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Academics & Training / Programs & Degrees / Fields of Interest / Health Sciences / Nursing

Nursing Associate Degree Associate Degree

Student wearing gloves practices drawing blood on a patient simulator

Program Code: 105431

As a nurse, you make a difference in the lives of your patients. You plan, provide, and evaluate patient care. You act as a liaison between physicians, other health care workers, and the patient. You also supervise other health care providers. Why choose the ADN program at NWTC? Quality – NWTC ADN graduates take the same national licensing exam that graduates from four-year colleges and universities do, and NWTC graduates consistently score above the national average. Success – NWTC nursing graduates report greater than 90 percent job placement as RNs within six months of graduation. Expertise – classroom, lab and simulation instruction, extensive clinical experience at area hospitals, extended care facilities and clinics, and service opportunities like work at the N.E.W. Clinic at NWTC all provide hands-on patient care experience that helps make NWTC graduates effective on the job. This program is accredited by the ACEN: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.

Follow Your Path

All credits from the following technical diploma(s) apply toward this associate degree:

Practical Nursing, 315431

Some credits from the following technical diploma(s) apply toward this associate degree:

Paramedic, 315311

Currently certified/practicing paramedics may apply credit from prior education and work experience toward this associate degree.

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Program Costs & Financial Aid

Employment Potential

A graduate of this program who becomes a Registered Nurse in a variety of health care settings will have the potential for employment in the following areas:

  • STAFF NURSE: is responsible for making nursing diagnoses and treating human responses to actual and potential health problems in health care facilities and insurance areas.
  • CHARGE NURSE: assumes the same responsibilities of a Registered Nurse in addition to directing the work flow and coordinating and managing the provision of care of patients and other staff in a medical facility.
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Requirements for Program Entry

  • REQUIREMENTS FOR PROGRAM APPLICATION
  • Completed application.
  • High school transcript or equivalent. (For a list of equivalents, go to www.nwtc.edu/gettingstarted.)
  • To be admitted to this program, learners must achieve a prior cumulative high school or college grade point average of 3.0 or higher OR a satisfactory academic skills assessment score. College grade point average must be based on 15 credits or more. To learn more about starting this program, please contact an academic advisor at (920) 498-5444 or (888) 385-6982.
  • One semester of college Chemistry with a "C" or better OR two semesters of high school Chemistry with a "C" or better. NWTC course that would fulfill Chemistry requirement; 10-806-134.
  • REQUIREMENTS FOR PROGRAM ENTRY
  • Attend mandatory program orientation.
  • All students must have completed Intro to Biochemistry (10-806-186) with a "B" grade or better (prerequisite of Chemistry with a "C" grade or better). If Intro to Biochemistry was completed in the summer 2012 or prior, a "C" grade or better is acceptable.
  • Submit required immunization documentation. A fee is charged for this service. Must be completed to be accepted to the program.
  • Students are required to complete an American Heart Association BLS Provider course prior to clinical experiences. Students are required to maintain a current CPR card to comply with affiliating agency requirements. Must be completed to be accepted to the program.
  • All students must successfully complete a DHS approved Nursing Assistant course prior to program entry.
  • Complete caregiver background check. A fee is charged for this service. Must be completed to be accepted to the program.

Program Availability

A waitlist often forms for this program. Learn more by contacting one of our Admissions Advisors.

Application Checklist

The part-time program offers evening classes and clinicals - a great option for working adults. This option only takes nine months longer than the full-time program. 

Additional Delivery Options

Complete this program by following the full-time academic plan, the part-time plan, our weekend option, or one of the bridge programs which give you credit for your education and experience. For students in the Shawano area, you may choose to complete your first year of the Nursing program right in Shawano.

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Curriculum
Curriculum: Students following the study plan below will complete the Nursing Associate Degree program in the number of semesters shown. For alternate study plans, refer to the information in the Related Links area at the right of this page.
Summer Before First Semester
Semester Total
5
First Semester
Semester Total
19
Second Semester
Semester Total
17
Third Semester
Semester Total
16
Fourth Semester
Semester Total
13
Total Credits
70

Curriculum Note: Students must earn a "B" or higher in all 10-543-xxx and 10-806-xxx courses. A student must repeat the particular course with "B" or better final grade to continue in or graduate from this program. If the course is sequential, the successful retake must occur before continuing the sequence.

Students must complete 10-543-115, Advanced Clinical Practice, with a "B" prior to the start of 10-543-116, Clinical Transition.

The credit for 10-890-101, College 101, is an Institutional Requirement for graduation. Consequently, it is not part of the program credit requirements, but must be passed with a C.

Flexible Learning Option

A part-time evening track is available. This option is scheduled over eight-semesters, including three summers.

Program Outcomes

  • Implement one's role as a nurse in ways that reflect integrity, responsibility, ethical practices, and an evolving professional identity as a nurse committed to evidence-based practice, caring, advocacy and quality care.
  • Demonstrate appropriate written, verbal, and nonverbal communication in a variety of clinical contexts.
  • Integrate social, mathematical, and physical sciences, pharmacology, and pathophysiology in clinical decision making.
  • Provide patient centered care by utilizing the nursing process across diverse populations and health care settings.
  • Minimize risk of harm to patients, members of the healthcare team and self through safe individual performance and participation in system effectiveness.
  • Lead the multidisciplinary health care team to provide effective patient care throughout the lifespan.
  • Use information and technology to communicate, manage data, mitigate error, and support decision-making.
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Start here. Finish at a four-year.

NWTC transfer programs are offered through collaborative agreements with our four-year college and university partners. See where your associate degree credits will transfer >> EXCLUDEEND

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Accreditation

The Nursing-Associate Degree program is accredited by: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, (ACEN), 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta GA 30326 (404) 975-5000, www.acenursing.org The Nursing Associate Degree program is approved by: Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services Dept. of Regulation & Licensing 1400 East Washington St. P.O. Box 8935, Madison, WI 53708-8935 (608) 266-2112

Industry Credentials

Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN Examination for licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN). After completion of second semester, students are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN for licensure as a Practical Nurse

Clinical Experience

Students will be required to purchase a uniform, provide their own transportation to assigned sites, and cover any other expenses related to clinical experiences. Students may be expected to travel distances, and participate in p.m. clinicals. | Students will be required to show proof of an annual flu vaccine. Students may be required to complete drug testing by clinical agencies.

Wisconsin Caregiver Law

NWTC is required to comply with the Wisconsin Caregiver Law (1997 WISCONSIN ACT 27). The completion of a caregiver background check includes the review of criminal records for convictions of serious crimes or a history of improper behavior. Students accepted into this program must complete a background check through www.castlebranch.com AND complete a Background Information Disclosure (BID) form disclosing any acts, crimes, or convictions prior to program entry. The information provided in the BID form must be truthful and match any findings on the criminal record check. Information regarding this process is provided to students immediately upon acceptance into the program. Students with a criminal history may be denied access to placement at the discretion of the clinical or practicum site. Consequently, should a student have a history of convictions of serious crimes or a history of improper behaviors, NWTC cannot guarantee clinical/practicum placement or guarantee graduation within typical program timing.

Note

  • Graduates are eligible to apply for direct transfer of credit in the Bachelor of Science completion nursing programs at the University of Wisconsin and private colleges and universities.
  • Individuals with criminal records may be ineligible for licensure. Individuals with abuse records may be ineligible for employment in nursing homes.
  • Licensed Practical Nurses may receive advanced standing for nursing courses in the first year of the program.
  • The International Programs staff continually seeks opportunities for students to travel abroad for educational experiences that may be offered in association with program courses. To find out more about which of your program courses may offer an opportunity during this academic year, contact your academic advisor or visit nwtc.edu/studyabroad.
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8 week icon

8-Week Advantage

This program will transition to 8–week courses in Fall of 2020.

FlexEd Available

Flexible formats are available for this program.

Median Starting Salary:

$52,238.00

Source: NWTC 2019 Grad Outcome Report. Learn more.

Graduate Employment

With 87% Employed in Field

Learn more about the Nursing Program at NWTC
 

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