Nursing (A.A.S.)

Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (A.A.S.)

Accreditation. The Nursing program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3343 Peachtree Rd. NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, GA 30326, (404) 975-5000, www.acenursing.org.

Program Description. The Nursing program offers two pathways to the A.A.S.: the Traditional pathway and the Bridge pathway. Students following the Traditional pathway may complete general education and other required biology courses along with nursing courses, but it is recommended that the non-nursing courses be completed before students enter the Nursing program. Students following the Bridge pathway must have completed a diploma or other certification program for LPN or EMT-P licensure and will receive credit for NRSG 1710 - Fundamentals of Nursing after completing NRSG 1600 - Transition to Professional Nursing . Students following the Traditional pathway begin nursing courses in the fall and spring semesters; students following the Bridge pathway will begin nursing courses in the spring semester. The Bridge program is a hybrid program with lectures online; testing, lab and clinicals are onsite. The Nursing program is offered at the Blount County, Magnolia Avenue, and Strawberry Plains campuses. Per criteria of the Tennessee Board of Nursing, graduates are eligible to take the nursing licensure exam (NCLEX-RN) to become registered nurses and begin a nursing career.

Program outcomes. Upon completion of the Nursing program, the graduate will have developed the skills, knowledge and abilities to accomplish the following:

Practice within the ethical, legal and regulatory frameworks of nursing and standards of professional practice. (Professional Behavior)
Communicate effectively using verbal, nonverbal and written techniques including information and technology. (Communication)
Analyze subjective and objective data to identify actual or potential health alterations. (Assessment)
Evaluate outcomes of clinical decisions implemented to provide safe and effective evidence-based nursing care. (Clinical Decision Making)
Evaluate the effectiveness of caring interventions that incorporate principles of dignity, diversity, safety and knowledge. (Caring Interventions)
Evaluate the effectiveness of the implemented teaching plan to meet the learning needs of clients, families and/or groups. (Teaching and Learning)
Collaborate when planning, implementing, and evaluating care. (Collaboration)
Manage care through effective use of prioritization, delegation, informatics and resources. (Managing Care)

Contact(s): Pre-Nursing Advisor, (865) 225-2337; or Nursing Department, (865) 225-2330

Traditional Pathway

It is recommended that students complete non-nursing courses before beginning the Nursing program. Prerequisites may apply to specific courses; it is the student’s responsibility to determine whether prerequisites have been met. Prior to registering each semester, the student is expected to consult with a pre-nursing or nursing advisor.

Bridge to R.N. Pathway

The Bridge to RN Pathway is designed as a 12-month program. Students entering the Bridge pathway must have completed a diploma or certification program for LPN or EMT-P licensure and hold a current unencumbered license. It is recommended that students complete non-nursing courses before beginning the Nursing program. Prerequisites may apply to specific courses; it is the student’s responsibility to determine whether prerequisites have been met. Prior to registering each semester, the student is expected to consult with a pre-nursing or nursing advisor.

Total Credit Hours Needed for Graduation: 66-67

¹HUM/FA
See the General Education section of this Catalog for electives.
²Students following the Bridge pathway must have completed a diploma or other certification program for LPN or EMT-P licensure and will receive credit for NRSG 1710 after completing NRSG 1600 .