Nursing, AAS

This is a G3-eligible program.  Click here to learn more.

Program Description/Purpose: The Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing (AAS) at Laurel Ridge Community College is designed to prepare students to master entry-level registered nurse knowledge. Students will integrate the art of nursing skills with the science of health education to provide holistic client care.  Upon satisfactory completion of this program, the student will be eligible to take the National Council of State Boards of Nursing examination (NCLEX-RN), for licensure as a registered nurse (RN). Opportunities for the entry-level RN include employment in a myriad of healthcare settings.

Transfer Guidelines: Transfer opportunities for an associate of applied science degrees, if existing, are very specific in nature. Students enrolling in an applied science degree with plans to transfer should explore opportunities with an advisor.

Accreditation Status: 

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN),
3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850
Atlanta, Georgia 30326

Admission Requirements: 

Acceptance into the AAS program is selective and competitive. Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance into the AAS program. Applicants not selected for the program must complete and resubmit a new application packet each year. Applicants for the AAS program are selected one time per academic year.  Students considering the AAS program are required to successfully complete the prerequisites earning a “C” or better in all required prerequisite coursework. Students may be enrolled in any or all prerequisite coursework during the spring semester in which applications are due. Students who qualify for admission will be accepted with the contingency that they complete the prerequisites by the end of the semester with a C or better, and have a minimum GPA as described below.

1. Graduation from high school or satisfactory completion of the certificate of general education development (GED or equivalent); unofficial copy required.
2. Application to Laurel Ridge Community College (if not a student) and the nursing program.
3. Laurel Ridge Community College placement test (if required) and completion of any developmental work that may be identified by the placement test. Must show proficiency in MDE 10  or eligibility for MTH 154 .
4. Curricular GPA of 2.5 or higher based on the specified prerequisite courses (ENG 111 , PSY 230 , SDV 100  OR SDV 101 , BIO 141 ).
5. Meet certain computer competencies prior to entering the nursing program. Applicants are required to review and sign the “Essential Computer Competency Checklist”. Students without the required skill set are encouraged to enroll in ITE 152 , CSC 110 , or equivalent. 
6. Completion of the required HESI admission assessment exam scoring at or above the 45th percentile in each required component which includes reading comprehension, anatomy and physiology, math, and the composite score.  A minimum score of 800 on the HESI critical thinking exam is also included as part of the required HESI admission exam. Two attempts on the HESI admission exam are permitted per application cycle. Students must wait a period of one week between attempts on the HESI admission exam.  HESI admission exams are good for two application cycles only. NOTE: Needed entrance exam scores (at or above the 45th percentile) change on a yearly basis; therefore, scores from a previous year must meet or exceed the benchmark for the current year.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

1. Students will provide client-centered care promoting therapeutic relationships, caring behaviors, and self-determination across the lifespan for diverse populations.
2. Students will practice safe nursing care that minimizes the risk of harm across systems and client populations.
3. Students will demonstrate nursing judgment through the use of clinical reasoning, the nursing process, and evidence-based practice in the provision of safe, quality care.
4. Students will practice professional behaviors that encompass the legal/ethical framework while incorporating self-reflection, leadership, and a commitment to recognize the value of life-long learning.
5. Students will manage client care through quality improvement processes, information technology, and fiscal responsibility to meet client needs and support organizational outcomes.
6. Students will demonstrate principles of collaborative practice within the nursing and healthcare teams fostering mutual respect and shared decision-making to achieve stated outcomes of care.

Pre-Nursing students are strongly encouraged to attend a nursing information session.  Dates are posted here.

General education courses may be taken at any time prior to admission in the AAS program; however, general education courses must be completed no later than the semester in which they are outlined in the curriculum below.

Courses are displayed under the semester in which they are regularly offered and are recommended to be taken in this sequence to ensure timely graduation. It is possible that a course shown in a particular semester may not be offered due to low enrollment or other factors.