Associate Degree Nursing - LPN to ADN: Option, A.A.S.

Associate Degree Nursing

The Associate Degree Nursing curriculum provides knowledge, skills, and strategies to integrate safety and quality into nursing care, to practice in a dynamic environment, and to meet individual needs which impact health, quality of life, and achievement of potential.

Course work includes and builds upon the domains of healthcare, nursing practice, and the holistic individual. Content emphasizes the nurse as a member of the interdisciplinary team providing safe, individualized care while employing evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and informatics.

Graduates of the program are eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). Employment opportunities are vast within the global health care system and may include positions within acute, chronic, extended, industrial, and community health care facilities.

The Associate Degree Nursing program consists of three optons: Traditional ADN, Hybrid LPN to ADN, and RIBN. Upon successful completion of this program, the graduate should possess the knowledge, fundamental skill, and attitudes to:

1. Plan holistic nursing care for individuals across the lifespan experiencing complex alterations in health.
2. Provide safe, culturally competent, therapeutic nursing care to individuals.
3. Safely and ethically manage nursing care within the healthcare system for individuals.

Accreditation

The Associate Degree Nursing program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc., 3343 Peachtree Rd., NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, GA 30326, 404.975.5000 and approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing.

DCCC ADN licensure exam pass rate for 2013-2015

Program:  83.66%; Traditional Option:  85.09%; Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to AD N Option:  79.92%

Program completion:

Class of 2016 Traditional Option:  80%

Class of 2016 LPN to ADN Option:  96%

Job placement rates:

Class of 2015 Traditional Option:  100%

Class of 2015 LPN to ADN Option:  100%

Technical Standards

In addition to DCCC requirements and course objectives, there are professional standards that encompass communication, motor skills, sensory and cognitive ability and professional conduct that are essential for the competent study and practice of nursing. These technical standards are published in the application packet for admission to health programs and the program student handbook. Associate Degree Nursing Technical Standards  

Probation and Suspension

Nursing students are subject to the same probation and suspension policies as all other students enrolled in the College.  Additional criteria apply to nursing students.

A nursing student may be placed on suspension status from the program for the following reasons:

1. demonstrates behavior which conflicts with safety essential to nursing practice as determined by the nursing faculty;
2. presents physical or emotional problems which conflict with safety essential to nursing practice and does not respond to appropriate treatment and/or counseling within a reasonable period of time; and/or
3. receives a final grade of “D” or “F” in any required course in the ADN curriculum or receives a final clinical evaluation of “Unsatisfactory” in any nursing course.

Since requirements for progression in the nursing program are in addition to the general requirements of the College, a student suspended from the program is not necessarily suspended from the College. Students who are eligible to do so may continue in their supporting courses and apply for readmission to the nursing program at a later time or may elect to change their major.

Criminal Background Check

A criminal background check and drug screen testing are required by the clinical site prior to participation in the clinical component.

If any clinical facility refuses to allow the student to participate in clinical experiences in that clinical agency, the student will not be able to progress in the program.

Applicants for initial nursing licensure in North Carolina must must complete a criminal background check as well.

Admission Requirements

LPN to ADN Option

Currently licensed LPNs may elect to take courses in the hybrid LPN to ADN Option. Upon successfully completing both courses in this option, students will receive credit for NUR 111 , NUR 112 , NUR 113 , NUR 114  and NUR 211 .

The following are Admissions criteria for applicants to the hybrid LPN to ADN option.

1. Have completed all required ADN support courses with a “C” or better.
2. Have completed the application process as described in the admission packet.
3. Have graduated from an approved Practical Nurse Education program.
4. Hold an unrestricted North Carolina or compact state license as an LPN.
5. Have 12 months full-time experience or part-time equivalent to 12 months as an LPN in a medical/surgical unit in an acute care hospital or in a skilled nursing facility within the last four years. There are no exceptions to this requirement.
6. Have achieved an acceptable score on a nursing entrance test. – NACE Test Information
7. Have physical and emotional health status compatible with the ability to provide safe nursing care.
8. Have signed and submitted Statement for Provision of Clinical Site and Preceptor.
9. Be currently certified in Healthcare Provider CPR prior to the first day of the Fall semester.