MISSION: The mission of the Nursing program within the Department of Health Professions is to prepare individuals in the art of caring in a high touch and high technology learning environment to be employed in the community as registered nurses, licensed practical nurses or certified nursing assistants.  Students are facilitated in developing the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for successful practice and are encouraged to pursue advanced education. The Associate Degree Nursing program and Practical Nursing program consist of a combination of general education courses and nursing courses. Basic needs, as identified by Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs, and the nursing process are the major themes used to develop content within the curriculum. Nursing courses include a classroom component where a variety of methodologies are used to assist the student to identify scientific principles in nursing. A clinical component is also included to assist the student to apply the scientific principles to meet individual client’s needs. Guided clinical experiences are offered in hospitals, health agencies, and selected community agencies.

The Associate Degree Nursing program consists of five (5) sequential semesters. In order to progress to another nursing course, the student must earn a “C” or better in classroom and “Satisfactory” in clinical. Students not satisfying these requirements will fail to progress to the next nursing course.  However, based on availability of space and GPA, the student may be considered for readmission to repeat the failed course.  Readmission is allowed only once during the entire nursing program.

There are two alternate admission procedures in the ADN program. The first is designed for students without any previous nursing experiences. This class is admitted in the fall and summer semester (ADN Nursing program). Throughout the program, general education courses are provided with client

care experience in the hospitals and community-based agencies. Day programs are admitted summer and fall, and evening programs are admitted fall semester.  The second is designed with an advanced placement option for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) with a minimum of 14 hours of college credits in required general education courses. The prospective student is given recognition for previous nursing knowledge and skills through the NUR 200 (Nursing Career Mobility Assessment course (6). This prior learning is reflected by awarding nursing credit hours. The class is admitted in the Spring Semester (Mobility LPN to ADN program) and consists of four (4) sequential semesters. The Practical Nursing program consists of three (3) sequential semesters. A class is admitted fall, spring, and summer semesters. An evening class is admitted fall semester.  Upon successful completion of the programs in nursing, graduates are eligible to apply to write the National Council

Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN respectfully). The programs of nursing are approved by the Alabama Board of Nursing and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, Inc.