Nursing

The nursing program has two levels; Level I (Practical Nursing) is a one-year (four-term) program and Level I and II (Associate Degree Nursing) is a two-year (eight-term) program.

The Practical Nursing program prepares the student to function as a nurse who has the knowledge and skills to utilize the nursing process in the provision of care for individuals, families or communities with basic health care needs. Upon successful completion of the program and graduation requirements, the student will receive a diploma in Practical Nursing and be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses.

The Associate Degree Nursing program builds on the knowledge and skills gained during Level I and focuses on critical thinking, prioritization, leadership and advanced nursing skills required to manage an acute care clinical area and care for individuals, families or communities with complex health care needs. Upon successful completion of the program and graduation requirements, the student will receive an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing (ADN) and be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses.

Advanced standing students (students completing Level I requirements) are eligible to start the Associate Degree Nursing program at the beginning of the fifth term. To qualify for advanced standing, a student must meet the following requirements:

graduation from an approved school of practical nursing and/or successful completion of the National Council Licensure Exam for Practical Nurses.
completion of Composition I, Introduction to Psychology, Computer Essentials, Human Anatomy, Human Anatomy Lab, Human Physiology and Human Physiology Lab. Grades from these classes must be “C” or above to be acceptable.

To be considered for the Practical or Associate Degree Nursing Program, prospective students 1) must complete an application; 2) submit a high school transcript or High School Equivalency Diploma scores and college transcripts; and 3) take one of the following tests: ACT, SAT or ACCUPLACER. 4) In addition you must take the ATI TEAS examination. 5) Submit an active Iowa Direct Care Workers Registry Card.

Criminal background and dependent adult and child abuse record checks are required prior to the clinical courses.

Previous licensure: Clinical participation is not allowed by persons who have been denied licensure by the Iowa Board of Nursing or whose license is currently suspended, surrendered or revoked in any country or U.S. jurisdiction due to disciplinary action.

These programs are approved by the Iowa Board of Nursing, Riverpoint Business Park, 400 SW Eighth St. Suite B, Des Moines, IA 50309-4685, (515) 281-3255. The Associate Degree Nursing program has been validated for participation in the Iowa Articulation Plan by the Iowa Board of Nursing.

NOTE: Students completing any course with a prefix of ADN, BIO and PNN must receive a “C” or higher to progress to the next term of classes. If needed, students may retake these courses once to receive a satisfactory grade and remain eligible for the program. PSY 111 Introduction to Psychology must be taken before enrolling in Term III of the student’s first year.