Nursing - Associate of Applied Science (Major Code - NUR)
Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education and Nursing and approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing, the Nursing Associate of Applied Science degree teaches about common physical and psychosocial health needs and problems throughout the human lifespan, the body's responses to stressors, alterations in growth and development, and nursing interventions. Concepts include use of the framework for effective communication, philosophies of human development, and the utilization of the nursing process with emphasis on intervention and evaluation. The clinical setting helps students develop competence in discharge planning, community nursing, and leadership.
Students utilize knowledge of new developments in health care to adapt to changes in the field and to be proactive in the nursing profession. Students are required to complete program prerequisites prior to admission and must complete courses in the order outlined in the program.
Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to be licensed by the State Board of Nursing as a registered nurse. Acceptance into the nursing program does not guarantee successful completion.
Class attendance and clinical experience, which involves travel to various locations in Cochise County and elsewhere, are required. Experience in multiple clinical agencies is essential for completion of the program. Any potential legal impediment to licensure must be made known to the Nursing Department before assignment to any clinical agency. Completion of the program does not guarantee licensure by the Arizona State Board of Nursing.
Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete this program will be able to do the following:
- Demonstrate the knowledge and skills required to be licensed as a registered nurse by examination (NCLEX-RN) of the Arizona State Board of Nursing.
- Provide quality care to patients by applying elements such as the nursing process and safety procedures, as well as wellness and improved lifespan practices.
- Recognize and practice cultural awareness by demonstrating respect for human differences, and demonstrate cultural competence as a manager of patient care.
- Demonstrate competency in critical thinking, evidence-based practice, communication, and collaboration.
- Practice professional values and behaviors as members of the nursing profession through responsibility to their role, to lifelong learning, and to legal and ethical issues.
Degree Map
Year 1 General Education and Core Requirements:
FALL AND SPRING SEMESTERS 17 CREDITS
Year 2 Freshman:
FALL SEMESTER 13 CREDITS
SPRING SEMESTER 13 CREDITS
LPN to RN Advanced Placement Pathway Students Only:
SUMMER BRIDGE 6 CREDITS
PREREQUISITE
HESI A2 Nursing Entrance Examination score of 80% or higher in English Composite and Mathematics categories, or HESI LPN to ADN Entrance Examination of 900 or higher.
Year 3 Sophomore:
FALL SEMESTER 12 CREDITS
SPRING SEMESTER 14 CREDITS
TOTAL DEGREE REQUIREMENTS 69-73 CREDITS
Notes:
Students must complete courses during or prior to the semester listed in the program outline. All BIO and NUR courses must be completed with a grade of B or better.
BIO 201 and BIO 202 require a prerequisite course. Science courses must have been completed within the last seven (7) years of admission to the Cochise College nursing program with a grade of B or better.
NUR 203 must have been completed within the last five (5) years of admission to the Cochise College nursing program with a grade of B or better.
Students admitted into the Nursing AAS program who have a current AZ LPN license, have one year of work experience as an LPN, and have scored a 900 or higher on the HESI LPN to ADN entrance examination may be admitted into the advanced LPN to RN pathway. Students admitted into this pathway will receive credit for NUR 122, NUR 123 and NUR 124. These students will be required to take NUR 130 in the summer prior to taking NUR 232.