Nursing AAS

Two-Year Associate of Applied Science Degree

The Nursing AAS provides students the academic and clinical preparation necessary to take the national licensure examination leading to practice as a registered nurse. The purpose of the program is to graduate qualified individuals from a rural community and encourage them to return to practice nursing in a rural area.

Skills and knowledge required for rural nurses differ from the more traditional registered nursing (RN) models currently available. Rural nurses have been described as “generalist” specialists who must deal with diverse populations and who require a broad “womb-to-tomb” knowledge and skill base. The reality of nursing practice is broader for registered nurses working in rural areas, requiring that they manage a broad range of patients with varying conditions and ages.

Students completing the AAS with RN licenses will have multiple opportunities to transfer into RN and bachelor of science in nursing programs. KCC has an articulation agreement with Linfield College in McMinnville, Oregon. Linfield is an appropriate transfer institution because courses can be taken at KCC or online at a low cost.

The curriculum is designed with a concept-based approach to teaching and learning. The conceptual approach in nursing involves an examination of concepts that link to the delivery of patient care. The study of nursing concepts provides the learner with an understanding of essential components associated with nursing practice without becoming saturated and lost in the details for each area of clinical specialty. The philosophy behind concept teaching/learning is that as concepts are understood deeply and links can be made when the concepts are applied in various areas of nursing practice.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:

• Practice within the ethical, legal and regulatory frameworks and scope of practice for registered nurses.
• Utilize critical thinking and information technology to plan and implement culturally appropriate patient care which is safe and holistic.
• Demonstrate therapeutic and professional communication skills with all members of the healthcare team including the patient/family to meet patient/family centered goals.
• Utilize a process of self-evaluation that fosters personal and professional growth and contributes to lifelong learning.
• Utilize evidence-based practices and quality improvement methods to facilitate the delivery of safe and appropriate patient care.
• Explain their role and responsibility in the larger system of healthcare.

Admission Process

Applicants must be physically and mentally able to cope with the rigors of the curriculum and the demanding nature of the health professions. Students must be able to: remain on their feet for extended periods; lift up to 35 pounds; distinguish heart and lung sounds; read fine print; identify skin tones such as pale, ashen, gray, or bluish. 

Applications are taken annually during Winter Term for advanced placement and during Spring Term for traditional entry. Deadlines and required documents are found on the KCC website.

Each applicant must complete the appropriate application for admission and submit a letter to the program lead explaining why s/he would make a strong candidate for success in the RN program. Only complete applications will move forward in the selection process. After the application deadline, eligible students will be contacted for the next phase of the admission process.

Traditional entry applicants can expect to participate in a national standardized pre-admission exam, word processed short answer questions, and an interview with a panel of select individuals. Furthermore, advanced placement applicants can expect to participate in a national standardized pre-admission exam, math competency assessment, physical assessment, and a designated skill demonstration.

To qualify as an applicant for traditional entry into the RN program, the applicant must:

1. Complete all prerequisites with a letter grade of C or better and a cumulative prerequisite GPA of 3.0 or higher by the end of the term prior to starting the program.
2. Submit an official copy of transcripts showing completion of the required prerequisite and support courses (or their equivalents).
3. Show evidence of a negative TB status (within six months prior to entry).
4. Show proof of current immunity against rubella, measles, mumps, diphtheria, tetanus, varicella, and hepatitis B.
5. Show a current CPR for healthcare providers card (issued by the American Heart Association).
6. Pass a background check after application is submitted upon request.
7. Pass a drug screen after application is submitted upon request.
8. Show evidence of work experience in a healthcare setting, including direct patient contact within the last three years. This information will count toward points for admission.

Entry into the AAS RN program is competitive, and space is limited, so not all applicants can be admitted.