Associate in Science Degree

Nursing Program

Overview

The Associate in Science degree in Nursing is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and is approved by the Board of Registration in Nursing of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

The Nursing Program offers a specific sequence of courses that lead to the Associate in Science degree. Upon successful completion of the degree program, the Coordinator of the Nursing Program will furnish documentation to the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing verifying that a student has met the legal responsibilities to be eligible for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX). Cape Cod Community College (CCCC) Nursing Program graduates become licensed as Registered Nurses upon successful completion of the NCLEX-RN.

For 2013 to 2015:

Pre-admission Requirements
BIO251 M
Human Anatomy & Physiology I (4 credits)

A comprehensive systematic study of the human body emphasizing the structure and function of the systems. Part I topics include: cells and tissues, chemistry review, metabolism, the integumentary, skeletal, muscular and reproductive systems with correlated laboratory work. (3 class hours/2 laboratory hours)

Prerequisites: MA grade of C or higher in CHM109 or (BIO101 or BIO151) or (CHM101 or CHM151)

Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Note: Satisfies a Natural or Physical Science general education requirement.

Note: This course meets the revised General Education requirements (effective Fall 2010).

 
CHM109 M
Chemistry for the Health Sciences (4 credits)

An introductory course for students in various health-related programs. Emphasis is placed on practical aspects of inorganic chemistry. Some organic chemistry is introduced. (3 class hours/2 laboratory hours)

Prerequisite: (MAT030 or MAT035), ENL020, and ENL050 or satisfactory basic skills assessment scores

Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Note: Satisfies a Natural or Physical Science general education requirement.

Note: This course meets the revised General Education requirements (effective Fall 2010).

 
NUR100 M  
First Semester Credits
ENL101 M 3
PSY101 M 3
BIO252 M 4
NUR107 M 8
Second Semester Credits
ENL102 (or)
COM103
 
English Composition II* (or)
Human Communication*

ENL102 English Composition II
Credits: 3

A continuation of ENL101, this course is required of all Associate in Arts students and a prerequisite to all upper level English courses. It focuses on reading, analyzing, and writing about literature and is designed to help students refine writing skills developed in ENL101.

Prerequisite: A grade of "C-" or higher in ENL101

Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Note: Satisfies either an English Composition/Writing or Humanities and Fine Arts general education requirement.

COM103 Human Communication
Credits: 3

This course fosters and improves competence in intrapersonal, interpersonal, group and public communication situations. Students demonstrate skills necessary to communicate effectively through exercises and presentations that reflect practical, real-world situations. The purpose of the course is to improve the student's skill in communication by providing relevant knowledge and opportunity to apply that knowledge.

Prerequisite: ENL010 or ESL102 or satisfactory basic skills assessment score

Note: Satisfies a Humanities and Fine Arts general education requirement.

Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Note: It is strongly recommended that students take both ENL102 and COM103.

3
PSY233 M 3
NUR108 M 8
Third Semester Credits
BIO281   4
HEA200 M 3
NUR201 M 10
Fourth Semester Credits
NUR202 M 8
NUR203 M 3
   
General Education Elective*

BIO251 or CHM109 may be used to meet this requirement.

For a complete listing of General Education courses, see: General Education Courses

3
Total Credits 63

M Designates a Milestone course. A milestone course must be completed in the semester indicated to ensure that you remain on track to continue on in your program and graduate on time.

*Courses that can be completed in advance of applying to the Nursing Program.

Note: For those students seeking additional courses, or planning to continue their education to achieve a baccalaureate degree, the following courses are recommended: HEA120, HEA201, SOC106, SOC220, PHI210 and courses in computers or keyboarding.

In preparing your application, the Admissions Office and Nursing Program recommend that you review the following information.

Information Sessions
It is essential that all Nursing applicants attend a Group Information Session that will include meeting with the Coordinator of Nursing, CCCC Admissions representative, and a review of application procedures and details about the Nursing Program. These sessions are scheduled periodically throughout the fall and spring semesters.

Application Procedures
A. Nursing applications are accepted ONLY for the FALL SEMESTER.
B. Each applicant will be evaluated relative to all other applicants in the current pool.
C. Applicants MUST submit ALL of the following items to the Admissions Office by January 25:

  1. A completed CCCC Application for Admission.
  2. An official high school transcript or GED diploma.
  3. An official transcript(s) from all colleges or universities ever attended (if applicable). 
     

Qualifications for Admission
Satisfactory performance in the most recent educational experience is required and must include:

Nursing applicants with previous college credit may have fulfilled one or more prerequisites at another college or university. Transfer credit may be awarded if official transcripts show equivalent college-level course work required for the Nursing Program, from an accredited college or university, with a grade of C (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) or better.

Priority will be given to applicants who:

Assessment Placement
The Basic Skills Assessment is required of all entering students. These examinations help to assess achievement levels in mathematics, writing and reading skills. The test results will assist in placing students into the correct level courses. Students who are required to study developmental educational courses should anticipate a three year program of study.

Waiting List
When the appropriate numbers of students have been accepted, the remaining qualified applicants are placed on the waiting list. Admission will be offered to applicants on the waiting list when an accepted student withdraws or is withdrawn by the Admissions Office. The waiting list is maintained until the first day of the fall semester, and then it is dissolved.

Nursing Course Progression
Students must maintain a cognitive grade of 77% or better in each nursing course and a satisfactory clinical evaluation in order to proceed to the subsequent nursing course.

CPR Certification
Students are required to document and maintain CPR Certification throughout the Nursing Program. There are a variety of certification programs available. However, when choosing a CPR certification course, students must ensure that the course includes adult, child, and infant CPR and a written and practical exam for Healthcare providers.

Drug Screening
Students are required to complete drug screening at a testing site designated by Cape Cod Community College early in the first semester of the freshman year. Drug screening may be repeated throughout the program as required by clinical settings.

Criminal Offender Record Information and Sex Offender Record Information
Please refer to the policy statement of Criminal Offender Record Information and Sex Offender Registry Information checks. CORI/SORI checks may be required throughout the program.

Good Moral Character: Standard for Licensure
Applicants who have been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor by a court of law must comply with the requirements to document "Good Moral Character" through the Massachusetts Board of Nursing before being eligible to take the NCLEX-RN examination to become licensed as a Registered Nurse. An individual who has been convicted of certain designated felonies is permanently ineligible for licensure as a Registered Nurse in Massachusetts.

Health Requirements
Nursing students must complete specific health and immunization requirements. For more information, please visit: Student Immunization Records.

Nursing Student Accountability for Patient/Client Care
The Cape Cod Community College nursing student must demonstrate accountability for his/her own actions in the delivery of nursing care in a way that ensures the health and safety of patients/clients, staff and self. The student will be able to function in a manner that does not pose a direct threat as defined by the Board of Registration in Nursing (BORN) as “a significant risk to the health or safety of others that cannot be eliminated by a modification of policies, practices, or procedures or by the provision of auxiliary aids or services.”

Students who are evaluated as unable to meet the Nursing Program Technical Standards may follow the Cape Cod Community College grievance policy.

Nursing Program Technical Standards

In order to be eligible for and successfully complete the Nursing Program, certain physical and behavioral standards are required as part of the program and clinical/lab experience. These technical standards have been developed using the U.S. Department of Labor's skills and abilities for those working in a medical setting. Some cooperative work experience opportunities may have additional requirements beyond the technical standards listed here and requirements may vary by agency. Students must satisfy the program’s technical standards and the individual agency requirements before a clinical assignment is approved.

These technical standards are established in accordance with the Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the American with Disabilities Act. All students must be able to satisfy these standards with or without a reasonable accommodation. These include:

Communication (Verbal and Non-Verbal)

Auditory Ability

Visual Ability

Physical Strength (Gross Motor Control)

Manual Dexterity (Fine Motor Movement)

Behavioral/Mental Performance

Nursing Evening Option – Overview
The course sequencing is based on the term of enrollment. Nursing classes and clinical experiences are scheduled on selected evenings and alternate weekends. In addition to the prerequisites listed for NUR107-Day Option, students must complete the following course work prior to admission to the Evening Option: ENL101, PSY101, BIO108, PSY233, and ENL102 or COM103. Completion of BIO281 is strongly recommended.

Nursing Program – LPN to RN – Overview
In order to be considered for admission to this program, the applicant must have a current LPN license and have completed all prerequisites. In addition to the prerequisites listed for NUR107–Day Option, students must complete the following course work prior to admission to the transition course: ENL101, PSY101, BIO107, PSY233, and ENL102 or COM103. Completion of BIO281 is strongly recommended.

NUR132 – The LPN in Transition course is offered during the late spring. Successful completion of NUR132 admits the student to the third semester Nursing course, NUR201.

Career Outlook

Employment opportunities are available as an entry-level Registered Nurse in hospitals, long-term care facilities and other health care agencies.

This occupational profile is provided by O*NET.

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the Nursing Program, students are able to: