. Appointments to challenge these courses will be made after the application, a copy of PNE transcript and a copy of current Georgia license have been submitted.
- ASN students wishing to repeat NURS 1101/NURS 1301 must submit a new application for admission to the nursing program. Readmission will be on a space-available basis and adhere to admission requirements.
- LPNs and paramedics who have been practicing as an LPN or a paramedic for at least one year may be eligible for the Healthcare-Professional-to-RN bridge program, provided all other admission criteria have been met.
Additional Criteria: Hybrid ASN Track
Applicants interested in applying to the Hybrid Track of the ASN Program will need to meet the same general admission criteria as detailed above. Additionally, students applying to the hybrid track must also be aware of the following:
- Priority will be given to students who have completed all core classes required for nursing,
- A minimum GPA of 2.8, regardless of SAT/ACT scores, is required for program entry,
- Applicants must be able to show evidence of prior learning experience in an online format, and
- Unlike the traditional and evening program formats (as detailed in criteria #9 above), applicants to the hybrid program may have no previous failing grades in other nursing programs, whether at a 2- or 4-year institution.
Students accepted into the hybrid program should have access to a reliable computer and stable internet access. Students should be comfortable using technology to perform tasks such as downloading, uploading, and emailing files; working with email; and joining webinar sessions (such as WebEx), which may require access to a microphone, speakers, and webcam.
As detailed in the program overview, students within the Hybrid Track are required to complete online assignments and actively participate in online discussion forums. All testing will be performed on the ASU West Campus under the supervision of a member of the nursing faculty. Similarly, all clinical assignments will be completed under the direct supervision of ASU clinical faculty utilizing various healthcare facilities within the Albany area. As such, students will be required to travel to Albany throughout the semester to complete these requirements. Unfortunately, while we do work closely with our clinical partners to coordinate, some clinical assignments will occur during the weekdays while others may require weekend participation. Consequently, for students commuting more than 2 hours, overnight Albany accommodations are recommended.
Additional Criteria: Healthcare-Professional-to-RN Bridge
Applicants interested in applying to the Healthcare-Professional-to-RN Bridge program will need to meet the same general admission criteria as detailed above. Additionally, students applying the bridge program must also satisfy the following requirements:
- Hold a valid Paramedic certification or LPN license with a minimum of one year of experience.
- Healthcare Professional Bridge students with previous work experience will have fewer clinical hours than generic students.
- Have completed eight (8) of the nine (9) nursing Core classes detailed in criteria #4 and #5 above, achieving a GPA of 2.8 or higher.
- Unlike the traditional and evening program formats (as detailed in criteria #9 above), applicants to the bridge program may have no previous failing grades in other nursing programs, whether at a 2- or 4-year institution.
Preference will be given to students with highest GPA and highest pre-entrance test scores.
Credit by Examination: Advanced Placement for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Naval Corpsman
As noted in criterion #10 above, the LPN or Naval Corpsman (with at least one year of experience within the last two years) may challenge NURS 1101, NURS 1105, and NURS 1111 by examination. Successful performance on the three components of the challenge examination (theory, clinical laboratory, and mathematics tests) allows the LPN/Naval Corpsman to exempt the fundamentals courses and enter the Associate Degree curriculum. Admissions requirements are the same as for regular Associate Degree students.
Admissions Criteria for Credit by Examination Option
All applicants for the credit by examination option must meet these criteria:
- Be eligible for admission to Albany State University and the Associate Degree Nursing program.
- Submit a transcript from practical nursing education / PNE transcript.
- Have completed a practical nursing program / Advanced Naval Corpsman Hospitalman Course (NER-HN-001) and have one year of active practice within the last two years. Employee verification and job description required.
- Submit evidence of unrestricted LPN Licensure (LPN's only).
- Have completed all prerequisite requirements for the entry nursing class.
Additional Nursing Program Requirements
Program Progression
- All ASN students must be admitted to the Nursing Program before enrolling in NURS 1101/NURS 1301 and NURS 1105.
- NURS 1101/NURS 1301 must be taken immediately preceding or within one semester of NURS 1111/NURS 1311.
- Students advancing to NURS 1111 must have successfully completed NURS 1105 within the previous two semesters.
- ASN students must have completed all core courses required in the nursing program prior to enrolling in the last semester (NURS 2115) of the nursing program.
- A student may withdraw only once throughout the duration of the nursing program.
- A “WF” is considered an “F.” Students who fail a nursing course must repeat both the theory and clinical components of the course. Students will be re-admitted to the course based on space available.
- Any nursing course presented for graduation that was completed three calendar years or more prior to anticipated date of graduation must be successfully challenged or repeated for credit.
- Students are required to maintain at least a 2.0 cumulative grade point average in order to remain in the nursing program.
- ASN students who are not enrolled in nursing courses for more than one semester must challenge previously completed courses to validate current knowledge and skills of the content. This includes
- The Department of Nursing reserves the right to discontinue, at any time, the enrollment of a nursing student if, in the judgment of the Vice President for Academic Affairs and the nursing faculty, the student does not demonstrate the necessary qualifications for a nursing career. This includes, for example, cheating in any form, unprofessional conduct, violation of Albany State University's student code of conduct and/or any behavior/conduct deemed unbecoming of an Albany State University nursing student.
- Albany State University students seeking a degree no longer have to take the Regents’ Test in order to graduate. Albany State University was granted Regents’ Test exemption status; this means that the skills measured by the Regents’ Test are measured within the core curriculum. Specifically, at Albany State University, a student is considered to have met the Regents’ Testing requirements by earning a grade of C or better in both ENGL 1101 and ENGL 1102. A student who takes ENGL 1101 and/or ENGL 1102 and does not earn a C or better is required to re-enroll in the class the following semester. The student will also be required to complete the Intensive Composition and Reading Review workshop concurrently with the repeated ENGL 1101/ENGL 1102 course.
- The faculty, staff, and students in health care programs shall uphold professional and ethical standards.
- In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Darton College of Health Professions will honor requests for reasonable accommodations made by individuals with disabilities. Students must disclose their disability to the office of Disability Services before academic accommodations can be implemented.
- Core performance standards1 for admission and progression in the nursing program are:
- Critical-thinking ability for effective clinical reasoning and clinical judgment as evidenced by the ability to identify the cause/effect relationships in clinical situations, develop nursing care plans, and evaluate the effectiveness of the nursing interventions.
- Interpersonal skills sufficient for professional interactions with individuals, families, and groups from various social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds as evidenced by the ability to establish rapport with patient/clients and colleagues, capacity to engage in successful conflict resolution, and establish peer accountability.
- Communication abilities sufficient for verbal and written professional interactions with others as evidenced by the ability to explain treatment procedures, initiate health teaching, and document and interpret nursing actions and patient/client responses.
- Physical abilities sufficient for movement from room to room and in small spaces as evidenced by the ability to move in a patient’s room, work spaces, and treatment areas and administer cardiopulmonary procedures.
- Gross and fine motor abilities sufficient for providing safe, effective nursing care as evidenced by the ability to calibrate and use equipment and position patients/clients.
- Auditory ability sufficient for monitoring and assessing health needs as evidenced by the ability to hear monitor device alarm, emergency signals, auscultatory sounds, and cries for help.
- Visual ability sufficient for observation and assessment necessary in nursing care as evidenced by the ability to observe patient/client condition and responses to treatment.
- Tactile ability sufficient for physical assessment as evidenced by the ability to perform palpation, percussion, functions of physical examination, and/or those related to therapeutic intervention such as insertion of a catheter.
Clinical Documentation
- The following documentation is also required for clinical clearance:
- BLS card: Attainment of a current CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) basic life support (BLS) card is required before or during NURS 1101/NURS 1301. All students must be certified by the American Heart Association (AHA) in child and adult BLS for health care providers. This certification must be maintained throughout the program (renewed every 2 years). An outdated CPR certification will prohibit the student from attending clinical practice experiences.
- Certificate of immunization: Must be on file in Student Health Services indicating that all immunizations are current based on their age. Immunizations include Hepatitis B (or waiver), MMR, tetanus, varicella, flu, tuberculosis, and any other immunization(s) deemed necessary by the University and/or the clinical site.
- Malpractice/Professional liability insurance: This insurance is provided through the University and is included in students’ fees.
- Proof of active health insurance (or enrollment into the student health insurance plan): Evidence of health insurance is required upon admission to the nursing program. Students who do not have health insurance must purchase a USG student health insurance policy (SHIP).
- Fees for the USG SHIP will be added to student tuition each semester. Students who are already covered by an insurance policy (i.e., through parent plans, family plans, or employer-sponsored plans) can easily opt out of the plan by applying for a waiver through a secure online process. Once the information has been verified and approved, a waiver will be processed and posted to the student’s Albany State University’s student account. The waiver is only available for a specific time frame; therefore, students must apply in a timely fashion or they will be billed for the USG SHIP. Students must reapply for the waiver each semester to avoid being charged for the USG SHIP. Students who fail to submit credible health insurance and opt out online will automatically be enrolled in and billed for the system-wide student health insurance plan. This charge will post to the Albany State University’s student account.
- Complete criminal background check: Students are subjected to compulsory background checks per clinical agency requirements and may also be required to submit to random tests for illegal use of controlled substance as a provided by the law or regulations of the contracting agency. If the site refuses to allow a student to attend clinical experiences, the nursing program is not obligated to find another clinical site. The student may not be able to complete the nursing program at ASU. Therefore, it is important to conduct personal record checks prior to admission to the nursing program. The cost for the background check (and drug screening) are included in students’ fees and is done through PreCheck.com.
- 10-panel drug screening: Students must receive a 10-panel drug screening. The most common version of a 10-panel drug screening checks for the following: Amphetamines (AMP), Marijuana (THC), Cocaine (COC), Opiates (OPI), Methamphetamines (MAMP), Benzodiazepines (BZO), Methadone (MTD), Barbiturates (BAR), MDMA (Ecstasy), and Phencyclidine (PCP). However, some sites may additionally and/or alternatively test for OxyContin/Oxycodone (OXY), Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCA), and/or Propoxyphene (PPX). The cost for the drug screening (and background check) are included in students’ fees and is done through PreCheck.com.
- The student is expected to assume responsibility for their own health in the event of illness, accident, or exposure to communicable disease.
- Students will demonstrate clinical competency of 100% accuracy in computation of medication dosages in NURS 1111, NURS 1112, NURS 1311, NURS 2111, NURS 2311, NURS 2113, NURS 2313, and NURS 2115. At the minimum, a student must demonstrate 100% accuracy on one written/computer evaluation of dosage calculations each semester. A maximum of three opportunities per semester will be provided to score 100% proficiency. The math exams will occur prior to the last day to withdraw from a course without penalty (unless students has previously withdrawn from 16 credit hours; see Satisfactory Academic Progress). If a student chooses to take the 3rd math exam and does not score 100%, they will receive a clinical failure for calculation of medication dosage. If the student withdraws from the course, they will be eligible to register for the course again, provided all the other entry requirements are met and they have not previously withdrawn from their current course AND has not withdrawn in excess of the withdrawal policy. Prior to each subsequent math exam (math exam 2 and/or 3), students will be required to spend three hours in ATI math remediation (or other approved remediation tools as assigned by your instructor), and submit a remediation plan, including strengths and weaknesses. Failure to do the required math remediation or submit a remediation plan will result in an inability to take the math exam.
- 1
Taken from the Southern Regional Education Board, Council on Collegiate Education for Nursing, “The Americans with Disabilities act: Implications for Nursing Education (March 1993)”, updated 2008.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Darton College of Health Professions will honor requests for reasonable accommodations made by individuals with disabilities. Students must disclose their disability to the office of Disability Services before academic accommodations can be implemented.
Additional Costs and Fees
- All ASN applicants must pay an application fee as well as the fee for the pre-admission test.
- All nursing students are required to meet the requirements of the facilities utilized for clinical experience which may include laboratory screenings, drug screen, and immunizations. All students are required to have a current tuberculin skin test. Health and other forms will be provided As Needed. Required items must be submitted before students are permitted entry to the clinical/practicum areas.
- All ASN nursing students will be expected to pay a Testing/Resource Fee each semester which includes skills kit, testing, nursing resources, and an NCLEX review course.
- All ASN nursing students are required to have uniforms, white hose (with skirts) or white socks, shoes, scissors, stethoscope, and watch with sweep second hand, and name tag.
- The student is expected to assume responsibility for their own health in the event of illness, accident, or exposure to communicable disease. Evidence of health insurance is required upon admission to the nursing program. Students who do not have health insurance must purchase a USG student health insurance policy (SHIP). Fees for the USG SHIP will be added to student tuition each semester. Students who are already covered by an insurance policy (i.e., through parent plans, family plans, or employer-sponsored plans) can easily opt out of the plan by applying for a waiver through a secure online process. Once the information has been verified and approved, a waiver will be processed and posted to the student’s Albany State University student account. The waiver is only available for a specific time frame; therefore, students must apply in a timely fashion or they will be billed for the USG SHIP. Students must reapply for the waiver each semester to avoid being charged for the USG SHIP. Students who fail to submit credible health insurance and opt out online will automatically be enrolled in and billed for the system-wide student health insurance plan. This charge will post to the Albany State University student account. For more information regarding the student health insurance plan or to submit a waiver, see: https://studentcenter.uhcsr.com/asu. Professional liability insurance is also required and is included in student fees.
- All Nursing students are encouraged to join the Darton College of Health Professions GANS Chapter to enhance professional development.
- All nursing students will be required to pay for a one-time, criminal background check which includes drug screening, on admission to the program. This information will be available to all clinical facilities. *If the student has a conviction in the criminal background check, the student may not be permitted in a particular practice setting. Students should note that prior felony charges/convictions are typically not allowed clearance into most healthcare settings. Since clinical is required to be successful in the nursing program, caution should be taken in circumstances where a student has prior charges/convictions.
- If drug abuse is suspected, the student will be required (at their own expense) to be tested. Darton College of Health Professions reserves the right to request drug testing of any nursing student at any time during the program. A mandatory drug screen is required (at the expense of the student) after acceptance to the program and will also be required randomly throughout the course of the program.
Additional Graduation Requirements
In addition to the University graduation requirements, the student must have a minimum grade of "C" in each nursing course.
Programs of Study: Associate Nursing Programs
Traditional ASN
Degree Requirement – all courses in the program of study must be completed with a grade of C or better.
Code | Title | Semester Hours |
---|---|---|
AREA A1: COMMUNICATION SKILLS* (6 Hours) | ||
ENGL 1101 | English Composition I | 3 |
or ENGL 1101H | English Composition I Honors | |
*Minimum grade of "C" required | ||
AREA A2: QUANTITATIVE SKILLS (3 Hours) | ||
MATH 1001 | Quantitative Reasoning | 3 |
or MATH 1111 | College Algebra | |
or higher Math class | ||
AREA C: HUMANITIES/FINE ARTS (3 hours) | 3 | |
Select ONE (1) below | ||
Art Appreciation | ||
World Literature I | ||
or ENGL 2111H | World LIterature I Honors | |
World Literature II | ||
or ENGL 2112H | World Literature II Honors | |
Survey of British Literature I | ||
Survey of British Literature II | ||
Survey/American Literature I | ||
American Literature II | ||
African-American Literature I | ||
African-American Literature II | ||
Music Appreciation | ||
Theater Appreciation | ||
AREA E: SOCIAL SCIENCES (6 hours) | ||
POLS 1101 | American Government (*) | 3 |
PSYC 1101 | General Psychology | 3 |
*This course meets the legislative requirement that students complete coursework in the history of Georgia and the United States. | ||
AREA F: COURSES RELATED TO MAJOR (12 Hours) | ||
BIOL 2411K & BIOL 2412K | Human Anatomy and Physiology I and Human Anatomy and Physiology II | 8 |
BIOL 2211K | Introduction to Microbiology | 4 |
AREA G: PROFESSIONAL NURSING COURSES (40 hours) | ||
NURS 1101 | Fundamentals of Nursing (ASN) | 6 |
NURS 1105 | Pharmacology for Nurses (ASN) | 2 |
NURS 1111 | Adult Health I (ASN) | 6 |
NURS 1112 | Adult Health II (ASN) | 7 |
NURS 2111 | Nursing Care of Women and Children (ASN) | 8 |
NURS 2113 | Psychiatric Nursing (ASN) | 3 |
NURS 2115 | Adult Health III (ASN) | 8 |
NURS 2116 | Comprehensive Capstone Review ASN Directed Study | 3 |
Total Semester Hours | 70 |
Healthcare-Professional-to-RN Bridge
Degree Requirement – all courses in the program of study must be completed with a grade of C or better.
Code | Title | Semester Hours |
---|---|---|
AREA A1: COMMUNICATION SKILLS* (6 Hours) | ||
ENGL 1101 | English Composition I | 3 |
or ENGL 1101H | English Composition I Honors | |
*Minimum grade of "C" required in ENGL 1101. | ||
AREA A2: QUANTITATIVE SKILLS (3 Hours) | ||
MATH 1001 | Quantitative Reasoning | 3 |
or MATH 1111 | College Algebra | |
or higher Math class | ||
AREA C: HUMANITIES/FINE ARTS (3 hours) | 3 | |
Select ONE (1) below | ||
Art Appreciation | ||
World Literature I | ||
or ENGL 2111H | World LIterature I Honors | |
World Literature II | ||
or ENGL 2112H | World Literature II Honors | |
Survey of British Literature I | ||
Survey of British Literature II | ||
Survey/American Literature I | ||
American Literature II | ||
African-American Literature I | ||
African-American Literature II | ||
Elementary French I | ||
Elementary French II | ||
Intermediate French I | ||
Intermediate French II | ||
Elementary Latin I | ||
Elementary Latin II | ||
Intermediate Latin I | ||
Intermediate Latin II | ||
Music Appreciation | ||
Introduction to Japanese I | ||
Introduction to Japanese II | ||
Intermediate Japanese I | ||
Intermediate Japanese II | ||
Elementary Spanish I | ||
Elementary Spanish II | ||
Intermediate Spanish I | ||
Intermediate Spanish II | ||
Theater Appreciation | ||
AREA E: SOCIAL SCIENCES (6 hours) | ||
POLS 1101 | American Government (*) | 3 |
PSYC 1101 | General Psychology | 3 |
*This course meets the legislative requirement that students complete coursework in the history of Georgia and the United States. | ||
AREA F: COURSES RELATED TO MAJOR (12 Hours) | ||
BIOL 2411K & BIOL 2412K | Human Anatomy and Physiology I and Human Anatomy and Physiology II | 8 |
BIOL 2211K | Introduction to Microbiology | 4 |
AREA G: PROFESSIONAL NURSING COURSES (30 hours) | ||
NURS 1105 | Pharmacology for Nurses (ASN) | 2 |
NURS 1301 | Fundamentals of Nursing (Bridge) | 4 |
NURS 1311 | Adult Health II (Bridge) | 7 |
NURS 2115 | Adult Health III (ASN) | 8 |
NURS 2311 | Nursing Care of Women and Children (Bridge) | 6 |
NURS 2313 | Psychiatric Nursing (Bridge) | 3 |
NURS 2116 | Comprehensive Capstone Review ASN Directed Study | 3 |
Total Semester Hours | 60 |
Curriculum Patterns: Associate Nursing Programs
Traditional, Evening, & Hybrid ASN Programs (Full-Time)
Code | Title | Semester Hours |
---|---|---|
First Semester (13 Hours) | ||
BIOL 2411K | Human Anatomy and Physiology I | 4 |
ENGL 1101 | English Composition I | 3 |
or ENGL 1101H | English Composition I Honors | |
MATH 1001 | Quantitative Reasoning 1 | 3 |
or MATH 1111 | College Algebra | |
POLS 1101 | American Government | 3 |
Second Semester (13 Hours) | ||
BIOL 2412K | Human Anatomy and Physiology II | 4 |
NURS 1101 | Fundamentals of Nursing (ASN) | 6 |
PSYC 1101 | General Psychology | 3 |
Third Semester (12 Hours) | ||
BIOL 2211K | Introduction to Microbiology | 4 |
NURS 1105 | Pharmacology for Nurses (ASN) | 2 |
NURS 1111 | Adult Health I (ASN) | 6 |
Fourth Semester (13 Hours) | ||
NURS 1112 | Adult Health II (ASN) | 7 |
NURS 2113 | Psychiatric Nursing (ASN) | 3 |
Humanities requirement may be met by taking any Area C: Humanities/Fine Arts Appreciation course. | 3 | |
Fifth Semester (8 Hours) | ||
NURS 2111 | Nursing Care of Women and Children (ASN) | 8 |
Sixth Semester (11 Hours) | ||
NURS 2115 | Adult Health III (ASN) | 8 |
NURS 2116 | Comprehensive Capstone Review ASN Directed Study | 3 |
Total Semester Hours | 70 |
Healthcare-Professional-to-RN Bridge Program (Full-Time)
Code | Title | Semester Hours |
---|---|---|
First Semester (13 Hours) | ||
BIOL 2411K | Human Anatomy and Physiology I | 4 |
ENGL 1101 | English Composition I | 3 |
or ENGL 1101H | English Composition I Honors | |
MATH 1001 | Quantitative Reasoning 1 | 3 |
or MATH 1111 | College Algebra | |
POLS 1101 | American Government | 3 |
Second Semester (10 Hours) | ||
Humanities requirement may be met by taking any Area C: Humanities/Fine Arts Appreciation course. | 3 | |
BIOL 2412K | Human Anatomy and Physiology II | 4 |
PSYC 1101 | General Psychology | 3 |
Third Semester (10 Hours) | ||
BIOL 2211K | Introduction to Microbiology | 4 |
NURS 1301 | Fundamentals of Nursing (Bridge) | 3 |
NURS 2313 | Psychiatric Nursing (Bridge) | 3 |
Fourth Semester (10 Hours) | ||
NURS 1105 | Pharmacology for Nurses (ASN) | 2 |
NURS 1311 | Adult Health II (Bridge) | 8 |
Fifth Semester (6 Hours) | ||
NURS 2311 | Nursing Care of Women and Children (Bridge) | 6 |
Sixth Semester (11 Hours) | ||
NURS 2115 | Adult Health III (ASN) | 8 |
NURS 2116 | Comprehensive Capstone Review ASN Directed Study | 3 |
Total Semester Hours | 60 |
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A higher-level MATH course may also be used to satisfy this requirement