The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program at DACC affords
students the opportunity to become Registered Nurses and members
of a respected and rewarding profession. Nursing is a dynamic and
exciting discipline offering not only the rewarding experiences of
helping others achieve their health care goals, but also enabling
the nurse to become a part of the rapidly advancing health delivery
system of the future.
Upon completion of all prerequisite courses and acceptance into the
nursing program, four semesters of study prepare the new graduate
for a career as an entry-level generalist Registered Nurse. Graduates
of the program are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam
and become licensed Registered Nurses anywhere in the United
States. Students should note, however, that program completion
does not in and of itself guarantee licensure, which is a function of
the various state boards of nursing.
After successful program completion and licensure as a Registered
Nurse, DACC graduates are strongly encouraged to continue their
professional growth and development through the pursuit of a bachelor
of science in nursing (BSN) or a master of science in nursing
(MSN) degree program. DACC has designed its ADN program to
articulate directly with many RN-to-BSN programs such as the one
offered by New Mexico State University. The streamlined articulation
process affords nurses the opportunity to earn a BSN degree
with one additional year of study after graduation from DACC. The
web-based online program design makes it possible for nurses to
earn the BSN while working full time.
The DACC nursing program philosophy embraces the concepts of
caring and health and wellness while assisting adult learners to
achieve their maximum educational potential through exposure to
a variety of teaching and evaluation methods. Special emphasis
is placed upon caring, the nursing process, critical-thinking, evidence-
based practice, therapeutic communication, and the evolving
teaching-learning process.
Categories of Essential Functions
In order to participate in the Associate Degree in Nursing Program,
the student must capable of performing the following:
Observation
Visually discriminate incremental readings on various medical
equipment
Visually discriminate between different colored objects
Discriminate between various auditory stimuli
Communication
Communicate effectively in English using verbal, nonverbal
and written formats
Read and interpret the English language without assistance
Motor
Stand for long periods of time
Lift 50 pounds
Perform patient care procedures with manual dexterity
Intellectual
Collect, interpret, and integrate information
Special Admission Criteria
As a professional educational program, the ADN is a limited-entry
program. To be considered for admission, students are required
to successfully complete
all prerequisites,
the designated entrance
exam, and
the student selection process.
Information on
requirements, transfers, and deadlines for applications are available
from the Health and Public Services Office (DAHL room 190), or by
calling 527-7735.
Prior to the first day of classes, each student must submit documentation
of the following: current immunizations, TB test, American
Heart Association CPR for Healthcare Workers, and drug screening.
Additional information regarding specific requirements is available
from the Nursing Program office.
The DACC ADN program is accredited by the National League for
Nursing Accrediting Commission.
ADN Prerequisites
The following must be completed before applying to the Nursing
program.
Admission to DACC
CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) or demonstrated competency
Computer literacy
Completion of all Core and Related Requirements listed in the Program Content section
NOTE: Required courses taken more than five years prior to admission
to the nursing program will be accepted for credit; however, if the student has not utilized this subject matter within the past five
years, (s)he may want to audit courses as a refresher. Nursing students
will be responsible for familiarity with the required information, regardless
of how long it has been since a particular course was taken.
Prospective students are required to complete and pass a security
background check in order to take clinical courses. Past criminal
violations may prevent a student from completing the degree and
gaining a nursing license or employment in the field.
NOTE: In order to remain in the program, students must attain a
final average of 79% or better in each course attempted. Related requirements
must be completed prior to starting nursing coursework.
Courses appearing in italics are identical to those offered at New
Mexico State University Las Cruces (main) Campus.
