Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)
Contact Information: Program Site: nursing@nscc.edu - 615-353-3691 - Office: W-35

The Nursing Program prepares students for a career as a registered nurse. Nursing courses include didactic and clinical training over a two-year period that includes but is not limited to fundamentals of nursing, pathophysiology, pharmacology, nursing care of the adult in a medical-surgical setting and an intensive care unit, family nursing including care of children and expectant mothers, mental health nursing, and community health nursing. In addition to classroom education, students will participate in clinical settings in hospitals and agencies located in middle Tennessee. The program includes a course to help with the transition from student into independent clinical decision-maker. This degree program trains students to work with persons from various cultures across the life span and the wellness-to-illness continuum. At the conclusion of the program, students are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

Graduates of the program should be able to:   

• Practice within the ethical, legal, and regulatory frameworks of nursing and standards of professional practice.
• Collaborate when planning, implementing, and evaluating care.
• Communicate effectively using verbal, nonverbal, and written techniques including information and technology.
• Analyze subjective and objective data to identify actual or potential health alterations.
• Manage care through effective use of prioritization, delegation, informatics, and resources.
• Evaluate outcomes of clinical decisions implemented to provide safe and effective evidence-based care.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of caring interventions that incorporate principles of dignity, diversity, safety, and knowledge.

• Evaluate the effectiveness of the implemented teaching plan to meet the learning needs of patients, families, and/or groups.

Admission Requirements:

Admission to this program is limited.  Prospective students are required to attend an information session prior to applying to the program. Applications for the nursing program are accepted during the semester immediately preceding the semester admission date.

Students accepted into the nursing program must complete any/all remedial and/or developmental coursework before they apply to the program. Applicants must complete all required General Education courses no later than the semester the Nursing application is submitted. Prior to being accepted/admitted into the nursing program, applicants will be required to take a standardized nursing entrance examination. A student must perform at minimum the “Proficient” level in reading, math, science, and English to be considered and subsequently admitted into the nursing program.

Note: Once accepted into the program, students must provide information regarding health and vaccination history, complete drug and background checks, provide proof of health insurance, and complete CPR certification to participate in clinical experiences. Clinical participation is required for program completion.