Welcome to Nursing
Accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), this rigorous program is designed for students interested in preparing for professional practice as a Registered Nurse (RN). Classroom lectures, college laboratories, and clinical experiences in local health care agencies provide the foundation of knowledge for professional nursing practice.
Due to an overwhelming interest in nursing, entrance into the DCC program is highly competitive and only open to residents of Dutchess and Putnam counties.
Nursing is offered as a day or evening program. For more information concerning these programs, please go to THE GUIDE FOR PRE-NURSING STUDENTS link in the left hand column of this page or download it here. The Guide provides information regarding requirements for admission and progression into the day or evening program and additional costs above tuition and fees.
Upon completion of the program, the A.A.S. graduate is eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for RNs.
All incoming students are tested in Math, Reading, English, and Biology to determine placement in courses. The total credits required to achieve the A.A.S. in Nursing is 70. The four semester sequence is only possible when a student has matriculated prior to March 15 and tests into ENG 101 and BIO 131. Be aware that students often require six or more semesters to complete the A.A.S. degree due to entry requirements and clinical space limitations. Once a student enters the clinical nursing science courses, the course of study for completion is four semesters.
Due to changes within the health care delivery practices and the nursing profession any nursing courses completed at the college more than 5 years ago must be repeated.
Program Goal
The Dutchess Community College graduate nurse will be a competent health care professional who practices within the scope of the New York State Nurse Practice Act, American Nurses Association Code of Ethics, and the National League for Nursing Core components and Competencies.
Accreditation
The Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Nursing is registered by the New York State Education Department and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) 3343 Peachtree Road NE suite 850, Atlanta, Georgia 30326: (404) 975-5000, Fax: (404) 975-5020. http://www.nlnac.org/
The Department of Nursing is a member of the Council of Associate Degree Nursing in New York (CADN), the National Association for Associate Degree Nursing (NOADN), and the National League for Nursing (NLN).
