The Associate Degree Nursing program prepares graduates to provide and manage client care and to become members within the discipline of nursing. Intrinsic to the three roles of the nurse provider of care, manager of care, and member of the discipline are the eight core components of nursing practice: professional behaviors; nursing process; communication; clinical decision-making; caring interventions; teaching/learning; collaboration; and managing care.

These core components are introduced, developed, and built upon throughout the curriculum. Graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). The Associate Degree Nursing curriculum is organized around a clearly defined conceptual framework and combines general education and nursing courses. The nursing courses correlate classroom and clinical instruction in a variety of community agencies. (Transportation to the community agencies is the responsibility of each student.)

Acceptance into the Associate Degree Nursing program is based on a selective admissions process. In order to be considered for admission, applicants must comply with college and program admission requirements prior to March 1 for admission to a fall or spring NSG 101 course. Qualified Licensed Practical Nurses may earn credit for the first semester of nursing courses based upon work experience, and active licensure status. Progression in the Associate Degree Nursing program is contingent upon achievement of a grade of  “C” or better in each biological science, nursing and mathematics course and maintenance of a 2.0 cumulative grade point average or better (on a 4.0 scale).

CPR requirements must be successfully completed prior to enrolling in the first nursing course and must be kept current throughout the program. Documentation of successful completion of a minimum 75-hour nursing assistant course, or its equivalent, is required prior to enrolling in the first nursing course.

Note: The Kentucky Board of Nursing may deny a nursing graduate admission to the NCLEX-RN Exam if an individual has been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony involving acts bearing directly on the qualifications to practice nursing.

Associate in Applied Science
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Registered nurses (RNs) work to promote health, prevent disease, and help patients cope with illness duties utilizing the steps of assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation to assist the client to attain, maintain, and/or regain an optimum level of health. They are advocates and health educators for patients, families, and communities. When providing direct patient care, they observe, assess, and record symptoms, reactions, and progress; assist physicians during treatments and examinations; administer medications; and assist in convalescence and rehabilitation. RNs also develop and manage nursing care plans; instruct patients and their families in proper care; and help individuals and groups take steps to improve or maintain their health. While State laws govern the tasks that RNs may perform, it is usually the work setting that determines their daily job duties.

Job opportunities for RNs are expected to be very good. Employment of registered nurses is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2010, and because the occupation is very large, many new jobs will result. Thousands of job openings also will result from the need to replace experienced nurses who leave the occupation, especially as the median age of the registered nurse population continues to rise.

Some States report current and projected shortages of RNs, primarily due to an aging RN workforce and recent declines in nursing school enrollments. Imbalances between the supply of and demand for qualified workers should spur efforts to attract and retain qualified RNs. For example, employers may restructure workloads, improve compensation and working conditions, and subsidize training or continuing education.

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