Associate in Applied Science in Nursing ( 64-74 credit hours required )

The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) Nursing Program is available at nine of the Maricopa Community Colleges. Clinical experiences are provided in a variety of healthcare settings. The Nursing Program provides eligibility for students to apply for the national exam for the registered nurse license. Licensing requirements are the exclusive responsibility of the State Board of Nursing.

The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) Nursing Program is approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), 61 Broadway 33rd Floor, New York, New York 10006, 212.363.5555, ext 153.

Program offerings:

This program is offered at the following sites:

Waiver of Licensure/Certification Guarantee:
Admission or graduation from the Nursing Program does not guarantee obtaining a license to practice nursing. Licensure requirements and the subsequent procedures are the exclusive right and responsibility of the Arizona State Board of Nursing. Students must satisfy the requirements of the Nurse Practice Act: Statutes, Rules and Regulations, independently of any college or school requirements for graduation.

Pursuant to A.R.S. § 32-1606(B)(17), an applicant for professional or practical nurse license by examination is not eligible for licensure if the applicant has any felony convictions \ and has not received an absolute discharge from the sentences for all felony convictions. The absolute discharge must be received five or more years before submitting this application. If you cannot prove that the absolute discharge date is five or more years, the Board cannot process your application.

All nursing applicants for licensure will be fingerprinted to permit the Department of Public Safety to obtain state and federal criminal history information. If there is any question about eligibility for licensure or certification, contact the nursing education consultant at the Arizona State Board of Nursing (602-889-5150).

Health Declaration:
It is essential that Nursing students be able to perform a number of physical activities in the clinical portion of the program. At a minimum, students will be required to lift patients, stand for several hours at a time and perform bending activities. The clinical nursing experience also places students under considerable mental and emotional stress as they undertake responsibilities and duties impacting patients’ lives. Students must be able to demonstrate rational and appropriate behavior under stressful conditions. Individuals should give careful consideration to the mental and physical demands of the program prior to making application.

Health & Safety Requirements for the Nursing Program:
Students must submit a Health and Safety Documentation Checklist verifying completion of all requirements and maintain current status throughout the program.

1. Students must submit the Health Declaration Form signed by a licensed health care provider.
2. Students must test negative on a timed urine drug screen.
3. Students must provide a copy of their current and valid Finger Print Clearance Card upon application.

Grade Requirements:
Students must obtain a “C” grade or better in all courses required within the program.

Course Fee Information:
Please see class schedule for information regarding course fees.

University Transfer Students: For students planning a University Program.
Students who are planning to earn the Bachelor of Science in Nursing may obtain their prerequisite courses at the Maricopa Community Colleges. For information on courses that meet requirements for admission into a baccalaureate program, please contact a program advisor.

Registered Nurse Pathway: Associate in Applied Science Degree in Nursing Program:
The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Nursing graduate is eligible to apply for licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN). The RN is educated as a generalist who delivers health care to clients and family groups and has competencies related to the art and science of nursing. The RN may be employed in a variety of acute, long term, and community based health care settings. The AAS degree in Nursing provides the graduate with an educational foundation for articulation into the university setting.

Admission Criteria
High school diploma or GED, formal application and admission to the program is required. A passing score on a nursing program admission test is required to complete an application. Applicants for advanced placement must receive a passing score on a practical nursing content exam for placement into Block 3. The final decision rests with the Nursing Program Chair at the college to which the student is accepted.

1. The Nursing Program Chair reserves the right to deny acceptance of an admission application if the applicant was dismissed for issues relating to academic integrity, unsafe patient care, inappropriate conduct, and/or one (1) failure from any nursing program.
2. All applicants holding or receiving a certificate as a Nursing Assisting and/or license as a Practical Nurse must remain in good standing with the Board of Nursing. Students with certification and/or licensure from allied health regulatory boards are included under this provision. Students receiving any disciplinary actions against their certificate or license must notify the Nursing Director within five (5) school days. The Nursing Director reserves the right to restrict the student’s participation in clinical experiences and involvement in patient care until the certificate and/or license is valid and unrestricted and terms of the action are met and the action dismissed.
3. All nursing applicants must submit a copy of a fingerprint clearance card with their application for the Nursing Program. All nursing students must undergo a background check to verify identity, social security number, and show proof that they do not appear on the List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE) database. Any student who becomes sanctioned or excluded while enrolled in the program will not be permitted to continue in nursing courses.

Requirements: Students must earn a grade of “C” or better in all courses within the program.

+ - course has prerequisites and/or corequisistes; ++ - instructors approval required; * course may be used towards more than one cert / degree; ** - special note