Nursing - Associates in Applied Science

AAS nursing degree programs can be completed in 2 years. An applicant must have earned a high school diploma or GED equivalent to enter the program. Some programs require students to have completed courses in biology or college-level English prior to enrollment. Individuals who are already working as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) may be eligible for advanced placement in an AAS nursing program.

• Program Levels: Bachelor's Degree, master's Degree and Ph.D. programs are all available in nursing
• Prerequisites: High school diploma or equivalent, biology and English coursework may be required
• Program Specializations: There are multiple specializations available and they vary by program
• Program Length:2 years
• Other Requirements: Lab practica and clinical experience

Associate of Applied Science in Nursing

Coursework in an AAS nursing program instructs students in a variety of nursing specialization areas and provides training in related healthcare subjects, like pharmacology. Programs feature clinical laboratory experiences as well as classroom learning. Graduates will be ready to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become licensed RNs. These courses are typically combined with lab practica and hands-on experiences in real-world medical settings. Common courses include:

• Maternal nursing and acute care nursing
• Health assessment
• Anatomy and physiology
• Medical/surgical nursing
• Medical terminology
• Microbiology

Employment Outlook and Salary Information

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), registered nurses were projected to see a 19% growth in employment opportunities from 2012-2022. All healthcare facilities were expected to have a high demand for qualified nurses, and some hospitals might offer additional incentives to solicit and keep nursing staff. In 2014, the BLS reported that the median annual salary for RNs was $66, 640 (www.bls.gov).

Licensing and Continuing Education Information

In all states, registered nurses must obtain licensure in order to work, which requires completing an approved nursing program and passing the NCLEX-RN. Voluntary credentialing is available through the American Nursing Credentialing Center, which offers designations in various fields, including pediatrics, ambulatory care and gerontology.

Beyond the associate degree level, an RN can go on to obtain a bachelor's degree in nursing, which could increase job prospects, according to the BLS. At the graduate level, master's and doctoral degree programs are available in nursing, which could lead to careers as advanced practice nurses or educators in the field.

Germanna Community College, est. 1970, is a community college and member of the Virginia Community College System, with campuses located in Locust Grove, Fredericksburg, Stafford and Culpeper. It takes its name from a settlement founded by Governor Alexander Spotswood for a group of German miners, by the Rapidan River at what is now Germanna...

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