Career Description

Registered Nurses (RNs) make up the largest number of health care professionals in the United States. Currently there are 2.6 million RN jobs in the nation with an expected job growth rate of 22%, accounting for a more rapid growth rate than the national average for all other professions. RNs work to promote health, prevent disease, and help clients cope with illness. They are advocates and health educators for clients, families, and communities. When providing direct client care they assess and record symptoms, responses, and progress of clients; assist physicians during examinations, treatments, and surgeries; administer medications; and assist in convalescence and rehabilitation. RNs develop and manage nursing care plans and must possess critical thinking and problem solving skills.

Program Information

The Associate Degree in Nursing (A.S.) at Central Lakes College is a traditional nursing program designed to educate and prepare individuals to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses. The program is four semesters long or two academic school years.

Program Outcomes

Graduates will be able to:

Client Centered Care (NLN Human Flourishing)
The Associate Degree Nursing graduate advocates for individual clients in providing compassionate and culturally competent care through therapeutic communication and holistic assessments based on respect for clients’ preferences, values, and needs.

Nursing Judgment
The Associate Degree Nursing graduate applies the nursing process, evidence based decision making, and prioritization to develop a plan of care that ensures safe, quality treatment and health promotion for clients, families, and the community.

Professional Identity
The Associate Degree Nursing graduate practices professional nursing in an ethical and legal manner, including case management of clients, which demonstrates leadership, teamwork, delegation, collaboration, and life-long learning.

Quality Improvement (NLN Spirit of Inquiry)
The Associate Degree Nursing graduate contributes to continuous quality improvement by developing policies and procedures that incorporate evidence based practice while effectively using resources and technology to achieve optimal client outcomes.

Special Program Requirements

In addition to the program requirements, students must meet the following conditions in order to graduate:

1. College Cumulative GPA Requirement: cumulative grade point average (GPA) of credits attempted and completed at CLC must be at least 2.0;
2. Residency Requirement: students must complete 25% of their credits at Central Lakes College;
3. Students must achieve a grade of B- or better in all Nursing (NURS) courses;
4. Students must achieve a grade of C or better and a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher in the following courses: BIOL 2447 OR BIOL 2457, BIOL 2467, BIOL 2468, CHEM 1407, ENGL 1410 OR ENGL 1420, ENGL 1411 OR ENGL 1421, PHIL 2420 OR PHIL 2421 OR PHIL 2422, and PSYC 2421 OR PSYC 2423 OR PSYC 2431.

Accreditation

The CLC Associate Degree in Nursing program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA). The most recent accreditation was affirmed in June, 2019.

Admissions

• NSGA 1110 Nursing Assistant Course, OR 75 hour Minnesota Department of Health Nursing Assistant, OR active on the MN Registry of Nursing Assistants.
• This program has a special application process that includes completion of a CLC application and the College Entrance Test (CET). Traditional nursing application must be completed along with the TEAS Test.
• Students must apply each semester that they are seeking acceptance to the AD Nursing Program. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. First review of applicants will be completed with a priority deadline of February 1st for Fall start and with a priority deadlines of July 1st for Spring start. Applicants will continue to be reviewed and accepted up until the start of the semester if space is available in the program.
• Any person who has direct contact with patients and residents at health care facilities licensed by the Minnesota Department of Health must have a criminal background check completed. Results of the study are to be on file in the Department of Nursing before students begin their clinical experiences. Any student who does not pass the criminal background check will not be permitted to participate in clinical experiences, thereby rendering the individual ineligible to progress in the AD Nursing Program.
• Drug testing is required.
• Immunization documentation is required.

Transfer Opportunities

Broader career opportunities are available for RNs with a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Nursing. Contact an advisor for assistance with transfer information for baccalaureate nursing programs at other colleges. Admission requirements and course equivalencies may vary. This program has articulation agreements with Bemidji State University, Metro State University, Minnesota State University – Mankato, Minnesota State University – Moorhead, St. Cloud State University, and Winona State University.

Employment Statistics

For more information regarding employment statistics, career salary information and estimated job growth, follow the resource links below:

https://apps.deed.state.mn.us/lmi/ces/
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/home.htm
Salary information from indeed.com