Nursing stands as the fastest growing profession in the United States. One of the fastest ways to prepare for this rewarding but challenging career is to enroll in an Associate Degree in Nursing program and become a registered nurse in just two years. As a registered nurse, you’ll coordinate patient care, develop, implement and evaluate patient care plans, use research to improve patient outcomes, educate individuals, families and communities, and provide physical and emotional support to patients and their families. Some nurses work as educators. Associate degree nurses may teach in Certified Nursing Assistant and Licensed Practical Nursing programs. A Bachelor of Science Degree or Master of Science Degree in Nursing is essential to fill educator roles in colleges and universities.
The shortage of professional nurses creates demand for nurse graduates in various health facilities. However, there are strong calls for nurses to obtain the Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN) to meet the growing complexities in healthcare. Stricter hiring practices in many hospitals have reduced the number of available jobs for ADNs in this setting. Graduates of the ADN can improve their career opportunities by continuing their education through RN to BSN programs.
Tidewater Community College
The nationally accredited Associate of Applied Science in Nursing program at the Beazley School of Nursing at Tidewater Community College prepares students to join the healthcare workforce as professional nurses. The curriculum includes classroom instruction, practical work in simulation labs, and clinical rotations in various health care facilities. Students will receive a comprehensive education through the combination of theory with practical work. Upon completion of the program, graduates will qualify to take the NCLEX-RN exam. The Beazley School of Nursing offers an Advanced Placement track for Licensed Practical Nurses to complete the program in less than two years. The LPN applicant must provide proof of graduating from a Virginia Board of Nursing accredited program to qualify for advanced placement. Admission to the program is competitive.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 64
Duration: 5 semesters full-time
Course titles:
Prerequisite courses – Human Anatomy and Physiology I, College Composition I, Development Psychology, Orientation to Health Care
Core Courses – Human Anatomy and Physiology II, Introduction to Nursing Concepts, Competencies for Nursing Practice, Professional Nursing Concepts, Health Promotion and Assessment, Introductory Microbiology, Health Care Participant, Health/Illness Concepts, Health Care Concepts I, Health Care Concepts II, Introduction to Psychology I, Advanced Professional Nursing Concepts, Complex Health Care Concepts, Nursing Capstone, Social Ethics
Admission criteria:
- Apply for admission to Tidewater Community College – acceptance does not guarantee admission to the nursing program
- Make arrangements for Financial Aid
- Have a GPA of 2.5 or higher from previous college courses
- Take the English and Math Placement Tests and complete development courses indicated from the results of the placement test
- Complete prerequisite courses (BIO 141, ENG 111, PSY 230, SDV 101) with a grade C or better
- Attend a mandatory information session
- Take the Nursing Admission Assessment Exam (HESI A2) at any one of the four TCC campuses
- Submit a completed application to the Beazley School of Nursing
- Provide official transcripts of college courses that are eligible for transfer into the program
- Complete a physical exam
- Submit to a criminal/sex offender background check
- LPNs must submit a copy of current licensure in Virginia and official LPN transcript
Program Cost:
At a rate of $185.35 per credit for 64 credits, the cost of completing the program will be $11,862.40. The cost is based on in-state tuition. It does not include textbooks, shoes, uniforms, stethoscope, criminal background check, and testing fees.
Website: https://www.tcc.edu/academics/health-professions/programs/nursing-degree
Address: 121 College Place, Norfolk, VA 23510
Phone: 757-822-1122
Toll- Free: 800-371-0898
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 100%
Fortis College
FORTIS College offers an Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program that includes academic and clinical instruction to prepare students for the NCLEX licensure exam. Graduates will have the competencies to meet the health care needs of their communities and become lifelong learners. The program follows a hybrid format – less than 50 percent of the program will be taken online. The blend of online and on-campus coursework is convenient and flexible for students who need to balance other commitment with study. Licensed Practical Nurses can apply for advanced placement and shorten the time it takes to obtain a registered nursing degree.
Program Outline
Quarter credits: 106
Duration: 96 instructional weeks
Length: 1500 clock hours
Course titles:
Prerequisite courses – Anatomy and Physiology I, General Biology, English Composition, College Mathematics, Microbiology, Effective Communication
Core Courses – Anatomy and Physiology II, Introduction to Informatics, Pharmacology, Health Assessment, Foundations of Nursing, Medical-Surgical Nursing I, Maternal-Newborn Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, Leadership and Management, Community Nursing Concepts, Mental Health Nursing, Medical-Surgical Nursing II, Transition to Practice – Capstone, General Psychology, Human Growth and Development, Fundamentals of Human Nutrition, Sociology
Admission criteria:
- Meet the general admissions requirements for acceptance into Fortis College
- Have a cumulative GPA of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale
- Provide a copy of official high school transcript or high school equivalence certificate
- Interview with an Admissions Representative
- Take and pass the HESI Admission Assessment Exam (A2) – must achieve a score of 75% or higher in the English Language Composite score and the Math Composite score – LPN applicants who attended Fortis College are exempt from the Admission Assessment but must take the HESI PN Exit Exam and score at least 850
- Sign the school’s Enrollment Agreement and pay the non-refundable enrollment fee
- Provide a valid form of identification with a picture, name, and address
- Have current American Heart Association BLS Healthcare Provider Course CPR card
- Complete the required immunizations within the first week of enrollment
- Sign the Nursing Program Waiver – some sites may require students to have health insurance
- Submit to and pass a drug screen
- Submit to and pass a criminal background check
Program Cost:
At a rate of $185.35 per credit for 64 credits, the cost of completing the program will be $11,862.40. The cost is based on in-state tuition. It does not include textbooks, shoes, uniforms, stethoscope, criminal background check, and testing fees.
Website: https://www.fortis.edu/campuses/virginia/norfolk/6300-center-drive-suite-100-norfolk-va/associate-degree-in-nursing.aspx
Address: 6300 Center Drive, Suite 100, Norfolk, VA 23502
Phone: (757) 499-5447
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 100%
ECPI University
The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program at ECPI affords students the educational opportunity to care for individuals, families, and communities of diverse backgrounds. The program sets the foundation for life-long learning through the delivery of courses in liberal arts and sciences, humanities, and nursing theory. The curriculum incorporates classroom theory and clinical practice to promote clinical decision-making based on evidence, communication, collaborative care, professionalism in practice, and other nursing skills. Program graduates will receive vouchers that will the cost of the licensure exam. Graduates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to practice as a registered nurse.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 71
Duration: 18 months (5 semesters)
Course titles:
Prerequisite courses – Anatomy and Physiology I with Terminology, Anatomy and Physiology I with Terminology LAB, Anatomy and Physiology II with Terminology, Anatomy and Physiology II with Terminology LAB, College Composition, Culture and Diversity, College Algebra, Introduction to Psychology, Freshman Orientation, Study Skills
Core Courses – Dosage Calculations for Professional Nurse, 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 Professional Nursing, Nursing Capstone
Admission criteria:
- Complete the entrance assessment exam (TEAS) with the minimum scores – Reading – 85, Math – 51, English – 60, Science – 55
- A minimum GPA of 2.5 from college courses (9 credit minimum)
- High school or GED GPA of 2.5
- Submit to a criminal background check and drug screen
- Meet the essential functional abilities to practice as a registered nurse
- Submit a completed Entrance Essay with a maximum length of 1 to 2 pages. Candidates have their choice of the following topics: Academic Integrity, The Art of Caring, Managing College/Life Balance.
- Submit official transcripts of college courses that are eligible for transfer
Program Cost:
Tuition for the program is $44,087 for in-state students. The tuition does not cover expenses for textbooks, shoes, uniforms, stethoscope, criminal background check, and testing fees.
Website: https://www.ecpi.edu/programs/nursing-degree-adn-associate-degree
Address: 1001 Omni Boulevard #100, Newport News, 23606
Phone: 757-849-0548
Toll Free: 844-611-0618
Fax: 757-827-5351
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 92.31%
Paul D. Camp Community College
The Associate of Applied Science in Nursing program is targeted to adults who want to acquire the knowledge, skills and experience to practice as a Registered Nurse. Graduates will have met the educational requirements to be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam for licensure as a Registered Nurse. Experienced instructors will deliver nursing concepts in the classroom, simulation lab, and clinical activities in various health care settings to give students a comprehensive education that will set the foundation for continued learning. Licensed practical nurses who have graduated from an accredited program may apply for accelerated study through the transfer of appropriate credits.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 64
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Course titles:
Prerequisite courses – Human Anatomy and Physiology, English Composition I, Developmental Psychology, Human Anatomy and Physiology II, Microbiology, English College Composition II, Ethics
Core Courses – Introduction to Nursing Concepts, Competencies for Nursing Practice, Professional Concepts, Health Promotion and Assessment, Health Care Recipient, Health/Illness Concepts, Health Care Concepts I, Health Care Concepts II, Advanced Professional Nursing Concepts, Complex Health Care Concepts, Nursing Capstone
Admission criteria:
- A completed application to the Nursing Program
- Official high school or GED transcripts
- Official College transcripts
- Obtain passing scores on the HESI – 70% in each category ($53.50)
- Current Healthcare Provider CPR Certification through the American Heart Association
- Attend the mandatory advising/information session
- Proof of professional healthcare license – CNA or LPN
- Complete College Placement Assessment Tests – Math and English placement
- Apply for financial aid or scholarships
- Meet with a nursing advisor
- Take and pass the prerequisite courses with a C grade or higher – General Chemistry, General Biology, Math 05, CPR, Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Composition I, Developmental Psychology, Orientation to Health Care Profession
- Maintain a cumulative and curricular GPA of 2.5 or better
- Satisfactory physical and mental health
- Submit to a criminal background check
Program Cost:
The approximate cost of attendance for students in the program is $14,637.75 for in-state residents and $27,456.75 for out-of-state residents. The cost includes tuition, medical examination, books, uniforms, white shoes, uniform patches, testing fees, skills lab kit, nursing student association fees, graduation pin, CPR certification, Board of Nursing application for licensure fee, criminal history and sex offender background and drug screen checks, and NCLEX-RN exam.
Website: https://www.pdc.edu/explore-camp/health-sciences/aas-nursing/
Address: 271 Kenyon Road, Suffolk, VA 23434
Phone: 757-569-6700
Email: info@pdc.edu
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 66.67%
Bryant & Stratton College
The Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing offered by Bryant & Stratton College produces registered nurses capable of providing safe and effective care at the entry level. The program includes classroom, lab, and clinical experiences that lead to efficiency in the world of work and a commitment to lifelong learning. Clinical simulation, computer aided instruction, technical learning strategies, and telecommunications are just a few of the methods used to deliver the course content. Students will learn how to employ critical thinking, demonstrate clinical competence, use informatics to communicate, manage knowledge, and mitigate errors, practice within the ethical, legal, and regulatory frameworks of the professional standards, and use appropriate nursing judgment in practice.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 72
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Course titles:
Liberal arts courses – Introduction to Information Literacy, Public Speaking and Rhetorical Persuasion, Research and Writing I, Research and Writing II, College Mathematics, Practice in Analytic Reasoning and Critical Thinking, Principles of Psychology
Core Courses – Anatomy and Physiology I, Microbiology Applications, Pathophysiology, Anatomy and Physiology II, Introduction to Nursing, Nursing Fundamentals, Lifespan Development and Nursing Practice, Family Child Nursing, Medical Surgical Nursing I, Pharmacology for Nurses, Geriatric & Mental Health Nursing, Medical Surgical Nursing II, Nursing Issues, Leadership & Research, Nursing Internship
Admission criteria:
- Submit a completed application to the college
- Submit official high school transcript
- Attend an interview with the Nursing Director
- Obtain level placement scores in English and Mathematics placement evaluations
- Take and pass the TEAS with a score that is not lower than the 40th national percentile
- Provide documentation of a recent physical exam
- Complete a drug screen
- Submit to a criminal background check
Program Cost:
Tuition for the program is $47, 354. Books and supplies cost $4,500. Additional expenses include criminal background check, uniforms, CPR certification, health insurance, state licensure, and NCLEX-RN exam.
Website: https://www.bryantstratton.edu/degrees/associate-degrees/aas-adn-nursing
Address: 4410 E. Claiborne Square, Suite 233, Hampton, VA 23666
Phone: 757-896-6001
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 95%