NURSING TWO-YEAR PROGRAM PREPARATION FOR EMPLOYMENT

The Nursing Program prepares graduates to work in a variety of health care settings, in many roles within those settings, and with other care providers in the health professions. Today’s nurse not only provides care and comfort to patients and their families, but also takes an active role in the health promotion and disease prevention of those same patients. Our program prepares nurses to meet the challenges of today’s health care system and lays the foundation to rise to future challenges as new knowledge and technologies occur. The Nursing Program is approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing, 4140 Patterson Avenue, Baltimore, MD, 21215-2254, (410) 585-1900, 1-888-202-9861. The Nursing Program is also accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, 61 Broadway, 33rd Floor, New York, New York, 10006; (212) 363-5555. The program has been granted direct articulation with the baccalaureate nursing program at the University of Maryland.

To become eligible for this program as a recent high school graduate or Early College student, an applicant must satisfy the following requirements: 1. One year of high school chemistry, biology, and algebra (or their equivalent) with a minimum grade of "C" in each course. 2. Pass the placement test or successfully complete all required courses before the first college semester. 3. A minimum ACT composite score of 18 with no score less than 16.

To become eligible as a college student currently attending Allegany College of Maryland or transferring from another institution, or any Early College student at Allegany College of Maryland who has waived the senior year at high school and is enrolled as a full-time student, an applicant must satisfy the following requirements:

1. Pass the Allegany College of Maryland placement test or successfully complete all courses as required.
2. A minimum overall college grade point average of 2.00.
3. Successful completion of a minimum of ten semester hours of college-level coursework chosen from the following list:

In choosing coursework, the following criteria will be followed. A student, who has not had high school chemistry or has earned a grade less than "C" in it, must take Biological Science 100 or 101, or Chemistry 100 or 101 and earn a minimum grade of “C”. A student who has completed high school chemistry with a minimum grade of "C" may choose to begin with Anatomy and Physiology 207. A minimum grade of "C" is required in all science coursework; however, note that admission is competitive with grade point average being important. Laboratory science courses taken ten or more years prior to application for admission will not be considered.

Please note that Anatomy and Physiology I (Biological Science 207) must be completed prior to admission to the Nursing Program.

Admission to the Nursing Program is on a competitive basis with each applicant being ranked using the following criteria: (1) scores on a standardized exam, (2) the G.P.A. on the ten credits noted above, and (3) number of general education (non-nursing) credits required for the nursing program that the applicant has completed. Applications must be received in the Nursing Office no later than February 28 if the student wishes to be considered for the fall program or September 30 if the student wishes to be considered for the spring program. Please contact the Nursing Office or the Admissions Office for complete application requirements.

Licensed practical nurses, and students transferring from another nursing program who wish to be considered for admission to the program should contact the Nursing Office for information on advanced standing and challenge exams.

The Nursing program at Allegany College of Maryland has been designated as a Health Manpower Shortage Program. The Maryland State Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has determined certain health occupations in the state to be in short supply. The Maryland Higher Education Commission has designated educational programs that correspond to these health occupations to be eligible for the Health Manpower Shortage Program. This means that Maryland residents from outside Allegany County who are entering this program are eligible for in-county tuition rates. Some restrictions apply. Check with the Admissions Office for more information.

Nursing students must meet the scholastic standards of the College and in addition must achieve a grade of "C" or better in each nursing course and each required biology course. Students must have a passing (satisfactory) grade in both clinical and campus laboratories. Students who fail to achieve a "C" grade in a nursing course and/or a satisfactory grade in clinical and campus laboratories will not be permitted to continue in the program since courses are sequential and pre-requisite for continuance. Students may be dismissed from the program for unprofessional and/or inappropriate behavior in clinical laboratory sites. Since all classes are sequential in nature, courses must be taken during or before the semester listed.

A satisfactory health record including immunizations must be on file prior to clinical experience. In order to participate in clinical experiences, students must obtain a Criminal Record Check prior to entrance into the Nursing Program. If a Pennsylvania resident, the student must also obtain a Child Abuse History Clearance. During enrollment any official change or the initiation of any governmental proceeding affecting the information revealed by the required criminal or child abuse background check must be reported immediately by the student to the director of the nursing program.

The nursing courses are designed to be completed within four consecutive college semesters. This normal progression within a two-year period may be interrupted in some instances because of a need for course repetition to receive a satisfactory grade, or because of illness or other unforeseen circumstances. To maintain continuity of the program, a maximum time limit of eight consecutive semesters (or four college years) will be allowed for completion of the program. During this time period a student may not repeat (because of unsatisfactory performance) more than two nursing courses. A student who makes unsatisfactory progress in a nursing course may repeat it one time only. Readmission to the nursing program may be contingent upon completing a prescription, which requires the student to demonstrate improvement or appropriate change in the behavior(s), which resulted in failure. Eligible students will be readmitted only on space available basis, and students may have to wait for admission.

Completion of the program and recommendation by the program director entitles the graduate to be considered for admission to the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN). A passing score on the examination results in qualifying for licensure in Maryland as a registered nurse. Licensure is determined by the Maryland Board of Nursing. By law, the board may deny licensure for a variety of reasons. These include conviction of a felony or of a crime involving moral turpitude if the nature of the offense bears directly on the fitness of the person to practice nursing.

CPR Certification for Health Care Professionals is a prerequisite to clinical nursing. Certification and/or recertification is the responsibility of the student. (The college regularly offers such courses).

The College reserves the right to revise course and admission requirements as appropriate.

The program costs beyond tuition, fees, and books are approximately $450 for uniforms, liability insurance, and achievement tests.

Nursing is designed as a career ladder program. The first year of the associate degree and the first year of the practical nursing programs are identical. Students interested in the Practical Nursing program should refer to page 130 in the catalog.

Students not admitted to the Nursing Program should refer to page 21 for information regarding the Pre-Nursing program.

This is a career program and is designed to enable students to seek employment at the program's completion. If you plan to transfer to a four-year college or university, please check with your advisor and the Student Support Center as soon as possible.

Successful completion of this program qualifies a student to apply for an Associate in Science degree in Nursing.

For detailed course listings click here ( - 921KB)