Receive comprehensive education and practical experience in nursing, and prepare to become licensed as a registered nurse. Students who choose to leave the program before completing the degree may qualify for other certificates through the AAS in Nursing; PN Exit Option stackable credential model.
This program is approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing (AZBN) located at 1740 W. Adams, Phoenix, AZ. 85007 (www.azbn.gov) and is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc., (ACEN), 3343 Peachtree Rd. NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, GA 30326 (www.acenursing.org)
Before enrolling in this program you must meet certain requirements:
This degree program requires a special program application available at www.pima.edu/nursing. Once all prerequisites are complete, students can access the program application at www.pima.edu/nursing.
To participate in the clinical portion of the program, the students must:
- Obtain an Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) fingerprint clearance card.
- Pass a toxicology screen.
- Be able to perform a number of physical activities. At a minimum, students will be required to lift patients, stand for several hours at a time and perform bending activities.
- The clinical nursing experience places students under considerable mental and emotional stress as they undertake responsibilities and duties impacting the lives of others. Students must be able to demonstrate rational and appropriate behavior under stressful conditions. Individuals should give careful consideration to the mental and physical demands of the program prior to making application.
- Present proof of a variety of immunizations, including but not limited to, MMR, Varicella,, Hepatitis B, TDap, and Influenza.
- Show proof of negative Tuberculosis (TB) skin test or negative chest x-ray for TB.
- Maintain active health insurance throughout the program.
- Maintain a Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) credential from the American Heart Association for the duration of the program.
- Students will be assigned to any clinical site throughout the region at the discretion of the program. Therefore, students who are unable to be placed at a clinical site (i.e. restricted from access to the facility) will not be able to enter the program.
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) Transition into AAS in Nursing:
Licensed Practical Nurses with work experience, including graduates from Pima’s Center for Training and Development, are eligible to apply for entry into the second year of the Associate of Applied Science in Nursing; PN Exit Option program by completing the prerequisites listed above and NRS 188 /NRS 188LC /NRS 188LS transition course.
After entry into the program, LPN Transition students will be required to complete a NRS 155 - Introduction to Pharmacology challenge examination administered by the Department of Nursing. A passing score on the NRS 155 challenge exam will result in the student entering into the transition course, NRS 188 and allow completion of the program in three semesters. Unsuccessful passing of the NRS 155 challenge exam will result in the candidate having to successfully complete NRS 155 as a corequisite after entry into the nursing program, resulting in a fourth semester extension to the program, to progress into the NRS 188 transition course.
To apply, candidates must complete 14 to 15 credits of preparatory/prerequisites (MAT 142 (or MAT 151 or higher), BIO 201IN /BIO 201IH , BIO 202IN , WRT 101 ) and complete the Accuplacer Reading and HESI A2 assessments. Successful candidates granted entry into the program will be required to take WRT 102 during their NRS 188 /NRS 188LC /NRS 188LS transition semester. If accepted, the student must successfully complete a nine credit transition course (NRS 188 /NRS 188LC /NRS 188LS ) and 9 credits of co-requisites (HRP 100 , WRT 102 , PSY 101 , and BIO 127IN ) for a total of 19 credits.
The candidate must complete 576 hours of employment (verified by official letter from their employer) as a Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN). A valid, unencumbered LPN license provides advanced placement for practicing LPN’s which provides credit via Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) NRS 104 /NRS 104LC /NRS 104LS and NRS 108 , or the first semester of the AAS in Nursing program.
Program Transfer and Re-entry
Students currently enrolled in another accredited ADN Nursing Program wishing to transfer to Pima, or students wishing to re-enter the program, should contact the Nursing Department Office at 520-206-6661.
If a student initiates a withdraw from, or withdrawal while failing, a core nursing class during a semester, they will be withdrawn from all nursing core classes within that semester and will have to repeat all the core courses within the semester (core nursing courses, NRS 108 , or NRS 155 ). This action may have an effect on the student’s status in the program, financial aid, and community sponsored support.
Pima Community College and various university partners have partnered to offer qualified students the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) while pursuing their Associate’s Degree in Nursing.
What can I do with this degree?
Career Options: Students who complete the Associate of Applied Science in Nursing; PN Exit Option program are eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nursing (NCLEX-RN) to be eligible to work as a registered nurse. Students who complete block three of the program are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).
Academic Options: Students may pursue a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN) or a Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) at a university or complete their BSN or MSN concurrently in the Associate of Applied Science in Nursing; PN Exit Option program.
Department/Contact Information:
Department of Nursing
2202 W. Anklam Road
Tucson, AZ. 95709-0150
(Main and Department Head): 520-206-6661
(Dean of Critical Care): 520-206-6663
Competitive Admissions Program:
Students must meet the preparatory coursework and any other prerequisites and apply to the program. Only the most qualified students are admitted to the program. See the www.pima.edu/nursing website or a West Campus advisor for details. Students are encouraged to attend an information session for the Department of Nursing.
Nursing Interest Program/Major code: AOA9ALA/9NRS
Nursing Program/Major code: AASADNURSING/NRS1