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The associate degree nurse provides care both interdependently and independently as a nursing professional. As an integral part of the health care team, you will be prepared to provide safe and effective bedside care to the client. Associate degree nurses work collaboratively with physicians, therapists and other health care team members.
Associate degree nurses promote health, prevent disease and help clients cope with illness. They are advocates and health educators for clients, families and communities. When providing direct client care, they observe, assess, and record symptoms, reactions, and progress in patients; assist physicians during surgeries, treatments, and examinations; administer medications; and assist in convalescence and rehabilitation. While State laws govern the tasks that RNs may perform, it is usually the work setting that determines their daily job duties.
Metro’s Associate Degree Nursing program is a one year nursing program for currently licensed practical nurses (LPNs). The program provides classroom instruction, laboratory experience and clinical practice to prepare you for working in the registered nurse (RN) role within a variety of health care environments throughout the community.
At the completion of the Associate of Science in Nursing program the graduate is eligible to take the NCLEX-RN examination, often referred to as the "State Board Exam," to practice as an entry-level licensed RN in the United States.
Associate degree nursing graduates often begin employment upon graduation and licensure. They often take advantage of tuition reimbursement programs to work toward a bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN).
Metro has transfer/articulation agreements in place with Clarkson College, College of Saint Mary, Creighton University, Midland Lutheran College, Nebraska Methodist College, Nebraska Wesleyan University and University of Nebraska Medical Center. These transfer agreements enable you to begin your education at Metro and take advantage of Metro’s affordable tuition rates, small class sizes and highly qualified instructors to maximize the value of your educational experience.
Metro’s Associate Degree Nursing Program is accredited by:
- The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission NLNAC at 61 Broadway, 33rd Floor, New York, NY 10006, (212) 812-0390
and approved by
Metro’s Associate Degree Nursing program is open to current Licensed Practical Nurses (PNs). There is an admission and selection process for entry into the program . The class size is limited. Admission requirements have recently changed, please review admission and selection requirements carefully in the Application Packet.
PNs enter the Associate of Science in Nursing program to complete the second year of the two-year nursing program. Admission and selection requirements are broken down as follows:
- Metro PN students continuing directly to the ASN program (1+1 Program)
- PN who graduated from his/her PN program within five years of the program application deadline.
- PN who graduated from his/her PN program more than five years prior to the program application deadline.
- Note: the LPN STEP ASSESSMENT test is also required for PN who received his/her certification from somewhere other than Metropolitan Community College.
- A new class begins every fall quarter. Application deadlines apply.
- Students participate in clinical practice activities in many area health care agencies.
- Students may complete all general education courses prior to beginning their nursing courses.
- The total cost of the program is approximately $6250. Financial assistance and scholarships are available to those who qualify.
Please speak with a Financial Aid staff member.
- Students must be able to make a commitment to attend classes, labs and clinicals at least three days each week during daytime and evening hours.
- The Associate of Science in Nursing courses are offered sequentially.
- Dependable attendance is necessary to successfully complete the program. Some clinical experiences may start as early as 6:00 a.m. or end as late as 11 p.m.
- Upon successful completion of the Associate of Science in Nursing program, graduates are eligible to write the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) for licensure as a Registered Nurse. Licensure is required to practice in the state of Nebraska.
Individuals employed in the health professions use the senses of sight, hearing, touch, and smell in addition to the sense of equilibrium and sufficient motor function to carry out activities required in the clinical practice of caring for patients including doing moderate lifting.
All students admitted to a Health Career Program are required to submit a signed statement for criminal background check purposes, submit to routine drug screening, submit to a physical examination record, and provide documentation of required immunizations.
Upon admission to a Health Career Program, the College may perform or obtain reports of background and criminal record investigations. Some clinical agencies may require criminal background check prior to beginning a clinical rotation at their site. Students refused access to clinical sites based on criminal history may jeopardize their continuation in the program.
Individuals considering employment in the health professions must be aware of strict qualifications. Factors that may disqualify candidates from licensure and/or employment in the health professions include a history of abuse, neglect, theft, and fraud; a criminal record; a history of drug abuse; significant psychological/personality disorders; physiological disorders; neuro-muscular dysfunction; dishonesty; etc. The Nebraska Health and Human Services System carefully scrutinizes candidates in order to select those who will maintain the public’s trust and confidence at all times.
All nursing faculty offices are located at the South Omaha Campus, Mahoney Building, Room 513. See contact information.
Extra Costs, Tools and Equipment
Uniforms, equipment and certification testing involve some cost, but the student is advised to wait until acceptance into the program for more details.
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