Nursing Lab 1 Nursing Lab 2

Nursing Program – AASN

Program Overview

The Associate of Applied Science in Nursing curriculum is designed to provide graduates with the necessary knowledge and skills to be eligible to attain licensure as registered nurses upon successful completion of the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN®) and allows graduates to provide nursing care in a variety of settings.

The Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AASN) Program at the University of the District of Columbia at the Community College located in 5171 South Dakota Avenue, NE is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326, (404) 975-5000.

The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Associate of Applied Science nursing program is Initial Accreditation.

The AASN Program is approved by the District of Columbia Board of Nursing (899 North Capitol Street NE 2nd Fl, Washington, DC. 20002, 202.724.8800, (https://dchealth.dc.gov/bon).

UDC-CC offers the Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AASN) Degree. The curriculum reflects high standards of professional practice and incorporates guidelines from practice trends, professional organizations, and accrediting agencies.

The program’s curriculum helps students develop the knowledge base and clinical competencies required to meet the health care needs of patients across the health continuums. Nurses treat patients of all ages and health statuses – from premature infants to the aged in critical care, acute care, rehabilitation, and home care settings.

Mission

The mission of the AAS Nursing Program is to prepare competent practitioners to meet health-related needs of the diverse citizenry of the District of Columbia and the global society at large and to address health needs across the life span. Graduates can practice in a variety of settings, under a variety of conditions (including natural and man-made disasters). The mission embraces various levels of educational preparation for the nursing discipline. These programs enable graduates to achieve educational, career mobility and practice advancement.

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Vision

The vision of the AAS Nursing Program is to provide a positive supportive learning environment where students acquire the necessary knowledge and skills through evidence-based innovative instructions to become a safe and competent practitioner for direct client care to meet the diverse health care needs of our community.

AASN End-Of-Program Student-Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

Five End-of-program student learning outcomes identified for UDC-CC nursing students.

    1. EPSLO1- Maximize safe, evidence-based patient-centered care using the nursing process across the life span.
    2. EPSLO2- Formulate clinical decisions using health and information technology.
    3. EPSLO3- Discuss effectively with the interdisciplinary team members in the coordination of care.
    4. EPSLO4- Choose evidence-based practice in clinical decision-making.
    5. EPSLO5- Assimilate professional, legal, and ethical standards in the provision of care.

Program of Study

See attached Program of Study effective Fall 2020

Download Here: AAS NURSING STUDENT HANDBOOK 2022-2023

Accreditation & Credentialing

The Associate of Applied Science in Nursing curriculum is designed to provide graduates with the necessary knowledge and skills to be eligible to attain licensure as registered nurses upon successful completion of the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN®) and allows graduates to provide nursing care in a variety of settings.

The Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AASN) Program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA, (404) 975-5000 (http://www.acenursing.us/accreditedprograms/programSearch.htm) and approved by the District of Columbia Board of Nursing (899 North Capitol Street NE 2nd Fl, Washington, DC. 20002, 202.724.8800,  (https://dchealth.dc.gov/bon).

Academic Information Admission

The UDC Office of Admissions processes applications to the University and UDC-CC, and upon admission, students identifying Nursing as a major, are assigned to a Student Success Advisor for ongoing advisement.  When accepted into clinical courses students are assigned to a nursing faculty advisor. A separate application is required to enroll in the Professional/Clinical Division (P/CD) of the program. Admission to the fall and spring Clinical Nursing program is competitive.

Information about the degree offerings in the Nursing Program presented at this site supersedes printed documents. The 2015-2017 Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog,  Division of Student Affairs Student Handbook and Schedule of Classes for each semester https://www.udc.edu/student-life/student-handbook/; UDC Website www.udc.edu; and current Undergraduate Nursing Student Handbook for undergraduate students provide information regarding admission, progression and graduation policies. Nursing Handbooks are provided to all students admitted to the Nursing Program and Nursing students are responsible for using these public documents to enhance their academic experiences and are held accountable for policy adherence.

Admission Application Process

The AAS Nursing Program is no longer accepting applications for the Fall 2023 admission.  Application for the Spring 2024 admission will open on August 18, 2023.

****PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE TO THE ADMISSION EXAMINATION SCORES****

The Office of Admission processes applications to the University. Admission to the University does not guarantee admission to the Nursing Program. Students are not automatically admitted to the Nursing Program by indicating an interest in nursing or declaring nursing as a major. Students must apply to the nursing program.

Nursing students are admitted to the nursing courses consistent with the established admission criteria and selection process. Students enrolled in UDC as unlicensed nursing students must complete the associate of applied sciences nursing program general education requirements; earn a minimum grade of “C” in each course on the program of study; and earn a UDC general education grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher to enter the nursing program. Application packets for the Nursing Program are retrieved electronically through CastleBranch in August and December and must be returned to the same location by the third Friday in January and the third Friday in September deadlines respectively to be logged upon receipt.  

Eligibility criteria for program admission include but are not limited to the following minimum requirements:  

  1. AASN General Education Grade Point Average of 3.0 or greater.
  2. Completion of all pre-requisite courses with a grade of at least a “C.”
  3. Completion of science (Anatomy and Physiology Lecture/Lab I & II) courses within five years of admission.
  4. Satisfactory professional recommendations (i.e., employer, manager, professor).
  5. Students may only have one (1) repeat in any science courses.
  6. Completed application and essay received on or before the deadline.
  7. Valid CPR (Healthcare Provider) certification from the American Heart Association.
  8. Successful completion of a standardized admission examination for Generic.
  9.  The Kaplan Standardized Admission Examination score is as follows:

ALL STUDENTS ENTERING THE NURSING PROGRAM IN FALL 2023 MUST ACHIEVE THE MINIMUM SCORES ON THE KAPLAN ADMISSION EXAMINATION

      • Overall = 67%
      • Math = 75%
      • Reading = 73%
      • Science = 55%
      • Writing = 62%
      • Critical Thinking = 69%
  1. Mandatory student interview. 

Students are informed in writing or by their UDC email of their application status. Selected students are given detailed information on requirements for progression. Accepted students must verify completion of the following requirements prior to agency assignments (a component of all nursing practicum courses):

  1. Acknowledge intent to enroll in writing.
  2. Valid UDC Student Picture Identification.
  3. Proof of purchase of professional liability insurance.
  4. Health clearance by University Health Services.
  5. Drug screening if requested.
  6. National Criminal Background Clearance.

Students who are denied admission to the nursing program are informed and assisted to explore other career options or may reapply during the next application cycle. Applications of those not admitted are not retained.

Projected Cost 

  • Kaplan – $150 per semester 
  • Castlebranch – $32 (one-time payment) 
  • Nursing Uniforms and supplies (Uniforms, shoes, lab coat, penlight, scissors, stethoscope, and blood pressure cuff) – $250 

Progression, Academic Standing, and Course Performance Grading

The nursing program uses the University’s grading system but has its own grading scale.
The Nursing grading scale is used in all nursing courses. A grade of “C’ or better is required in all courses listed on the Program of Study. The following grades are used in all nursing courses to indicate the students’ level of achievement:

A (93-100) Excellent
B (85-92) Good
C (77-84) Satisfactory
D (69-76) Unsatisfactory (not passing)
F (Below 68) Unsatisfactory (not passing)

Withdrawal/Dismissal

Students may register for nursing courses during the early registration period based on their status at the time of registration for continuing students. Students inappropriately registered or ineligible for nursing courses will be required to withdraw. Incomplete grade(s) in nursing courses must be removed before progressing to another nursing course. Pre and/or co-requisites must be completed for each nursing course prior to progression. Nursing students are eligible for progression if they achieve of a grade of “C” or better in all required courses listed on the Program of Study, maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.8 or better, and demonstrate academic integrity. Students with a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) below 2.8 and grades of less than “C” in required courses will not be retained in nursing. Only one nursing course may be repeated during a student’s progression through the nursing program. Students whose transcripts show two grades below “C”, either D or F in nursing courses will not be retained in the program. Other reasons for dismissal include any incident where continuing in nursing would be detrimental to the health of the student or to others, verified academic dishonesty, code of conduct violations and unethical practices in classroom or clinical settings. While a student may be dismissed from the nursing program, she/he may not be dismissed from the University and can be assisted with identifying another major.

Readmission

Students in good academic standing, who have not been enrolled for one or more semesters in the Nursing Program, must submit a letter of intention by the third Friday in January for consideration for the following fall term and by the third Friday in September for the following spring term in order to be screened for eligibility to register for nursing courses. Students who withdraw from the Nursing Program and apply for readmission at a later date, including those students who have earned a “C” grade in nursing courses during a previous enrollment, may be asked to repeat some or all of the nursing courses previously completed and/or demonstrate clinical competence, especially if the time period between withdrawal and readmission is one year or longer and/or the program of study has changed. Readmission of nursing students is contingent upon recommendations of the APG committee and space availability. If a student is readmitted, he/she will be readmitted under the current program of study.

Nursing Course (Class and Clinical) Performance Requirements

Students are expected to function as accountable, responsible, and self-directed individuals. The course syllabi provide course details and serve as the student-faculty contracts for the course. The course syllabi and modules identify objectives, teaching methods-learning activities, and evaluation criteria to guide students. Course schedules provide testing details, content and/or assignments.

  • Classroom attendance is expected and academic integrity is required. Absenteeism jeopardizes academic success. A breach in academic integrity will result in dismissal from the nursing program.
  • Clinical and Laboratory attendance in nursing is mandatory. All planned learning experiences, whether on-campus or off-campus, are required to meet course objectives. Students are responsible for purchasing and maintaining uniforms and uniform accessories.
  • Health clearance through the University Health Services is required annually and is a pre-requisite to clinical placement in accord with the healthcare agency policies and D.C. laws.
  • CPR Certification (American Heart Association Healthcare Providers Card Only) must be maintained by all students enrolled in nursing courses
  • Health problems and/or pregnancy, which would interfere with the student’s ability to meet program objectives, will be considered on an individual basis. Students with health problems and/or pregnancy must have written permission from their physician and sign a student release form prior to clinical laboratory and classroom experiences. Specific agency health policies must be observed.  Students are required to sign a Student Release Form. This form includes the following statement:
    • I hereby release the Nursing Program and the University of the District of Columbia Community College from responsibility for any injury or illness to me (or if I am pregnant, my unborn fetus) while attending hospital or other clinical settings.  I understand that risks do exist for me (and if pregnant, my unborn fetus) while practicing nursing in the hospital or other clinical settings and I do assume any and all risks involved.

Grievance/Complaint and Appeal Procedures

Students have rights and responsibilities to express concerns regarding faculty-student matters and perceived problems. Students are encouraged to follow the chain of command and seek assistance from faculty members and academic advisors to resolve issues at the lowest level of authority. If the matter cannot be resolved at the level of occurrence, the student is to use the established Grievances Policy. Grade appeals that cannot be resolved at the departmental level go to the Community College Academic Appeals Committee. Complaints of discrimination http://docs.udc.edu/misc/Discrimination_Harassment_Policy.pdf can be filed with the UDC Office of Human Resources to address affirmative action, equal employment opportunities, disability-handicap-limitation accommodations, racial harassment, and sexual harassment.

Code of Conduct and Ethics

Nursing students are expected to follow the National Student Nurses’ Association Code of Academic and Clinical Conduct, American Nurses’ Association Code of Ethics, and UDC Code of Student Conduct. Students at UDC assume the obligation to maintain standards of academic integrity. Violation of academic obligations includes: unethical practices and acts of academic dishonesty, such as cheating, plagiarism, falsification, and the facilitation of such acts. Academic integrity is expected and required for retention in the nursing program. Violations of the Contract of Civility and Respect Code of Student Conduct will result in dismissal from the nursing program.

Graduation Requirements for Associate of Applied Science in Nursing

REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION

Degree Requirements:

  1. The Associate Degree requires a minimum of 67-68 semester hours, 15 of which must be in residence.
  2. Completion of appropriate College-Wide requirements. (Refer to University Catalog).
  3. Completion of all courses on the program of study with a minimum grade of “C.”
  4. A 2.8 grade point average must be maintained.

AASN (Nursing) Requirements:

AASN – Completion of the Program of Study including the course NURS-232C Complex Concepts of Adults II Simulation Lab. Students will be required to pass a comprehensive standardized exit exam at the level with a score predicted of passing the NCLEX-RN at the first sitting. In addition, by the end of the AASN courses, students are required to complete a minimum of 10,000 NCLEX-RN style questions.

Disability Statement

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) the Nursing Program at the University of the District of Columbia makes every effort to provide reasonable accommodations for all individuals with a disability https://www.udc.edu/cc/counseling-and-accessibility-resource-center/. The program does not discriminate against applicants because of gender, sexual orientation, age, ethnic background, political affiliation, or disability.

Advisement

Nursing students are assigned to faculty advisors according to the first letter of the students’ last names or status (LPN, transfer students from another nursing program, or RN). New students (Freshman Level or Transfer) admitted to the University who indicate an interest in nursing should report to the Student Success Center (https://www.udc.edu/cc/cc/student-success-center/) for advisement. Students must be accepted as nursing majors or have permission to register for AASN. Continuing students who are nursing majors enrolled in clinical nursing courses are to see their assigned advisor during the early registration period each semester for academic counseling. Students are encouraged to make appointments with their faculty advisor for academic counseling at least once per semester prior to the registration periods, to facilitate optimal progression through the program.

FACULTY NAME

LOCATION BLDG 54

PHONE NUMBERS

BASED ON FIRST LETTER OF YOUR LAST NAME
Dr. Sharon F. Beasley Bldg 4250 Suite 5345 274-5516 Director of Nursing Education/Associate Professor
Dr. Vonda Rogers Room 128  274-5907 A, C, D, Q, W, Z
Dr. Susie Cato Room 310C 274-5914 NURSING PROGRAM COORDINATOR
LPN and Transfer Students
Dr. Stella Akpuaka Room 310F 274-6284 B, E, J, L
Dr. Stella Ayika Room 310A 274-6939 F, I, S, U
Prof. Rosette Beck Room 310E 274-6542 N, G, T, Y
Dr. Andrea Doctor Room 310D 274-5293 M, P, R, V
Dr. Bolanle Olajuyigbe Room 310B 274-6861 H, K, O, X

Performance on Licensure exam. The most recent annual pass rate orthe mean pass rate for three most recent years will meet at least one of the following based on the total number of test-takers:

  • 80% or greater for all first-time test-takers; or
  • 80% or greater for all first-time test-takers and repeaters; or
  • at or above the national/territorial mean based on the nursing program type (ACEN Standard 5, Criterion 5.3, 2023).

Program completion. 50% of students in each cohort will graduate on-time based on the four-semester program of study.

Job placement rates. 80% of all graduates will be employed in a position requiring an RN license within one year of program completion.

Program Acheivement Data

Licensure Pass Rates

Date of Completion

Rate

ELA

*2021

 **73.33 (11/15)
***93.33% (14/15)		 The most recent annual pass rate will be 80% or greater for all first-time test-takers and repeaters.

* Only one graduating cohort in 2021 (Fall 2021)
**Rate for First-Time Test-Takers
***Rate for First-Time Test-Takers and Repeaters

Program Completion Rates

Date of Completion

Rate

ELA

*2021

88.9% **(16/18)

 50% of students in each cohort will graduate on-time based on the four-semester program of study.

* Only one graduating cohort in 2021 (Fall 2021)
**Of the 16 completers, one student did not take the licensure examination

Job Placement Rates

Date of Completion

Rate

ELA

2021

*100%

 80% of all graduates will be employed in a position requiring an RN license within one year of program completion.

*Rate is based on the number of respondents