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Associate Degree: 2 Years, 70 Credits
Appleton Campus
Career Opportunities
As a registered nurse who is trained in an associate degree program, you provide direct care to people of all age groups who have common physical and mental health problems. Nursing involves a broad range of functions from the very simple to the highly complex. Career opportunities for you include staff nurse positions in hospitals, nursing homes and other health agencies. One hundred percent of the nursing graduates secure employment within six months of graduation.
Program Description
The Nursing-Associate Degree program is fully approved by the Wisconsin State Board of Nursing and is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, Inc., 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 500, Atlanta, Georgia, 30326, 404-975-5000. The FAX number is 404-975-5020. You are required to complete a total of 70 credits for graduation which includes 38 nursing credits and 32 support, general education and elective credits. General education classes are available at Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton and in the Oshkosh area. Clinical practice, directed by the school's instructors in community hospitals and other health agencies, is a major component of your nursing courses.
The nursing education program includes the study of the biophysical and psychosocial sciences as well as the nursing applications. Guided learning experiences with people requiring health care and with other health team members are essential for you. You are expected to participate with instructors in selected learning experiences and evaluate your learning. The program requires your concentration and a considerable number of independent study hours in addition to 21 to 26 hours per week of classroom, learning lab and clinical activities.
Program/Plan Admission Requirements
- Admissions assessment
- ACCUPLACER Arithmetic score of 72 or greater; GOAL Math for Nursing required if less than 72
- ACCUPLACER Reading score of 88 or greater; GOAL Reading required if less than 88
- ACCUPLACER Sentence Skills score of 97 or greater; GOAL English required if less than 97
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Official high school transcript or equivalent
Note: Two semesters of high school chemistry or General Chemistry (10-806-174 or 10-806-134) with grade of C or better is a prerequisite for General Anatomy and Physiology (10-806-177).
Associate Degree Nursing Ready Group Requirements
Certified Nursing Assistant with Federal Status on the WI Nurse Aide Directory since 1990 or after (active or inactive) or successful completion (C or better) of a state approved course with transcript.
Associate Degree Nursing Occupational Specific Course Requirements
Must meet all Clinical Documentation Policy requirements as stated on the nursing website at www.fvtc.edu/nursing.
Note: Students may be moved to another clinical group to even out the student to instructor ratio.
Legal Limitations
All candidates to the Nursing-Associate Degree program need to be informed of the legal limitation to Registered Nurse licensure. Any offense (excluding minor traffic violations) for which one has been convicted or is subject to a pending charge, no matter when it occurred, needs to be reported to the State of Wisconsin Department of Regulation and Licensing at the time application for the NCLEX-RN is made. The department will request detailed information regarding the charges/convictions from the applicant. Pending the outcome of that investigation, the applicant is usually allowed to take the NCLEX-RN, but licensure restrictions may be imposed by the State of Wisconsin Department of Regulation and Licensing.
Licensure
Upon completion of the Nursing-Associate Degree program, the graduate is awarded an Associate Degree in Applied Science (A.A.S.)-Nursing and is eligible to take the National Council of State Boards' Licensure Examination to become a registered nurse.
Program Outcomes
The graduate of the Associate Degree Nursing program will function as an entry-level practitioner in multiple settings. The graduate, using knowledge, skills, and attitudes of the art and science of nursing, will:
- Adhere to professional standards of practice within legal, ethical, and regulatory frameworks of the registered nurse.
- Use effective communication skills incorporating lifespan considerations.
- Assess health of individuals, families, and groups across the lifespan within the context of the community.
- Make clinical decisions to assure safe and accurate nursing care.
- Provide safe caring interventions with diverse populations across the lifespan.
- Collaborate with others to respond to the needs of individuals, families and groups across the health-illness continuum.
- Manage care to facilitate continuity within and across the health care settings.
- Use teaching and learning processes to promote and restore health incorporating lifespan considerations.
Program Offered at This Location
- Appleton—1825 N. Bluemound Drive
Helpful High School Courses
Biology, chemistry, physics, algebra, geometry, English, speech, social sciences and computer skills are useful.
Contact Us
For additional program/admission information, call Enrollment Services at (920) 735-5645 or e-mail us at enrollserv.staff@fvtc.edu or visit our Nursing Department Website.
View Program Plan