To get your healthcare career off to a speedy start, you may want to check out community colleges with nursing programs.
At a community college, you can take a nursing associate degree program that can help you work toward becoming a registered nurse. These nursing school programs can help equip you with the most essential skills for nurses.
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As a nurse, you could assist people with their medical concerns and play a vital role in your community.
Community Colleges with Nursing Programs
Do you have your sights set on becoming a registered nurse (RN)? At a community college, you could earn an associate degree that could help prepare you for this profession.
Topics you’ll likely study in an associate degree in nursing (ADN) program include:
- Aging
- Anatomy and physiology
- Disease
- Leadership
- Medical-surgical nursing
- Mental and behavioral health
- Microbiology
- Nursing care for children and families
- Pharmacology
- Psychology
If you are a licensed practical nurse (LPN), getting an associate degree could help you pursue advanced career possibilities.
Some community colleges have bridge programs for people who have already completed LPN training. If you qualify, you might be able to skip some of the classes in the ADN program.
No matter your previous experience, classroom work isn’t all you’ll do in an ADN program. Earning clinical experience is essential as well. Clinical hours are often built into many of the courses, and you may be able to fulfill those requirements at a local healthcare facility.
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After completing an accredited ADN, you may qualify to take the NCLEX-RN exam. A passing score can help you meet state requirements for becoming a licensed registered nurse (RN). Becoming an RN can help you qualify for jobs in hospitals, doctor’s offices, and outpatient care centers.
Nurses also work in schools, public health departments, and long-term care facilities.
Nurses with ADNs are often hired for fulfilling jobs that pay decent salaries. Even still, certain RN jobs are available only to people who have earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Fortunately, your community college nursing degree may provide a smooth path to earning that credential.
Many colleges offer RN to BSN programs. By transferring your associate degree credits into one of those programs, you could likely complete your 4 year nursing degree in less time.
For many students, getting their ADN first is a strategic choice.
As an already licensed RN, you may be able to put yourself through BSN studies with a dependable nursing job. Plus, earning an ADN can give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the nursing world and gain a better understanding of the direction you’d like to take your career.
Nursing Associate Degree Admissions Requirements
Many community colleges offer open admission, but their RN programs may be more selective. To be granted admission to community college nursing programs, you might need:
- References. Programs may require recommendations from professional supervisors.
- Record of previous experience. For example, previous experience could include being a certified nursing assistant (CNA).
- Official transcripts. You may be required to have a minimum GPA as well as math and English prerequisites.
- Verification of health requirements. This could include verification of vaccinations and a TB test.
A school may also use the National League for Nursing PAX Examination to evaluate whether you’re a good candidate for the program.
Associate Degree in Nursing Programs Accreditation
Whether you go to a community college or elsewhere for your nursing associate degree, it’s strategic to attend a school that is regionally accredited.
What does it mean to be regionally accredited?
It means that the school has been evaluated by an outside accrediting association and found to meet its standards. Regional accreditation is generally a mark of a credible school.
Only graduates of accredited schools are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam. In other words, your professional success could depend on your school’s accreditation status. Your future educational options could depend on it too. Only accredited ADN degrees will transfer into most bachelor’s degree programs.
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
Programmatic accreditation shows that your curriculum adheres to national standards for nursing education. It’s a sign that you’re gaining the skills needed for proficiency in this field.
The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) issues programmatic accreditation for nursing programs.
Because ACEN accredited programs must hold to certain standards, there’s consistency in the coursework from one school to another. That can improve your chances of transferring credits between nursing colleges.
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Most employers will also appreciate that you have an ACEN accredited degree. It can help them feel more confident about your workplace readiness.
What Is an ADN Nursing Program?
The associate degree in nursing (ADN) program is an undergraduate college program that prepares students for nursing careers. Often thought of as a 2 year degree, it’s the shortest academic route to becoming a licensed registered nurse (RN).
ADN programs typically cover anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and microbiology and teach clinical skills and how to communicate with patients. Your courses may even cover working with patients of various demographic groups, such as children or the elderly.
Most community colleges for nursing don’t just provide classroom lectures on these topics. They also give students hands-on experiences through clinical training.
What Education Is Needed to Become a Registered Nurse?
There are three academic paths for becoming a registered nurse. You could earn a diploma, an associate degree, or a bachelor’s degree.
Diplomas are issued in non-academic settings. Such programs are quick, but they offer fewer options for transferring credits. Today, this is the least common option for nursing training.
The associate degree in nursing (ADN) is the quickest college path to RN licensure. An ADN typically takes up to 2 years of full-time schooling.
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a 4 year college degree. It offers the most comprehensive approach to RN preparation and may open doors to more employment opportunities.
Some universities now offer fast track RN-to-BSN online programs, though some on-site time will need to be spent completing required clinical practice sessions.
How Long Is Nursing School?
The length of a nursing program depends on the degree you are getting and what format your program uses.
Completing an associate degree program usually takes about 2 years of being a full-time student. It involves taking classes over four 16 week semesters.
Online programs sometimes use a different structure, with short-format classes held throughout the year. These types of programs may last between 16 and 20 months, including both classroom work and clinicals.
Bachelor’s degrees in nursing take longer to earn than associate degrees. It typically takes about 4 years to earn a BSN.
What’s the Difference between an LPN vs. RN?
You could enter the nursing profession as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or a registered nurse (RN). What’s the difference?
| Licensed Practical Nurse | Registered Nurse |
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These salary figures are based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Is Nursing School Worth It?
Yes, nursing school is worth it for many students. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a sharp increase in healthcare positions over the next decade. Overall, the number of healthcare jobs is projected to increase by 16%. For registered nurse jobs, specifically, there’s a 9% growth rate expected.
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An associate degree in nursing can help provide you with a solid foundation for your future. Not only can it help you qualify to become an RN, but it may also help you get into an RN-to-BSN program.
Above all, a career in nursing can be fulfilling for many. Nurses make a real difference for people—often during stressful or challenging times.
Best Community Colleges Offering Nursing Programs
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online, on-campus, or in a hybrid format.
Arizona Western College offers a 2 year Associate of Applied Science in Nursing that is designed to help students become Registered Nurses or Licensed Practical Nurses.
The program offers classroom, lab, and clinical experiences. It also incorporates interactive computer and online elements. Courses include Anatomy and Physiology, Computer Information Systems, and Pharmacology with Calculations.
Arizona Western College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Barton Community College offers a Certificate in Practical Nursing and an Associate in Applied Science in Nursing. Students can also choose to just take core classes at Barton before transferring into a BSN program elsewhere.
Barton has simulation labs and clinical partnerships to give students the chance to gain hands-on experience.
Barton Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Bucks County Community College offers an Associate of Arts in Nursing. Students can choose to attend full-time or part-time. Graduates of the program are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses.
Students that are already Licensed Practical Nurses may be admitted with Advanced Placement Standing.
Bucks County Community College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Calhoun Community College offers an A.A.S. in Nursing that typically takes four semesters to complete. The school’s practical nursing certificate can potentially be earned in just three semesters.
Courses include Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Human Growth and Development, Evidence-Based Clinical Reasoning, General Microbiology, and more.
Calhoun Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The Associate in Applied Science in Nursing from Cayuga Community College is designed to prepare students for entry-level jobs in the field of nursing. Cayuga nursing students have a consistently high pass rate on the NCLEX-RN. The program is designed to provide students with theoretical knowledge and clinical experience.
Cayuga Community College is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education, a unit of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
Central Piedmont Community College offers an Associate in Nursing. Prospective students need to apply to the college first and then apply to the nursing program specifically. Central Piedmont’s nursing graduates have a high pass rate on the NCLEX-RN and a high employment rate.
General education courses can be completed online to provide flexibility.
Central Piedmont Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Columbus State Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing that is designed to prepare students for Registered Nurse licensure. The program can typically be completed in 5 semesters.
Applicants can apply for either a traditional, fully face-to-face program or a blended program that includes online coursework and in-person labs and clinicals.
Columbus State Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The Community College of Baltimore County offers an Associate in Nursing program in which classes can be taken during the day or evening, on weekends, or online. Online students are required to attend weekly seminars or lab sessions and clinical experiences.
CCBC also has an LPN-to-RN bridge program for those who are already certified as Licensed Practical Nurses.
The Community College of Baltimore County is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Davidson-Davie Community College offers an A.A.S. in Nursing. Graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Exam and have a high job placement rate. Students in the program are required to participate in clinical experiences and learn about topics such as evidence-based practice and healthcare informatics.
The program requires the completion of 66 credit hours of coursework.
Davidson-Davie Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Fletcher Technical Community College has an Associate of Science in Nursing program that typically takes 5 semesters to complete. The first two semesters consist of prerequisite coursework that can be completed online or face-to-face during the day or evening. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN.
Fletcher Technical Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Gaston College offers an LPN-to-RN AAS in Nursing program. Evening, weekend, and online course options are available to provide students with flexibility. Some lab and class sessions on campus are required, as are clinical experiences in acute care facilities.
The program provides students with opportunities to hone their skills in providing individualized care and making evidence-based decisions.
Gaston College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The Associate in Applied Science in Nursing program at GateWay Community College offers opportunities for clinical experience in a variety of settings. It is also designed to prepare students for the national licensure exam.
Coursework includes Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Nursing Theory and Science I and II, Microbiology, and more.
GateWay Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Guilford Technical Community College offers an Associate in Nursing degree program that aims to prepare students for work in a variety of healthcare settings and RN licensure. Coursework includes Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Holistic Health Concepts, Health System Concepts, and more.
There is also a summer-entry option available for LPNs.
Guilford Technical Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Hutchinson Community College offers an LPN-to-RN online bridge program in which students can earn an AAS in Nursing. This program aims to make students eligible for the NCLEX-RN and prepare them for a bachelor’s degree program.
Courses include Human Anatomy and Physiology, General Microbiology, Pathophysiology, and Health Maintenance Promotion and Restoration.
Hutchinson Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Ivy Tech Community College offers an Associate of Science in Nursing that can potentially be earned in less than 2 years. Graduates of the program are eligible to apply for the NCLEX-RN. The program can also help prepare students for entry into a BSN program. Classes are available at multiple campus locations.
Ivy Tech Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Jefferson Community and Technical College offers an Associate in Nursing that aims to give students opportunities to learn key nursing skills and practice them in real-world settings. Students are required to participate in labs and clinicals two nights a week but may listen to classroom lectures online.
The program can typically be completed in 5 semesters.
Jefferson Community and Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The Associate in Nursing program at Johnston Community College is a full-time program with some courses available in the evenings or online. Courses include Introduction to Health Concepts, Pharmacology, Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Holistic Health Concepts, and more.
The program can typically be completed in 2 years.
Johnston Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Kaua‘i Community College’s nursing program is designed to provide flexibility in educational and career planning. New students are admitted every fall semester. Most students in the program can pursue Practical Nurse licensure after 3 semesters and Registered Nurse licensure after 5 semesters.
Kaua‘i Community College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Lorain County Community College offers an Associate in Nursing program that is designed to prepare students for Registered Nurse licensure. Courses include General, Organic, and Biochemistry I, Pharmacology I and II, Behavioral Health Nursing, Human Growth and Development, and more.
Students are required to complete a total of 65 credit hours to graduate.
Lorain County Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
North Iowa Area Community College offers an AAS in Nursing that aims to help students become Licensed Registered Nurses. There are two routes within the program: one for LPNs and one for beginning nursing students.
Students are required to attend clinical experiences, which may be scheduled during evening hours or on weekends.
North Iowa Area Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Northwest Iowa Community College offers an on-campus program for an Associate in Nursing. It aims to prepare students for the NCLEX, Registered Nurse licensure, and transfer into a 4 year BSN program.
The program includes comprehensive classes and laboratory sessions and clinical experiences at cooperating healthcare facilities.
Northwest Iowa Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Piedmont Community College offers an Associate in Nursing program. It includes courses such as Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Health Illness Concepts, Family Health Concepts, Health Systems Concepts, and more.
The full program consists of 67 credit hours. Courses are available in on-campus, online, and hybrid delivery formats.
Piedmont Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Pima Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing. The program can usually be completed in 5 to 6 semesters. It is full-time and starts in the fall. Admission is competitive. The program aims to prepare graduates for the NCLEX and Registered Nurse licensure.
Pima Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Pratt Community College offers a Licensed Practical Nursing program that is designed to help students prepare for the NCLEX-PN. In addition to the traditional on-campus program, Pratt offers a hybrid program in which lectures are streamed through Zoom. Clinical courses must be attended in person.
Pratt Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Quinsigamond Community College offers an Associate in Science in Healthcare with a Pre-Nursing option. The program may be completed entirely at the main campus or partially online. It covers topics such as medical terminology, safety, and infection control.
Courses include Introduction to Public Health, Medical Microbiology, Statistics, and more.
Quinsigamond Community College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, Inc.
Rappahannock Community College offers an associate degree with a pre-BSN specialization. This program is designed for students who intend to transfer into a 4 year bachelor’s degree program in nursing. It requires the completion of 62 credit hours of coursework and typically takes 2 years to complete.
Rappahannock Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges Commission on Colleges.
Solano Community College offers an Associate in Nursing program designed for those who plan to become Registered Nurses. It typically takes 2 years to complete. The curriculum is designed to develop students’ knowledge of biological, behavioral, and physical sciences and prepare them for the NCLEX-RN.
Solano also has an LVN to RN program for Licensed Vocational Nurses.
Solano Community College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
South Puget Sound Community College offers associate degrees in nursing and pre-nursing that are primarily intended for transfer into 4 year BSN programs. There is also a Certified Nursing Assistant program that can typically be completed in a few months. Some courses are available online or in the evenings.
South Puget Sound Community College is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Surry Community College offers an Associate in Nursing. Graduates are eligible to apply for the NCLEX-RN. The program includes courses such as Pharmacology, Anatomy and Physiology I and II, and Developmental Psychology.
Surry’s nursing program has additional admissions requirements beyond general admission, and nursing applicants must take an exam called the PSB.
Surry Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Schools and Colleges Commission on Colleges.
Truckee Meadows Community College offers an Associate in Nursing program that aims to help students become Registered Nurses. The program is full-time, and students are encouraged to complete as many general education courses as possible before beginning nursing coursework.
Courses include Fundamentals of Pharmacology, Cultural Aspects of Nursing Care, and Principles of Pathophysiology.
Truckee Meadows Community College is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Getting Your Nursing Associate’s Degree Online
Do you want to become a nurse? If so, you may want to explore various community colleges with associate’s degree in nursing programs. Getting your associate degree in nursing could be a strategic way to begin your career in healthcare.
With an ADN, you may be eligible for licensure as a registered nurse. This associate degree may also provide a strong foundation for future college nursing classes.
If you’re ready to take the next step, you might consider getting an online nursing degree. Online courses are flexible yet still rigorous, and they can help you better balance your studies with life’s other responsibilities.
Whether you attend online or in person, there are many accredited community colleges where you can count on getting a solid nursing education.
