Nursing: Associates (AS.NUR)

Required Courses:

Note: All nursing and science courses must be passed with a "C+" or better

• BIO 2011 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I 4 cr
• BIO 2012 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II 4 cr
• BIO 2125 - Fundamentals of Microbiology 4 cr
• NUR 1211 - Foundations of Nursing I 6 cr *
• NUR 1212 - Foundations of Nursing II 7 cr *
• NUR 2111 - Mental Health Nursing 4 *
• NUR 2112 - Maternal Child Nursing 5 cr *
• NUR 2113 - Nursing of Adults I 5 *
• NUR 2114 - Nursing of Adults II 5 cr *
• NUR 2020 - Issues in Nursing 2 cr
• PSY 1010 - Introduction to Psychology 3 cr

• plus one of these courses:

• SOC 1010 - Introduction to Sociology 3 cr
• SWK 2130 - Introduction to the Study of Aging 3 cr

•  

  *Requires clinical study outside the classroom

And complete the college's Gen Ed requirements

Click here  to review the Gen Ed requirements

Total credits:

To be eligible for the Associate in Science Nursing Degree, a student must have earned a minimum of 68 credits and attained a cumulative GPA of 2.0. A minimum of 21 semester hours in nursing courses must be earned at Castleton.

Program Notes

Challenge Examination for Advanced Placement

Challenge examinations for admission to the AS in nursing are available to Licensed Practical Nurses who possess an unencumbered license in the State of Vermont. Successful completion of the challenge examination process for Foundations of Nursing I (NUR 1211) prior to the start of the semester of enrollment will exempt students from the course. Select candidates may challenge Foundations of Nursing II (NUR 1212). Successful challenge of both NUR 1211 and NUR 1212 could enable the student to enter the nursing program in NUR 2111, NUR 2112, or NUR 2113 provided other prerequisites are met. Details regarding the complete challenge process are available from the Nursing Department upon request. The fee for the written exam is $65 and the skills exam is $125.

Internal Transfer

Students enrolled in other academic programs within the college are eligible for consideration for internal transfer into nursing. Details regarding the application process are available from the Nursing Department upon request. The selection process takes place at the end of the fall semester. The most qualified applicants will be accepted on a space available basis. The following criteria must be met in order to be considered for admission into a nursing program:

1. A minimum GPA of 2.8
2. A minimum 9-credit load in the prior semester, or semester of the application
3. Submission of a complete application prior to the designated deadline
4. Approval by the Nursing Department student affairs committee.

Fees

Some nursing courses require payment of a laboratory fee that is included in the individual course descriptions. 

Practice Setting Requirements

All nursing students are expected to cover the cost and provide their own transportation to assigned clinical agencies.

Unsatisfactory Health, Performance, or Behavior

The Nursing Department reserves the right to request that the Academic Dean require withdrawal from the nursing program of any student whose health, performance, or behavior is judged unsatisfactory.

Licensure

Graduates earning an Associate in Science Nursing Degree are eligible to apply for licensure as Registered Nurses and are qualified to function as advanced beginners in the healthcare environment. Upon successful completion of the program, students are eligible to write the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nursing (NCLEX-RN). Students should refer to the State Board of Nursing in the selected state of choice for the specific requirements to write the NCLEX-RN examination in that state. State Boards of Nursing have the sole authority to grant graduates the opportunity to take the NCLEX-RN examination.

According to the Vermont State Board of Nursing: (State of Vermont Board of Nursing Title 26 V.S.A.): “The Board may deny an application for registration, licensure or relicensure; revoke or suspend any license to practice nursing issued by it; discipline or in other ways condition the practice of registrant or licensee upon due notice and opportunity for hearing in compliance with the provisions of chapter 25 of Title 3, if the person:

1. Has made or caused to be made a false, fraudulent or forged statement or representation in procuring or attempting to procure registration or renew a license to practice nursing;
2. Whether or not committed in this state, has been convicted of a crime related to the practice of nursing or a felony which evinces an unfitness to practice nursing;
3. Is unable to practice nursing competently by reason of any cause;
4. Has willfully or repeatedly violated any of the provisions of this chapter;
5. Is habitually intemperate or is addicted to the use of habit-forming drugs.
6. Has a mental, emotional or physical disability, the nature of which interferes with ability to practice nursing competently; or
7. Engages in conduct of a character likely to deceive, defraud or harm the public.”

Note

This two-year program is approved by the Vermont State Board of Nursing and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Nursing Education (ACEN) (formerly known as National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission, NLNAC). The ACEN is the nation's leading accrediting body for nursing education programs. The ACEN is the entity that has the sole authority and accountability for carrying out the responsibilities of the accreditation process. Their address is: