Nursing: Associate Degree

A45110 (Associate Degree)

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 this 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.

Program Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Associate Degree Nursing Program, the graduate will upon licensure:
1. Practice professional nursing behaviors incorporating personal responsibility and accountability for continued competence.
2. Communicate professionally and effectively with individuals, significant support person(s), and members of the interdisciplinary healthcare team.
3. Integrate knowledge of the holistic needs of the individual to provide an individual centered assessment.
4. Incorporate informatics to formulate evidence-based clinical judgements and management decisions.
5. Implement caring interventions incorporating documented best practices for individuals in diverse settings.
6. Develop a teaching plan for individuals, and/or the nursing team, incorporating teaching and learning principles.
7. Collaborate with the interdisciplinary healthcare team to advocate for positive individual and organizational outcomes.
8. Manage health care for the individual using cost effective nursing strategies, quality improvement processes, and current technologies.

The McDowell Tech Associate Degree Nursing (AD Nursing) program is approved by the NC Community College System Office and the NC Board of Nursing.

Characteristics of the AD Nursing program:
a) will prepare students to apply to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) which is required to practice as a registered nurse.
b)is designed for five sequential semesters in length.
c) will be separate from the existing practical nurse programs.

Please schedule an appointment with the Pre-Nursing Health Sciences Advisor for complete admission information and to obtain an admission packet.

Students are considered General Education majors until they are accepted into a health science program. Belinda Foster, Health Science Advisor/Career Coach, provides advising to students planning to pursue an Associates Degree in Nursing or a Diploma in Practical Nursing. Students applying for Nurse Aide I and Nurse Aide II will be assigned an advisor from the Health Science Department.

Nursing Information Meetings are held for those who want to learn more about the nursing programs or have specific questions. These meetings are held periodically to avoid interference with regular academic classes.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with the Health Sciences Advisor, Belinda Foster call 828.652.0611.