Nursing: AS Degree

The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program has had significant curriculum changes to keep current with the rapidly changing health care environment and was approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) in December, 2018. It is designed to prepare qualified men and women to practice nursing in entry-level positions. To remain in the nursing program once admitted, a student must maintain a "C" grade or above in all courses, inclusive of a satisfactory clinical grade, all of which is explained in detail in the Student Handbook for the admitting cohort. Upon completion of the program, the student is awarded an A.S. Degree in Nursing and is eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nursing (NCLEX-RN). Opportunities are provided for advanced placement, transfer and challenge exam credit. Opportunities are also available for concurrent work with collaborative schools to gain a Bachelors of Science in Nursing degree (BSN). The California BRN may deny applications to test in the case of criminal convictions. If you have had such a conviction, you should review the Act-Section 480, available at www.rn.ca.gov. Students must demonstrate proficiency in Math. Students planning to transfer to a four year college should consult the catalog of their choice and a Napa Valley College counselor for specific requirements. Humanities is an associates degree requirement. It is not required for eligibility to take the NCLEX-RN but without an A.S. Degree in Nursing (ADN), one will probably not be eligible for licensure outside of California. All students are strongly encouraged to complete all co-requisite general education courses. The Associate Degree Nurse is prepared to coordinate, plan and provide nursing care in hospitals and community settings. The Registered Nurse assists patients with care, provides teaching and counseling to prevent illness and promote health, performs specialized treatments and administers medications. Registered Nurses collaborate as part of the health care team to coordinate care as well as act as team leaders directing the care provided by Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVN’s), nursing assistants (aides), as well as unlicensed health-care workers. Program Admission Requirements: Refer to BRN Curriculum document and our website for more details.

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Use the nursing process in various settings to assist individuals and groups to promote, maintain, and restore health.
2. Integrate ethical and legal guidelines from the Nurse Practice Act, ANA Code of Ethics and Nurse Practice Standards.
3. Collaborate with individuals, families, groups, and the health care team using therapeutic communication.
4. Evaluate theory and evidence-based knowledge for decision making to guide nursing practice.
5. Integrate leadership and management principles in the nursing care of individuals or groups with alterations in health.
6. Demonstrate consistent commitment to professional growth and self development.

 Degree Requirements 

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Students may transfer 4 units of Anatomy & Physiology or Microbiology courses from other colleges.

To receive an Associate Degree, students must complete 60 degree applicable semester units with a grade point average of at least 2.0. Students must also complete the NVC General Education pattern to earn an Associate degree. Consultation with a Counselor is highly encouraged to ensure all requirements are met.