An Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) provides the foundational education needed to become a registered nurse in a shorter time than it takes to complete a Bachelor of Science degree. This option is the most common pathway to nursing. The degree typically requires a commitment of two years but may require an extra year of study to complete the general education requirements. If you’re constrained for time and money, the ADN program will confirm your eligibility to take the National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses to obtain a state license and get on with the business of caring for patients. Keep in mind that there are limited long-term opportunities for ADN RNs, so you should consider bridge RN-to-BSN programs to advance in the field and qualify for positions that are open only to those with a BSN or higher.
Volunteer State Community College
The Associate of Applied Science degree in Nursing offered by Vol State Community College prepares students for licensure as a Registered Nurse. The courses is designed in such a way as to facilitate continued study to the bachelor of science in nursing degree. Enrollment is limited, so entry to the program is competitive. Admittance is limited to 24 students with each cycle. Applicants must complete the general education and science requirements with a GPA of 3.3 by the time of application to the program. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance to the program. Graduates will be eligible to apply to sit for the NCLEX for licensure as a Registered Nurse.
Program Outline
Credit hours: 66 credits
Duration: 2 years
Method of instruction: Traditional
Course titles:
General education courses – English Composition I, Introductory Statistics, Introduction to Psychology, Fundamentals of Communication, English Composition II, Principles of Nutrition, Lifespan Development Psychology, Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Human Anatomy and Physiology II, Microbiology
Core courses – Women’s Health and Childbearing Family, Pediatric Nursing , Mental Health Nursing, Fundamentals of Nursing, Medical-Surgical Nursing I, Professional Practice in Nursing, Medical Surgical Nursing II, Medical Surgical Nursing III
Admission criteria:
- Apply for admission to Vol State Community College
- Attend a mandatory information session
- Complete the prerequisite courses for the ADN degree with a minimum GPA of 3.3
- Schedule and take the TEAS test prior to admission
- Obtain and complete the official nursing program application and submit by the application deadline
- Schedule and attend an interview
- Obtain a passing score on a criminal background check
- Provide evidence of completing a 10-panel urine drug screen
- Must have current certification in American Heart Association Basic Life Support for the Healthcare Provider
- Provide proof of medical insurance
- Submit documentation of immunity to Hepatitis B
Program Cost:
Tuition and fees cost $202 per credit. Additional costs associated with the nursing program can total $5,140. They include ATI fees, background check, BLS certificate, drug screen, immunization and physical, medical insurance, nursing bag, nursing pin, nursing uniform, nursing shoes, textbooks, and NCLEX exam.
Website: https://www.volstate.edu/academics/nursingaas
Address: 1480 Nashville Pike, Gallatin, TN 37066
Phone: (615) 452-8600
Toll-Free: (888) 335-8722
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: N/A
Motlow State Community College
Motlow State’s nursing program leads to an Associate of Applied Science degree and gives students the eligibility to take the NCLEX for Registered Nurses. Theory and hands-on instruction emphasize the core nursing competencies including professional behaviors, communication, clinical decision making, assessment, teaching and learning, collaboration, and caring for a diverse population. The clinical internship will be conducted at local health care facilities, such as hospitals, extended care facilities, and other community agencies. Students must provide their own transport to the clinical sites which are within the college’s eleven county service area. Admission to the program is competitive, so applicants with the high scores are ranked and arranged in numerical order to identify those with the highest points.
Program Outline
Credit hours: 66 credits
Duration: 4 semesters
Method of instruction: Traditional
Course titles:
General education courses – English Composition I, Introductory Statistics, Introduction to Psychology, Fundamentals of Communication, English Composition II, Principles of Nutrition, Lifespan Development Psychology, Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Human Anatomy and Physiology II, Microbiology
Core courses – Women’s Health and Childbearing Family, Pediatric Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, Fundamentals of Nursing, Medical Surgical Nursing I, Professional Practice in Nursing, Medical Surgical Nursing II, Medical Surgical Nursing III
Admission criteria:
- Be admitted to Motlow State as a degree-seeking student
- Complete the general education courses by the January application deadline
- Take and pass the HESI exam with a composite score of 80% or greater – must take the required components (math, reading comprehension, vocabulary and general knowledge, grammar, anatomy and physiology, learning style and personality test)
- Must have a GPA of 2.75 or greater on the general education courses
- Attend a mandatory information session
- Submit a completed application to the nursing program by the required deadline
- Schedule and attend an interview with a program representative
- Obtain a passing score on a criminal background check
- Provide evidence of completing a 10-panel urine drug screen
- Must have current certification in American Heart Association Basic Life Support for the Healthcare Provider
- Provide proof of medical insurance
- Submit documentation of immunity to Hepatitis B or proof of first Hepatitis B vaccine
Program Cost:
Tuition and fees cost $211 per credit for in-state students and $524 for those out-of-state. Expected additional fees for uniform and supplies, drug screen, background check, health physical, TB skin test, CPR certification, textbooks, licensing exam fees, fingerprint scan for licensure, nursing pin, and NCLEX review must be covered by the student. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
Website: https://www.mscc.edu/index.html
Address: 5002 Motlow College Blvd, Smyrna, TN 37167
Phone: (615) 220-7800
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 92%
Nashville State Community College
The Nursing Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree program provided by Nashville State Community College prepares students for a career as a registered nurse. Theory and clinical training cover the fundamentals of nursing, pharmacology, pathophysiology, nursing care of adult, family nursing, mental health nursing, maternal nursing, and community health nursing. Students will learn core nursing concepts in the classroom followed by active patient care in clinical facilities such as hospitals and other community agencies. Experienced instructors will guide students as they care for patients from diverse patient populations and aid their development as independent clinical decision-makers. Graduates will receive the AAS degree and will be eligible to apply to take the NCLEX for Registered nurses. Licensed practical nurses can obtain the AAS degree through the LPN bridge program.
Program Outline
Credit hours: 66 credits
Duration: 4 semesters
Method of instruction: Traditional
Course titles:
General education courses – English Composition I, Introductory Statistics, Introduction to Psychology, Fundamentals of Communication, English Composition II, Principles of Nutrition, Lifespan Development Psychology, Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Human Anatomy and Physiology II, Microbiology
Core courses – Fundamentals of Nursing, Pharmacology I, Mental Health Nursing, Medical Surgical Nursing I, OB Nursing, Care of Children, Pharmacology II, Medical Surgical Nursing II, Pharamcology III, Leadership, Medical Surgical Nursing III
Admission criteria:
- Must be in good standing with NSCC and be enrollment at the time of application
- Must have a minimum grade C and a GPA of 2.8 or better on prerequisite courses
- Must take and pass the ATI-TEAS exam with a score of “Proficient”
- All prerequisite courses must be completed or in process at the time of application
- Submit a completed application to the nursing program by the required deadline
- Obtain a passing score on a criminal background check
- Provide evidence of completing a 10-panel urine drug screen
- Must have current certification in American Heart Association Basic Life Support for the Healthcare Provider
- Provide proof of medical insurance
- Submit documentation of immunity to Hepatitis B or proof of the first Hepatitis B vaccine
Program Cost:
Tuition and fees cost $211 per credit for in-state students and $524 for those out-of-state. Additional costs include textbooks, uniform, nursing lab fee, Kaplan nursing, nursing pin, NCLEX license exam fee, criminal background check, drug screen, CPR certification course, physical exam, liability insurance, and vaccinations.
Website: https://www.nscc.edu/academics/degrees-certificates/nursing-a-a-s
Address: 120 White Bridge Pk., Nashville, TN 37209
Phone: 615-353-3333
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 100%
Fortis College
The nursing program at Fortis College leads to an Associate of Applied Science degree and provides students with academic and clinical instruction. Students will acquire fundamental nursing skills to function as a competent member of the healthcare team. The content is delivered in a hybrid format which gives students the opportunity to complete some of the courses online. The program will include extensive preparation for the NCLEX which will give graduates the confidence to pass the state and practice as Registered Nurses. Licensed practical nurses who hold current and valid licenses can apply for advanced placement in the program.
Program Outline
Credit hours: 106 quarter credits
Contact hours: 1500
Duration: 96 instruction weeks
Method of instruction: Hybrid
Course titles:
General education courses – English Composition I, College Mathematics, Introduction to Informatics, Effective Communication, Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Human Anatomy and Physiology II, Microbiology
Core courses – Pharmacology, Foundations of Nursing, Health Assessment, Pediatric Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, Medical Surgical Nursing I, Medical Surgical Nursing II, Fundamental of Human Nutrition, Sociology, Human Growth and Development, General Psychology, Transition to Practice, Community Nursing Concepts, Leadership and Management
Admission criteria:
- Must be a high school graduate or have a recognized equivalent
- Must be at least 17 years of age or older
- Must submit a completed application form and all required documents
- Attend an interview with an admission’s representative
- Take and pass the Wonderlic SLE with a score of 16 or above
- Pay the enrollment fee and complete all tuition payment requirements
- Must agree to and sign the Enrollment Agreement
- Take and pass the HESI A2 exam
- Must submit to and pass a drug screen
- Must pass a criminal background check prior to starting the program
- Provide a valid form of identification with a picture, name and address
- Must have current Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers Certification by the American Heart Association
- Submit a signed Allied Health and Nursing Program waiver
- Must complete Hepatitis B immunization in series
Program Cost:
The total cost of the nursing program is $49,412. It includes tuition, enrollment fee, reference books, textbooks, student kit, computer, uniforms, immunizations, background check, drug test, and licensure exam.
Website: https://www.fortis.edu/campuses/tennessee/nashville/associate-degree-in-nursing.html
Address: 3354 Perimeter Hill Dr,. Suite 105 Nashville, TN 37211
Phone: (615) 320-5917
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 88%