Nursing - Registered Nursing, A.A.S. (A45110)

The Associate Degree Nursing curriculum provides knowledge, skills, and strategies to integrate safety and quality into nursing care, to practice in a dynamic environment, and to meet individual needs which impact health, quality of life, and achievement of potential.

Coursework includes and builds upon the domains of healthcare, nursing practice, and the holistic individual. Content emphasizes the nurse as a member of the interdisciplinary team providing safe, individualized care while employing evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and informatics.

The Gaston College Associate Degree Nursing Program is nationally accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) http://acenursing.org/. Graduates of this program are eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). Employment opportunities are vast within the global health care system and may include positions within acute, chronic, extended, industrial, and community health care facilities.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates will:

1. Practice professional nursing behaviors incorporating personal responsibility and accountability for continued competence.
2. Communicate professionally and effectively with individuals, significant support person(s), and members of the interdisciplinary healthcare team.
3. Integrate knowledge of the holistic needs of the individual to provide an individual centered assessment.
4. Incorporate informatics to formulate evidence-based clinical judgments and management decisions.
5. Implement caring interventions incorporating documented best practices for individuals in diverse settings.
6. Develop a teaching plan for individuals, and/or the nursing team, incorporating teaching and learning principles.
7. Collaborate with the interdisciplinary healthcare team to advocate for positive individual and organizational outcomes.
8. Manage health care for the individual using cost effective nursing strategies, quality improvement processes, and current technologies.
9. Prioritize assessments and client-centered nursing interventions relevant to clinical decision making.

Admission Information

Students applying for admission to the Gaston College Associate Degree Nursing program MUST meet all Gaston College admission requirements for GENERAL ADMISSION to the college.

To be eligible to submit an application to the associate degree nursing program applicants must

• Attend an ADN information session. Session dates/times are listed online at the Gaston College Associate Degree Nursing Facebook page
• Have a minimum composite score of 65 on the TEAS V taken within five (5) years from the date of application. Official scores for the TEAS must be submitted to Gaston College via the testing company (Assessment Technologies, Inc.). Applicants with a baccalaureate or higher degree from an accredited college or university are not required to take the TEAS.
  • TEAS retakes must be at least 60 days apart
  • TEAS V is the only accepted test for students applying to the Associate Degree Nursing program.

  Competitive Admission Criteria

  The following are used by the nursing department chair in the selection process of qualified applicants:

  • Grade Point Average (GPA) in required biology courses (see program of study).
  • Grade Point Average (GPA) in required general education courses (see program of study).
  • TEAS V score.
  • Completion of Nurse Aide I or Nurse Aide II course at Gaston College.
  • Allied Health II course grade of “A” on high school transcript.
  • Total number of required general education courses completed (with a minimum grade of “C”) by the end of fall semester prior to the year you are making application for.
  • Candidate may be asked to participate in a face-to-face interview with the nursing department Admission, Progression and Graduation Committee (APG).

  Admission points are calculated based on the above criteria. Students will be provided current admission points sheet with explanation during the information session. The final selection of applicants into the program is made by the nursing department chair in consultation with the Nursing Department APG Committee.

  Students Admitted to Nursing Program

  In addition to maintaining a 2.0 GPA and earning a minimum grade of “C” in all nursing curriculum courses, applicants accepted into the ADN program must meet the following requirements in order to enroll and continue in nursing courses:

  • Attend the scheduled orientation session for Associate Degree Nursing summer before beginning classes in the fall.
  • Nurse Aide I registry listing with no findings (no later than May 1).

  Additional Program Requirements Upon Admission into the ADN Program

  • A completed Gaston College Health and Human Services Student Medical form documenting satisfactory emotional and physical health. This is required by the due date stated in the applicant’s admission letter.
  • Current Adult, Infant and Child CPR certification through American Heart Association by specified date.
  • Students will be required to submit documentation of additional non-academic criteria such as, but not limited to, criminal background checks, urine drug testing, and proof of immunizations. If the clinical facility refuses to allow the student to do clinical at the facility based on said findings, the student would not be allowed to continue in the program.
  • Professional liability insurance (malpractice insurance). This insurance is arranged through the Gaston College Business Office.

  Clinical agencies reserve the right to deny a student access to the facility based on failure to meet the above requirements. If a student is denied access to any clinical agency, the student will be not be allowed to continue in the nursing program. Detailed information regarding these agency requirements will be provided upon conditional acceptance into the nursing program.

  Program Costs

  In addition to tuition and textbooks, costs of this program include the following: uniforms, lab coat, stethoscope, a physical examination, immunizations, criminal background check, drug screening at a time designated by the nursing faculty, and fees for application for licensure for NC State Board of Nursing and National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). Students also must maintain current CPR certification and annual PPD testing.

  Clinical Sites

  Clinical sites for the Associate Degree Nursing Programs are:

  • CaroMont Regional Medical Center, Gastonia, NC
  • Carolinas HealthCare System Lincoln, Lincolnton, NC
  • Carolinas HealthCare System Kings Mountain, Kings Mountain, NC
  • Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC
  • Carolinas HealthCare System Cleveland, Shelby, NC
  • Frye Regional Medical Center, Hickory, NC
  • Catawba Valley Medical Center, Hickory, NC
  • Local Long-Term Care Facilities

  Additional clinical sites may be added in order to achieve student learning outcomes. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from all clinical, laboratory, and class activities. Clinical experiences may be scheduled mornings, afternoons, evenings, and/or weekends at various clinical sites. Clinical times and schedules will vary from semester to semester. Any associate degree nursing student may be assigned an alternate schedule and time frame with adequate notice given for planning purposes.