The registered nurse provides and coordinates patient care, showing compassion and respect for the rights of patients. Nurses educate individuals, families, and communities about disease prevention, promote health, and provide emotional support to patients and families. The core duties of the registered nurse depend on their place of work and the type of patients. However, typical duties will include observing patients and recording concerns, develop and coordinating patient care plans, administering patient medications and treatments, collecting and recording medical histories and symptoms, operating medical equipment, and collaborating with the health care team to restore health. A registered nurse might also supervise licensed practical nurses and certified nursing assistants.
The Associate Degree Nursing program (ADN) takes a generalist approach and prepare students to provide basic patient care at the entry-level. Graduates have the option to continue to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, which focuses on leadership, management, evidence-based practice, informatics, and other essential areas. Apart from their development in these areas, nurses can focus on specific areas such as pediatrics, oncology, emergency or trauma, neonatology, critical care, addictions, psychiatry, and rehabilitation. Nursing is one of the few professions that provide opportunities for diversity and upward mobility.
After completing the ADN program, the nurse graduate must take and pass the NCLEX-RN examination for licensure by the Mississippi Board of Nursing. Licensed nurses agree to practice within the legal and ethical guidelines of the Board and assume accountability in practice.
Hinds Community College
The Associate Degree Nursing program at Hinds Community College prepares adults for a career as a registered nurse. The training will include general education and core nursing courses to equip students with the skills to become generalist nurses capable of providing safe, patient-centered, and competent care to diverse patient populations in acute and long-term care. Instructors will cover the core components of nursing, including clinical decision making, assessment, communication, collaboration, caring interventions, professional behaviors, and management of care. The College offers admission through the Generic Option and the Transition to RN Option. The Transition to RN Option specifically caters to licensed practical nurses, paramedics, and respiratory therapists who want to transition seamlessly to registered nursing. Applicants in these professions will receive credit for their previous learning and experience. Program graduates will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX for Registered Nurses. The Generic Option is designed to be completed in two years.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 74
Duration: 2 years
Course titles:
Prerequisite courses – Anatomy and Physiology I, Laboratory I, Anatomy and Physiology I, Lecture, Anatomy and Physiology II Lab, Anatomy and Physiology II Lecture, Introduction to Sociology
Curriculum plan – English Composition I, Professional Nursing Concepts, General Psychology I, English Composition II, Human Growth and Development, Professional Nursing Concepts II, Humanities Elective, Microbiology Lab, Microbiology Lecture, Professional Nursing Concepts III, Professional Nursing Concepts IV, NCLEX-RN Preparation, Public Speaking I or Interpersonal Communication
Admission criteria:
- Complete the requirements for admission by March 31st for fall entry or September 30th for spring entry
- Submit acceptable ACT composite score: ACT Math and Reading subscores
- Submit an Application for Selection to the Generic Option Associate Degree Nursing Program
- Complete the prerequisite courses and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher – courses must be completed with a grade C or above
- Request and submit official transcripts – high school and college transcripts
- Complete a criminal background check
- Obtain TB clearance
- Complete the health physical form
- Maintain current CPR certification
Program Cost
Apart from tuition, students must cover the cost for books, uniform and accessories, pins, transportation, clinical experiences, lab fees, malpractice insurance, assessment tests, CPR, criminal background check, health requirements, drug testing, state board licensure exam, and organization dues.
- Website: https://www.hindscc.edu/programs-of-study/nursing-allied-health/associate-degree-nursing
- Address: P.O. Box 1100, Raymond, MS 39154
- Phone: 1-800-HINDSCC
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 98.84%
Southwest Mississippi Community College
Southwest Mississippi Community College’s Associate Degree Nursing program seeks to produce entry-level registered nurses who are capable and confident in their abilities to care for patients. Graduates will be prepared to meet the changing needs of the health care community as they collaborate with the interdisciplinary team. The program will emphasize adaptability, critical thinking, and innovation through the balance of nursing theory and practical and general education courses. Students who complete the sequence of courses will receive an Associate of Applied Science Degree and will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX for licensure as a registered nurse. Graduates will be able to assume the role of the registered nurse in the provision of care, develop and implement individualized patient care plans, collaborate with the interdisciplinary health care team to achieve positive patient outcomes, use technology to deliver safe and quality care, communicate effectively with clients, and practice within the legal, ethical and regulatory guidelines of nursing.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 70
Duration: 2 years
Course titles:
Prerequisite courses – Anatomy and Physiology I, Laboratory I, Anatomy and Physiology II Lecture, Anatomy and Physiology II Lab, College Algebra, Orientation
Core Courses – English Composition I, Microbiology Lab, Microbiology, Foundations of the Nursing, Introduction to Health and Illness Concepts, General Psychology, Introduction to Sociology, Health and Illness Concepts, Public Speaking, Complex Health and Illness Concepts, Humanities Elective
Admission criteria:
- Complete the application documents, course work, and TEAS testing by the application deadline
- Apply for admission to Southwest MS Community College
- Submit an application to the Associate Degree in Nursing Division
- Request official high school, GED, or college transcripts and submit to SMCC Admissions Office
- Have an ACT composite score of 18 or above and a GPA of 2.0 or higher
- Complete the prerequisite courses (11 credit hours) with a grade C or better
- Complete the TEAS assessment test with a minimum score of 60
- Complete criminal background check including fingerprinting
- Submit proof of completing a satisfactory physical exam, two MMR vaccinations or positive MMR titer, two Varicella vaccinations, TB skin tests (2-step) or Quantiferon blood test, Hepatitis B vaccination or declination
- Have current American Heart Association Health Care Provider certification
Program Cost
The estimated total cost of attendance is $10,159. The cost includes tuition, lab fees, liability insurance, textbooks, technology fee, healthcare professional fee, orientation fee, uniforms and equipment, supplies, background check, clinical health requirements, and NCLEX Exam.
- Website: https://www.smcc.edu/nursing/associate-degree-nursing.php
- Address: 1156 College Drive, Summit, MS 39666
- Phone: (601) 276-2000
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 97.54%
Copiah-Lincoln Community College
The Associate Degree Nursing program at Copiah-Lincoln Community College provides an educational opportunity for qualified adults to begin a career in nursing. The program is accredited by the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning of Mississippi and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. Graduates will receive the Associate in Applied Science Degree in Nursing and will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX for licensure as a Registered Nurse. The curriculum includes theory and practical instruction so graduates will be prepared to practice in an entry-level position, managers of care, and collaborate efficiently with members of the health care team. Application for the competitive entry program must be submitted by April 5 each year for admission in the fall. The class is limited to 60 students. Students are accepted based on references, ACT scores, college GPA, and enrollment at the college. Priority will be given to in-district residents, out-of-district Mississippi residents, then out-of-state residents.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 72
Duration: 2 years
Course titles:
Prerequisite / general education courses – Anatomy and Physiology I, Laboratory I, Anatomy and Physiology II, Laboratory II, Microbiology and Lab, College Algebra, Human Growth and Development, English Composition I, General Psychology, Humanities/Fine Arts Elective
Core Courses – Fundamentals of Nursing, Pharmacology, Medical Surgical I, Maternal Newborn Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, Psychiatric Nursing, Medical Surgical Nursing II, NCLEX Prep
Admission criteria:
- Be a high school graduate or have passing GED scores
- Apply for admission to the College
- Submit a completed application packet for admission to the nursing program – the application deadline is April 5 each spring for admission in the fall
- Have a cumulative GAP of 2.50 or higher for all previous college coursework
- Have an ACT composite score of 18 higher
- Complete the prerequisite courses before entering the nursing program. Courses must be completed with a grade C or better
- Submit letters of references
- Participate in drug and alcohol testing
- Submit to a criminal background check – the criminal history must comply with MS Code
Program Cost
The cost of tuition is $1,400 per semester for full-time attendance for in-state residents. Additional fees include technology fee, student service fee, career and technical fee, lab fee, background check, drug screen, insurance, uniforms, and textbooks.
- Website: https://www.colin.edu/majors-programs/associate-degree-nursing/
- Address: 1028 JC Redd Drive, Wesson, MS 39191
- Phone: 601-643-5101
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 95.05%
East Central Community College
The Associate of Applied Science Degree at East Central Community College incorporates knowledge, attitudes and skills to prepare adults to care for individuals and groups in various health care settings. The curriculum combines theory in the classroom and external patient care experiences in local health care settings. The training will emphasize patient-centered care, leadership, informatics, professionalism, communication, evidence-based practice, collaboration, systems-based practice, and quality improvement. Graduates will be eligible to take the NCLEX for Registered Nurses provided that they meet the requirements for the State Board of Nursing. The program admits new students in the fall semester. All applications must be completed by January 31 for fall admissions.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 70
Duration: 2 years
Course titles:
Prerequisite courses – Anatomy and Physiology I w/Lab, Anatomy and Physiology II w/Lab, Microbiology w/Lab
Core Courses – Pharmacology, Fundamentals of Nursing Practice, Nurse Seminar, English Composition I, Human Growth and Development, Adult/Child Health Nursing, Nurse Seminar, English Composition II, Fine Arts or Humanities Elective, Adult Health Nursing II, Nurse Seminar, General Psychology, Public Speaking I, Advanced Concepts of Nursing Practice, NCLEX Review, Nurse Seminar
Admission criteria:
- Apply for regular admission to ECCC
- Complete the Associate Degree Nursing Program application and submit to the Office of Healthcare Education
- Provide a minimum ACT composite score of 18
- Have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher
- Complete the prerequisite courses with a grade C or higher – courses must be completed before classes begin
- Submit the pre-admission fees for the entrance evaluation and criminal background check
- Take the pre-entrance examination test – the test will be scheduled by the Office of Healthcare Education
- Submit a satisfactory physical exam report indicating the ability to perform essential functions. The report must be completed by a licensed physician or nurse practitioner
- Provide proof of immunization against MMR and hepatitis B or declination
- Have current American Heart Association Basic Life Support Provider certification
- Provide proof of age – must be 18 years or older
- Complete a satisfactory criminal history background check – scheduled by the College
- Submit to TB testing
- Secure seasonal influenza shot
Program Cost
The cost of tuition is $1,475 per semester for full-time attendance for in-state residents. Additional costs include supplies, textbooks, entrance exam, background check, drug screen, insurance, and uniforms.
- Website: https://www.eccc.edu/associate-degree-nursing-rn
- Address: 15738 Hwy 15 South, P.O. Box 129, Decatur, Mississippi 39327
- Phone: 1-877-GO-2-ECCC
- Email: go2ec@eccc.edu
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 92.59%
Mississippi Delta Community College
The Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Program at Mississippi Delta Community College prepares students for a rewarding career as a registered nurse. The curriculum blends theory and practical instruction that prepares students for basic entry-level nursing where they would provide safe and effective nursing as part of the health care team. Licensed practical nurses can complete the requirements for becoming a registered nurse by enrolling in the accelerated track. Applicants must have an unencumbered license as an LPN in Mississippi and take an entrance exam. Students who successfully complete the program’s requirements will be eligible to take the NCLEX for licensure as a registered nurse.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 72
Duration: 2 years
Course titles:
Prerequisite courses – Anatomy and Physiology I w/Lab, Anatomy and Physiology II w/Lab, Microbiology w/Lab
Core Courses – Nursing I, English Composition I, Nutrition, General Psychology, Nursing II, English Composition II, Nursing III, Nursing Review, Human Growth and Development, Public Speaking, Nursing IV, Nursing Review II, Humanities/Fine Arts Elective
Admission criteria:
- Apply for regular admission to MDCC
- Complete the Associate Degree Nursing Program application
- Submit an official high school transcript from an approved high school or high school equivalency test score
- Submit an official transcript from all colleges attended
- Provide a minimum ACT score of 18
- Take and pass the entrance test – at the applicant’s expense
- Submit two references – one personal and one academic
- Complete the prerequisite courses with a grade C or above
- Complete AHA-BLS Provider CPR course
- Complete a satisfactory background check
- Have a licensed physician or nurse practitioner complete the health evaluation form indicating physical and mental fitness
- Provide documentation of current immunizations include MMR, Tdap booster, hepatitis B, varicella and TB skin test
- Obtain an acceptable result on the pre-admission drug screen
- Attend an ADN orientation session
- Secure liability insurance and accident insurance
Program Cost
The cost of tuition is $1,530 per semester for full-time attendance for in-state residents. Additional costs include fees, uniforms, textbooks, entrance exam, background check, CPR certification, drug screen, insurance, and uniforms.
- Website: http://www.msdelta.edu/programs/health-sciences/adn/associate-degree-nursing.php
- Address: PO Box 668, Hwy 3 & Cherry St., Moorhead, MS 38761
- Phone: 662-246-MDCC
- Email: admissions@msdelta.edu
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 96.49%
Jones College
The Associate of Arts degree with a major in Nursing at Jones College combines core nursing and non-nursing courses to prepare adults for licensure as a Registered Nurse. Graduates of the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing accredited program will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN to render safe and competent care in various health care settings. The curriculum covers courses in biological and social sciences, humanities and nursing. Students can commence the non-nursing courses before formal admission to the program. However, only nursing majors can register for nursing courses. Experienced instructors will use lectures, demonstration, multi-media, projects, and class discussions to cover the comprehensive course material. Students must participate in the clinical rotations and must make arrangements to get to and from the clinical site. Licensed practical nurses may apply for the accelerated track and complete the requirements in just 12 months. The program admits new students in the spring and fall semesters. The deadline for fall entry is March 1, and the deadline for spring entry is October 1.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 72
Duration: 5 semesters
Course titles:
Prerequisite courses – Anatomy and Physiology I w/Lab, Anatomy and Physiology II w/Lab, Microbiology w/Lab
Core Courses – Psychology of Personal Adjustment, Adult Nursing I, General Psychology, Nutrition, Anatomy and Physiology I, Adult Nursing II, Human Growth and Development, English Composition I, Anatomy and Physiology II, Mental Health Nursing, Maternal Child Nursing, Microbiology, English Composition II, Complex Nursing, College Algebra, Public Speaking
Admission criteria:
- Apply for regular admission to Jones College
- Submit an official copy of final high school transcript or GED scores and college transcript
- Submit ACT/SAT scores to the Admissions Office – a composite score of 18 is required for admission
- Submit a completed application to the AD Nursing program before the deadline
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 on previous college coursework. A grade C or better is required on all courses
- Submit scores from the required entrance exam – ATI TEAS minimum of 58.7 is required for admission
- Must be able to fulfill the financial obligation of the program
- Complete a physical exam include two-step TB skin test
- Have current CPR certification for the healthcare provider
- Vaccination – Hepatitis B or declination, MMR, Tdap, and flu vaccine
- Attend an orientation session
- Complete a criminal background check – participation in the clinical rotation will be prohibited if the student has any felonies or disqualifying events
Program Cost
The cost of tuition is $200 per semester hour for resident students. In addition to regular college tuition and fees, ADN students will have costs uniforms, lab coats, shoes, name pins, transport, fingerprinting, nursing kit, licensing exam, criminal background check, textbook, and drug testing.
- Website: http://www.jcjc.edu/programs/adn/index.php
- Address: 900 South Court Street Ellisville, MS 39437
- Phone: (601) 477-4025
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 93.85%
Crystal is a certified Registered Nurse (RN) with a passion for writing about nursing education. Through her articles, Crystal shares insights and tips to help fellow nurses enhance their skills and stay updated with the latest developments in the field. With a focus on practical advice and relevant topics, Crystal's writing is a valuable resource for nursing professionals seeking to advance their careers.