Nursing RN (with Practical Nurse Option) (AAS-NUR)

Program Locations: Bay Minette, Brewton, Fairhope, Monroeville, and Thomasville Campuses

Nursing and Allied Health Division

Length: Five Semesters

PROGRAM OVERVIEW:

The Associate Degree Nursing Program generally prepares individuals in the knowledge, techniques and procedures for promoting health, providing care for sick, disabled, infirmed, or other individuals or groups. The program includes instruction in the administration of medication and treatments, assisting a physician/provider during treatments and examinations, referring patients to physicians and other health care specialists, and planning education for health maintenance.

The program is designed to prepare the student to practice as a competent Registered Nurse (RN) after passing the licensure exam.

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS:

Unconditional admittance to the College and active student in good standing (minimum 2.0 GPA). 
Submit original transcripts from all colleges/schools attended and high school transcript to the Registrar or Admissions Office by application deadline. 
Submit a completed Nursing Program Application by the stated deadline.
Hold a minimum GPA of 2.5 for the academic core courses in the program or cumulative 2.5 GPA if a high school student without prior college coursework. 
Submit a minimum composite score of 18 on the ACT.
Must be eligible to take ENG 101, MTH 100, and BIO 201, if not already completed with a grade of C or higher. 
Meet essential eligibility criteria.

Completion of the above requirements does not guarantee admission to the program. Prospective students are rank-ordered using a point system to determine acceptance to the program. 

SELECTION CRITERIA:

Students are selected based on the following point system: 

Score on ACT with a minimum composite score of 18 required. 
Three points are awarded for an A, two for a B, and one for a C in ENG 101, MTH 100, BIO  201, and BIO 202. 
One point each is awarded for completion of PSY 210, SPH 106 or 107, BIO 220, and a Humanities course with a C or higher. 
Three points are awarded for completion of a higher-level Math or Chemistry with a C or higher (MTH 116, Mathematical Applications, is not a higher-level Math course). Alternately, three extra points may be awarded for current certification in a health occupation that requires direct contact with patients, such as Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Certified Medical Assistant, Licensed Basic or Advanced EMT, Certified Dental Assistant, Certified Veterinary Technician, Certified Phlebotomist, or Certified Surgical Technologist. Proof (copy of the certificate of completion) must be included with the application in order to receive extra points. Applicants may receive up to 3 extra points total for this section. Example: Applicants will NOT receive 3 points for a higher-level math and 3 points for being a CNA. 
Three points are awarded for completion of all eight general education courses required in the Nursing Program with a C or higher prior to the application deadline.

*All applicable courses must be completed by the application deadline in order to be awarded points towards admission.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Once selected for the program, students are required to provide the following: Drug screen, background check, physical exam showing ability to meet essential eligibility criteria, records of immunizations, proof of medical insurance, and American Heart Association BLS CPR certification for the healthcare provider.  Clinical agencies reserve the right to deny clinical clearance, which may deem a student ineligible for program participation. 

A nursing testing fee will be assessed each semester. A nursing lab fee will be assessed for select courses.

Note: Students desiring to obtain BLS CPR certification at Coastal may choose to enroll in the optional EMS 100 course. American Heart Association BLS CPR may be obtained through an alternate training agency, if preferred. 

PROGRESSION AND GRADUATION:

It is highly recommended that students complete general education courses required for the Nursing Program prior to program admission.  All nursing courses must be completed with a minimum of 75 (C) in order to progress in the program. An AAS in Nursing will be awarded to students who successfully complete all core academic and nursing courses with a grade of  C or higher. Students are responsible for meeting all progression and graduation requirements. 

Students who successfully complete the first three semesters (45 credit hours) are awarded a Practical Nursing (PN) Certificate and are eligible to take the licensure exam to become an LPN. Licensure by Boards of Nursing may be denied if an applicant has been convicted of a criminal offense, has abused drugs or alcohol, has a history of chemical dependency or mental illness, has been placed on the federal abuse registry, or has been administratively discharged from the armed services. 

This is a career program designed for students to go directly into the labor market upon completion. Although some of the courses in this program will transfer to four-year institutions, this program is not designed to be a transfer program of study; therefore, it is not subject to the terms and conditions of Alabama Transfers state transfer and articulation reporting system. 

APPRENTICESHIP INFORMATION:

The following is information regarding application to a Nursing Apprenticeship:

Must be an active, current student of Coastal Alabama Community College’s Nursing Program.
Submit a Coastal Alabama Community College Nursing Apprenticeship application during appropriate application periods. At this time, students currently enrolled in NUR 112 and NUR 209 are eligible for an apprenticeship opportunity. 
Student applications for an apprenticeship opportunity are given to participating healthcare facilities.
Participating healthcare facilities select and hire apprentices, based on the number of open positions they have available. Current employees may be selected for the apprenticeship. All apprentices sign an apprenticeship agreement. 
Student apprentices must commit to working for on the job learning at the healthcare facility for the entirety of the Nursing Program. Included in working days are clinical days students are performing for nursing program clinical requirements.
Student apprentices must apply to the Alabama Board of Nursing for an apprentice permit.
Student apprentices may not be paid for on-campus classes, labs, or simulation. Student apprentices are paid for clinical hours, not to include simulation.
Student apprentices will work one on one with a registered nurse from the healthcare facility. Students will be held accountable to the same clinical requirements as non-apprentice students in the program.

For more information, please contact the Nursing Clinical/Apprenticeship Coordinator: 251-990-0435.

Equal Employment Opportunity Pledge: The sponsor (Coastal Alabama Community College) will not discriminate against apprenticeship applicants or apprentices based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), sexual orientation, genetic information, or because they are an individual with a disability or a person 40 years old or older.

The sponsor (Coastal Alabama Community College) will take affirmative action to provide equal opportunity in apprenticeship and will operate the apprenticeship program as required under Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations, part 30.

Right to Equal Opportunity: It is against the law for a sponsor of an apprenticeship program registered for Federal purposes to discriminate against an apprenticeship applicant or apprentice based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), sexual orientation, age (40 years or older), genetic information, or disability. The sponsor must ensure equal opportunity with regard to all terms, conditions, and privileges associated with apprenticeship.

If you think that you have been subjected to discrimination, you may file a complaint within 300 days from the date of the alleged discrimination or failure to follow the equal opportunity standards with:

Director, Division of Standards and Quality
Attn: Apprenticeship EEO Complaints
US Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship
200 Constitution Avenue NW
Washington, D.C. 20210
202-693-2614
apprenticehipEEOcomplaints@dol.gov

You may also be able to file complaints directly with the EEOC, or State fair employment practices agency. If those offices have jurisdiction over the sponsor/employer, their contact information is listed below:

Alabama Office of Apprenticeship
One Technology Court
Montgomery, Alabama 36116
334-280-4414
info@alapprentice.org

Coastal Alabama Community College EEOC/Nondiscrimination Policy

ACCREDITATION INFORMATION:

The Associate Degree and Practical Nursing programs of Coastal Alabama Community College are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and approved by the Alabama Board of Nursing (ABN). 

ACEN 
3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 
Atlanta, GA 30326 
404-975-5000 
https://www.acenursing.org/

ABN
RSA Plaza, Suite 250
770 Washington Ave.
Montgomery, AL 36104
334-293-5200
https://www.abn.alabama.gov/ 

Coastal Alabama Community College's Simulation Program has been awarded full accreditation by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH) in the areas of Teaching/Education. This status has been granted from November 10, 2023, through December 31, 2028. The mission of the Simulation Program at Coastal Alabama Community College is to prepare all learners to be competent in providing safe patient care within the global community. 

SSH
PO Box 856114
Minneapolis, MN 55485
866-730-6127
https://www.ssih.org

Semester One

MTH 100, or more advanced Math, and BIO 201 are required if not already completed with a C or higher. Please note that MTH 116, Mathematical Applications, does not fulfill the Math requirement. 

EMS 100 is an optional course for students to pursue CPR certification for the healthcare provider. 

Item #	Title	Credits
BIO 201	Human Anatomy and Physiology I	4
NUR 112	Fundamental Concepts of Nursing	7
	MTH 100 or more advanced +	3
Sub-total Credits		14

Semester Two

ENG 101, PSY 210, and BIO 202 are required if not already completed with a C or higher.

Item #	Title	Credits
BIO 202	Human Anatomy and Physiology II	4
ENG 101	English Composition I	3
NUR 113	Nursing Concepts I	8
PSY 210	Human Growth and Development	3
Sub-total Credits		18

Complete Graduation Application

Semester Three

SPH 106 or 107 is required if not already completed with a C or higher. 

A PN Certificate will be awarded to students successfully completing the third semester of the program. 

Item #	Title	Credits
NUR 114	Nursing Concepts II	8
NUR 115	Evidence Based Clinical Reasoning	2
	SPH 106 or SPH 107 +	3
Sub-total Credits		13

Semester Four

BIO 220 is required if not already completed with a C or higher.

Item #	Title	Credits
BIO 220	General Microbiology	4
NUR 211	Advanced Nursing Concepts	7
Sub-total Credits		11

Complete Graduation Application

Semester Five

A Humanities and Fine Arts elective is required if not already completed with a C or higher.

Item #	Title	Credits
NUR 221	Advanced Evidence Based Clinical Reasoning	7
	Humanities and Fine Arts Elective (I) +	3
Sub-total Credits		10

GRAND TOTAL CREDITS 66

*Depending on the program or course, a student may also be required to purchase certain necessary tools and supplies.

Program outcomes are assessed to demonstrate first-time NCLEX licensure pass rates, on-time completion rates, and job placement rates upon graduation.

To view the Nursing Programs Three Year review, click here.

Nursing

Nursing Files
Name	File Type
Mobility Nursing Program Application
Nursing Program Application
Nursing Program Reinstatement Application
Nursing Program Transfer Application
Nursing Student Handbook

Nursing

The Associate Degree Nursing program admits three times a year. In the spring, Coastal admits to the Brewton, Bay Minette, and Thomasville campuses. In the fall, Coastal admits to the Brewton, Fairhope, and Monroeville campuses. In the Summer, Coastal admits to the Bay Minette campus.

The Practical Nursing Program admits three times a year. In the spring, summer, and fall, Coastal admits to the Atmore campus. In the spring, Coastal admits to the Thomasville campus.

No. There is no waiting list. Students not admitted must complete the entire application process each time they wish to be considered for admission.

You will only be awarded extra 3 points for either ONE higher level math or chemistry course that is successfully completed with a grade of a “C” or higher.

Extra points are only awarded for one higher-level math or chemistry course. Points for a higher-level math or chemistry will no longer be awarded starting summer semester 2021. In place of the points for a higher-level math or chemistry, 3 extra points may be awarded for current certification in Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Certified Medical Assistant, Licensed Basic or Advanced EMT, Certified Dental Assistant, Certified Veterinary Technician, or Certified Surgical Technologist. PROOF (COPY OF THE CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION) MUST BE ATTACHED to the application in order to receive extra points. Students may not receive extra points for a higher-level math or chemistry AND certification. Extra points are awarded for one or the other. After the spring 2022 admission, points will only be given for a certification as listed above.

Courses must be completed and a grade awarded by the deadline date for the admission cycle in which the student is applying.

Students are encouraged to speak with a Nursing and Allied Health advisor to discuss goals/plans: 251-990-0434 or 251-580-2257. Students must submit a complete application again, if applying for a different semester.

It generally takes 4-6 weeks after the close of the application cycle to receive notification of acceptance or denial. Applicants not receiving a letter after 6 weeks from the close of the application cycle should contact the nursing department at 251-580-4890.

The biggest difference between ACT Residual and the National ACT is that scores from ACT Residual taken at Coastal Alabama Community College are only valid for use at Coastal Alabama or another Alabama Community College.

Yes, all nursing applicants are required to submit proper documentation of an ACT score. No minimum score is required for the practical nursing program application and a minimum composite score of 18 or higher is required for the associate degree program application. There is no expiration on ACT scores for nursing program entry. Acceptable reports for ACT scores include:

1. Student score as listed on the student’s OneACCS account. Students should check the ACT score listed in OneACCS to determine if it is the score the student wishes to submit. Coastal Alabama Nursing will use that score ONLY if it is posted on the student account by the deadline date for the application cycle in which the student wishes to be admitted.

2. Request an official score report from ACT.org (a screen shot will not be accepted).

3. Request an official high school transcript (First ensure the ACT score is recorded on the official high school transcript. Unofficial transcripts will not be accepted).

4. ACT Residual Score report emailed to the student’s account from Coastal Alabama Community College.

ACT is required for all associate degree nursing program applications. TEAS is accepted for practical nursing program applications through the end of spring semester 2022. Starting Summer Semester 2022, an ACT score must be submitted for all nursing program applications. HESI and SAT are not accepted in place of ACT.

Refer to the Occupational Outlook Handbook for details regarding the differences in LPNs and RNs: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm

12 or more credit hours per semester is considered full-time. 6-11 credit hours per semester is considered part-time. Students taking 6-11 credit hours will not receive a full financial aid award. For questions specific to financial aid eligibility, please contact the financial aid office: financial_aid@coastalalabama.edu

Many of the academic core courses required for a nursing certificate or degree are offered in the evening or online. Nursing courses are not offered in the evening or online.

Some credits are accepted from other colleges and universities. Only courses passed with a “C” or higher may transfer. For questions regarding transfer of classes, please contact the Registrar’s Office.

Nursing courses must be taken in sequence as posted. Nursing courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or better in order to progress to the next semester.

Schedules vary based on the semester and clinical site availability. Typically, students must commit 3-5 days per week for class, lab, and/or clinical.

LPNs wishing to enroll in the Nursing Career Mobility program must have a valid, unencumbered Alabama PN license (printed from ABN website) or a valid, unencumbered multistate license allowing them to practice nursing in the state of Alabama.

Coastal Alabama Nursing will accept any of the following:

2. Request an official score report from ACT.org (a screen shot will not be accepted).

3. Request an official high school transcript (First ensure the ACT score is recorded on the official high school transcript. Unofficial transcripts will not be accepted).

4. ACT Residual Score report emailed to the student’s account from Coastal Alabama Community College

Yes. A minimum composite score of 18 on ACT is required for application to the Career Mobility program. Information for ACT prep courses is available through Coastal Alabama’s Workforce Development Office at www.coastalalabama.edu/cpd or 251-990-0445.

Students desiring to go into a nursing or health-related degree should select the General Studies degree with a concentration in Health Sciences.

Yes. The Practical Nursing Program admits three times a year. In the spring, summer, and fall, Coastal admits to the Atmore campus. In the spring, Coastal admits to the Thomasville campus.

No. The Associate Degree Nursing program is 5 semesters once admitted to the nursing program. Students generally complete 2-3 semesters of general education requirements prior to admittance.

A cumulative GPA of 2.0 is required for nursing program entry. A 2.5 GPA in the 8 academic core courses is required. For practical nursing, a 2.5 GPA in the 6 academic core courses is required.

A flagged background check does not automatically result in denial of admission into Coastal’s nursing programs. Flagged background checks are evaluated on a case-by-case basis by our clinical affiliates. If a clinical facility denies the student admission, then the student is not allowed to admit to or continue in the program.

No experience is required.

Starting pay is often the same for those with either degree. Job functions are typically the same for an entry level RN.

Registered Nurses may work in a variety of settings with a variety of clients. Examples include:

· Hospital nursing
· Office/Clinic nursing
· Community/Public health nursing
· Home health nursing
· Long-term care facility nursing
· Travel nursing
· Nursing supervisor/manager
· Hospice nursing

The job outlook is promising. There are currently more job opportunities than there are nurses to fill the positions. This shortage allows nurses to be more selective in choosing their practice setting.

The competition for admittance to one of Coastal Alabama’s nursing programs is dependent on the campus location and semester. The higher the points toward admittance, the higher the chances of being admitted to a nursing program.

There is no expiration or time limit on core academic courses.

Official transcripts from all institutions, including high school transcripts, must be sent to Coastal Alabama Community College’s registrar’s office directly from the college attended. Applications and all supporting materials (such as ACT score) must be received by the application deadline.

Nursing - ADN

The following estimates expenses for completion of the nursing program. Keep in mind that these expenses are estimates only and may vary (immunizations, physical, etc.)

Item	Cost
Uniforms and Shoes NUR 112	$250
Lab Fee NUR 112	$150
Lab Fee NUR 113	$150
Castle Branch (Drug Screen 1, Background, Health Tracker)	$175
Drug Screen 2	$50
Graduation Fee (Optional)	$25
ATI Testing Fee	$3025 ($605 each semester)
Additional Testing Fees NUR 114/115	$74 (tends to increase each year)
Additional Testing Fees NUR 221	$74 (tends to increase each year)
Tuition (In-state = $166/ credit hour)	$10,956 (66 credit hours)
Books (estimate)	$1500
ADN Estimated Total:	$16429

Other Expenses:

Item	Cost
PN Licensure	$300
RN Licensure	$300
Pin/ Lamp (pinning ceremony; price varies) (optional)	$70
CPR Certification	$50
Student Nurse Associtation	$20
Immunization and Physical NUR 112	Up to $500 (depending on individual needs)