Registered Nursing (RN-AS)

PROGRAM GOAL: The purpose of the associate degree nursing program is to prepare students for eligibility to apply for the Registered Nurse National Council Licensing Examination.

The nursing program is fully approved by the Florida State Board of Nursing and accredited by the National League of Nursing and the Accrediting Commission. Institutional membership is maintained in the NLN Council of Associate Degree Programs and the Organization of Associate Degree Nursing.

Upon successful completion of the prescribed course of study, students receive an Associate in Science Degree in Nursing which enables them to apply for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). Upon successful completion of this examination, the Registered Nurse (R.N.) License is received.

This program will articulate into a baccalaureate degree program in nursing at all universities in the State University System.

Before beginning this program of study, students should obtain a program application packet from the Division of Health Sciences containing a current listing of admission and course requirements.

For more information about this program visit the Health Sciences Website!

APPLICATION PROCESS:

(The items below are listed only as a general guide. Students should obtain a current application packet for the complete listing of entry requirements.)

1. Application to Gulf Coast Community College must be completed prior to applying for the associate degree nursing program.
2. Submit the completed nursing program application to Health Sciences Division.
3. Submit all previous school transcripts (including high school/GED and all previous colleges) to the Office of Admission and Records for evaluation.
4. Submit proof, as outlined in the application packet, of college level competency in reading, English, and algebra.
5. Successfully complete, with a "C" or higher, BSC 2085 and BSC 2085L (Anatomy and Physiology I lecture and Lab).
6. Successfully complete the nursing school entrance exam. (Registration process, study information, and minimum scores are contained in the nursing application packet).
7. Schedule appointment with assigned nursing faculty Adviser.

It should be understood that admission to the nursing program is a selective process. The satisfaction of minimum requirements does not automatically guarantee admission. When space is limited, preference may be given to students within the community college's assigned district.

Deadline for Selection: All entry requirements, as outlined in the program application packet, must be completed by the appropriate deadlines for the two start dates each year. The deadline for the fall start date is the last working day of February and the deadline for the spring start date is the last working day of September.

Requirements after Conditional Acceptance:

A. Satisfactory fingerprint / criminal background check. B. Copy of Valid CPR certification. Either the American Heart Association Health Care Provider Life Support Course or the American Red Cross CPR for the Professional Rescuer is acceptable. C. Completion of physical examination (with satisfactory results), including copy of immunization form.

Refer to Nursing Student Handbook for retention, dismissal, and readmission policies.

Transfer Credit: Academic courses taken at other colleges are transferable provided credit and laboratory hours correspond with those required at GCCC. CLEP credits are acceptable for transfer according to college policy. The possibility of transferring nursing courses can be determined only after a review of the individual's transcript and course outlines. Advanced placement students are admitted on a space-available basis.

LPN/ADN ARTICULATION

PROGRAM GOAL: This program is designed to facilitate the transition from the role of licensed practical nurse to registered nurse. LPN applicants may earn up to 17 credits of nursing based on competency testing results. 

Enrollment for this program is limited. Admission to Gulf Coast Community College and the satisfaction of minimum requirements do not automatically guarantee admission.

Before beginning this program of study, students should obtain a program application packet from the Division of Health Sciences containing a current listing of admission requirements.

Application Process:  Complete application process as noted in the PN. articulation to Associate Degree nursing packet. 

Minimum Requirements for Admission to LPN-ADN Articulation:

Prior to entering NUR 1005C Nursing Transition, students must follow the checklist for students seeking LPN transition admission as outlined in the LPN articulation packet. 

Requirements for completion of additional cognate courses will be determined based on placement of applicant within the nursing sequence.

1. Satisfactory completion of NUR 1005C LPN-ADN Transition.
2. Excelsior College Mobility Exam official results must be available to the nursing department before the applicant can enroll in NUR 1005C.  Guidelines for awarding of credit once accepted into the program are as follows:

   Excelsior College Mobility Exam and Number:

   Fundamentals of Nursing (403)
   GCCC Credit:  NUR 1022C
   Minimum Required for Credit:  Grade of “C”
   Maximum Semester Hrs. Credit:  3

   Adult Nursing (554)
   GCCC Credit:  NUR 1210C, NUR 1212C
   Minimum Required for Credit:  Grade of “C”
   Maximum Semester Hrs. Credit:  9

   Foundations of Gerontology (407)
   GCCC Credit:  NUR 1260C
   Minimum Required for Credit:  Grade of “C”
   Maximum Semester Hrs. Credit:  5

3. Official transcripts must be sent to the Office of Admissions and Records. A current copy of the applicant’s nursing license must be on file in the Health Sciences Division.
4. Copy of Valid CPR certification. Either the American Heart Association Health Care Provider Life Support Course or the American Red Cross CPR for the Professional Rescuer is acceptable.
5. Current education certificates in the Health Sciences file for HIV/AIDS, Domestic Violence, Medical Errors, Infection Control, IV Therapy, and HIPAA.

Scheduling Options:

The Traditional scheduling option allows the student to merge into the third semester of an existing weekday RN class.  Once selected, this option will allow students to complete the RN program in two semesters.  Students may be selected to enter the Traditional option during either fall or spring semesters.

The Weekend scheduling option selects one class of students per year with a February deadline; classes start with the fall semester and conclude with the spring semester.  Classes meet Friday afternoons with 12 hour Saturday clinicals.

Additional Information:

• Retention and Dismissal Requirements - Refer to Nursing Student Handbook.
• Readmission Requirements - Refer to Nursing Student Handbook.
• Transfer Credits - Refer to associate degree nursing designated curriculum.
• Graduation Requirements - Refer to associate degree nursing.
• Course Curriculum - Refer to associate degree nursing.

Upon conditional acceptance into the nursing program, students must also submit:

1. Satisfactory fingerprint / criminal background check.
2. Medical examination with satisfactory results and copy of complete immunization record, including Hepatitis B immunization or signed waiver, and PPD or medical denial of symptoms.