Nursing - Associate Degree
As a nurse, you make a difference in the lives of your patients. You plan, provide, and evaluate patient care. You act as a liaison between physicians, other health care workers, and the patient. You also supervise other health care providers. Why choose the ADN program at NWTC? Quality – NWTC ADN graduates take the same national licensing exam that graduates from four-year colleges and universities do, and NWTC graduates consistently score above the national average. Success – NWTC nursing graduates report greater than 90 percent job placement as RNs within six months of graduation. Expertise – classroom, lab and simulation instruction, extensive clinical experience at area hospitals, extended care facilities and clinics, and service opportunities like work at the N.E.W. Clinic at NWTC all provide hands-on patient care experience that helps make NWTC graduates effective on the job. This program is accredited by the ACEN: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.
Delivery
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Program Costs & Financial Aid
Tuition: $12,649, Books: $1,211, Supplies: $500
This program is fully eligible for financial aid.
Estimates based on in-state residency. Please visit the following URL to learn more about tuition and fees for this program. https://www.nwtc.edu/admissions-and-aid/paying-for-college/tuition-and-fees?ProgramCode=105431
Requirements for Program Entry
- For instructions on how to get started, download the application checklist for this program.
Program Outcomes
- Integrate professional nursing identity reflecting integrity, responsibility, and nursing standards.
- Communicate comprehensive information using multiple sources in nursing practice.
- Integrate theoretical knowledge to support decision making.
- Integrate the nursing process into patient care across diverse populations.
- Function as a healthcare team member to provide safe and effective care.
Accreditation
The Nursing-Associate Degree program is accredited by: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, (ACEN), 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta GA 30326 (404) 975-5000, www.acenursing.org The Nursing Associate Degree program is approved by: Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services Dept. of Regulation & Licensing 1400 East Washington St. P.O. Box 8935, Madison, WI 53708-8935 (608) 266-2112
Curriculum
Students following the study plan below will complete the Nursing Associate Degree program in the number of semesters shown.
Pre-First Semester
First Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Full Semester
Second Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Full Semester
Third Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Full Semester
Fourth Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Full Semester
- Curriculum Note: Graduates are eligible to apply for direct transfer of credit in the Bachelor of Science completion nursing programs at the University of Wisconsin and private colleges and universities.
- Individuals with criminal records may be ineligible for licensure. Individuals with abuse records may be ineligible for employment in nursing homes.
- Licensed Practical Nurses may receive advanced standing for nursing courses in the first year of the program.
- The International Programs staff continually seeks opportunities for students to travel abroad for educational experiences that may be offered in association with program courses. To find out more about which of your program courses may offer an opportunity during this academic year, contact your academic advisor or visit nwtc.edu/studyabroad.
Course Descriptions
Overview of the human anatomy/physiology using a body-systems approach, emphasizing the interrelationships between form/function at the gross and microscopic levels. (Prerequisite: C or better in Lab-based Chemistry OR 2 semesters lab-based high school chemistry w/C or better; AND Next Gen Rdg score greater/= to 263; OR ACT Rdg score greater/= to 17; OR prep courses-contact academic advisor at 920-498-5444)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringBasic nursing/personal care skills, principles of communication skills, resident rights and team work with other care givers under the supervision of a licensed nurse. (Pre-requisite: Accepted into the Nursing Assistant program. Call 920-498-5444 or toll free 1-888-385-6982 or go to http://www.nwtc.edu for directions.)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall J-Session SpringStudents gain skills that lead to success in college, employment, and life. Students should take this course in their first semester. (Pre-requisite: None.)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringLearners develop knowledge/skills in planning, organizing, writing, editing. Students will also analyze audience/purpose, use elements of research, format documents using standard guidelines, and develop critical reading skills. (Prerequisite: High school GPA greater/equal to 2.6; OR ACT Reading score greater/equal to 16 AND English greater/equal to 18; OR Next Gen Reading score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 260; OR "preparatory course(s)", contact academic advisor at 920-498-5444)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringThis introductory clinical course emphasizes basic nursing skills and application of the nursing process in meeting the needs of diverse clients across the lifespan. Emphasis is placed on performing basic nursing skills, the formation of nurse-client relationships, communication, data collection, documentation, and medication administration. (Prerequisites: Accepted into Nursing-AD Program; Corequisites: 10-543-101, Nursing Fundamentals; 10-543-102, Nursing Skills; 10-543-103, Nursing Pharmacology; 10-806-177, Gen Anatomy & Physiology)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringFocuses on basic nursing concepts to provide evidenced-based care to diverse patient populations across the lifespan. Current and historical issues impacting nursing will be explored within the scope of nursing practice. The nursing process will be introduced as a framework for organizing the care of patients. (Prerequisites: Accepted into Nursing-AD program; 10-890-101, College 101; Corequisites: 10-806-177, Gen Anatomy & Physiology; 10-543-103, Nursing Pharmacology)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringThis course introduces the principles of pharmacology, including drug classifications and their effects on the body. Emphasis is on the use of the components of the nursing process when administering medications. (Prerequisites: Accepted into Nursing-AD Program; Corequisites: 10-543-101, Nursing Fundamentals; 10-806-177, Gen Anatomy & Physiology)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringFocuses on development of evidence-based clinical skills and physical assessment across the lifespan. Content includes mathematical calculations and conversions related to clinical skills. In addition the course includes techniques related to obtaining a health history and basic physical assessment skills using a body systems approach. (Prerequisites: Accepted into Nursing-AD Program; Corequisites: 10-543-101, Nursing Fundamentals; 10-543-103, Nursing Pharmacology)
Course Typically Offered:This course focuses on topics related to health promotion for individuals and families throughout the lifespan. We will cover nursing care of the developing family, which includes reproductive issues, pregnancy, labor and delivery, post-partum, the newborn, and the child. Recognizing the spectrum of healthy families we will discern patterns associated with adaptive and maladaptive behaviors applying mental health principles. An emphasis is placed on teaching and supporting healthy lifestyle choices for individuals of all ages. Nutrition, exercise, stress management, empowerment, and risk reduction practices are highlighted. Study of the family will cover dynamics, functions, discipline styles, and stages of development. (Prerequisites: Accepted in Nursing-AD program; 10-543-101, Nursing Fundamentals; 10-543-102, Nursing Skills; 543-103, Nursing Pharmacology; 10-543-104, Nsg Intro to Clinical Practice; 10-806-177, Gen Anatomy & Physiology; Corequisites: 10-801-196, Oral/Interpersonal Communication; 10-806-179, Adv Anatomy & Physiology; 10-801-136, English Composition I; 10-809-188, Developmental Psych)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringThis clinical experience applies nursing concepts and therapeutic interventions to patients across the lifespan. It also provides an introduction to concepts of teaching and learning. Extending care to include the family is emphasized. (Prerequisites: Accepted in Nursing-AD program; 10-543-101, Nursing Fundamentals; 10-543-102, Nursing Skills; 543-103, Nursing Pharmacology; 10-543-104, Nsg Intro to Clinical Practice; 10-806-177, Gen Anatomy & Physiology; Corequisites: 10-543-105, Nsg Health Alterations; 10-543-106, Nursing Health Promotion; 10-543-108, Nsg Intro to Clinical Care Mgmt; 10-801-196, Oral/Interpersonal Communication; 10-806-179, Adv Anatomy & Physiology; 10-809-188, Developmental Psych)
Course Typically Offered: Fall SpringDevelopmental Psychology is the study of human development throughout the lifespan. This course explores developmental theory and research with an emphasis on the interactive nature of the biological, cognitive, and psychosocial changes that affect the individual from conception to death. Application activities and critical thinking skills will enable students to gain an increased knowledge and understanding of themselves and others. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Rdg score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 237; OR ACT Rdg score greater/equal to 16 AND English greater/equal to 15; OR 10-831-107, College Reading and Writing with a "B" or better).
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall Springelaborates upon the basic concepts of health and illness as presented in Nursing Fundamentals. It applies theories of nursing in the care of patients through the lifespan, utilizing problem solving and critical thinking. This course will provide an opportunity to study conditions affecting different body systems and apply evidence-based nursing interventions. It will also introduce concepts of leadership and management. (Prerequisites: Accepted in Nursing-AD program; 10-543-101, Nursing Fundamentals; 10-543-102, Nursing Skills; 10-543-103, Nursing Pharmacology; 10-543-104, Nsg Intro to Clinical Practice; 10-806-177, Gen Anatomy & Physiology; Corequisite: 10-806-179, Adv Anatomy & Physiology)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringThis clinical experience applies nursing concepts and therapeutic nursing interventions to groups of patients across the lifespan. It also provides an introduction to leadership, management, and team building. (Prerequisites: Accepted in Nursing -AD program; 10-543-101, Nursing Fundamentals; 10-543-102, Nursing Skills; 10-543-103, Nursing Pharmacology; 10-543-104, Nsg Intro to Clinical Practice; 10-806-177, Gen Anatomy & Physiology; 10-809-188, Developmental Psychology; Corequisites: 10-543-105, Nursing Health Alterations; 10-806-179, Advanced Anatomy & Physiology)
Course Typically Offered: Fall SpringThis course focuses on developing effective listening techniques and verbal and nonverbal communication skills through oral presentation, group activity, and other projects. The study of self, conflict, and cultural contexts will be explored, as well as their impact on communication. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Rdg score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 237; OR ACT Rdg score greater/equal to 16 AND English score greater/equal to 16; OR preparatory course-contact an academic advisor at 920-498-5444)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringNormal human anatomy and physiology are studied using a body systems approach with emphasis on the interrelationships between form and function at the gross and microscopic levels of organization. (Prerequisite: 10-806-177, Gen Anatomy & Physiology with a "C" or better. Health programs may require a higher grade; refer to your plan for details.)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall Springfocuses on the development of advanced clinical skills across the lifespan. Content includes advanced intravenous skills, blood product administration, chest tube systems, basic electrocardiogram interpretation and nasogastric/feeding tube insertion. (Prerequisites: Accepted in Nursing-AD program; 10-543-105, Nsg Health Alterations; 10-543-106, Nursing Health Promotion; 10-543-107, Nsg Clin Care Across Lifespan; 10-543-108, Nsg Intro to Clinical Care Mgmt; 10-801-196, Oral/Interpersonal Communication; 10-806-179, Adv Anatomy & Physiology)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall J-Session SpringThis science of psychology course is a survey of multiple aspects of behavior and mental processes. It provides an overview of topics such as research methods, theoretical perspectives, learning, cognition, memory, motivation, emotions, personality, abnormal psychology, physiological factors, social influences, and development.. (Prerequisite: Cumulative GPA of 2.6 or greater OR satisfactory reading and writing assessment scores OR 10-831-107, College Reading and Writing 1 with "B" or better OR Corequisite: 10-831-102, English Comp Prep).
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall Springprepares the learner to provide and evaluate care for patients across the lifespan with alterations in cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, and hematologic systems as well as patients with fluid/electrolyte and acid-base imbalance, and alterations in comfort. (Prerequisites: Accepted in Nursing-AD program; 10-543-105, Nsg Health Alterations; 10-543-106, Nursing Health Promotion; 10-543-107, Nsg Clin Care Across Lifespan; 10-543-108, Nsg Intro to Clinical Care Mgmt; 10-801-196, Oral/Interpersonal Communication; 10-806-179, Adv Anatomy & Physiology)
Course Typically Offered:This course will cover topics related to the delivery of community and mental health care. Specific health needs of individuals, families, and groups will be addressed across the lifespan. Attention will be given to diverse and at-risk populations. Mental health concepts will concentrate on adaptive/maladaptive behaviors and specific mental health disorders. Community resources will be examined in relation to specific types of support offered to racial, ethnic, economically diverse individuals and groups. (Prerequisites:Accepted in Nursing-AD program; 10-543-105, Nsg Health Alterations; 10-543-106, Nursing Health Promotion; 10-543-107, Nsg Clin Care Across Lifespan; 10-543-108, Nsg Intro to Clinical Care Mgmt; 10-801-196, Oral/Interpersonal Communication)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall J-Session SpringThis intermediate level clinical course develops the RN role when working with clients with complex health care needs. A focus of the course is developing skills needed for managing multiple clients and priorities across the lifespan. Using the nursing process, students will gain experience in adapting nursing practices to meet the needs of clients with diverse needs and backgrounds. (Prerequisites: Accepted in Nursing-AD program; 10-543-105, Nsg Health Alterations; 10-543-106, Nursing Health Promotion; 10-543-107, Nsg Clin Care Across Lifespan; 10-543-108, Nsg Intro to Clinical Care Mgmt; 10-801-196, Oral/Interpersonal Communication; 10-806-179, Adv Anatomy & Physiology; Corerequisites: 10-806-197, Microbiology; 10-543-109, Nsg Complex Hlth Alter 1; 10-543-112, Nursing Adv Skills; 10-809-198, Intro to Psych)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringHistory, morphology, physiology, nutritional growth requirements, metabolism, methods of identification. Focus on disease-causing microorganisms, appropriate prevention, treatment, control mechanisms. Specific/non-specific host defense mechanisms, applications of immunology examined. (Prerequisite: 10-806-177, General Anatomy & Physiology OR 10-806-114, General Biology with a "C" or better. Health programs may require a higher grade; refer to your plan for details)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringThe nature and variety of groups; inequality, race and ethnicity; family, population, social integration, and change; collective behavior; politics, economics, religion, education, and the effects of technology. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Rdg score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 237; OR ACT Rdg score greater/equal to 16 AND English greater/equal to 15; OR 10-831-107, College Reading and Writing with a B or better)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringThis clinical experience integrates all knowledge learned in the previous courses in transitioning to the role of the graduate nurse. The course promotes relatively independent clinical decisions, delegation, and works collaboratively with others to achieve client and organizational outcomes. Continued professional development is fostered. (Prerequisites: Accepted in Nursing-AD program; 10-543-109, Nsg: Health Alter 1; 10-543-110, Nsg; Mental Hlth & Comm Conc; 10-543-111, Nsg: Int Clinical Practice; 10-543-112, Nursing Adv Skills; 10-806-197, Microbiology; Corequisites: 10-543-113, Nsg: Complex Hlth Alterations 2; 10-543-115, Nsg: Adv Clinical Practice; 10-543-114, Nsg Mgmt & Prof Concept; 10-809-196, Intro to Sociology)
Course Typically Offered:prepares the learner to provide and evaluate care for patients across the lifespan with alterations in the immune, neuro-sensory, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, renal/urinary, reproductive systems and shock, burns and trauma. The learner will also focus on management of care for patients with high-risk perinatal conditions and high-risk newborns. (Prerequisites:Accepted in Nursing-AD program; 10-543-109, Nsg: Health Alter 1; 10-543-110, Nsg; Mental Hlth & Comm Conc; 10-543-111, Nsg: Int Clinical Practice; 10-543-112, Nursing Adv Skills; 10-806-197, Microbiology)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringThis course covers nursing management and professional issues related to the role of the RN. Emphasis is placed on preparing for the RN practice. (Prerequisites: Accepted in Nursing-AD program; 10-543-109, Nsg: Health Alter 1; 10-543-110, Nsg; Mental Hlth & Comm Conc; 10-543-111, Nsg: Int Clinical Practice; 10-543-112, Nursing Adv Skills; 10-806-197, Microbiology)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall J-Session SpringThis advanced clinical course requires the student to integrate concepts from all previous courses in the management of groups of clients facing complex health alterations. Students will have the opportunity to further develop critical thinking skills using the nursing process in making clinical decisions. Continuity of care through interdisciplinary collaboration is emphasized. (Prerequisites:Accepted in Nursing-AD program; 10-543-109, Nsg: Health Alter 1; 10-543-110, Nsg; Mental Hlth & Comm Conc; 10-543-111, Nsg: Int Clinical Practice; 10-543-112, Nsg Adv Skills; 10-806-197, Microbiology; Corequisites: 10-543-113, Nsg: Hlth Alterations 2; 10-809-196, Intro to Sociology)
Course Typically Offered: Fall Spring