Allegheny, Boyce, North, South
Associate of Science

The program, offered at five college sites, including one at California University of Pennsylvania, prepares students to apply for the NCLEX-RN examination and to assume an entry-level position as a registered nurse. Program learning experiences prepare graduates for professional nursing practices as defined and delineated by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing. The program consists of courses in liberal arts and selected sciences, as well as nursing.

An advanced placement option is available to licensed practical nurses and to those with prior nursing school experience who meet certain criteria. Licensed practical nurses must demonstrate satisfactory completion of a competency exam in evidenced-based drug therapy.

The program approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing at www.dos.state.pa.us/nurse and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, Georgia 30326, www.acenursing.org. Phone: 404.975.5000, Fax: 404.975.5020.

Applicants must meet specific admission requirements which include: pre-admission exam, a medical history and physical including current immunizations, criminal history records check (CHRC), child abuse clearances, drug screen and fingerprinting. They must also meet pre-program requirements: high school chemistry with a lab or CHM 109 - Introduction to Chemistry  or CHM 110 - Introductory Chemistry /CHM 111 - Introductory Chemistry Lab  and BIO 110 - Introduction to Biological Science  or BIO 151 - General Biology 1 .

NOTE: A graduate of the Nursing program who has been convicted of a felony, is or was involved in drug abuse or has violated other rules of the licensure body, may not be permitted to take the licensing examination regardless of the student’s ability to complete  college educational requirements. The student is required to notify the Dean of Nursing of any changes to the criminal record. The Nursing program reserves the right to require appropriate documentation as requested regarding previous felonies or violations.

Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will:

1. Evaluate clinical judgment to facilitate transformation of knowledge, skills and values in a variety of health care delivery systems.
2. Integrate caring and knowledge of cultural diversity when providing care to patients at various points across the lifespan.
3. Critique the effectiveness of communication with the interdisciplinary health team utilizing principles of management and delegation.
4. Prioritize teaching and learning needs of patients and families in culturally diverse settings across the lifespan.
5. Implement the role of the professional nurse when caring for patients and families in diverse health care delivery systems.