Program Details
AAS Degree in Nursing
Associate of Applied ScienceRappahannock Community College
To prepare students as beginning practitioners in the art and science of nursing, and to deliver direct client care in a variety of health care facilities and settings. At the completion of the nursing program, students will be able to integrate nursing skills, including appropriate ethical values and legal principles, with health teaching to provide safe and effective total client care. Students will also learn to coordinate the care of their clients in a variety of health care settings.
Outcomes
1. Provide patient centered care promoting therapeutic relationships, caring behaviors, and self-determination across the lifespan for diverse populations. 2. Practice safe nursing care that minimizes risk of harm across systems and client populations. 3. Demonstrate nursing judgment through the use of clinical reasoning, the nursing process, and evidence-based practice in the provision of safe, quality care. 4. Practice professional behaviors that encompass the legal/ethical framework while incorporating self-reflection, leadership and a commitment to recognize the value of life-long learning. 5. Manage client care through quality improvement processes, information technology, and fiscal responsibility to meet client needs and support organizational outcomes. 6. Demonstrate principles of collaborative practice within the nursing and healthcare teams fostering mutual respect and shared decision-making to achieve stated outcomes of care.
Program Credit Requirements

Please note that some courses may count towards more than one requirement such as meeting a general education requirement and a major specific requirement. The course will be listed under the first matching requirement. Please contact the institution with questions.
A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
Program Overview & Guidance

Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
---|---|
Considerations for Selecting Degree | Registered nurses practice in hospitals long-term care facilities, health departments, medical offices, clinics, schools systems, and other comparable health care facilities and agencies. Nursing is an in-demand profession that offers excellent salaries, benefits, and professional upward mobility. |
Program Requirement Notes | Program Requirement Notes ADN students attend orientation program in summer prior to the fall start of clinical nursing courses. LPN to ADN students: Attend orientation program in spring prior to the summer start of clinical nursing courses. Health Record Requirement: Physical examinations, including immunizations, must be completed prior to the start of clinical nursing courses. Students who are required to perform clinical rotations in cooperating healthcare agencies must be willing and able to conform to all clinical requirements of participating clinical agencies, including but not limited to: criminal background investigation; drug screening; immunizations including seasonal influenza vaccines; Tuberculosis screening; employment verifications; and, successful completion of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification. (CPR certification must be the American Heart Association Certification for Healthcare Providers). Students are responsible for all costs associated with these requirements. It is the responsibility of the student to maintain current records throughout the program. RCC uses a third party vendor for all screenings and for maintenance of documents. Your instructor will provide you with all details to purchase this service, including deadlines for completion. Maintain a grade of “C” or higher in all courses in the curriculum. Maintain professionalism in both campus and clinical settings, especially in attitude and responsibility. Failure to meet this requirement can result in termination from the program. Students are responsible for purchasing the required clinical uniforms and name tags through the college’s designated supplier. Standardized tests will be taken after each module/semester or other stated interval in the nursing program. The cost of the standardized testing packages is the responsibility of the student. Conviction of a felony, misdemeanor or any offense substantially related to the qualifications, functions and duties of a registered nurse may constitute grounds for not allowing a candidate to take the licensing exam. This decision is made by the State Board of Nursing. For questions regarding this issue, call the Virginia Board of Nursing 804-367-4515. Criminal Background Checks and Drug Screens: A criminal background check and urine drug screen is required of each student, and must be conducted by the college-designated contractor. Information will be provided at orientation. The costs of the background check and the drug screen are the responsibility of the student. Nursing students should be in good standing from all previous healthcare employers. Students may be denied clinical placement based on previous work history and thus, cannot be entered into or possibly complete the nursing program. Nursing students enrolled in clinical nursing courses are required to have malpractice insurance. Students may purchase malpractice insurance from independent providers. Some clinical agencies may require student health insurance for attendance at their facility. All students are not required to meet this criteria unless required by the clinical agency, but are advised to seek appropriate resources to protect your health. Students are responsible for following the clinical policy for safe handling of bio-hazards and utilizing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) in the prevention of blood-borne pathogens and communicable diseases. Additionally, students are responsible for employing appropriate ergonomics to prevent injury. Students will be responsible for medical costs for any injury received while in a clinical setting, including injuries for which testing is required by clinical agencies. Rappahannock Community College is not responsible for student accidents/incidents which occur in the classroom, clinical or lab setting. RCC does not provide any student health services. The student assumes financial responsibility for accidents/incidents requiring medical attention. RCC does not provide any student health services. The student assumes responsibility for accidents, incidents and/or illnesses that require medical attention. All students will sign an Assumption of Risk form at the beginning of the program that shall remain in force for the duration of the student’s program. |
Considerations When Selecting Courses |
Students must select a course for each course requirement from the applicable required course list.
|
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | All courses must be completed with a grade of C or better. |
Doing More With Your Degree | |
Program Successes & Highlights | The Nursing Program is a competive program with it's own application process. The program is designed to prepare students to take the Registered Nurse (RN) licensure exam. The Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing is approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (ACEN). |
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
---|---|
Associate Transfer Degree Completion | Courses are evaluated and transferred as applicable to your degree. To discuss how your previous degree will work in your new goals, please meet with an advisor or college navigator. Courses are evaluated and transferred as applicable to your program of study. To discuss how your previous degree will work in your new goals, please meet with an advisor or college navigator. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | Courses are evaluated and transferred as applicable to your program of study. To discuss how your previous degree will work in your new goals, please meet with an advisor or college navigator. |
Credit for Prior Learning | Y |
Did You Know That... |
|
College Level Information

College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
---|---|
Is This College Right For Me? | https://www.schev.edu/students/making-decisions-about-college |
Transfer Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determined by the first semester of attendance |
First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determined by the first semester of attendance. |
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions |
Where Can This Degree Transfer

Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Virginia Highlands Community College | Associate in Applied Science Degree in Nursing | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Virginia Highlands Community College | Associate in Applied Science Degree in Lpn To Rn Bridge | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Nursing | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing: Advanced Placement Option for Licensed Practical Nurses | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing - Hybrid Distance Education | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | Hybrid |
Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Science - Nursing | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
Wytheville Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
New River Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Nursing | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Paul D. Camp Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Nursing | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Northern Virginia Community College | Nursing, A.A.S. | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Southside Virginia Community College | Associate of Applied Science with a major in Nursing | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
Germanna Community College | Nursing Associate of Applied Science Degree | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Germanna Community College | LPN To RN - Nursing Associate of Applied Science Degree | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Blue Ridge Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Online (RN to BSN) Completion Track | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | Online |
Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Traditional (Pre-licensure) Baccalaureate Completion Track | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
George Mason University | Nursing, BSN | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science in Nursing | 4-Year | In-Person, Online |
Danville Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Nursing | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
Longwood University | Nursing BSN | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science in Nursing | 4-Year | In-Person |
Longwood University | Nursing: RN to BSN Degree Completion BSN | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science in Nursing | 4-Year | In-Person |
Radford University | BSN in Nursing | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science in Nursing | 4-Year | In-Person, Online |
Old Dominion University | Nursing-BSN | Bachelor | BS in Nursing | 4-Year | In-Person, Online |
Patrick & Henry Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Physical Therapy | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | Hybrid |
Eastern Mennonite University | Bachelor of Science in Nursing | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science in Nursing | 4-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Nursing | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
Mountain Gateway Community College | Associate in Applied Science Degree in Nursing | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
Shenandoah University | Bachelor of Science Nursing | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Shenandoah University | BSN Option for RN to MSN | Bachelor | BSN Option for RN to MSN | 4-Year | In-Person |
James Madison University | Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Major in Nursing | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science in Nursing | 4-Year | In-Person |
Patrick & Henry Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
University of Mary Washington | Bachelor of Science in Nursing | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Wesleyan University | Bachelor of Science in Nursing | Bachelor | Bachelor of Nursing | 4-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Commonwealth University | Nursing, Bachelor of Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Bluefield University | Bachelor of Science in Nursing | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science in Nursing | 4-Year | In-Person |
Piedmont Virginia Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Nursing | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
The University of Virginia's College at Wise | Bachelor of Science in Nursing | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
The University of Virginia's College at Wise | Bachelor of Science in Nursing | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | Online |
Mountain Empire Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | Hybrid |
Marymount University | Nursing (BSN) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science in Nursing | 4-Year | In-Person |
Mary Baldwin University | Bachelor of Science in Nursing | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science in Nursing | 4-Year | Online |
Germanna Community College | General Studies - Specialization Pre-BSN Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
---|---|---|---|
29-2061.00 | Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | Care for ill, injured, or convalescing patients or persons with disabilities in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, private homes, group homes, and similar institutions. May work under the supervision of a registered nurse. Licensing required. | Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations |
31-1131.00 | Nursing Assistants | Provide or assist with basic care or support under the direction of onsite licensed nursing staff. Perform duties such as monitoring of health status, feeding, bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, or ambulation of patients in a health or nursing facility. May include medication administration and other health-related tasks. Includes nursing care attendants, nursing aides, and nursing attendants. | Healthcare Support Occupations |
29-1141.01 | Acute Care Nurses | Provide advanced nursing care for patients with acute conditions such as heart attacks, respiratory distress syndrome, or shock. May care for pre- and post-operative patients or perform advanced, invasive diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. | Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations |
29-1141.02 | Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses | Assess, diagnose, and treat individuals and families with mental health or substance use disorders or the potential for such disorders. Apply therapeutic activities, including the prescription of medication, per state regulations, and the administration of psychotherapy. | Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations |
29-1141.04 | Clinical Nurse Specialists | Direct nursing staff in the provision of patient care in a clinical practice setting, such as a hospital, hospice, clinic, or home. Ensure adherence to established clinical policies, protocols, regulations, and standards. | Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations |
29-1141.03 | Critical Care Nurses | Provide specialized nursing care for patients in critical or coronary care units. | Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations |
25-1072.00 | Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary | Demonstrate and teach patient care in classroom and clinical units to nursing students. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
29-1141.00 | Registered Nurses | Assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients. May advise patients on health maintenance and disease prevention or provide case management. Licensing or registration required. | Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations |