Program Details
Program Details

Program Details

Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing

Associate of Applied Science
Mountain Empire Community College

The mission of the Mountain Empire Community College Nursing Program (AAS in Nursing degree) and other nursing programs of the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) is to provide affordable, community access to quality nursing education. The VCCS nursing programs prepare qualified students to provide safe, competent, entry-level nursing care in 21st century healthcare environments. Students are prepared to meet the ever-increasing complexity of the healthcare needs of the citizens of Virginia. Upon successful completion of the program, qualified graduates have the opportunity to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) leading to licensure as a registered nurse.

Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will be able to:
1. Client-Centered Care - Provide client-centered care promoting therapeutic relationships, caring behaviors, and
self-determination across the lifespan for diverse populations.
2. Safety - Practice safe nursing care that minimizes risk of harm across systems and client populations.
3. Clinical Judgment - Demonstrate nursing judgment through the use of clinical reasoning, the nursing process,
and evidence-based practice in the provision of safe, quality care
4. Professional Behaviors - Practice professional behaviors that encompass the legal/ethical framework while incorporating
self-reflection, leadership and a commitment to recognize the value of life-long learning.
5. Quality Improvement - Manage client care through quality improvement processes, information technology, and
fiscal responsibility to meet client needs and support organizational outcomes
6. Collaboration - Demonstrate principles of collaborative practice within the nursing and interdisciplinary teams
fostering mutual respect and shared decision-making to achieve stated outcomes of care.


Program Overview & Guidance
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Program Web Page
Click here for details
External Link
Delivery Mode
In-Person
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Delivery Mode
Online
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Delivery Mode
Hybrid
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Program Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Considerations for Selecting Degree The mission of the Mountain Empire Community College Nursing Program (AAS in Nursing degree) and other nursing programs of the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) is to provide affordable, community access to quality nursing education. The VCCS nursing programs prepare qualified students to provide safe, competent, entry-level nursing care in 21st century healthcare environments. Students are prepared to meet the ever-increasing complexity of the healthcare needs of the citizens of Virginia. Upon successful completion of the program, qualified graduates have the opportunity to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) leading to licensure as a registered nurse.
Program Requirement Notes
Program Requirement Notes

An academic advisor will review your preparation in Mathematics and English with you. You’ll be guided to appropriate preliminary coursework to give you the greatest chance of success in this program. Admission to the nursing program is a selective and competitive process. The program is open to applicants who are free of any physical or mental condition that might adversely affect performance as a member of the nursing profession. In addition to the requirements for admission to the college, the applicant must meet the following requirements:
State recognized high school, home school (at least 18 years of age), or GED transcript.
College students must be in good standing with the most recently attended institution with a minimum GPA of 2.0.
Demonstrated competency in science as evidenced by completion of high school biology (with laboratory) or high school chemistry (with laboratory) or the college equivalents or completion of BIO 141 and BIO 142 with no grade below a “C” prior to application deadline.
Demonstrated competency in mathematics as evidenced by placement out of MTE 1-5 on the Virginia Placement Test (VPT) or| 1772022-2023 Academic CatalogPathways - Health Sciences (Clinical) completion of MDE 10. For those who do not meet this requirement, all prescribed developmental work must be completed prior to application deadline.
Demonstrated competency in English as evidenced by placement into ENG 111. For those who do not meet this requirement, all prescribed developmental work must be completed prior to application deadline
Completion of Nursing Application for each academic year interested in being considered for the nursing program
Completion of the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) with a National Percentile Rank score of 45 or above (Total Score of 63.3% or above) within the past 5 years
A 2.5 curricular grade point average (GPA) for the following six general education courses: BIO 141, ENG 111, SDV 100, PSY 230, LBR 105 and NUR 135 is required for the nursing program. These courses must be completed prior to enrollment in any nursing (NSG) courses
Students must not have been enrolled in the first semester of the nursing program (NSG courses) more than one time. After two attempts in NSG courses, students are ineligible for admission consideration unless permission is obtained from the nursing program coordinator.
NOTE: Applicants who meet the requirements listed above will be ranked for admission using their ATI TEAS National Percentile Rank
Considerations When Selecting Courses

An academic advisor will review your preparation in Mathematics and English with you. You’ll be guided to appropriate preliminary coursework to give you the greatest chance of success in this program. Admission to the nursing program is a selective and competitive process. The program is open to applicants who are free of any physical or mental condition that might adversely affect performance as a member of the nursing profession.

  • Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year
  • Connect with an advisor at your community college and Mountain Empire Community College within your first year via College Connect
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses The two-year Associate of Applied Science degree curriculum in Nursing is designed to prepare selected students to qualify as contributing members of the healthcare team, rendering direct patient care as beginning practitioners of nursing in a variety of healthcare settings. This is a rigorous and academically challenging program.
Doing More With Your Degree The occupational objective of Nursing graduates is to secure and sustain employment as a registered nurse providing nursing care to individuals, families, communities, and/or populations in a variety of health care settings.
Program Successes & Highlights The nursing program is approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30326, 404-975-5000, www.acenursing.org. ACEN is officially recognized as the national accrediting agency for nursing education by the Council on Post-Secondary Accreditation (COPA) and by the U.S. Department of Education.
Program Credit Requirements
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The table below provides the requirements to complete this program. If you have an account and have created a Portfolio, the table includes the "Applied Credits" column. This column shows how the credits you earned based on the experiences you entered may be applied to satisfy these requirements. You should consult an advisor or counselor to find courses you can take at your current institution that will transfer to this degree.

Please note that some courses may count towards more than one requirement such as meeting a general education requirement and a major specific requirement. The course will be listed under the first matching requirement. Please contact the institution with questions.

The program map provided below is an estimate based on courses identified as a result of reviewing your portfolio and the requirements for the selected program.

A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
Requirements
Required Credits
Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing
67
Associate of Applied Science in Nursing Degree
67
Course Requirements for 156
67
Core Requirements for 156
67
SDV 100
1
Earn 1 credits: Complete the following
Earn 1 credits: Use the following rules
Complete the following
Use the following rules
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
OR
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
OR
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
OR
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
OR
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
OR
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
AND
Complete courses from the following Course list:
BIO 141
4
Earn 4 credits: Complete the following
Earn 4 credits: Use the following rules
Complete the following
Use the following rules
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
OR
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
OR
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
AND
Complete courses from the following Course list:
ENG 111
3
Complete courses from the following Course:
AND
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
NSG 100
4
Complete courses from the following Course:
AND
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
ENG 112
3
Complete courses from the following Course:
AND
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
BIO 142
4
Earn 4 credits: Complete the following
Earn 4 credits: Use the following rules
Complete the following
Use the following rules
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
OR
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
OR
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
AND
Complete courses from the following Course list:
NSG 210
5
Complete courses from the following Course:
AND
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
NSG 200
3
Complete courses from the following Course:
AND
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
LBR 105
1
Earn 1 credits: Complete the following
Earn 1 credits: Use the following rules
Complete the following
Use the following rules
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
OR
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
AND
Complete courses from the following Course list:
NSG 252
4
Complete courses from the following Course:
AND
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
PSY 230
3
Complete courses from the following Course:
AND
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
Humanities Elective
3
Earn 3 credits: Complete the following
Earn 3 credits: Use the following rules
Complete the following
Use the following rules
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
OR
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
OR
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
OR
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
OR
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
OR
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
OR
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
OR
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
OR
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
OR
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
OR
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
OR
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
OR
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
OR
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
OR
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
OR
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
OR
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
OR
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
OR
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
OR
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
OR
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
OR
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
OR
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
OR
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
OR
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
OR
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
OR
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
OR
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
OR
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
OR
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
OR
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
OR
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
OR
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
OR
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
OR
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
OR
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
OR
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
OR
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
OR
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
OR
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
OR
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
OR
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
OR
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
OR
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
OR
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
OR
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
OR
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
AND
Complete courses from the following Course list:
NSG 106
2
Complete courses from the following Course:
AND
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
NSG 130
1
Complete courses from the following Course:
AND
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
NSG 152
3
Complete courses from the following Course:
AND
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
NSG 211
5
Complete courses from the following Course:
AND
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
NSG 230
2
Complete courses from the following Course:
AND
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
NSG 270
4
Complete courses from the following Course:
AND
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
NSG 170
6
Complete courses from the following Course:
AND
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
NSG 115
5
Complete courses from the following Course:
AND
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
PSY 231 and 232
6
Earn 6 credits: Complete the following
Earn 6 credits: Use the following rules
Complete the following
Use the following rules
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
OR
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
AND
Complete courses from the following Course list:
BIO 150
4
Earn 4 credits: Complete the following
Earn 4 credits: Use the following rules
Complete the following
Use the following rules
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
OR
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
AND
Complete courses from the following Course list:
NUR 135
2
Complete courses from the following Course:
AND
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
Residency
67
Transfer credits will be evaluated, and as applicable, up to 50 credits may be applied to this program.
Plan GPA for 156
67
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
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Transfer Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion The transfer education program, which includes freshman and sophomore courses in arts and sciences and pre-professional education, allows students to transfer into baccalaureate degree programs and four-year colleges and universities.
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School The transfer education program, which includes freshman and sophomore courses in arts and sciences and pre-professional education, allows students to transfer into baccalaureate degree programs and four-year colleges and universities.
Credit for Prior Learning VCCS Policy 5.6.5.1
Did You Know That...
  • Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree?
  • Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at: Mountain Empire Community College
College Level Information
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Transfer Admission Application
Transfer Students - Apply Here
External Link
College Fit Guidance What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me? Mountain Empire Community College’s mission is to provide our region with accessible, quality higher education, workforce training, and community programs to ensure an educated population and globally competitive workforce.
Transfer Student Catalog Year
First Year Student Catalog Year The catalog year is based on the admission term that the student applies for.
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions
Where Can This Degree Transfer
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This section displays VCCS degrees most closely related to this program and to which you may be able to most efficiently transfer your current course work. So, you can use this list to find a degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to visit that program page.

If you are interested in transferring to a four-year degree view this degree on the Transfer Virginia site to explore degrees aligned with this program at Virginia's 4-year institutions.

Institution Title Degree Award Name Award Level Delivery Mode
Blue Ridge Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Blue Ridge Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing-TradAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Mountain Gateway Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person
Danville Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science in NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Germanna Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Germanna Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in Lpn To Rn - NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Germanna Community CollegeAssociate of Arts & Sciences Degree in General Studies - Specialization Pre-BSNAssociateAssociate of Arts and Sciences2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid, Online
Germanna Community CollegeAssociate of Arts & Sciences Degree in General Studies -Specialization in Criminal JusticeAssociateAssociate of Arts and Sciences2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid, Online
J Sargeant Reynolds Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science in NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
J Sargeant Reynolds Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science in Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) to Registered Nursing (RN) - Advanced Placement Option (APO)AssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person
Brightpoint Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person
Brightpoint Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing - Hybrid Distance EducationAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearHybrid
Laurel Ridge Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Laurel Ridge Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing: Advanced Placement Option for Licensed Practical NursesAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
New River Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science in NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Northern Virginia Community CollegeNursing, A.A.S.AssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Patrick & Henry Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science in NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Paul D. Camp Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science in Nursing AssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person
Piedmont Virginia Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science in NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Rappahannock Community CollegeAAS Degree in NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Rappahannock Community CollegeAA&S Degree in Arts and Sciences - Pre-BSN SpecializationAssociateAssociate of Arts and Sciences2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Southside Virginia Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science with a major in NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid, Online
Southwest Virginia Community College Associate of Applied Science Degree in NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearHybrid
Virginia Peninsula Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science in Professional Nursing - Registered NurseAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person
Tidewater Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science - NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person
Virginia Highlands Community CollegeAssociate in Applied Science Degree in NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Wytheville Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Careers Where This Degree Applies
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O*Net Code Name Description Parent
29-1141.01Acute Care NursesProvide advanced nursing care for patients with acute conditions such as heart attacks, respiratory distress syndrome, or shock. May care for pre- and post-operative patients or perform advanced, invasive diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations
29-1141.02Advanced Practice Psychiatric NursesAssess, diagnose, and treat individuals and families with mental health or substance use disorders or the potential for such disorders. Apply therapeutic activities, including the prescription of medication, per state regulations, and the administration of psychotherapy.Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations
29-1141.04Clinical Nurse SpecialistsDirect nursing staff in the provision of patient care in a clinical practice setting, such as a hospital, hospice, clinic, or home. Ensure adherence to established clinical policies, protocols, regulations, and standards.Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations
29-1141.03Critical Care NursesProvide specialized nursing care for patients in critical or coronary care units.Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations
25-1072.00Nursing Instructors and Teachers, PostsecondaryDemonstrate and teach patient care in classroom and clinical units to nursing students. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
29-1141.00Registered NursesAssess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients. May advise patients on health maintenance and disease prevention or provide case management. Licensing or registration required.Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations
Cost To Complete
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This section provides you with a very high-level estimate of your costs and is purely intended as a guide. You should consult the institution via College Connect to get a more detailed estimate based on the totality of your circumstances. The selections below are based on information gathered from your Profile and the estimated costs are calculated based on the 67 credits remaining to be completed

Please select the "Cumulative Months of Service" that determine your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.
Estimated Cost for the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing at Mountain Empire Community College
These costs are based on an estimated 4 semesters or 2 years remaining to complete this degree (assuming a full-time load of 16 hours per semester)
Category Cost Basis Cost (To You) Estimated Benefits Net Cost Notes
Tuition $167 Per Credit $11,189 $0 $11,189
*Please note that the above estimated costs do not include all Federal, State or other financial aid, grants, scholarships, etc. for which you may qualify. All such aid could substantially reduce these costs.
Other Financial Aid to Pay for College:
  • You may be eligible for additional financial aid from Federal, State, and Local sources. Military education benefits are not considered in determining eligibility for federal financial aid. Everyone is therefore encouraged to apply for federal financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), because many will qualify for additional educational funds like Pell Grants, worth over $5,500/yr.