Associate in Science

MISSION STATEMENT: Creating competent, ethical, confident entry-level healthcare practitioners committed to professional development through life-long learning in a positive, non-discriminatory and supportive learning environment.

THE CAREER: The registered nurse is a member of the healthcare team who offers direct patient care, supervision of other members of the team and teaching in collaboration with other members of the team. Successful completion of this program allows the individual to apply to write the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to qualify for licensure as a registered nurse.

THE PROGRAM: This program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), 61 Broadway, New York, New York, 10006, (212-363-5555) (www.nlnac.org). The program is a combination of general education and professional courses including lecture, laboratory and clinical education components. Graduates of the program are prepared to function as entry-level practitioners and are qualified to take the NCLEX to become licensed as a registered nurse (RN). Admission to the program is limited and is based on academic performance and other criteria. This track is limited to employed practical nurses with a current Florida license who have worked the equivalent of at least six months within the last two years (960 hours) as an LPN.

All required general education courses except sociology or humanities must be completed before submitting an application to this program.

One year of high school chemistry or any college CHM
BSC 2085C Anatomy and Physiology I
BSC 2086C Anatomy and Physiology II
MCB 2010C Microbiology
MAC 1105 College Algebra (or a higher level of mathematics)
ENC 1101 English Composition I
PSY 1012 General Psychology
DEP 2004 Human Growth and Development
SYG 2000 Introductory Sociology
OR
Humanities (any HUM course listed in A.S. general  education requirements)

The remaining courses must be taken concurrently with nursing courses. A grade point average of at least 2.0 must be maintained.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: To be considered as a qualified applicant, individuals must be eligible for continuance in FCCJ’s associate in science degree nursing program.

1. Be accepted for admission to Florida Community College at Jacksonville, be currently enrolled or a former student of FCCJ (with an FCCJ student number).
2. Be at least 17 years of age and have earned a high school diploma or high school equivalency degree.
   
3. Have completed, by the application deadline for the term for which they are applying for continuance, a college or high school course in chemistry (minimum of one credit) with a grade of "C" or better. (When using high school chemistry, an official copy of the high school transcript must be submitted with the application.)
   
4. Have completed all required general education courses except sociology or humanities prior to the application deadline.
   
5. Have submitted current Psychological Services Bureau Revised Nursing Aptitude Exam (PSB-NAT) scores by the application deadline for the term for which he/she is applying for admission to the nursing program.
   
6. Provide evidence of current CPR certification (eight hour course — adult, child, and infant).
   
7. Provide evidence of licensure in the state of Florida as a Licensed Practical Nurse who has worked the equivalent of six months within the last two years as an LPN.

NOTE: A physical examination will be required upon acceptance to the program.

Initial Advising Courses

During their beginning semesters at the College, students should complete the following unless test scores indicate that college preparatory studies courses may be needed.

One year of high school chemistry or any college CHM
BSC 2085C Human Anatomy and Physiology I
DEP 2004 Human Growth and Development
ENC 1101 English Composition I
MCB 2010C Microbiology
PSY 1012 General Psychology

General Education
 

Course Number and Title	Credits
**BSC 2085C Human Anatomy and Physiology I	4
ENC 1101 English Composition I	3
PSY 1012 General Psychology	3
***MAC 1105 College Algebra	3
*Humanities	3
Credit Hours	16

Professional Core Courses
Science Courses
 

Course Number and Title	Credits
**BSC 2086C Human Anatomy and Physiology II	4
**MCB 2010C Microbiology	4
DEP 2004 Human Growth and Development	3
SYG 2000 Introductory Sociology	3

Nursing Courses

NOTE: Nursing is a limited access program. Students may not enroll in the following courses unless selected for continuance based on the selection criteria and available seats.
 

Advanced Placement Credit	14
NUR 1000C Transitional Nursing Process I	8
NUR 1703C Transitional Nursing Process II	8
NUR 2730C Nursing Process IVA — Medical-Surgical Nursing Care of the Adult Client II	9
NUR 2520C Nursing Process IVB — Psychiatric Nursing	3
Credit Hours	56
Total Credit Hours	72

*Refer to A.S. degree General Education Requirements.
**A minimum grade of "C" required in science courses.
***Students who qualify may substitute a higher level mathematics course.

RECORD OF CONVICTION OF A CRIME

The Florida State Board of Nursing, in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Nurse Practice Act, will determine a nursing program graduate’s eligibility for licensure when there is an arrest/conviction record. Convicted felons who have not had their civil rights restored are not eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination. Students should contact the nursing department for information regarding Florida State Board of Nursing regulations.