Embarking on a fulfilling career in nursing starts with choosing the right program and understanding its schedule. The American Career College (ACC) Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program is meticulously designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel as a Registered Nurse (RN). This comprehensive guide delves into the ACC RN program, focusing on its schedule, curriculum, and what makes it a standout choice for aspiring nurses.
Understanding the ACC Associate Degree in Nursing Program
The American Career College’s Associate Degree in Nursing program is a 99-quarter credit curriculum, structured to provide a robust foundation in nursing. It’s classified under CIP code 51.3801 (Nursing/Registered Nurse) and aligns with the Standard Occupational Classification Code 29-1141.00 for Registered Nurses, ensuring the program’s relevance to industry standards. The program’s primary objective is to prepare students for entry-level RN positions across various healthcare settings by fostering critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and patient-centered care delivery.
ACC’s ADN program embraces a blended learning approach, combining online and face-to-face instruction. This flexible format is designed to accommodate diverse learning styles and schedules, making it accessible for a wider range of students.
Key Program Highlights:
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Covering general education, fundamental nursing concepts, medical-surgical nursing (from basic to advanced levels), obstetrics and pediatrics, mental health, geriatrics, community health nursing, and leadership.
- Hands-on Clinical Practicums: Each course includes co-requisite clinical practicums to provide practical experience and skill development in real-world healthcare environments.
- Blended Learning Format: Integrating online learning with in-person sessions for a balanced and engaging educational experience.
- Dorothea Orem’s Self-Care Theory: Utilizing this nursing theory to guide students in understanding and addressing patients’ self-care deficits, promoting patient independence and recovery.
- Informatics Integration: Teaching students to effectively use technology for patient data management, communication, and evidence-based practice.
- NCLEX-RN Preparation: The program is designed to prepare graduates to successfully pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), a crucial step to becoming a licensed RN in California and many other states.
Delving into the Program Schedule and Structure
The American Career College Rn Program Schedule is organized into eight 10-week quarters. This structured approach allows for focused learning in each subject area before progressing to the next. The blended format means that for each course, a portion of the instruction is delivered online, offering flexibility, while the remaining portion is conducted face-to-face, ensuring crucial hands-on learning and direct interaction with instructors and peers.
While the original article specifies a total program duration of 80 weeks, it also notes that this timeline can be extended based on holiday schedules. Prospective students should confirm the most up-to-date program schedule and start dates directly with American Career College to plan effectively. Reaching out to ACC admissions will provide the most accurate details regarding the american career college rn program schedule for upcoming cohorts.
Coursework Breakdown: General Education and Core Nursing Courses
The ADN program is divided into General Education courses and Core Nursing courses, ensuring a well-rounded education.
General Education Courses (24.0 Quarter Credits): These courses provide a foundational understanding in key areas:
| Course Number | Title | Clock Hours | Quarter Credits | Delivery Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGL100 | Written Communications I | 40 | 4.0 | Online |
| MATH100 | College Mathematics I | 40 | 4.0 | In-Person |
| PSYC100 | Introduction to Psychology | 40 | 4.0 | Online |
| SOCY116 | Introduction to Sociology | 40 | 4.0 | Online |
| SPCH117 | Oral Communication | 40 | 4.0 | Online |
| HUM118 | Cultural Pluralism | 40 | 4.0 | Online |
Core Nursing Courses (75.0 Quarter Credits): These courses are the heart of the RN program, providing specialized nursing knowledge and skills:
| Course Number | Title | Clock Hours | Clinical Hours | Quarter Credits | Delivery Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NURS101 | Professional Communication & Role Transition Seminar | 10 | 0 | 1.0 | In-Person |
| ANAT111 | Human Anatomy | 50 | 0 | 4.0 | In-Person |
| PHYS111 | Human Physiology | 50 | 0 | 4.0 | In-Person |
| NURS112 | Fundamentals of Nursing | 40 | 0 | 4.0 | In-Person |
| NURS112C | Fundamentals of Nursing, Clinical | 120 | 120 | 4.0 | In-Person |
| MICR112 | General Microbiology | 50 | 0 | 4.0 | In-Person |
| NURS113 | Beginning Medical/Surgical Nursing | 40 | 0 | 4.0 | In-Person |
| NURS113C | Beginning Medical/Surgical Nursing, Lab/Clinical | 120 | 120 | 4.0 | In-Person |
| PHARM113 | Pharmacology for Nursing | 40 | 0 | 4.0 | In-Person |
| NURS114 | Maternal/Child Nursing | 40 | 0 | 4.0 | In-Person |
| NURS114C | Maternal/Child Nursing, Lab/Clinical | 120 | 120 | 4.0 | In-Person |
| NURS115 | Intermediate Medical/Surgical Nursing | 40 | 0 | 4.0 | In-Person |
| NURS115C | Intermediate Medical/Surgical, Lab/Clinical | 120 | 120 | 4.0 | In-Person |
| NURS116 | Behavioral Health Nursing | 40 | 0 | 4.0 | In-Person |
| NURS116C | Behavioral Health Nursing, Lab/Clinical | 120 | 120 | 4.0 | In-Person |
| NURS117 | Advanced Medical/Surgical Nursing | 40 | 0 | 4.0 | In-Person |
| NURS117C | Advanced Medical/Surgical Nursing, Lab/Clinical | 120 | 120 | 4.0 | In-Person |
| NURS118 | Advanced Medical/Surgical Nursing II/Leadership | 40 | 0 | 4.0 | In-Person |
| NURS118C | Advanced Medical/Surgical Nursing II, Lab/Clinical | 120 | 120 | 4.0 | In-Person |
| NURS102 | Professional Communication & Role Transition Advanced Seminar | 20 | 0 | 2.0 | In-Person |
Note: Delivery method is inferred from the original document’s notation of online courses and the blended format description. Verify with ACC for precise details.
Options for Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs)
For Licensed Vocational Nurses looking to advance their careers, ACC offers an LVN to RN program option. This pathway recognizes the prior experience and education of LVNs. While LVNs can choose to complete the full ADN program, there’s also a 45-quarter unit option available.
LVN to Non-Degree Nurse (45 Quarter Unit Option): This option is designed specifically for LVNs holding a current California license. It allows them to focus on specific RN curriculum components without pursuing the full associate’s degree. It’s crucial to note that this option does not grant a degree or certificate from the ADN program, and its recognition for RN licensure may be limited outside of California. LVNs interested in this pathway should consult directly with the Director of Nursing (DON) at ACC for personalized counseling and assessment.
LVN to RN Curriculum Guide (45 Unit Option):
| ACC LVN 45 Unit RN Curriculum Guide | Credits | General Education | Area of Study |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | |||
| PHYS111 Human Physiology with lab | 4 | X | |
| Term 2 | |||
| MICR112 General Microbiology with Lab | 4 | X | |
| Term 3 | |||
| PHARM113 Pharmacology | 4 | X | |
| Term 4 | |||
| NURS116 Behavioral Health and Geriatric Nursing | 4 | X | |
| NURS116C Behavioral Health and Geriatric Nursing Lab/Clinical | 4 | X | |
| Term 5 | |||
| NURS115 Intermediate Medical/Surgical Nursing | 4 | X | |
| NURS115C Intermediate Medical/Surgical Nursing Clinical | 4 | X | |
| Term 7 | |||
| NURS117 Advanced Medical/Surgical Nursing | 4 | X | |
| NURS117C Advanced Medical/Surgical Nursing Lab/Clinical | 4 | X | |
| Term 8 | |||
| NURS118C Advanced Medical/Surgical Nursing II Leadership | 4 | X | |
| NURS118C Advanced Medical/Surgical Nursing II Lab/Clinical | 4 | X | |
| NURS102 Professional Communication & Role Transition Advanced Seminar | 2 | X | |
| Total Program Quarter Credits | 46 |
Locations and Instructional Equipment
The American Career College ADN program is offered at the Los Angeles and Ontario campuses. Students benefit from access to essential instructional equipment that mirrors real healthcare settings, including:
- IV Fluid & Tubing
- Bandage Scissors & Hemostats
- Foley Catheter Tray
- Syringes (no needles)
- Stethoscopes
- Suction Equipment
This equipment ensures students gain practical skills and familiarity with tools used daily by Registered Nurses.
Your Journey to Becoming an RN Starts Here
Choosing the American Career College Associate Degree in Nursing program is a significant step towards a rewarding nursing career. Understanding the american career college rn program schedule, curriculum structure, and learning format is crucial for prospective students. With its blended learning approach, comprehensive coursework, and dedicated faculty, ACC provides a strong foundation for your success in the nursing profession. Contact American Career College today to get the most current program schedule, start dates, and admission information, and take the first step towards your nursing aspirations.
