Nursing, AAS

Major Code: 3311

ACCREDITED BY THE WEST VIRGINIA BOARD OF EXAMINERS FOR REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL NURSES AND THE ACCREDITATION COMMISSION FOR EDUCATION IN NURSING, INC.

Admission

The Nursing program is a selected admission program. Candidates must submit all documentation listed below:

All persons seeking admission to the A.A.S. Degree Program in Nursing:

1. Must be fully admitted to BridgeValley Community and Technical College. This includes the submission of ACT or SAT 1 scores, official high school transcripts or GED/TASC score reports and official transcripts from all previous colleges attended to the Admissions Office.

2. Must also submit a Nursing Program application to the Nursing Program by February 1 preceding the fall admission and October 1 preceding spring admission.

3. Must take the TEAS-VI Nursing Admissions Test and score a minimum score of 60.

4. Attend a Nursing Program Information Session (dates and times are on the website)
5. Proof of High School Graduation. (transcripts, diploma copy, etc.)

High School Applicants (or those with less than 12 college credit hours):

1. Must have a minimum of a 3.0 High School grade point average (GPA) or GED with 45 on all subscores.
2. Must have a minimum ACT composite score of 21 with a minimum score of 19 in all sub-scores or 1000 SAT I with 490 verbal and 480 math sub-scores.

College Applicants (with 12 or more credit hours):

1. Must have a minimum of a 2.50 cumulative GPA on all previous college credits.
2. Must be eligible for ENGL 101  and MATH 113 .

Students should be aware that clinical agencies require students to pass a criminal background check and drug screen in order to have learning experiences in their facilities. Additionally, the West Virginia State Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses requires graduates to be “of good moral character,” according to Chapter 30 of the West Virginia Code, in order to take the NCLEX licensing exam. This will require a criminal and traffic violation check. Other additional admission requirements, such as a screening interview, may be required. All students admitted must meet and be able to perform the Technical Standards of the Program.

Program Description

The Associate Degree Nursing program is a two-year program whose graduates meet the academic requirement to apply to take the NCLEX-RN licensing examination upon graduation. Other requirements for licensure are specified by the West Virginia Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses. A combination of general education, related cognates and courses from the professional major provide students with the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to practice in a variety of direct client care settings as well as providing the educational foundation for further study in nursing.

Program Learning Outcomes:

1. The first time NCLEX-RN pass rate will be 85% for all program options (Traditional, LPN-RN and Paramedic-RN).
2. 30% of students will graduate on time (2 years) and 50% of students will graduate on time (3 years).
3. 95% of all nursing graduates are employed as a Registered Nurse if successful on the NCLEX-RN within 6 months after graduation. 

 

End-of-Program Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Collaborate with the patient or designee to plan and provide nursing care that respects the patient’s individual needs and values.
2. Generate safe and effective patient-centered care using the nursing process.
3. Incorporate effective communication strategies to reduce risk and injuries in the healthcare environment.
4. Create caring relationships with patients and support systems consistent with the ANA Standards of Nursing Practice and Code of Ethics.
5. Evaluate the utilization of healthcare system resources to efficiently and effectively manage care.
6. Integrate current best practices to plan and implement safe and effective patient care.

Program Assessment

Program evaluation demonstrates that students and graduates have achieved the student learning outcomes, program outcomes, and role-specific competencies. To ensure accreditation standards are met, the program has a Systematic Plan of Program Evaluation in place that is shared with communities of interest. Specifically, the SPE evaluates performance on the licensure (NCLEX) exam, program completion, graduate program satisfaction, employer program satisfaction, and job placement rates.

Transfer Baccalaureate Options

• Marshall University RN-BSN
• Fairmont State University RN-BSN
• Bluefield State University RN- BSN
• West Virginia University RN-BSN
• West Virginia University of Parkersburg RN-BSN
• Grand Canyon University RN-BSN
• University of Charleston RN-BSN

Other Information

A separate application is required for admission to the program. Information regarding the application process can be found on BVCTC’s website at www.bridgevalley.edu. Students must meet eligibility requirements including drug screening, background check, and technical standards.

All science courses (BIOL 201 , BIOL 202 ,  BIOL 230  or BIOL 245 ) must be taken within five years of admission. Once admitted into the nursing program, students have three academic years for completion.

All courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or better.

Careers

Demand for Registered Nurses continues to dramatically increase both locally and nationally. Nurses are one of the most important components of the American health care system, playing an essential role in health care delivery in diverse settings in hospitals, outpatient and long-term care facilities, homes and workplaces, pharmaceutical and insurance companies.