Program Details
Program Details
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Program Details

Nursing, A.A.S.

Associate of Applied Science
Northern Virginia Community College

The 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 Credit Requirements
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The table below provides the requirements to complete this program. 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.

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.

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 2022-23
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:
Program Overview & Guidance
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Program Web Page
External Link
Delivery Mode
In-Person
Check Course Schedules
Delivery Mode
Online
Check Course Schedules
Delivery Mode
Hybrid
Check Course Schedules
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

    • 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
    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
    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
    Virginia Highlands Community CollegeAssociate in Applied Science Degree in NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
    Virginia Highlands Community CollegeAssociate in Applied Science Degree in Lpn To Rn BridgeAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
    Rappahannock Community CollegeAAS Degree in NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
    Rappahannock Community CollegeAA&S Degree in Arts and Sciences - Pre-BSN SpecializationAssociateAssociate of Arts and Sciences2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
    J Sargeant Reynolds Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science in NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
    Laurel Ridge Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing: Advanced Placement Option for Licensed Practical NursesAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
    Brightpoint Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person
    Brightpoint Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing - Hybrid Distance EducationAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearHybrid
    Laurel Ridge Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
    Tidewater Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science - NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person
    Wytheville Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
    New River Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science in NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
    Paul D. Camp Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science in Nursing AssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
    Southside Virginia Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science with a major in NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid, Online
    Germanna Community CollegeNursing Associate of Applied Science DegreeAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
    Germanna Community CollegeLPN To RN - Nursing Associate of Applied Science DegreeAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
    Virginia Western Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
    Blue Ridge Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
    Norfolk State UniversityBachelor of Science in Nursing - Online (RN to BSN) Completion TrackBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearOnline
    Norfolk State UniversityBachelor of Science in Nursing - Traditional (Pre-licensure) Baccalaureate Completion TrackBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
    George Mason UniversityNursing, BSNBachelorBachelor of Science in Nursing4-YearIn-Person, Online
    Danville Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science in NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person
    Longwood University Nursing BSNBachelorBachelor of Science in Nursing4-YearIn-Person
    Longwood University Nursing: RN to BSN Degree Completion BSNBachelorBachelor of Science in Nursing4-YearIn-Person
    Radford UniversityBSN in NursingBachelorBachelor of Science in Nursing4-YearIn-Person, Online
    Old Dominion UniversityNursing-BSNBachelorBS in Nursing4-YearIn-Person, Online
    Patrick & Henry Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in Physical TherapyAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
    Southwest Virginia Community College Associate of Applied Science Degree in NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearHybrid
    Eastern Mennonite UniversityBachelor of Science in NursingBachelorBachelor of Science in Nursing4-YearIn-Person
    Virginia Peninsula Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science in NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person
    Mountain Gateway Community CollegeAssociate in Applied Science Degree in NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person
    Shenandoah UniversityBachelor of Science NursingBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
    Shenandoah UniversityBSN Option for RN to MSNBachelorBSN Option for RN to MSN4-YearIn-Person
    James Madison UniversityBachelor of Science in Nursing, Major in NursingBachelorBachelor of Science in Nursing4-YearIn-Person
    Patrick & Henry Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
    University of Mary WashingtonBachelor of Science in NursingBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
    Virginia Wesleyan UniversityBachelor of Science in NursingBachelorBachelor of Nursing4-YearIn-Person
    Virginia Commonwealth UniversityNursing, Bachelor of ScienceBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
    Bluefield UniversityBachelor of Science in NursingBachelorBachelor of Science in Nursing4-YearIn-Person
    Piedmont Virginia Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science in NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
    The University of Virginia's College at WiseBachelor of Science in NursingBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
    The University of Virginia's College at WiseBachelor of Science in NursingBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearOnline
    Mountain Empire Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearHybrid
    Marymount University Nursing (BSN)BachelorBachelor of Science in Nursing4-YearIn-Person
    Mary Baldwin UniversityBachelor of Science in NursingBachelorBachelor of Science in Nursing4-YearOnline
    Germanna Community CollegeGeneral Studies - Specialization Pre-BSN Associate of Arts & Sciences DegreeAssociateAssociate of Arts and Sciences2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid, Online
    Careers Where This Degree Applies
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    O*Net Code Name Description Parent
    29-2061.00Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational NursesCare 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
    31-1131.00Nursing AssistantsProvide 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
    29-1141.01Acute Care NursesProvide 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
    29-1141.02Advanced Practice Psychiatric NursesAssess, 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
    29-1141.04Clinical Nurse SpecialistsDirect 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
    29-1141.03Critical Care NursesProvide specialized nursing care for patients in critical or coronary care units.Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations
    25-1072.00Nursing Instructors and Teachers, PostsecondaryDemonstrate 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
    29-1141.00Registered NursesAssess 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