ADN Programs Richmond, VA

The evolving role of nurses in traditional and nontraditional health care settings presents opportunities for those who are willing to embrace new trends. The Associate Degree Nursing program prepares students to assume an entry-level position and adapt swiftly to changes, applying their skills in new and unexpected ways. The scope of the program is an illustration of transformations within the profession. Student nurses learn that health happens everywhere, and they must be equipped to manage patients in the community and non-traditional settings as comfortably as they would in a hospital environment.

Changes in the educational requirements for entry-level nurses from the ubiquitous ADN to the preferred Bachelor of Science Nursing degree have reduced the number of positions for ADN nurses in hospitals. Greater emphasis on primary care, community initiatives, and transitional care further reduces opportunities in the nation’s hospitals. As such, innovative nursing programs have incorporated modules on leadership, collaboration, information technology, nursing trends, and complex health concepts to develop graduates who are poised to work in interdisciplinary health care teams, manage care in various settings, and meet the complex challenges within the health care system. Clinical rotations in nontraditional environments further prepare students to step confidently into their role whether it be in a hospital or rural clinic, enabling them to address health concerns, engage with patients in their homes, and use non-traditional methods of intervention to improve patient outcomes.

Fortis College

The Associate Degree Nursing program at Fortis College is a hybrid course where less than 50% of the content is delivered online. The balance of classes is offered in traditional on-campus format. The online courses are delivered through a consortium agreement with Fortis College in Centerville, Ohio. The curriculum will include theory and clinical instruction. Clinical rotations may be scheduled for any shift and may include weekend hours. Students will learn how to assess data to provide holistic care, use the nursing process, evidence-based information, and critical thinking to make sound decisions, use effective verbal, written and nonverbal forms of communication, assume accountability in professional practice, collaborate with patients and the health care team to provide individualized care, and participate in activities that promote personal and professional growth. The school provides an entry path for licensed practical nurses to become a registered nurse. The opportunity to receive academic credit for previous training in an accredited program and experience as an LPN will reduce the time required to obtain the ADN degree. Graduates will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN to become a registered nurse.

Program Outline

Clock hours: 1500

Semester credits: 106

Duration: 96 instructional weeks

Course titles:

General education courses – Microbiology, General Biology, Introduction to Informatics, College Mathematics, English Composition, Sociology, General Psychology, Human Growth and Development, Fundamentals of Human Nutrition

Core course – Anatomy and Physiology I, Anatomy and Physiology II, Effective Communication, Pharmacology, Health Assessment, Foundations of Nursing, Medical-Surgical Nursing I, Maternal New Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, Leadership and Management, Community Nursing Concepts, Mental Health Nursing, Medical Surgical Nursing II, Transition to Practice – Capstone

Admission criteria:

  • Must be a high school graduate or have a recognized equivalency
  • Be 17 years or older at the start of the program
  • Submit a completed application information form
  • Attend an interview with an admissions representative
  • Take and pass the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam (SLE) with a score of 15 or higher
  • Maintain an unencumbered Practical Nursing License for the program’s duration. Students must inform the Dean of Nursing of any changes to the license status
  • Submit to and pass a criminal background check. The must be cleared according to Fortis College policy as well as the regulations outlined by the Virginia Board of Nursing
  • Submit to and pass a drug screen. Inconclusive results will require retesting within 24 hours at the student’s expense.
  • Must obtain and maintain Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers certification by the American Heart Association
  • Sign and submit a current Health Care Declaration and the Essential Skills and Functional Abilities Forms. Signing the forms indicate the candidate’s ability to perform the physical and cognitive activities in the classroom, clinical and learning laboratory components of the program
  • Health insurance is recommended
  • Have up-to-date immunizations based on the current recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control for health-care workers. Students must provide proof of immunization in Hepatitis B, MMR, Varicella, Tdap, Influenza, TB skin test

Program Cost

The approximate cost of the program is $45,433. Books and supplies will cost $3,545.

Reynolds Community College

Reynolds Community College’s AAS program prepares students to employ evidence-based nursing as a member of the interdisciplinary health care team. The curriculum includes general education and nursing courses. Students are expected to complete the non-nursing courses before commencing the approved curriculum. A minimum grade C must be achieved in the general education courses for progression to the nursing courses. Graduates will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX to become a Registered Nurse. They will be able to provide patient-centered care across lifespan for diverse populations, minimize the risk of harm to patients, use professional judgment through the use of clinical reasoning, evidence-based practice, and the nursing process, use professional behaviors and commit to lifelong learning, collaborate with the nursing and interdisciplinary team, and manage client care using information technology.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 64

Duration: 4 semesters

Course titles:

Prerequisite courses – Developmental Psychology, College Composition I, College Success Skills, Human Anatomy and Physiology I

Core course – 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, College Composition II, Health Care Concepts I, Health Care Concepts II, Humanities/Fine Arts Elective, Complex Health Concepts, Advanced Professional Nursing Concepts, Nursing Capstone

Admission criteria:

  • Must be a high school graduate or have a recognized equivalency
  • Select Health Science I CSC on the Reynolds admission application
  • Complete all the admission requirements for Reynolds Community College
  • Submit evidence of completing high school biology or a college level science course with a grade C or higher
  • Meet the math requirement by submitted evidence of Virginia Placement Test at level 5 or higher. This requirement can also be met by completing the development modules or other waiver outlined in the school catalog
  • Candidates who speak English as a second language must obtain a standard score of 86 or above and a minimum speaking score of 26 on the TOEFL iBT
  • Submit official college transcript for evaluation of transfer credit
  • Take and pass the Kaplan Test with minimum scores – Reading 73%, Math 75%, Science 55%, Writing 52%. Candidates are ranked based on the Kaplan admission scores
  • Have a cumulative GPA or 2.0 or higher
  • Achieve a curricular GPA of 2.5 or higher in the general education pre-requisite courses with a grade C or higher
  • Attend the Nursing AAS Program Information Session within six months of applying to the program
  • Meet the program’s functional skills including satisfactory reading, writing, speaking, clear vision, ability to lift, stoop or bend, and intellectual and emotional function to keep patients safe
  • Pass a criminal background check and drug screen
  • Meet the health and immunity requirements
  • Must have current American Heart Association CPR BLS for Health Care Provider Certification

Program Cost

The cost of tuition and fees for in-state residents is $166.60 per semester credit hour. The nursing program requires that students cover the cost for uniform, shoes, stethoscope, special testing, books, supplies, physical exam and proof of immunity, TB test, Castlebranch background check and drug screen, and NCLEX-RN application.

John Tyler Community College

Students enrolled in the Associate Degree of Applied Science at John Tyler Community College will develop the skills to provide patient centered care for patients across lifespan and of diverse populations, ensure patient safety and minimize the risk of harm, exhibit professional behaviors encompassing the legal and ethical framework, demonstrate sound judgment through the use of clinical reasoning and evidence-based practice, and embrace lifelong learning and collaborative practice. The school offers a traditional track where the theory is delivered on-campus and facilitated by experienced faculty. The hybrid distance education track (HDET) delivers the theory online but may require some on campus requirements. There is a clinical requirement for both tracks that will require students’ presence at various clinical sites. The schedule for this will be based on availability at the clinical site. Graduates of the ACEN accredited and Virginia State Board of Nursing approved program will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX to become a Registered Nurse. The application period for Fall entry is January 15 to March 1. The application period for Spring entry is June 15 to August 10.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 67

Duration: 4 semesters

Course titles:

Prerequisite courses – College Success Skills, College Composition, Quantitative Reasoning, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Developmental Psychology

Core course – 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, College Composition II, Health Care Concepts I, Health Care Concepts II, Advanced Professional Nursing Concepts, Complex Health Care Concepts, Nursing Capstone, Humanities Electives

Admission criteria:

  • Have a high school diploma or approved equivalency
  • Be 18 years or older at the commencement of the first nursing course
  • Complete all the required placement tests
  • Secure admission to John Tyler Community College
  • Have an overall GPA of 2.0 or higher
  • Complete the prerequisite courses with a grace C or higher and a curriculum GPA of 2.5
  • Be able to fulfill all Essential Functions of the program and profession
  • Take and pass the ATI TEAS test with a minimum total score of 45% national percentile and a minimum 45% national percentile in each of the four content areas – Math, Reading, Science and English and Language Usage. Test results must be no older than 3 years before the application date
  • Have current CPR certification through the American Health Association BLS Health Care Provider
  • Submit to a criminal background check and drug screen
  • Have an overall GPA of 2.0 or higher from previous coursework
  • Show evidence of a negative 2-step PPD test
  • Complete the immunization requirements – MMR, TdaP, Varicella, Hepatitis B, Influenza

Program Cost

The cost of tuition is $160 per credit. The cost of tuition for the program will be (67 credits) $10,720 include pre-requisite and co-requisite nursing courses. Additional costs include drug screen, background check, skills kits and supplies, uniforms, books, standardized testing materials, CPR, and NCLEX registration.

ECPI University

The Associate Degree of Nursing at ECPI University is designed to provide students with the knowledge and technical skills to become an entry-level nurse. Students will learn how to function as part of the interdisciplinary health care team, meet the standards of professional nursing practice, use best practices to provide safe and effective care within the guidelines of the profession, demonstrate effective leadership in the nursing team, and use information management and technology in health care delivery. Program graduates must pass the NCLEX to practice as a Registered Nurse. Classes meet 4 to 5 days per week from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Evening hours may be available and meet 4 to 5 evenings a week from 5:530 pm to 10:30 pm and on weekends from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Clinical hours may vary.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 71

Duration: 4 semesters

Course titles:

General education 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, College Algebra, Culture and Diversity, Introduction to Psychology Freshman Orientation, Study Skills Support

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 Professional Nursing, Nursing Capstone

Admission criteria:

  • Have a high school diploma or approved equivalency
  • Be 18 years or older
  • Complete the entrance assessment exam (TEAS) with the minimum scores or higher – Reading – 85, Math – 51, English – 60, Science – 55
  • Have a minimum GPA of 2.5 from the last college attended or high school GPA if no college has been attended
  • Submit to a criminal background check and drug screen
  • Meet the essential functional abilities required for practice as a registered nurse
  • Submit an entrance essay one of the following – (1) Academic Integrity; (2) The Art of Caring; (3) Managing College / Life Balance. Completion may increase your admission ranking
  • Submit evidence of any relevant work history

Program Cost

Tuition and fees cost $44,087. Additional costs include drug screen, background check, skills kits and supplies, uniforms, books, standardized testing materials, CPR, and NCLEX registration.

Bryant & Stratton College

The Nursing Associate Degree at Bryant & Stratton College combines classroom, laboratory and clinical instruction to prepare students for a career in nursing. The curriculum will support the development of sound decision-making in practice. Instructors will use telecommunications technology, clinical simulations, computer-aided instruction, and technical strategies to prepare students for the expansive role to the nurse in the complex healthcare setting. Graduates will be prepared to take the NCLEX for Registered Nurses. They will have the competency to use critical thinking and reason in the nursing process to administer safe and culturally sensitive care, apply evidence-based practice and nursing judgment to guide decision-making, communicate effectively with patients and families, and practice within the ethical, legal and regulatory framework of the standards for nursing.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 72

Duration: 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, Practices 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 & Nursing Practice, Family Child Nursing, Medical Surgical Nursing I, Pharmacology for Nurses, Geriatric and Mental Health Nursing, Medical Surgical Nursing II, Nursing Issues, Leadership and Research, Nursing Internship

Admission criteria:

  • Submit a completed application to the college
  • Submit official high school transcript or documentation of completing GED
  • Attend an interview with the Nursing Program Director – the result of the interview will be considered in the selection process
  • Obtain college level placement scores on the English and Math placement evaluations
  • Take and pass the TEAS – must obtain a minimum proficiency level. Candidates with a valid practical nursing license are exempt from the TEAS requirement when applying within two years of graduation
  • Submit a completed physical exam report and other required lab test reports including a current drug screen
  • Submit to a criminal background check as required by state and federal law and the guidelines of the clinical facility

Program Cost

Tuition and fees cost $47,354. Books and supplies will cost an additional $4,500.

Piedmont Virginia Community College

The Associate of Applied Science degree in Nursing at Piedmont Virginia Community College prepares graduates to become a member of the health care team in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and physicians’ offices. The curriculum combines evidence-based nursing theory and practice, general education, ethical principles, and the sciences. Nursing Faculty will provide a supportive learning environment for students to develop critical thinking and making connections that go from the simple to complex. As facilitators of learning, they will opportunities for students to meet their educational goals. Students must actively participate in the learning experiences to develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to provide quality nursing care. Graduates will be eligible to take the NCLEX for licensure as a Registered Nurse.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 67

Duration: 5 semesters

Course titles:

Required courses – College Composition I, College Composition II, Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Human Anatomy and Physiology II, Principles of Sociology, Bio-Medical Ethics, Competencies for Nursing Practice, Health Care Participant, Health Promotion and Assessment, Health Care Concepts II, Complex Health Care Concepts, Development Psychology, Introductory Microbiology, Introduction to Nursing Concepts, Professional Nursing Concepts, Health Illness Concepts, Health Care Concepts I, Advanced Professional Nursing Concepts, Nursing Capstone

Admission criteria:

  • Demonstrate competency in Algebra using one of the following – complete developmental math courses or show proficiency in MTE 1-5 in the Virginia Placement math score or a grade C or better in college-level algebra or a score of 50 or higher on the Kaplan pre-entrance exam
  • Complete the prerequisite courses with a grade C or better – Bio 141, Eng 11, SDV 100 or 101, PSY 230 and Soc 200
  • Obtain a minimum 50% percentile score in all categories of the Kaplan Nursing Entrance Exam. The school will accept scores from another nursing school entrance exam – TEAS, HESI, etc
  • Nonnative English speakers must complete the TOEFL iBT with a standard score of 84 or above. The scores are valid for two years.

Program Cost

Tuition costs $159.65 per credit. Additional costs include transport to the clinical site, textbooks, uniform, shoes, background check, immunization, health screening, NCLEX registration, and licensure application.

South Virginia Community College

The Associate Degree Nursing program at South Virginia Community College equips students with skills, knowledge, and competencies to assume professional practice in various healthcare settings. The curriculum includes nursing and general education theory in the classroom and practical experiences in hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities. Students who successfully complete the program will be eligible to take the NCLEX to practice as a Registered Nurse. Licensed practical nurses who hold an unencumbered license may apply for transfer credit and complete the requirements for an associate degree in two to three semesters. SVCC assists graduates with job placement through partnerships with several health care providers in Southside Virginia.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 67

Duration: 5 semesters

Course titles:

General education courses – College Success Skills, College Composition I, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Developmental Psychology, Information Literacy, Human Anatomy and Physiology II, Microbiology, College Composition II, Humanities Elective

Required courses – Health Assessment, Fundamentals, Pharmacology II, Second Level Nursing, Second Level Nursing II, Second Level Nursing III

Admission criteria:

  • Submit an application for admission to SVCC
  • Proof documentation of completing high school or equivalent
  • Math Virginia Placement Test may be required based on evaluation of high school transcript
  • Must have a grade C or higher in high school biology and chemistry with a lab component
  • Attend a nursing information session and sign the Session Roster for credit
  • Obtain a total score of 64% or better on the ADN Program Percentile Rank and 65% or better on the Math Subtest on the ATI-TEAS pre-entrance exam
  • Complete the general education courses with a grade C or better
  • Have a GPA of 2.5 or higher on the required general education courses
  • Shadow a registered nurse on the job for at least 4 hours. LPN applicant do not need to fulfill this requirement.
  • Attend a mandatory Nursing Program Orientation
  • Submit a completed physical exam report, including immunizations and lab work
  • Must have American Heart Association CPR certification
  • Complete a criminal background check and drug screen with satisfactory results

Program Cost

Tuition and fees for 67 credits is $10,485.50. Other expenses include textbooks, ATI-TEAS, CPR, uniform, shoes, medical exam and immunization, criminal background check and urine drug screen, graduation pin, NCLEX licensure, and laboratory kit. Financial aid is available for eligible students.

Rappahannock Community College

The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program at Rappahannock Community College prepares students to fill a role as a professional nurse in a variety of clinical settings. The Graduates will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX for licensure as a registered nurse and have the competencies to integrate legal, ethical, and professional values in practice. Admission to the program is selective due to limitations in the availability to clinical spots. Persons who are not accepted should reapply each year if not accepted for the desired term. All applicants must take the TEAS, which is available on the campus by appointment only. There is an advanced placement option for Licensed Practical Nurses who hold an unencumbered license to practice nursing. With this option, LPNs will place into the fourth semester after completing the prerequisite and co-requisite courses.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 67

Duration: 5 semesters

Course titles:

Required courses – College Composition I, Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Developmental Psychology, Principles of Nutrition and Human Development, Orientation to Health Science, 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, College Composition II, Health Care Concepts I, Health Care Concepts II, Advanced Professional Nursing Concepts, Complex Health Concepts, Nursing Capstone, Ethics

Admission criteria:

  • Complete an application for admission to RCC before applying to the Nursing Program
  • Must have graduated from high school or completed a GED diploma
  • Complete the Virginia Placement Tests in MTH and ENG
  • Complete prerequisite courses with a grade C or better and a curriculum GPA of 2.5 or higher on the five courses
  • Complete the ATI TEAS Nursing Entrance Test with target scores of Proficient level or higher and a minimum of 45th National Percentile Ranking or Kaplan entrance exam with target score of 51% overall
  • Complete the pre-nursing courses with a curriculum GPA of 3.0
  • Complete American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers
  • Complete the Medical Release Form indicating ability to meet the health requirements – must be signed by a health care provider
  • Complete a criminal background check and drug screen
  • Obtain a negative result on a two-step TB skin test
  • Have current Hepatitis B immunization series with proof of immunity
  • Provide proof of liability insurance
  • Must complete seasonal flu vaccine as required

Program Cost

Tuition and fees cost $160.65 per credit hour or $10,763 for 67 credit hours. Other expenses include uniform and shoes, books, achievement test, clinical supplies, malpractice insurance, criminal background check, drug screen, medical, graduation and licensure, and travel to clinical agencies.

 

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.