Associate Degree In Nursing Program

1. Advanced Placement

   From LPN to RN – Achieve Your Goal at Maria!
   Rewards for your experience.
   Choices for your life.

   Call 518.438.3111, Ext. 217 or contact admissions@mariacollege.edu.

   ADVANCED PLACEMENT TWO OPTIONS

   Advanced Placement Course for LPN or Nursing Transfer: Advanced Placement for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and those approved by the Nursing chairperson is available. They may challenge seven credits in nursing after successfully completing a six-week review course and the Challenge Examination, which includes written, dosage and skills exams. Students who do so will be granted life experience credit and will be exempt from introductory nursing courses Nur 110 and 120. They will advance directly to Nur 130, Nursing III. See the Admissions section for requirements for advanced placement admissions. Advanced placement classes are held twice a year, fall and spring semesters, on six consecutive Tuesday evenings, usually from 6-9 pm. Students may not repeat the course. LPNs must submit a resume demonstrating current clinical experience. Enrollment in the Advanced Placement Challenge Class is based on available space in the Nursing Program.

   LPN-RN Transition Course: A second option for advanced placement of LPNs is offered via the LPN–RN Transition Course. This course is designed to validate prior learning, and update or enhance the student’s nursing knowledge. The applicant must hold a current LPN registration in the United States or its jurisdictions, and must complete both the LPN–RN Transition Course (Nur 198) and PN Transition Skills Course (Nur 199), which grants the applicant 15 credits in nursing. Transition Course workload is comparable to the workload of a three-credit course, and the skills gained are also comparable. These courses are offered in the summer session. To enter the Nursing Program at the senior level, the applicant must have successfully completed Nur 198 and Nur 199, and 23 of the required liberal arts credits. A resume demonstrating current clinical experience is required to enter Nur 198. Each applicant must be successful in both courses to advance in the Nursing Program. See the Admissions section for requirements for advanced placement admissions. Enrollment in the LPN–RN Transition Course is based on available space in the Nursing Program. Students may not repeat the course.

   Maria College PNC Graduates: Students who graduate from Track II of the Maria College PNC Program will have completed the equivalent of the first year of the ADN Nursing course work and may enter the Nursing Program at the second level by taking Nur 240 in the fall semester. Completion of 25 required liberal arts credits is necessary to qualify for admission. Students who graduate from Track I may qualify with additional required course work. Applicants must submit a degree application by April 1 prior to the fall semester in which they plan to begin, meet all normal admissions requirements for the associate degree program; and pass the NCLEX (LPN) by December 1 of the year the applicant begins Nur 240. If the PNC graduate does not start the ADN program immediately after completion of the PNC program, the graduate must have passed the PN-NCLEX and have worked as an LPN for six months prior to admission to the ADN program. A copy of the license and a letter of employment verification must be submitted at time of application. At the discretion of the Chair, some students may be required to take the LPN to RN Transitition Course.

   Note: Each state and/or profession has procedures for certification and licensure, including, among others, consideration of felony convictions, pending criminal charges and professional misconduct.  As a result, completion of a program does not guarantee licensure or certification.

   
   

2. Nursing Links: Test Prep, Info and Tutorials

   The following links are tools to help you prepare for the NCLEX test:

   • TestPrePreview.com – NCLEX Test Breakdown
   • TestPrePreview.com – NCLEX Free Online Course
   • Caring4You.Net – Gives links to Free NCLEX Practice Exams/Quizzes
   • docnmail.com – Free NCLEX Tests/Sample Questions
   • nursing.about.com – NCLEX Course Review Information
   • 4tests.com – Online Practice Test and Information Site

   General Nursing Information

   www.allnurses.com

Division

1. Day Division

   First Semester

   Code	Course Name	Credit Hours
   Total Credits		14
   AnP 105	Anatomy and Physiology I	3
   3 credit hours The first semester of a two-semester sequence that introduces the structure and function of the human body, with an emphasis on providing a foundation for the study of pathological conditions. The processes by which the body maintains a stable internal environment (homeostasis) are stressed throughout. Topics include: an introduction to the human body; a review of general chemistry; an introduction to biological chemistry; cells; tissues; fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balance; the integumentary system; the skeletal system; articulations; nerve tissue; and muscle tissue.  Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry
   AnP 107	Anatomy and Physiology I Laboratory	1
   1 credit hour  Laboratory exercises that complement and supplement the lecture material of Anatomy and Physiology 105. Topics include: regional terminology; the axial skeleton; the appendicular skeleton; articulations; fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base dynamics; nerve tissue physiology; and skeletal muscles.
   Nur 110	Nursing I	1
   1 credit hour (Fall)  Focuses on understanding nursing as a profession through exploration of historical and contemporary perspectives. Current trends in health care are considered. Emphasis will be placed on roles and responsibilities of the nurse.  Prerequisite: Matriculated Nursing major, or consent of instructor
   Nur 120	Nursing II	6
   6 credit hours (Fall)  Assessment and awareness of lifestyle behaviors and their effect on adults will be stressed. Challenges to health will be explored using the nursing process. Skills that are essential to health promotion or health assessment will be integrated throughout the course. These skills will be applied in a laboratory practicum, hospital and/or nursing home. Emphasis will be placed on the role of the RN in the caring environment.  Prerequisites: AnP 105, 107 and Psy 100; day students, however, may take these concurrently with Nur 120.
   Psy 100	General Psychology	3
   3 credit hours An introduction to psychology as a science: a study of cognitive, biological and social processes in understanding the dynamics of human behavior.

   Second Semester

   Code	Course Name	Credit Hours
   Total Credits		18
   AnP 106	Anatomy and Physiology II	3
   The second semester of a two-semester sequence that introduces the structure and function of the human body, with an emphasis on providing a foundation for the study of pathological conditions. The processes by which the body maintains a stable internal environment (homeostasis) are stressed throughout. Topics include: an introduction to nervous system organization and function; the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord); the peripheral nervous system (somatic nervous system, autonomic nervous system, sensation); the endocrine system; the cardiovascular system (blood, heart, circulation, and lymphatic system); the respiratory system; the urinary system; and the digestive system. Prerequisites: AnP 105, 107 with a grade of “C” or better
   AnP 108	Anatomy and Physiology II Laboratory	1
   1 credit hour  Laboratory exercises that complement and supplement the lecture material of Anatomy and Physiology 106. Topics include: spinal cord; brain; peripheral nervous system; sensation; endocrine system; heart; heart dynamics; circulation; respiratory system; urinary system; digestive system; and reproductive systems.  Prerequisite: AnP 105, 107 with a grade of C or better.
   Eng 111	Composition I	3
   3 credit hours A study of the principles of effective written communication with an emphasis on the practical writing needed for academic and professional work. The course concentrates on the development of writing in terms of focus, content, organization, style and mechanics. Students will engage in writing and rewriting using instructor and student feedback. Summaries, short papers, quizzes and APA-style research papers are required.
   Nur 130	Nursing III	8
   8 credit hours (Spring-Summer) The focus is on the family and common health problems. The course will expand and adapt assessment skills to include pregnancy, newborns and children. Common health problems will be explored utilizing the nursing process, and skills to meet the needs of clients across the life span will be developed. These skills will be applied in laboratory practicum, hospital and/or community settings. Emphasis will be placed on the role of the RN in the caring environment.  Prerequisites: Nur 120. Evening Option: All AnP courses; Psy 100, 200. Day Option: AnP 106, 108; Psy 200 may be taken concurrently.
   Psy 200	Developmental Psychology	3
   3 credit hours  The scientific study of the individual across the life span: a study and application of physical, cognitive and behavioral processes across contexts.  Prerequisite: Psy 100 with a grade of “C” or better

   Third Semester

   Code	Course Name	Credit Hours
   Total Credits		18
   Eng	Elective	3
   Mic 203	Microbiology	4
   4 credit hours  A one-semester, introductory course in microbiology. Students are exposed to the unity and the diversity found among the microbes, the relationship of microbes to each other and to other organisms (especially man), with an emphasis on the bacteria and viruses. Topics include an introduction to the scientific method; a history of the science of microbiology; microbial taxonomy; culturing of microbes; physical and chemical methods for controlling microbes; eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell structure and function; viral structure and function; bacterial and viral genetics; microbes in the disease process; immunity; and epidemiology. Laboratory exercises reinforce the lecture material and introduce students to the techniques used to manipulate microbes, with an emphasis on aseptic technique and laboratory safety.  Prerequisite: High school biology and chemistry or the equivalent
   Nur 240	Nursing IV	8
   8 credit hours (Fall)  The nursing process will be applied to clients in the mental health setting and to clients with more complex health care problems. The course will expand and adapt assessment skills to include more complex health care needs across the life span. These skills will be applied in laboratory practicum, hospital and/or community settings. Emphasis will be placed on the role of the RN in the caring environment.  Prerequisites: Nur 130, AnP, Psy 200.  Prerequisites for Maria College PNC graduates and Transition students: All AnP, Psy 100, 200; Eng 111. Co-requisites: Mic 203
   ReS 201	Contemporary Moral Issues	3
   3 credit hours Cross listed as Phi 201  This course is a theoretical and applied ethics course. Students will examine the major ethical theories and apply them to ethical issues and concerns of the twenty-first century. Topics include bioethics, end of life decision-making, environmental ethics, and racism and genocide. In addition, students will use ethical decision-making frameworks in discussing and analyzing case studies.

   Fourth Semester

   Code	Course Name	Credit Hours
   Total Credits		18
   Nur 250	Nursing V	8
   8 credit hours (Spring)  Focus will be placed on clients with multisystem problems. Critical thinking and advanced psychomotor skills will be practiced to meet the needs of clients across the life span. These skills will be applied in laboratory practicum, hospital and/or community settings. Emphasis will be placed on the role of the RN in the caring environment.  Prerequisites: All previous Nursing courses, AnP, Mic 203,Psy 200 and 18 Liberal Arts credits
   Nur 260	Nursing VI	3
   3 credit hours (Spring)  Designed to provide the student with an understanding of issues of nursing practice, roles and responsibilities. Legal and ethical responsibilities will be stressed. The role of the nurse as a manager of patient care will be discussed. In managing a group of patients, a clinical preceptorship will be required. This experience may be in an acute, long-term, and/or health care setting.  Prerequisites: All previous Nursing courses and 33 Liberal Arts credits
   Nur 270	Nursing VII	1
   1 credit hour (Spring)  Focus will be on preparation for the RN-NCLEX exam. Test taking skills will be practiced. A testing of the core curriculum content will be completed to identify areas in which the student will need remediation.  Prerequisites: All previous nursing courses and 33 Liberal Arts credits
   ReS/Phi	Elective	3
   Soc 101	Introduction to Sociology	3
   3 credit hours A study of human society and culture. Social groups, institutions and processes are analyzed to determine their impact on individuals and groups in today’s society. Social change and its impact on social order will be evaluated.

2. Evening Division

   First Semester

   Code	Course Name	Credit Hours
   Total Credits		7
   AnP 105	Anatomy and Physiology I	3
   3 credit hours The first semester of a two-semester sequence that introduces the structure and function of the human body, with an emphasis on providing a foundation for the study of pathological conditions. The processes by which the body maintains a stable internal environment (homeostasis) are stressed throughout. Topics include: an introduction to the human body; a review of general chemistry; an introduction to biological chemistry; cells; tissues; fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balance; the integumentary system; the skeletal system; articulations; nerve tissue; and muscle tissue.  Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry
   AnP 107	Anatomy and Physiology I Laboratory	1
   1 credit hour  Laboratory exercises that complement and supplement the lecture material of Anatomy and Physiology 105. Topics include: regional terminology; the axial skeleton; the appendicular skeleton; articulations; fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base dynamics; nerve tissue physiology; and skeletal muscles.
   Psy 100	General Psychology	3
   3 credit hours An introduction to psychology as a science: a study of cognitive, biological and social processes in understanding the dynamics of human behavior.

   Second Semester

   Code	Course Name	Credit Hours
   Total Credits		7
   AnP 106	Anatomy and Physiology II	3
   The second semester of a two-semester sequence that introduces the structure and function of the human body, with an emphasis on providing a foundation for the study of pathological conditions. The processes by which the body maintains a stable internal environment (homeostasis) are stressed throughout. Topics include: an introduction to nervous system organization and function; the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord); the peripheral nervous system (somatic nervous system, autonomic nervous system, sensation); the endocrine system; the cardiovascular system (blood, heart, circulation, and lymphatic system); the respiratory system; the urinary system; and the digestive system. Prerequisites: AnP 105, 107 with a grade of “C” or better
   AnP 108	Anatomy and Physiology II Laboratory	1
   1 credit hour  Laboratory exercises that complement and supplement the lecture material of Anatomy and Physiology 106. Topics include: spinal cord; brain; peripheral nervous system; sensation; endocrine system; heart; heart dynamics; circulation; respiratory system; urinary system; digestive system; and reproductive systems.  Prerequisite: AnP 105, 107 with a grade of C or better.
   Eng 111	Composition I	3
   3 credit hours A study of the principles of effective written communication with an emphasis on the practical writing needed for academic and professional work. The course concentrates on the development of writing in terms of focus, content, organization, style and mechanics. Students will engage in writing and rewriting using instructor and student feedback. Summaries, short papers, quizzes and APA-style research papers are required.

   Summer I

   Code	Course Name	Credit Hours
   Total Credits		9
   Eng	Elective	3
   Psy 200	Developmental Psychology	3
   3 credit hours  The scientific study of the individual across the life span: a study and application of physical, cognitive and behavioral processes across contexts.  Prerequisite: Psy 100 with a grade of “C” or better
   ReS 201	Contemporary Moral Issues	3
   3 credit hours Cross listed as Phi 201  This course is a theoretical and applied ethics course. Students will examine the major ethical theories and apply them to ethical issues and concerns of the twenty-first century. Topics include bioethics, end of life decision-making, environmental ethics, and racism and genocide. In addition, students will use ethical decision-making frameworks in discussing and analyzing case studies.

   Third Semester

   Code	Course Name	Credit Hours
   Total Credits		7
   Nur 110	Nursing I	1
   1 credit hour (Fall)  Focuses on understanding nursing as a profession through exploration of historical and contemporary perspectives. Current trends in health care are considered. Emphasis will be placed on roles and responsibilities of the nurse.  Prerequisite: Matriculated Nursing major, or consent of instructor
   Nur 120	Nursing II	6
   6 credit hours (Fall)  Assessment and awareness of lifestyle behaviors and their effect on adults will be stressed. Challenges to health will be explored using the nursing process. Skills that are essential to health promotion or health assessment will be integrated throughout the course. These skills will be applied in a laboratory practicum, hospital and/or nursing home. Emphasis will be placed on the role of the RN in the caring environment.  Prerequisites: AnP 105, 107 and Psy 100; day students, however, may take these concurrently with Nur 120.

   Fourth Semester

   Code	Course Name	Credit Hours
   Total Credits		8
   Nur 130	Nursing III	8
   8 credit hours (Spring-Summer) The focus is on the family and common health problems. The course will expand and adapt assessment skills to include pregnancy, newborns and children. Common health problems will be explored utilizing the nursing process, and skills to meet the needs of clients across the life span will be developed. These skills will be applied in laboratory practicum, hospital and/or community settings. Emphasis will be placed on the role of the RN in the caring environment.  Prerequisites: Nur 120. Evening Option: All AnP courses; Psy 100, 200. Day Option: AnP 106, 108; Psy 200 may be taken concurrently.

   Summer II

   Code	Course Name	Credit Hours
   Total Credits		6
   ReS/Phi	Elective	3
   Soc 101	Introduction to Sociology	3
   3 credit hours A study of human society and culture. Social groups, institutions and processes are analyzed to determine their impact on individuals and groups in today’s society. Social change and its impact on social order will be evaluated.

   Fifth Semester

   Code	Course Name	Credit Hours
   Total Credits		12
   Mic 203	Microbiology	4
   4 credit hours  A one-semester, introductory course in microbiology. Students are exposed to the unity and the diversity found among the microbes, the relationship of microbes to each other and to other organisms (especially man), with an emphasis on the bacteria and viruses. Topics include an introduction to the scientific method; a history of the science of microbiology; microbial taxonomy; culturing of microbes; physical and chemical methods for controlling microbes; eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell structure and function; viral structure and function; bacterial and viral genetics; microbes in the disease process; immunity; and epidemiology. Laboratory exercises reinforce the lecture material and introduce students to the techniques used to manipulate microbes, with an emphasis on aseptic technique and laboratory safety.  Prerequisite: High school biology and chemistry or the equivalent
   Nur 240	Nursing IV	8
   8 credit hours (Fall)  The nursing process will be applied to clients in the mental health setting and to clients with more complex health care problems. The course will expand and adapt assessment skills to include more complex health care needs across the life span. These skills will be applied in laboratory practicum, hospital and/or community settings. Emphasis will be placed on the role of the RN in the caring environment.  Prerequisites: Nur 130, AnP, Psy 200.  Prerequisites for Maria College PNC graduates and Transition students: All AnP, Psy 100, 200; Eng 111. Co-requisites: Mic 203

   Sixth Semester

   Code	Course Name	Credit Hours
   Total Credits		12
   Nur 250	Nursing V	8
   8 credit hours (Spring)  Focus will be placed on clients with multisystem problems. Critical thinking and advanced psychomotor skills will be practiced to meet the needs of clients across the life span. These skills will be applied in laboratory practicum, hospital and/or community settings. Emphasis will be placed on the role of the RN in the caring environment.  Prerequisites: All previous Nursing courses, AnP, Mic 203,Psy 200 and 18 Liberal Arts credits
   Nur 260	Nursing VI	3
   3 credit hours (Spring)  Designed to provide the student with an understanding of issues of nursing practice, roles and responsibilities. Legal and ethical responsibilities will be stressed. The role of the nurse as a manager of patient care will be discussed. In managing a group of patients, a clinical preceptorship will be required. This experience may be in an acute, long-term, and/or health care setting.  Prerequisites: All previous Nursing courses and 33 Liberal Arts credits
   Nur 270	Nursing VII	1
   1 credit hour (Spring)  Focus will be on preparation for the RN-NCLEX exam. Test taking skills will be practiced. A testing of the core curriculum content will be completed to identify areas in which the student will need remediation.  Prerequisites: All previous nursing courses and 33 Liberal Arts credits