ADN Programs Charlotte, NC

A career in nursing is a special calling to positively impact the lives of diverse patients. As a registered nurse, you have the opportunity to work with the health care team to restore health and wellness and educate communities in the prevention of diseases. The model of supply and demand also affects the profession of nursing. More than 50 percent of the nursing workforce fall within the Baby Boomer population who are approaching retirement. As older nurses retire, there will be a gap in the workforce than needs to be filled by new recruits.

With the demand for nurses, nursing schools function under a limited enrollment due to shortage of clinical spots, and most often cannot admit all applicants. The Associate Degree in Nursing program enroll and train nurses in just two years to help replenish the workforce. A major disadvantage of the degree is the push for more BSN nurses in hospitals, which can limit the employment options for ADN graduates. The proliferation of RN to BSN programs help nurses pursue the BSN without major interruptions in their professional and personal commitments.

South Piedmont Community College

SPCC’s Associate Degree Nursing program operates with the approval of the North Carolina Board of Nursing and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The comprehensive curriculum includes knowledge, skills, and strategies that will help students incorporate safety and quality in nursing care. There will be an emphasis on personal and professional communication, patient care skills, collaboration with the healthcare team, development of teaching plans, informatics and the development of clinical judgment, medication calculation and administration, and teaching plans for individuals and families. The program is a competitive admission program that admits new students in the spring and fall semesters every year. Graduates will be prepared to apply to sit for the NCLEX to become a Registered Nurse.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 60 credits

Duration: 2 years

Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

General education courses – Writing and Inquiry, Writing/Research in the Discipline or Professional Research & Reporting, General Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Anatomy and Physiology I, Anatomy and Physical II, Microbiology, Art Appreciation or Art History Survey I, Introduction to Computers

Core courses –  Introduction to Health Concepts, Intro to Health Concepts Lab, Health Illness Concepts (Lecture and Lab), Holistic Health Concepts (Lecture and Lab), Family Health Concepts, Health Care Concepts, Health Systems Concepts

Admission criteria:

  • Complete the requirements for admission to SPCC
  • Submit official high school transcripts or equivalent
  • Submit official college transcripts for all colleges listed on the application
  • Take the placement test if deemed necessary after evaluation of the transcript
  • Attend a mandatory Nursing Information Session
  • Must be eligible to take ENG 111
  • Must be eligible to take BIO 168
  • Must have completed high-school or college-level biology with a grade C or higher
  • Must have completed high school or college-level chemistry with a grade C or higher
  • Complete all the required general education courses with a grade C or better
  • Must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher on the completed general education courses
  • Must have current Nurse Assistant I (CNA) certification. The candidate must have completed a state-approved program including theory, lab, and clinical
  • Achieve a minimum score of 65 on the ATI TEAS test
  • Meet with a Minimum Admission Requirement reviewer to complete ADN application requirements
  • Current Healthcare Provider CPR
  • Complete a criminal background check and drug screen

Program Cost:

The total estimated cost of the program for resident students is $10,516.40 and $24,532 for non-residents. The cost includes tuition, pre-entrance physical exam, health course fee, textbooks uniforms, liability insurance, lab fee, watch with a second hand, stethoscope, assessment fees, TB skin test, graduation fees, school pin, and NC Board of Nursing fee.

ECPI University

This Associate Degree in Nursing education program is approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing.  It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on College. Students will obtain knowledge, skills, and confidence to function as a part of the interdisciplinary health care team, communicate effectively with individuals, families, and communities, practice within the legal ethical, and regulatory framework, use best practices to deliver safe and effective care, and demonstrate effective leadership and sound clinical judgment. At the conclusion of the program, students will receive vouchers that will enable them to take the NCLEX-RN at a discounted rate.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 71 credits

Duration: 2 years

Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

General education courses – Anatomy and Physiology I w/Terminology, Anatomy and Physiology I with Terminology Lab, Anatomy and Physiology II with Terminology, Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab, College Composition, College Algebra, Culture and Diversity, Introduction to Psychology

Core courses – Dosage Calculations for Professional Nursing, Pharmacology, Concepts of Nursing I, Concepts of Nursing II, Concepts of Nursing III, Pathophysiology, Mental Health Nursing, Maternal/Newborn Nursing, Parent/Child Nursing, Medical Surgical Nursing I, Medical Surgical Nursing II, Acute Care Nursing, Dimensions of Nursing I, Dimensions of Nursing II

Admission criteria:

  • Complete a Personal Admissions Interview
  • Complete and submit an Application for Admission and an Enrollment Agreement
  • Submit official high school transcript or official GED test scores
  • Take and pass the Admission Assessment
  • Complete the TEAS entrance assessment exam with minimum scores – Reading – 85, Math -51, English – 60, Science – 55
  • Must have a minimum overall GPA of 2.5 for the last college attended (high school GPA will be accepted if no college has been attended)
  • Work history in the medical field will be considered
  • Submit an entrance essay on one of the following: 1. Academic Integrity 2. The Art of Caring 3. Managing College/Life Balance
  • Submit to a criminal background check and drug screen
  • Must be able to meet the minimal essential function abilities required to practice nursing
  • Current Healthcare Provider CPR

Program Cost:

Tuition costs $9,452 per semester for full-time students (12 to 18 credits). Additional costs for textbooks, fees, supplies, assessment tests, and liability insurance are not included.

Gaston College

The Associate Degree Nursing program at Gaston College provides knowledge, skills, and strategies to foster a commitment to patient safety and delivery of quality care in all students. The program is nationally accredited by The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. The curriculum includes theory and practical coursework that build on the domains of healthcare, nursing practice, and the holistic individual. There will be an emphasis on the nurse’s role as part of the healthcare team to provide safe and personalized care using evidence-based practice, informatics, and quality improvement. Program graduates will be eligible to apply to sit for the NCLEX for Registered Nurse.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 71 credits

Duration: 2 years

Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

General education courses – College Transfer Success, Anatomy and Physiology I, Writing and Inquiry, Anatomy and Physiology II, General Psychology, Writing/Research in the Disc or Professional Research & Reporting, Developmental Psychology, Microbiology

Core courses – Introduction to Health Concepts, Health Illness Concepts, Health Care Concepts, Holistic Health Concepts, Family Health Concepts, Health System Concepts, Complex Health Concepts, Humanities/Fine Arts Elective

Admission criteria:

  • Meet all the requirements for general admission to Gaston College
  • Submit an Application for Admission
  • Complete the Residency Determination for in-state tuition
  • Submit an application for financial aid
  • Attend an information session
  • Submit official high school and college transcripts
  • Provide documents as proof of meeting the placement requirements
  • Demonstrate readiness for college-level reading and math – high school GPA of 2.8 or higher, associate or bachelor’s degree, or satisfactory ACT, SAT, GED, COMPASS, ASSET or ACCUPLACER scores
  • Submit an application to the Associate Degree Nursing program
  • Attend an ADN information session
  • Take and pass the ATI TEAS with a composite score of 65 or higher
  • Must have a minimum overall GPA of 2.0 on college-level coursework
  • Complete an approved state-approved Nurse Aide I and be listed on the Nurse Aide Registry
  • Complete the general education courses with a minimum grade C
  • Attend a nursing interview with the Nursing Department
  • Complete the Health and Human Services Student Medical form indicating satisfactory health
  • Must have current Adult, Infant, and Child CPR (BLS Healthcare Provider) certification through American Heart Association
  • Must have professional liability insurance

Program Cost:

The total estimated cost of the program is $11,567.50. The cost includes tuition, physical examination, immunizations, lab fees, technology fee, malpractice insurance, textbooks, ATI testing package, uniforms, nursing lab kit, graduation fee, ADN pin, and NCLEX fee.

Stanly Community College

The Annie Ruth Kelley Associate Degree Nursing curriculum provides individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide nursing care to clients and groups of clients throughout the life span in a variety of settings. Courses will include content related to the nurse’s role as a provider of nursing care, as a manager of care, as a member of the discipline of nursing, and as a member of the interdisciplinary team. Graduates of this program are eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN), which is required for practice as a Registered Nurse. Employment opportunities include hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, physicians’ offices, industry, and community agencies.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 69

Duration: 2 years

Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

General education courses – College Transfer Success, Anatomy and Physiology I, Writing and Inquiry, Anatomy and Physiology II, General Psychology, Writing/Research in the Disc or Professional Research & Reporting, Developmental Psychology, Microbiology

Core courses – Introduction to Health Concepts, Health Illness Concepts, Health Care Concepts, Holistic Health Concepts, Family Health Concepts, Health System Concepts, Complex Health Concepts

Admission criteria:

  • Meet all the requirements for general admission to Stanly Community College
  • Submit a completed application online for the ADN program
  • Submit official high school transcript and official college transcripts for all institutions attended
  • Must have completed high school biology, algebra, math, and chemistry with a grade of C or higher
  • Demonstrate college readiness. Must be able to enroll in ENG 111 and MAT 143 without a corequisite
  • Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 on all college-level courses
  • Take and pass the TEAS with acceptable scores
  • Attend a Nursing Orientation session
  • Submit a completed SCC medical form. It must be completed by a physician, physician’s assistant, or nurse practitioner
  • Must have valid CPR for the Healthcare Provider endorsed by the American Heart Association
  • Must have completed an approved Nurse Aide Level I course and be listed on the Nurse Aide Registry
  • Complete a criminal background check and drug screen after receiving notification of acceptance

Program Cost:

The cost of tuition is $158.75 per credit hour. Books, fees, admissions assessment, and supplies are additional. The program is eligible for financial aid.

Central Piedmont Community College – Central Campus

Central Piedmont’s nursing program has a reputation for producing quality nursing professionals. The comprehensive curriculum leads to an Associate Degree Nursing and provides knowledge, skills, and strategies to help graduates emphasize safety and quality in practice, improve positive outcomes that impact health and improve quality of life, practice competently in various healthcare environments, and achieve their full potential as professional nurses. Critical thinking, teamwork, communication, professional behaviors, evidence-based practice, and accountability in care are some key areas that will be covered in the program. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN for practice as a Registered Nurse.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 69

Duration: 2 years

Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

General education courses – Writing and Inquiry, Professional Research and Reporting, General Psychology, Anatomy and Physiology I, Quantitative Literacy or Pre-calculus Algebra

Core courses – Introduction to Health Concepts, Health Illness Concepts, Health Care Concepts, Holistic Health Concepts, Family Health Concepts, Health System Concepts, Complex Health Concepts, Anatomy and Physiology II, Development Psychology

Admission criteria:

  • Attend an Associate Degree Nursing Information Session at CPCC
  • Complete the CPCC Admission Application
  • Establish NC residency
  • Request official transcripts from high school and any post-secondary institutions attended to be submitted to the registrar
  • Take and pass the required Math and English Placement testing. Applications with college credit for English and Algebra may be exempt
  • Take and pass the ATI TEAS and earn a minimum score of 80% in reading, 70% math, and an Adjusted Individual Total Score of 74%
  • Must have completed a state-approved nurse aide I training program or have a current listing without findings as a Nurse Aide I with the NC Division of Health Service Regulation
  • Submit the results of a North Carolina and national criminal background check
  • Complete a medical exam, drug screen, and record of immunizations
  • Submit be at least 18 years to complete clinical education requirements

Program Cost:

The total cost of the program is $11,815.40 (including general education courses) for residents or $8,419.40 without general education courses. IT includes tuition, textbooks, activity fee, lab fee, technology fee, liability insurance, BLS CPR certification, physical exam and immunization, uniforms, supplies, and NCLEX application fee. The program is eligible for financial aid.

Cabarrus College of Health Sciences

The mission of the Associate Degree Nursing program at Cabarrus College of Health Sciences is to produce nursing professionals through the provision of exemplary education and promotion of lifelong learning. The course content will be delivered in the classroom, simulation labs, and offsite at various healthcare institutions. Program graduates will display compassion and advocacy in practice, use clinical reasoning to make decisions and prioritize care, counsel patients to achieve optimal health, collaborate with the healthcare team, use information and technology to provide and evaluate quality and minimize errors, and demonstrate personal ethics and accountability in practice. They will be eligible to apply to take the NCLEX-RN to assume the legal title of Registered Nurse after meeting the Board of Nursing requirements.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 72

Duration: 2 years

Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

General education courses – Medical Terminology, Human Anatomy and Physiology I, General Psychology, Human Anatomy and Physiology II, Math Elective, English Composition I, Principles of Microbiology

Core courses – Introduction to Professional Nursing, Foundations in Nursing Health Promotion, Foundations in Nursing -Chronic Conditions, Foundations in Nursing Mental Health, Human Growth and Development, Application of Nutrition in Nursing, Application of Pharmacology in Nursing, Foundations in Nursing – Family Health, Humanities/Fine Arts Elective, Transition to Professional Practice, Foundations in Nursing – Acute Illness

Admission criteria:

  • Submit a completed application for admission to Cabarrus College
  • Pay the nonrefundable application fee
  • Provide evidence of US Citizenship, a current Permanent Resident Card, or a current I-551 card
  • References – indicating the candidate’s academic or professional ability
  • A completed essay giving a concise explanation of the candidate’s interest in Cabarrus College
  • Official transcripts providing evidence of graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent.
  • Official transcripts of any post-secondary courses completed
  • Documents indicating completion of high school or college-level algebra, geometry, biology, and/or chemistry
  • SAT or ACT scores meeting the minimum requirements
  • Make a non-refundable tuition deposit, which will be deducted from the tuition
  • Submit a signed Consumer Release form with non-refundable fee
  • Must have health insurance coverage
  • Provide documentation of the required immunizations – Tdap, MMR, Hepatitis B, 2-step TB
  • Complete the Physical and Emotional Health Assessment form. A healthcare provider must indicate the candidate is physically and emotionally capable of completing the program
  • Provide evidence of completing Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers/BLS Provider
  • Obtain a negative 12-panel drug screen conducted by a certified lab
  • Obtain fingerprint clearance

Program Cost:

Tuition costs $6,527 per semester for 12 to 16 credits or $4,553 per semester for 7 to 11 credits. The technology fee, student activity fee, and records fee are not included in the cost. Additional costs are textbooks, physical exam, immunization, CPR certification, uniforms.

Mitchell Community College

The Associate Degree Nursing program at Mitchell College prepares students for practice as a professional nurse. The curriculum provides knowledge, skills, and strategies that will enable graduates to provide quality nursing care in dynamic environments and impact the lives of patients. The coursework builds on the domains of health, nursing practice, and the holistic individual. Program graduates will be eligible to apply to the Board of Nursing to take the NCLEX-RN to become a Registered Nurse.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 72

Duration: 2 years

Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

General education courses – Microbiology, Writing and Inquiry, Writing/Research in the Disciplines or Professional Research and Reporting, General Psychology, and Humanities/Fine Arts Elective

Core courses – Anatomy and Physiology I, Anatomy and Physiology II, Introduction to Health Concepts, Health Illness Concepts, Family Health Concepts, Holistic Health Concepts, Pharmacology, Health Care Concepts, Health System Concepts, Complex Health Concepts, Developmental Psychology

Admission criteria:

  • Submit a completed application for admission to Mitchell Community College
  • Request official high school and college transcripts to be sent to MCC Admissions Department
  • Must have a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA
  • Complete the general education courses with a grade C or better
  • Schedule and take placement tests as required
  • Scheduled and attend an appointment with a pre-nursing advisor
  • Take and pass the ATI TEAS – a minimum adjusted individual test score of 68 percent is required
  • Must be listed as a Nursing Assistant I on the Nurse Aide I Registry with no substantiated findings
  • Provide validation of satisfactory physical and emotional health and current immunizations – 2 MMR, 2 varicella, Tdap, 2-step TB skin test, annual influenza, and hepatitis B immunization
  • Must hold current CPR certification by the American Heart Association at the BLS Provider level
  • Complete a satisfactory background check and drug screen
  • Must be at least 18 years prior to the clinical component
  • Must have and maintain personal health insurance

Program Cost:

The estimated total cost of the program is $9,500 based on instate tuition. The cost includes student activity fee, student access fee, technology fee, accident insurance fee, Kaplan Nursing, lab, liability insurance, Castlebranch background and drug screen, and professional uniform.

Catawba Valley Community College

Catawba Valley Community College offers an Associate Degree in Nursing program. It is offered on a full-time, day schedule only. The required classroom, laboratory and clinical experiences are conducted Monday through Friday for five semesters. Through theory and practical instruction, students will acquire the capacity to deliver safe, quality, and compassionate care in diverse health care settings. They will assume accountability in practice, demonstrate professional and ethical behaviors, collaborate with the healthcare team to promote wellness, and commit to lifelong learning. Graduates of the program are eligible to take the national licensure exam (NCLEX) for RNs.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 70

Duration: 2 years

Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

General education courses – Anatomy and Physiology I, Anatomy and Physiology II, Writing and Inquiry, Writing/Research in the Disciplines or Professional Research and Reporting, General Psychology, Humanities/Fine Arts Elective

Core courses – Microbiology, Intro to Health Concepts, Health Illness Concepts, Family Health Concepts, Holistic Health Concepts, Health Care Concepts, Health System Concepts, Complex Health Concepts, and Developmental Psychology

Admission criteria:

  • Submit a completed application for admission to Catawba Valley Community College
  • Request official high school and college transcripts to be sent to CVCC Records
  • Attend a Residency Interview
  • Must have a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA
  • Complete the general education courses with a grade C or better
  • Take and pass the ATI TEAS – a minimum adjusted individual test score of 63 percent is required
  • Must be listed as a Nursing Assistant I on the Nurse Aide I Registry with no substantiated findings
  • Provide validation of satisfactory physical and emotional health and current immunizations – 2 MMR, 2 Varicella, Tdap, 2-step TB skin test, annual influenza, and hepatitis B immunization
  • Must hold current CPR certification by the American Heart Association at the BLS Provider level
  • Complete a satisfactory background check and drug screen
  • Must have and maintain personal health insurance

Program Cost:

Tuition costs $1,216 per semester for 16 credits or more and $76 per credit for 15 credits or less in in-state residents. Additional costs are textbooks, fees, physical exam, immunization, CPR certification, uniforms. Financial aid is available for eligible students.