Program Details
Program Details
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Program Details

Nursing, A.A.S.

Associate of Applied Science
Northern Virginia Community College

PurposeThe program is designed to prepare students to participate as contributing members of the healthcare team, rendering direct care to patients in a variety of healthcare facilities and agencies. Upon satisfactory completion of the program, students will be eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN®) leading to state licensure as a registered nurse (RN) and are qualified to assume registered nurse positions in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, physicians' offices, HMOs, and other community-based settings.

NOVA has adopted the VCCS Common Nursing Curriculum which was fully approved by VBON and ACEN in Spring of 2017. The nursing program is a 5-semester program: first semester students take the pre-requisite course work to prepare the student for applying to the program and for the study of the nursing courses. Then there are 4 semesters of nursing course work (LEVELS 1-4).

Information about the nursing program and the application process can be found online. Admission to the Nursing program is competitive.


Program Overview & Guidance
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Program Web Page
External Link
Delivery Mode
In-Person
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Delivery Mode
Online
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Delivery Mode
Hybrid
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Program Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Considerations for Selecting Degree
Program Requirement Notes
Program Requirement Notes

Admission Requirements

  • Be admitted to NOVA.
  • Be 18 years of age or older.
  • Comply with all general admission requirements for Allied Health and Nursing Programs listed for the Medical Education programs section.
  • Complete an online Nursing information session.
  • Meet the specific requirements for admission to the Nursing Program. The program admission process is competitive. To be considered for admission, applicants must
  • Hold a high school diploma or General Educational Development Test certification (GED®).
  • Have completed one unit of high school-level algebra and two units of science (1 unit of biology and 1 unit of chemistry) with a grade of 'C' or higher.
  • Qualify for MTH 154through acceptable scores on the College math placement test. This requirement must be met prior to the student sitting for the Nursing Pre-Admission Test.
  • Complete PSY 230with a 'C' or higher.
  • Complete BIO 141with a 'C' or higher.
  • Complete ENG 111with a grade of 'C' or higher.
  • Complete SDV 101Orientation to Healthcare or SDV elective with a grade of 'C' or higher. (grades for these courses must be posted prior to applying)
  • Have minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA.
  • Successfully complete and achieve satisfactory scores on the Nursing Pre-Admission Test. Students must take all 4 sections of the ATI-TEAS tests®: Reading, Math, Science and English. See the Nursing Division website for score requirements.
  • Successfully complete the American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR course prior to registering for the first nursing course.

  • Submit a completed health examination/physical form signed by a licensed physician or nurse practitioner with all required immunizations prior to beginning the Nursing Program.
  • Special Notation for Admission: The state of Virginia may prohibit anyone from sitting for the Nursing Licensing Examination who has been convicted of a felony or of crimes(s) involving theft, drug offenses or physical harm to another, or misdemeanors as designated by VBON, therefore NOVA will not consider persons convicted of the above offenses for admission to the NOVA Nursing program.

    Special Program Requirements: Once enrolled in the Nursing program all students must maintain a grade of 'C' (80% or higher) in all nursing courses to continue in the program. This includes lecture, nursing lab and clinical components. In addition, students must achieve a 'C' or higher in all general education courses.

    Accreditation & Approval Status: The NOVA Nursing Curriculum is fully approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing (VBON) Perimeter Center, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Henrico, Virginia 23233 and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3343 Peachtree Road, NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, Georgia, 30326. Telephone 404-975-5020. View NCLEX-RN pass rates for the last five years go to online.

    Licensure Requirements: The Virginia Board of Nursing reserves the right to deny licensure to any candidate who has been found guilty of a misdemeanor or felony.

    LPN to RN Transition: The NUR 115 LPN Transition and NUR 116 Selected Nursing Concepts: Skills courses will no longer be offered.

    Readmission: Students who leave the Nursing program and wish to be re-admitted must meet the current Catalog's requirements for admission. Any developmental studies that were prescribed at the time the student left the program must have been satisfactorily completed. Students wishing to be readmitted to NOVA's nursing program will be required to seek approval of the Dean or their designee. Readmission is competitive and based on space availability.

    Transfer from Other Institutions: Nursing credits earned at other institutions are reviewed by the Dean or their designee to determine if the courses in question apply to the curriculum and/or if substitutions may be made within the curriculum. Students who transfer to NOVA with prior nursing courses may be required to demonstrate skills competencies.

    Nursing Program (Common Curriculum Program)

    Classes are taken on campus and via a combination of synchronous (live) and asynchronous (anytime) online activities including in-person nursing laboratory and clinical practice. Nursing courses must be taken in the order outlined below.

    Considerations When Selecting Courses

    Students looking to transfer to a four-year college or university to complete a baccalaureate degree program with a major in one of the following fields: agriculture, biology, botany, pre-dentistry, forestry, genetics, microbiology, molecular biology, neuroscience, pre-pharmacy, pre-physical therapy, pre-medicine, science education, pre-veterinary, or zoology.

    • Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year
    • Connect with an advisor at your community college and Northern Virginia Community College within your first year via College Connect
    Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses
    Doing More With Your Degree
    Program Successes & Highlights
    Program Credit Requirements
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    Please look above to see if a Transfer Guide is available for this program. lf you are a current Virginia Community College student or are planning to start at a Virginia Community College before transferring to this institution and program, please follow the Transfer Guide to plan your courses at the community college.

    The table below provides the requirements to complete this program if you are not following a Transfer Guide. If you have an account and have created a Portfolio, the table includes the "Applied Credits" column. This column shows how the credits you earned based on the experiences you entered may be applied to satisfy these requirements. You can find schools where you can take courses that will transfer and apply to this degree using the Where Can I Find An Equivalent Course feature in the Transfer Tools menu.

    The program map provided below is an estimate based on courses identified as a result of reviewing your portfolio and the requirements for the selected program.

    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.
    Requirements
    Required Credits
    Nursing, A.A.S.
    67
    Nursing, AAS
    67
    1560 Plan GPA/Cum GPA 2025-26
    67
    This requires a minimum GPA of 2
    AND
    Transfer credits will be evaluated, and as applicable, up to 50 credits may be applied to this program.
    SDV Requirement (Prerequisite)
    1
    SDV 101
    1
    Earn 1 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
    ENG Requirement (Prerequisite)
    3
    ENG 111
    3
    Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
    BIO Requirement (Prerequisite)
    4
    BIO 141
    4
    Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
    PSY Requirement (Prerequisite)
    3
    PSY 230
    3
    Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
    Open Elective (Prerequisite)
    3
    Elective
    3
    Earn 3 credits by completing any available course
    BIO Requirements
    8
    BIO 142
    4
    Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
    BIO 150
    4
    Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
    CST Requirement
    3
    CST 229
    3
    Earn 3 credits: Complete the following
    Earn 3 credits: Use the following rules
    Complete courses from the following Category:
    OR
    Complete courses from the following Course:
    Humanities/Fine Arts Elective
    3
    Humanities/Fine Arts
    3
    Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category list:
    NSG Requirements
    39
    NSG 100
    4
    Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
    NSG 106
    2
    Earn 2 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
    NSG 130
    1
    Earn 1 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
    NSG 200
    3
    Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
    NSG152
    3
    Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
    NSG 170
    6
    Earn 6 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
    NSG 210
    5
    Earn 5 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
    NSG 211
    5
    Earn 5 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
    NSG 230
    2
    Earn 2 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
    NSG 252
    4
    Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
    NSG 270
    4
    Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
    What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
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    Transfer Guidance Element What You Need to Know
    Associate Transfer Degree Completion Students who have graduated with at least an associate or bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited United States institution of higher education are considered to have fulfilled NOVA's SDV requirement. Any other course transfers are evaluated based on the student's transcript, https://www.nvcc.edu/cro/transfercredit/index.html

    Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School Students who have graduated with at least an associate or bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited United States institution of higher education are considered to have fulfilled NOVA's SDV requirement. Any other course transfers are evaluated based on the student's transcript.
    Credit for Prior Learning NOVA strives to provide students with opportunities to receive credit for prior learning while still maintaining the integrity of our academic programs. Credit for prior learning (CPL) generally refers to the process of granting college credit for learning gained in nontraditional. ways; https://www.nvcc.edu/prior-learning/
    Did You Know That...
    • Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree?
    • Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at: Northern Virginia Community College
    College Level Information
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    Transfer Center
    External Link
    Transfer Admission Application
    External Link
    Transfer Student Aid
    External Link
    Number of Transfer Students
    43891
    College Fit Guidance What You Need to Know
    Is This College Right For Me? Our classes feature up-to-date technology and course content to prepare you for a competitive job market; We also offer courses that will transfer to colleges all over Virginia and the nation. In fact, NOVA has guaranteed admission agreements with more than 40 colleges and universities for students who meet specific requirements.
    Transfer Student Catalog Year Catalog year is determined by first semester of program placement.
    First Year Student Catalog Year Catalog year is determined by first semester of program placement.
    Applying for Guaranteed Admissions https://www.nvcc.edu/gaa/
    Where Can This Degree Transfer
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    This section displays degrees most closely related to this program and to which you may be able to transfer. So, you can use this list to find the next degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to visit that program page.

    Institution Title Degree Award Name Award Level Delivery Mode
    The University of Virginia's College at WiseBachelor of Science in Natural Sciences, Major in Medical TechnologyBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
    Mountain Gateway Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree in ScienceAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online
    J Sargeant Reynolds Community CollegeAssociate of Science in ScienceAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
    Brightpoint Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree in ScienceAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
    Virginia Peninsula Community CollegeAssociate of Science in ScienceAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online
    Tidewater Community CollegeAssociate of Science - ScienceAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person
    Careers Where This Degree Applies
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    O*Net Code Name Description Parent
    19-4021.00Biological TechniciansAssist biological and medical scientists. Set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment, monitor experiments, collect data and samples, make observations, and calculate and record results. May analyze organic substances, such as blood, food, and drugs.Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
    11-9121.01Clinical Research CoordinatorsPlan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.Management Occupations
    19-1099.00Life Scientists, All OtherAll life scientists not listed separately.Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
    11-9121.00Natural Sciences ManagersPlan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.Management Occupations
    19-2099.00Physical Scientists, All OtherAll physical scientists not listed separately.Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
    25-1199.00Postsecondary Teachers, All OtherAll postsecondary teachers not listed separately.Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
    19-2099.01Remote Sensing Scientists and TechnologistsApply remote sensing principles and methods to analyze data and solve problems in areas such as natural resource management, urban planning, or homeland security. May develop new sensor systems, analytical techniques, or new applications for existing systems.Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
    11-9121.02Water Resource SpecialistsDesign or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.Management Occupations
    Cost To Complete
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    This section provides you with a very high-level estimate of your costs and is purely intended as a guide. You should consult the institution via College Connect to get a more detailed estimate based on the totality of your circumstances. The selections below are based on information gathered from your Profile and the estimated costs are calculated based on the 67 credits remaining to be completed

    Please select the "Cumulative Months of Service" that determine your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.
    Estimated Cost for the Nursing, A.A.S. at Northern Virginia Community College
    These costs are based on an estimated 4 semesters or 2 years remaining to complete this degree (assuming a full-time load of 16 hours per semester)
    Category Cost Basis Cost (To You) Estimated Benefits Net Cost Notes
    Tuition $219 Per Credit $14,673 $0 $14,673
    *Please note that the above estimated costs do not include all Federal, State or other financial aid, grants, scholarships, etc. for which you may qualify. All such aid could substantially reduce these costs.
    Other Financial Aid to Pay for College:
    • You may be eligible for additional financial aid from Federal, State, and Local sources. Military education benefits are not considered in determining eligibility for federal financial aid. Everyone is therefore encouraged to apply for federal financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), because many will qualify for additional educational funds like Pell Grants, worth over $5,500/yr.