Northern offers a rigorous, evidence-based five semester associate degree in nursing curriculum. The ADN program is approved by the State of New Mexico Board of Nursing and nationally accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3390 Peachtree Road NE Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30326, 404-975-5000, www.acenursing.org
Northern’s Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Program is a full-time program of nursing studies with a licensed practical nurse (LPN) step-out option. The mission of the ADN program is to provide an affordable, quality, community-based nursing education that prepares registered nurses to provide safe, quality patient centered care to individuals and populations across the lifespan.
The ADN program has only one curriculum for all students accepted into the program. Once a student has completed the required pre-requisite courses and has been formally accepted into the program, the nursing curriculum is delivered over four semesters. Graduates of the ADN program obtain an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing.
There is a Practical Nurse Certificate option after successful completion of the first three semesters of nursing course work. During the third semester of nursing courses, students may opt to take one additional nursing course (NURS 1119 ) and receive a Practical Nurse Certificate. Students are then eligible to take the PN National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN). Students may exit the program at this time or continue on with the fourth semester nursing courses.
Upon successful completion of the second year nursing courses (level II) students receive an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing and are eligible to take the RN National Council Licensure Examination exam (NCLEX-RN).
Graduates of the ADN program are prepared to continue toward completion of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Admission to Northern does not ensure admission to the ADN program. Program capacity requires limited enrollment. Applicants are rank-ordered based on cumulative points earned on selection criteria.
The ADN program is demanding and requires a full-time commitment, extensive study time outside the classroom, and occasional travel outside the area. Because of the rigorous nature of the program, limited employment is recommended.
Due to the rapidly changing nature of the health care system as well as statemandated changes, the ADN program faculty review and revise the curriculum on an ongoing basis. Changes can be anticipated regarding admission requirements, course requirements, and program policies. Students are advised to seek initial and ongoing advisement from the program director or a nursing faculty advisor
Employment Opportunities
Graduates from the ADN program are prepared to enter nursing practice at the advanced beginner level. Areas of employment include acute care facilities, long-term care, home health care, physician’s offices, clinics, schools, and other settings.
Additional Requirements Relating to Licensure
The New Mexico State Board of Nursing has restrictions for licensure and may deny, revoke, or suspend any license applied for upon grounds of particular felony violations. Northern assumes no responsibility for the denial of licensure by the New Mexico Board of Nursing or any state Board of Nursing.
Federal law requires health care agencies to conduct criminal background checks on their employees. This requirement is also mandated for nursing students placed in these health care facilities for clinical training. Behaviors which may be cause for a student being ineligible for clinical placement include, but are not limited to, the following: physical or sexual abuse, theft, illegal use of weapons, and illegal use or possession of controlled substances.
Admission Requirements for the ADN Program
- Graduation from high school or HSE/GED
- GPA of 2.75 or higher in the pre-requisite courses
- Submission of a completed nursing application packet by May 31st for fall admission consideration.
- A minimum score of 58.7 % on the ATI test of Essential Academic Skills (ATI TEAS®).
- Completion of the following pre-requisite course work by the end of the spring semester prior to anticipated entry into the ADN program with a grade of “C-” or better:
CHEM 1110/L (4) or any other BIOL or CHEM course with a lab (4)
BIOL 2210 /BIOL 2210L (4) Human Anatomy & Physiology I with lab
PSYC 1110 (3) General Psychology
ENGL 1110 (3) Composition I
Note:
- Anatomy and Physiology Courses must be completed within five (5) years prior to entry into the ADN program.
- All nursing students are expected to have basic computer skills including word processing and internet access.
- All nursing students must have and maintain current American Heart Association Basic Life Support (CPR) certification and current immunizations prior to participating in clinical nursing courses.
- Requirements for ATI test of Essential Academic Skills (ATI TEAS®) admission test scores, are subject to change.
- Formal application and acceptance into the nursing program is required before students may enroll in any NURS-prefixed courses listed in the program requirements, with the exception of NURS 2245 - Pathophysiology . Support courses may be taken before entry into the program.
Transfer Students
Students transferring to the Associate Degree in Nursing Program are subject to the same admission and progression requirements as all nursing students. The Registrar and nursing faculty will evaluate transcripts, course syllabi, and course outlines to determine eligibility and placement status. Potential students must have completed general education and support transfer courses with a grade of “C-” or better and all nursing courses with a grade of “C” or better. Students must complete their last 15 credit hours at Northern in order to graduate.
For more information please contact:
Administrative Assistant
Department of Nursing & Health Sciences Office
505.747.2207 denise.arevalo@nnmc.edu
Students who pursue the Associate Degree in Nursing will receive an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing degree.
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