Nursing education at Anna Maria College offers several pathways to exciting career opportunities for nurses. Whether for entering students or seasoned professionals the College offers degrees designed to prepare them to practice skilled, compassionate, culturally competent nursing. |
Students learn essential skills in Anna Maria's modern health skills lab, equipped with hospital beds and a mock nursing station, simulation areas, a home health teaching room, and teaching technologies. They gain real-world experience in supervised clinical placements in affiliated local health care settings including hospitals, acute care and long-term care facilities, clinics and schools. Small classes assure close interaction between students and instructors and clinical supervisors. |
Students entering Anna Maria College nursing programs can progress along a seamless pathway from prerequisite courses within the Health Science major to nursing courses leading to licensure as a Registered Nurse upon passing the NCLEX-RN examination. These new RNs are able to complete the Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing in Anna Maria's RN-to-BSN program. |
Associate of Science in Nursing
The Associate of Science in Nursing Program curriculum is a two-year program of six consecutive semesters. Students enroll in the Nursing Track as a Health Science major in fall of the first year and after successful completion of the prerequisite courses and other requirements, progress to nursing courses in May of the second year. |
The Associate of Science in Nursing program is approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing and prepares the student for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and to assume entry level positions traditionally found in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities, ambulatory care centers, and doctors' offices. |
Technical Standards for Nursing Students
The nursing faculty has identified certain technical standards that are essential abilities required to meet the objectives of the nursing program. Reasonable accommodations to meet the standards may be available for otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities. Students are responsible for contacting the College's Learning Center to determine eligibility for accommodations. |
| Motor skills |
| Motor skills |
Fine motor skills sufficient to perform skill such as picking up, grasping, manipulating small objects with hands, and writing with a pen or pencil |
| Mobility |
Physical mobility and strength sufficient to move about a nursing unit and participate in client care, run and walk backwards |
| Activity tolerance |
Physical stamina sufficient to perform client care for the entire length of a clinical experience (6-8 hours) |
| Senses |
| Hearing |
Auditory ability sufficient for assessment of client health and to hear normal conversation |
| Vision |
Visual acuity sufficient for observation, assessment, and performance of safe nursing care |
| Tactile |
Tactile ability sufficient for physical assessment |
| Intellectual |
| Reading |
Reading ability sufficient to understand the written word at a minimum of tenth grade level |
| Arithmetic |
Arithmetic competence that would allow the student to read and understand columns and/or writing, tell time, use measuring tools, and add, subtract, multiply, and divide |
| Cognitive |
Analytical thinking sufficient to transfer knowledge from one situation to another, problem solve, prioritize tasks, and use long-term and short-term memory. |
| Critical thinking |
Critical thinking ability sufficient to exercise sound nursing judgment through the sequencing of information and the identification of cause and effect relationships |
| Communication |
| Communication |
English communication skills sufficient to teach others, explain procedures, interact with others and convey information in writing. |
| Interpersonal relationships |
Interpersonal skill sufficient to establish rapport with clients and co-workers and respect the rights of others and the differences of clients |
| Psychosocial |
| Psychosocial |
Emotional stability sufficient to assume responsibility and accountability for actions, provide client with emotional support, adapt to environmental stress, and monitor own emotions |
| Behavioral |
| Behavioral |
Possess personal attributes of compassion, integrity, motivation, empathy, honesty, and concern for others |
|
Nursing Track in Health Sciences
| Requirements |
Credits
28 |
| Fall Semester |
| COR 103 Critical Thinking and Writing I |
(3) |
| PSY 201 Introduction to Psychology |
(3) |
| BIO 122, Anatomy and Physiology |
(4) |
| CHM 110, Envrionmental Chemistry |
(4) |
| December |
|
| TEAS Test (for non-nursing track students to progress to ASN program |
|
| Spring Semester |
|
| COR 104, Critical Thinking and Writing II |
(3) |
| BIO 113 Human Anatomy and Physiology II |
(4) |
| BIO 332 Microbiology |
(4) |
| PSY 217 Human Life span Development |
(3) |
|
Progression into Nursing Coursework
The NUS course requirements begin in the summer semester of the second year. Students who are accepted into the Nursing Track in the Health Science Major may progress to ASN nursing courses after successful completion of all pre-requisite courses (GPA ≥ 2.5 for all required courses and a grade of C+ or higher in all required science courses), a satisfactory CORI check, and compliance with all health and immunization requirements including documentation of immunizations recommended for healthcare workers in Massachusetts, a negative TB test, evidence of health insurance coverage, documentation of a current physical examination, and current Healthcare Provider CPR. Students who are accepted into the Nursing Track in the Health Science Major have first priority for entry into the following year’s ASN cohort, if they successfully complete the pre-requisite curriculum and meet the other entry requirements.
Each year up to 50 Nursing Track students may be admitted to the ASN program.
Anna Maria students in the Health Science major and students who enter as first time freshmen but were not accepted into the Nursing Track may apply to the Nursing Track after earning ≥ 12 credits at the college. College transfer students may apply after completing at least one of the required science courses at Anna Maria.
Application to the Nursing Track for non-Nursing Track students takes place in the fall semester. Students in this category must take the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills),which will be offered twice in December and once in January. |
CORI Inquiry Criminal Offender Record Information
The Associate in Science in Nursing Program requires a CORI inquiry prior to admission to nursing coursework. Individuals who have been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor crime or have a pending criminal case must meet eligibility requirements for affiliating clinical facilities; however, certain clinical affiliating agencies will work with students to meet eligibility requirements. This can be a lengthy process, so students need to begin it early. Students must also meet the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing requirements for licensure eligibility. Some clinical agencies refuse students with certain convictions on their record. All CORI information is confidential to anyone other than designated CORI officers. Students who are refused clinical placement due to CORI issues will be withdrawn from the nursing program. The student is responsible for the cost of the CORI processing. The fee is currently $15.00 |
Nursing Requirements
Second Summer Semester
SOC 207 Sociology of the Multicultural World (3)
NUS 200 Fundamentals of Nursing (6)
NUS 205 Nursing Assessment (with lab) (3) |
Fall Semester
NUS 206 Medical Surgical Nursing I (9) |
Spring Semester
NUS 208 Comprehensive Nursing I (11) |
Third Summer Semester
NUS 209 Comprehensive Nursing II (10)
NUS 210 Nursing Trends and Concepts (2) |
Nursing courses require time and commitment. Students should plan to limit the amount of outside work while completing nursing coursework. They are also advised that dates and times of clinical experiences may change without notice. |
Progress and Promotions
- Students must complete nursing courses in the established sequence.
- A grade of C+ (77%) or higher is required to progress in nursing courses.
- Class, clinical and lab experiences for a course must be completed concurrently.
- Students must receive a satisfactory clinical and laboratory evaluation in order to pass the course.
- Nursing courses must be passed in sequence for a student to continue in the program.
- Students may be removed from the clinical area if they fail two unit examinations in one semester.
|
Students acquire nursing skills relevant to beginning level practice as a registered nurse. Courses from the Nursing Track in Health Science provide the foundation for the nursing program. Nursing courses develop the individual competency necessary to provide quality, culturally sensitive, holistic nursing care to entry-level nursing practice. Students apply concepts learned in the classroom and practiced in the laboratory to clinical experiences that occur in long term care, acute care, maternity, mental health, and pediatric settings. |
Career Opportunities
The Associate of Science in Nursing Program prepares students for beginning practice in entry-level nursing positions. |
Traditionally, that includes staff nursing positions in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities, ambulatory care centers, and doctors' offices. |
Some employers offer tuition reimbursement plans. |
RN Licensing Requirements
MA Board of Registration in Nursing Information
To be licensed as a professional nurse, applicants must provide to the Massachusetts Board of Registration the following:
- Satisfactory proof of good moral character as established by the Board;
- Payment of a licensure fee; and;
- Report of successfully writing the NCLEX-RN during the NCLEX eligibility period.
|
Good Moral Character
The Board of Registration in Nursing has revised its policy regarding the "Good Moral Character" licensure requirement at MGL c.112, ss.74, 74A and 76. The new policy, Initial Nurse Licensure by Examination or Endorsement: Determination of Good Moral Character specifies certain conduct and convictions for which the Board believes initial licensure as a nurse, and the resultant access to vulnerable populations, poses an unacceptable risk to the public. The policy became effective January 1, 2000. |
The law requires that all applicants for initial nurse licensure be of good moral character: The Board determines whether an applicant meets this requirement based on applicant's demonstrated avoidance of aggressive, unjust and deceitful behavior. The Board evaluates an individual whose conduct has demonstrated aggression, injustice and deceit, as evidenced by one or more criminal convictions to determine whether the conduct:
- poses a threat to public safety;
- is of significance to the provision of safe, effective nursing care;
- and/or is characteristic of the applicant's conduct
|
Approvals and Accreditation
The Associate of Science in Nursing Program is approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing and is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, Inc.
National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, Inc.
61 Broadway, 33rd Floor
New York, NY 10006
212-363-5555 ext. 153 |
Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (RN-to-BSN Program)
Anna Maria College has 25 years of experience guiding Associate Degree and Diploma RN's through their advanced education. The RN-to-BSN program is fully accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, Inc. (NLNAC). All candidates for a Bachelor’s degree must accrue 120 credits. Students in the RN-to-BSN program typically transfer some credits from earlier programs, and earn credits or become exempt from some courses by passing CLEP, NLN, or Anna Maria College Challenge exams. Credit for other specialized training may also be earned if specific criteria are met. All students are required to complete:
Professional Nursing
Physical Assessment
Nursing Research Utilization
Public Health Nursing
Environmentally Related Illness
Leadership Management or History of U.S. Nursing
One Nursing Theory course
One Clinical Course with practicum |
RN-to-BSN Program
Admission Requirements
- A completed applicaton form
- A non-refundable application fee of $40 (waived if application submitted on line)
- A current Massachusetts RN License
- Official transcripts of previous courses
- Two references
- An interview with the Program Director
|
Anna Maria College welcomes registered nurses who have graduated from associate degree programs or hospital diploma programs. |
Program Requirements
BSN students must have 120 credits to graduate. Of these credits, a minimum of 45 must be taken at AMC. The College accepts 60 credits in transfer for an associate's degree and may accept up to 75 credits for prior college course work. It is possible for students with an associate's degree in nusring to complete the program part-time in two academic years including four summer sessions. College Core requirements drive the selection of some required and elective courses, including nursing and non-nursing options. Most RN-to-BSN students enter with junior-year standing, which means they are required to complete the third year Core curriculum comprised of COR 304 Catholic Social Teaching (Justice type I course) and NUS 408 Public Health nursing (Justice type II course). The fourth year Core curriculum requirements are met by NUS 415 (Core IV seminar), and the practicum associated with the clinical course the student elects. College disbribution requirements also must be met. |
In addition, RN-to-BSN students must demonstrate their techonological literacy either by passing the College's competency test or by passing COR 204 Technological Literacy. Students also must satisfactorily complete a course in stastistics, generally BLP 250, Applied Statistics. Credits toward the degree may be earned in the following ways:
- Taking and passing the course at AMC
- Transferring credits from another college
- Passing the CLEP, NLN, or AMC Challenge exam
- Work experience and specialized training, if specific criteria are met
|
|
