There’s been tremendous growth in demand for qualified nurses. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job growth for nurses will be 7% in the decade. In response to the continued need for new nurses, schools offering the associate degree in nursing program have been expanding their resources to add more students to their selective admission programs. Nursing programs prepare adults to take the National Council Licensure Exam, which is a requirement for practice as a registered nurse in the United States and across the world. Apart from preparation for licensure, nursing programs seek to inspire, educate, and prepare adults with knowledge, skills, and values for success as a registered nurse. Students will also develop compassion and respect for patients’ dignity. ADN graduates can and should seek to enroll in a bridge RN to BSN program to earn a BSN degree and increase their competitiveness in the industry and value to employers. Numerous studies indicate that BSN nurses have improved patient outcomes and are better prepared to meet the challenges of patient care in a complex health care system.
Galen College of Nursing
The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Program at Galen College of Nursing is designed for adults who are new to nursing. The curriculum covers a comprehensive classroom theory plus extensive clinical experiences and hands-on learning. Clinical experiences begin early in the program. The inclusion of general education courses that run simultaneously with nursing courses means that there are no prerequisites for entry, and students can complete the degree requirements in just 24 months. The program admits new students four times yearly. Transfer credits are accepted from applicants who have completed general education courses. Students will be prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam upon completion.
Program Outline
Quarter credits: 107
Duration: 24 months full-time
Method of instruction: Traditional
Course titles:
General Education Courses – Human Anatomy and Physiology I – Theory, Human Anatomy and Physiology I – Laboratory, Information Literacy and Technology Essentials, English Composition, Galen Pathway to Success, Human Anatomy and Physiology II – Theory, Human Anatomy and Physiology II – Laboratory, College Mathematics, Development Psychology, Introduction to Sociology,
Core Courses – Introduction to Professional Nursing, Microbiology for Health Professionals, Foundations of Nursing, Principles of Pharmacology, Concepts of Medical Surgical Nursing, Concepts of Nursing: The Childbearing/Child Caring Family, Concepts of Mental Health Nursing, Concepts of Aging & Chronic Illness, Advanced Concepts of Medical Surgical Nursing, Leadership and Nursing Management, Transition to Registered Nursing Practice
Admission criteria:
- Must be a high school graduate or possess a GED diploma
- Must be able to communicate effectively in English
- Take and pass the entrance exam with satisfactory scores – ACT (19), SAT (1030), Multilevel PAX (95), ATI TEAS (55). Test scores must have been earned within the last five years
- Must consent to a criminal background screen and release documentation of the background screening results from an authorized provider
- Provide a signed, complete Galen physical exam form as verification of a physical exam performed by the licensed physical. Must have been completed within 12 months prior to admission
- Complete Basic Life Support (BLS) from the American Heart Association. Students must keep a current copy of file.
- Consent to drug screening requirements based on the clinical affiliation agency policy
- Provide proof of current, private health insurance annually
- Complete the required immunizations – MMR, Hepatitis B, Tdap, TB, Varicella, Influenza
Program Cost:
General education courses cost $390 per quarter credit hour. Nursing education courses cost $400 per quarter credit hour. The estimated cost of books is $2,750. Other fees include lab fee, clinical fee, registration fee, background fee, uniforms and supplies, and physical exam and required immunizations.
Website: https://galencollege.edu/campuses/louisville
Address: 3050 Terra Crossing Boulevard, Louisville, KY 40245
Phone: (877) 223-7040
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 91%
Jefferson Community and Technical College
The Associate Degree Nursing program offered by Jefferson Community College prepares adults with the skills to assume the role of a registered nurse in a medical setting. The curriculum follows the NLN Outcomes and Competencies for ADN graduates, which includes nursing judgment, human flourishing, professional identity, and spirit of inquiry. Core components such as evidence-based practice, patient centered care, informatics, safety, quality improvement, and collaboration are introduced and expanded throughout the program. Graduates will be eligible to take the NCLEX licensure exam. Licensed practical nurses can apply for advanced placement in the program. Acceptance to the program is based on selective admissions process.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 62-66
Duration: 24 months full-time
Method of instruction: Traditional
Course titles:
General Education Courses – Human Anatomy and Physiology I – Theory, Human Anatomy and Physiology I – Laboratory, Medical Microbiology, General Psychology, Writing I, Quantitative Reasoning Course at AS Level, Heritage/Humanities Course
Core Courses – Nursing Assistant Skills I, CPR for Healthcare Professionals, Nursing Practice I, Medical Surgical Nursing I, Maternal Newborn Nursing, Behavioral Health Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, Medical Surgical Nursing II, Medical Surgical Nursing III
Admission criteria:
- Apply for admission to the college. This is a separate process from applying to the program
- Attend an informal pre-nursing information session which will cover general information about the program, prerequisite courses, and how to prepare for admission
- Complete all prerequisite courses with a grade C or better
- Register to take the PAX-RN exam with a minimum composite score of 105 and a verbal percentile rank score of 50 or higher
- Attend a mandatory Preadmission Conference within 6 months of applying to the program and receive the signed Academic Program Plan
- Submit the completed APP with an application for admission to the program
- Must meet the required psychomotor functions
- Must be listed in current status on the Kentucky Board of Nursing State Nurse Aide Registry (SRNA) or complete Health Science Technology with a grade C or higher
- Must have a minimum GPA of 2.75 on prerequisite and corequisite courses
- Attend a mandatory orientation upon acceptance to the program
- Complete a criminal background screen and release documentation of the background screening results from an authorized provider
- Complete the physical exam form as verification of a physical exam performed by the licensed physical. Must have been completed within 12 months prior to admission
- Complete Basic Life Support (BLS) from the American Heart Association. Students must keep a current copy of file.
- Complete satisfactory drug screen
- Provide proof of current, private health insurance annually
- Complete the required immunizations – MMR, Hepatitis B, Tdap, TB, Varicella, Influenza
Program Cost:
The estimated cost of tuition, books, and supplies is $10,896 for full-time students who complete the program in two years.
Website: https://jefferson.kctcs.edu/education-training/program-finder/nursing.aspx
Address: 109 East Broadway Louisville, KY 40202
Phone: (502) 213-5333
Toll Free: (855) 2GO-JCTC
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 96%
Sullivan University
Sullivan University’s Associate Degree program in Nursing teaches the core competencies required for the provision of holistic care for clients and the community. The program supports the development of professional healthcare providers through the combination of classroom lectures, clinical activities, and community events. Core components of the program include professional behaviors, communication, clinical decision making, caring interventions, assessment, teaching and learning, and collaboration with members of the healthcare team. Accelerated learning options help students advance their nursing career quickly. Graduates are eligible to apply to take the NCLEX-RN to become a registered nurse. There is no application deadline as the school follows a rolling admission policy.
Program Outline
Quarter credits: 103
Duration: 24 months full-time or 21 months accelerated
Clock hours: 1595 (781 lab and clinical hours)
Method of instruction: Traditional
Course titles:
General Education Courses – Human Anatomy and Physiology I – Theory, Human Anatomy and Physiology I – Laboratory, Medical Microbiology, Medical Microbiology Lab, Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry, Composition I, Composition II, College Mathematics, Introduction to Sociology
Core Courses – Fundamental of Nursing, Concepts of Basic Nursing Practice, Adult Nursing Care I, Pharmacology- NUR, Adult Nursing Care II, Nutrition, Mental Health Nursing, Maternal Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, Adult Nursing Care III, Seminar in Professional Development, Integrated Practicum
Admission criteria:
- Apply for admission to the university with paid enrollment fee
- Request transcripts from all postsecondary educational institutions and submit to the university
- Complete an entrance exam with a satisfactory score. Applicants with acceptable ACT or SAT scores may qualify for waiver
- Must possess a high school diploma or have an official GED certificate
- Attend an admission interview
- Must have a minimum GPA of 2.75 on prerequisite and corequisite courses
- Attend a mandatory orientation upon acceptance to the program
- Complete a criminal background screen and release documentation of the background screening results from an authorized provider
- Complete the physical exam form as verification of a physical exam performed by the licensed physical. Must have been completed within 12 months prior to admission
- Complete Basic Life Support (BLS) from the American Heart Association. Students must keep a current copy of file.
- Complete satisfactory drug screen
- Provide proof of current, private health insurance annually
- Complete the required immunizations – MMR, Hepatitis B, Tdap, TB, Varicella, Influenza
Program Cost:
Tuition costs $355 per credit hour for nursing courses.
Website: https://www.sullivan.edu/colleges/college-of-nursing
Address: 3101 Bardstown Rd, Louisville, KY 40205
Toll Free: (800) 844 1354
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 87%
ATA College
The Hybrid Online Associates Degree Registered Nurse program at ATA College offers the flexibility of online classes combined with hands-on training in the on-campus labs. The training prepares students for a career in nursing in just two years. Experienced nursing faculty cover core competencies including evidence-based practice, collaboration, clinical judgment, patient-centered care, communication, professional behaviors, and informatics. They will conduct various NCLEX assessments to support the development of critical thinking skills and knowledge needed for success as a registered nurse. Upon successful completion of the degree requirements, graduates are eligible to apply to sit for the National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
Program Outline
Quarter credits: 97
Duration: 19 months fast track program
Method of instruction: Blended
Course titles:
General Education Courses – Human Anatomy and Physiology I – Theory, Human Anatomy and Physiology I – Laboratory, Microbiology, English Composition, College Algebra, American Literature, Introduction to Sociology, Developmental Psychology
Core Courses – Nursing Informatics, Nursing Success, Introduction to Professional Nursing, Medical Surgical Nursing I, Mental Health Nursing, Medical Surgical Nursing II, Mental Health/OB Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, Transcultural & Community Health Nursing, Acute Care Nursing, Geriatric, Leadership and Management, Nutrition, Advanced Pharmacology, Integrated Practicum
Admission criteria:
- Must have a high school diploma or GED certificate
- Must communicate effectively in English. Applicants whose first language is not English must submit satisfactory TOEFL scores
- Submit satisfactory ACT, SAT, or TEAS-RN scores – ACT (19), SAT (1350), TEAS (69% Reading, 63% Math, 60% English Language)
- Meet with a Financial Aid Advisor to sign the enrollment agreement
- Complete a criminal background screen from an authorized provider
- Complete a satisfactory physical exam at a licensed physician or physician’s assistant
- Must have a current CPR certificate from the American Heart Association
- Provide proof of immunization – TB test, Varicella, Hepatitis B, MMR, Tdap, Influenza
Program Cost:
The program cost of $41,771 includes tuition, registration fee, nursing fee, books, and quarterly general fee.
Website: https://www.ata.edu/programs/registered-nurse/
Address: 10200 Linn Station Road, Suite 125, Louisville, KY 40223
Phone: 502-371-8383
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 70%
Midway University
Midway University’s Associate Degree Nursing Program produces nurses who are sought out by top employers – before they even graduate. Knowledgeable faculty guide students through the core competencies required for successful practice in the field. Classroom theory covers theoretical and technical aspects of nursing and run simultaneously with supervises clinical experiences that give students the opportunity to practice patient care at several health care facilities in the community. Students who successfully complete the ADN program are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN to practice as a Registered Nurse. Graduates will be qualified for seamless transition to the RN-to-BSN program also offered by Midway University. Admission to the program is selective so applicants must ensure that their educational background meets the requirements to assure admission to the nursing program.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 64
Duration: 4 semesters
Method of instruction: Blended
Course titles:
General Education Courses – Anatomy and Physiology II, Anatomy and Physiology II Laboratory, Microbiology, Microbiology Laboratory
Core Courses – Fundamentals of Nursing, Medical Surgical Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, Obstetrics and Women’s Health Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, Advanced Medical Surgical Nursing and Clinicals, Synthesis and Integrative Practicum
Admission criteria:
- Complete an application for admission to Midway University
- Complete a separate application or admission to the nursing program
- Submit an official high school transcript or GED score. Applicants who are transferring more than 24 transferable hours do not need to submit high school transcript
- Submit official college of university transcripts from a regionally accredited educational institution
- Must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above
- Submit ACT score of 21 or equivalent SAT score. Applicants after Fall 2021 must submit TEAS test score of 60 or above. TEAS will replace the ACT requirement
- Must have completed two years of high school algebra or one intermediate college algebra with a grade C or better
- Submit proof of immunization – MMR, Hepatitis B or waiver, Tdap, Varicella, Influenza and current negative TB test
- Must have current American Heart Association BLS certification
- Must have current health insurance prior to the clinical rotations
- Must have at least 12 general education credit hours
- Must have current Kentucky Medicaid Nurse Aide Certification SRNA, Certified Medical Assistant Certification, or Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)
- LPN-RN bridge applicants must have graduated from a regionally accredited institution and proof of active Kentucky or compact state LPN license
Program Cost:
The program cost of $49,000 for full-time students includes tuition for nursing courses, technology/campus network fee, student activity fee, and required textbooks. Additional costs include immunizations, TB screening, CPR, personal health insurance, criminal background check, urine drug screen, records management, annual influenza vaccine, uniform, application fee, and registration fee.
Website: https://www.midway.edu/majors-programs/undergraduate-programs/bsn/adn/
Address: 512 East Stephens Street Midway, Kentucky 40347
Phone: 800-952-4122
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 100%