Nursing, Associate of Science (ASN)
The purpose of the North Georgia Associate of Science in Nursing degree program is to prepare the graduate to function in the five interrelated roles as developed by the Council of Associate Degree programs of the National League for Nursing. In each of these roles, the graduates base their practice on the problem solving process in rural/urban settings, focusing on clients from culturally diverse settings.
Graduates of the program are eligible to write the NCLEX-RN Examination for licensure as registered nurses and to accept beginning staff positions in hospitals, long-term health agencies, and community-based facilities.
The program, which is approved by the Georgia Board of Nursing and accredited by the National League for Nursing (National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission- 3343 Peachtree Rd, NE, Suite 500, Atlanta, GA 30326, coordinates general academic and nursing courses. A total of 69 semester hours of college credit over a 4-semester period are required. Students are admitted to Nursing 1100 each fall semester. Students may begin the general educational core courses required in the program during any semester. For application requirements and deadlines, consult the Associate Degree in Nursing webpage.
Students in the ASN program have the opportunity to obtain a "Concentration in Leadership" by submitting a letter of intent during their first semester in the ASN Program, completing the program of study requirements, maintaining a Leadership Portfolio during the ASN program and submitting the required paperwork prior to graduation. The Leadership Concentration designation will be on the ASN student transcript.
The ASN program is designed for educational mobility. In recognition of the differences in current knowledge and experience, a career mobility LPN-RN curriculum offers LPNs the opportunity for advanced placement. Students may validate the first two semesters of nursing through the LPN-ASN Articulation Model approved by the University System of Georgia by successful completion of the summer bridge courses before placement in sophomore nursing courses.
A variety of clinical agencies are chosen by the nursing faculty at hospitals and some selected community health agencies to provide students with opportunities for diverse and significant learning opportunities. Nursing students are responsible for providing their own transportation to and from campus and the clinical agencies.
Those ASN students wishing to pursue an Army commission must meet the requirements of the military science courses of the Senior Division Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program established by the Department of the Army. Completion of ROTC basic course, advanced course, and advanced camp, is required. Opportunities for four year military scholarships leading to a commission as an officer in the U.S. Army exist on this campus. Students should refer to the Department of Military Science section for courses and requirements.
Admission Requirements Associate of Science In Nursing Program
- All applicants seeking admission to the Associate of Science in Nursing ASN degree program are required to be accepted as regularly admitted students to North Georgia College & State University. Application to the college and the ASN program are two separate processes. Additional requirements are (a) a predicted freshman grade point average of 2.75 or higher, and (b) the TEAS Exam required.
- Submission of on-line nursing application
- Transfer students entering the nursing program for the first time must meet all admission requirements pertinent to their applications and the "Transfer Policy" of the Department of Nursing and the university. North Georgia students must have a 2.5 minimum GPA to transfer as nursing major.
- All applicants seeking admission to the LPN/RN Career Mobility program must meet the following additional requirements:
- pass a medication calculation test with a grade of >90% (test may be repeated once);
- be a graduate of a practical nursing program;
- complete 1000 hours of practice as LPN;
- be licensed as an LPN in the state of Georgia;
- complete a minimum of 31 hours of general education courses, including Anatomy and Physiology (8 hours), Medical Microbiology, English Composition I, Mathematical Models, Area B, and electives from Area E with a grade of C or better;
- follow the LPN-ASN Articulation Model approved by the University System of Georgia to validate Nursing 1100 and 1110;
- successfully pass critical clinical nursing skills required in the first year nursing courses which are validated in Nursing 1090; and
- successfully complete NURS 1020 (Nutrition) and NURS 1130 (Pharmacology).
- The North Georgia College & State University ASN Program has adopted the LPN-ASN articulation model approved by the University System of Georgia. Applicants for the LPN-RN bridge program must have 1000 hours of clinical practice as LPN.
- Students who have failed NURS 1090 or who have withdrawn twice from the LPN bridge program may apply to the generic ASN program. Repeating NURS 1090 is not an option. If an LPN does apply to the generic ASN program, the failure in NURS 1090 will count as one clinical nursing course failure on the student's academic record.
- Students who withdraw from the nursing program for any reason must apply for readmission. The grade point average must be at least 2.75 to be considered for readmission. Readmission is based on space availability.
- Nursing licensure in Georgia is regulated by the Georgia Board of Nursing. Students may be admitted to the nursing program by the university and the nursing department, but the approval to admit an applicant to the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nursing (NCLEX-RN) or to grant a license rests with the state board. An applicant who has been indicted or convicted of an offense other than a minor traffic violation, who is under investigation for possible violation of the Nurse Practice Act, or who has been issued a license which has been encumbered (denied, revoked, suspended, surrendered, restricted or placed on probation) by any state board may be permitted to take the licensing examination at the discretion of the Georgia Board of Nursing. The license may not be issued until the matter is resolved to the satisfaction of the board. If charges are substantiated, the license may be denied or sanctioned despite the applicant's meeting all other criteria for licensure. Graduates must also have a valid social security number to be eligible for licensure.
- Refer to the Nursing/ASN webpage for all other requirements.
Information Concerning Application for Admission
Submit online North Georgia College & State University application. North Georgia website: www.northgeorgia.edu/admissions/
If presently enrolled with North Georgia, applicants are to apply to nursing.
All applicants for nursing are to submit online application. North Georgia/Nursing website: www.northgeorgia.edu/nursing.
Applicants are encouraged to apply early fall semester both to the university and to the Department of Nursing to assure placement in the summer LPN/RN Career Mobility Program or subsequent fall nursing courses, assuming admission requirements are met. All application information must be completed prior to published deadlines for consideration for summer or fall admission. North Georgia College & State University acceptance must be current for the year in which the student plans to enroll in nursing.
The Department of Nursing's ASN admissions committee will review the academic records of those applicants prior to the fall for which admission is requested. The admissions committee will select those applicants who demonstrate a reasonable probability of successful completion of the academic program. Factors which indicate the probability of success include (a) grade point average, (b) SAT scores (for recent high school graduates), (c) previous coursework completed, and (d) TEAS Exam score.
In all cases, a minimum GPA of 2.75 on a 4-point scale and successful completion of any developmental studies courses are required for admission to the nursing program. The number of students accepted each year is based on the projected availability of faculty and clinical space for that year. Acceptance into the ASN Program is provisional based on maintaining a minimum 2.75 GPA and submitting all required documentation by the communicated deadlines.
When the applicant is accepted, information is sent regarding uniforms, professional liability insurance, clinical requirements and National Student Nurses' Association, and clinical requirements. A letter of intent to enroll is required from the student within a requested time frame. Students must submit a health examination form showing evidence of being able to participate in the ASN Program, signed by a licensed health care provider. Applicants must also meet immunization requirements, complete a background check and other screenings that are required to attend clinical. Current American Heart Basic Life Support course for health care providers certification is required of all nursing students.
Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) is an assessment service utilized throughout the ASN Program to assist in preparing the student for the NCLEX-RN exam. ASN students are required to pay all fees associated with the AIT process along with their initial fees the first semester that they are enrolled in the ASN program. Fees cover secured test(s), study guides and access to unsecured tests and are determined by the number of semesters that a student is in the ASN program. ATI fees are not refundable.
Students from other R.N. programs may transfer to the Department of Nursing after meeting the requirements for regularly admitted students to the university and the department and the Department of Nursing "Transfer Policy." Placement in the nursing curriculum will be determined by the head of the Department of Nursing based on space available.
Academic Standards for Progression
A student must meet the following requirements in order to progress in the nursing program:
- achieve a grade of "C" or higher in each required nursing course and a grade of "C" or higher in Anatomy/Physiology and Microbiology before proceeding to the next nursing course;
- repeat a non-clinical nursing course before graduation if a grade less than a "C" is earned;
- repeat at most one clinical nursing course while progressing through the nursing program;
- maintain satisfactory performance in the clinical area. An unsatisfactory evaluation in the nursing clinical laboratory means an automatic grade of "F" in the course;
- receive a 75 test average or above as defined in course syllabus on unit and final examinations/tests in order to pass each nursing course;
- maintain a grade of "C" or better for all courses required in the curriculum of the Associate of Science in nursing degree program;
- complete prior to the beginning of the second year English Composition I, Mathematical Models, and Anatomy/Physiology I and II with a grade of "C" or better.
- achieve a grade of "C" or better in all core curriculum courses (Areas A-F).
- students entering their final semester of the ASN program must have completed all core courses for the ASN Degree prior to enrolling in the final nursing course or be enrolled concurrently;
- complete 20 hours at North Georgia to be eligible for graduation;
- adhere to all policies at North Georgia, the Department of Nursing and clinical agencies;
- achieve a grade of 90 on a drug calculation competency exam given during the 1st year in order to progress to 2nd-year nursing courses (the test may be repeated one time); There are also competency skills check-off which must be successfully completed to pass the 1st year nursing courses and progress to 2nd year. Failure of any of the above proficiencies will result in an "F" in the course. Course withdrawal's not an option after an "F" is earned.
- the student will begin a program of testing each term as part of the course requirements and must be successful in the exit exam at the end of the final term of study.
- Failure in two (2) clinical nursing courses will result in dismissal from the nursing program.
- Meet other standards as outlined in the ASN Handbook and adhere to all policies of North Georgia Nursing Department and clinical agencies.
ASN Degree Requirements
This program is designed to satisfy the present educational requirements to enable graduates to take the licensure examination in nursing. However, the licensing board may change these requirements prior to the completion of the course of study. While reasonable efforts will be made to enable graduates to satisfy additional requirements, no assurances can be made that the university will be able to offer these additional courses or, if taken, that such courses will entitle the graduate to take the licensure examination.
Core Curriculum Requirements |
36 hours |
Area A Essential Skills |
6 hours |
3 hours |
|
MATH 1101 or MATH 1111 or MATH 1113 |
3 hours |
Area B POLS 2401 |
3 hours |
Area C Humanities / Fine Arts |
3 hours |
Fine Arts or Philosophy |
3 hours |
Area D Science, Math, Technology |
3 hours |
3 hours |
|
Area E Social Science |
9 hours |
3 hours |
|
3 hours |
|
3 hours |
|
Area F Nursing Major |
12 hours |
8 hours |
|
4 hours |
First year: NURS 1100, NURS 1110, NURS 1020, NURS 1130
Second year: NURS 2110, NURS 2130, NURS 2140, and NURS 2160 (33 hours)
Other Requirements
U.S. and Georgia Constitution & History requirement
Nursing Electives:
**The LPN/RN Career Mobility Program includes NURS 1090, NURS 1020 and NURS 1130.