Course Catalog

Associate of Science in Nursing (ND73)  Degree


Campus Locations: Valdosta, Coffee

Purpose: To provide the learner with the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes to practice competently and safely as a beginning nurse generalist, in a variety of acute and long-term care settings.

Curriculum: The curriculum is designed to produce highly trained, technically advanced, competent and caring individuals who are prepared to practice professional nursing in a variety of healthcare settings. Students learn how to be a professional registered nurse through class, lab, and clinical experiences. Upon successful completion of the program, students qualify to sit for the NCLEX-RN Exam.

Careers: Registered Nurse

Best Nursing Schools in Georgia Award
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College was ranked #1 in the State by NursingProcess.org.

Requirements:

  • Submit a completed application and application fee
  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Submit official high school transcript or High School Equivalency transcript or college transcripts showing successful completion of 60+ semester credits or 72+ quarter credits
  • Submit official college transcripts, if applicable
  • Present acceptable ACCUPLACER, ACT, ASSET, COMPASS, PSAT, or SAT scores or GED score of 145 or higher or have one of the following: an associate degree or higher or have a HOPE GPA of 2.6 after the completion of 10th grade. Documentation on a college transcript of successful completion of appropriate courses from a regionally accredited college or university may be accepted in lieu of test scores.

Additional Program Requirements:

  • Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) is a highly competitive program and admission to the college does not guarantee admission to the ASN program.
  • Students seeking admission to the ASN program must be fully accepted to the college. To take pre-requisite courses, students should enroll in the Nursing Technician Certificate.
  • The ASN program has a competitive admissions process. The selection criteria consist of pre-requisite courses and HESI A2 scores. The online competitive admissions application, official transcripts, HESI A2 scores, and any other required information must be on file with the College by the deadline listed on the program application.
  • Applications can be submitted prior to completion of the Nursing Technician TCC; however, priority selection will be given to applicants who are Nursing Technician TCC graduates by the application deadline.
  • Applicants should meet with their One-Stop advisor before making application to the competitive program.

Competitive Admission Rank Order:

  • Fall 2023 & Spring 2024 Entry: Applicants will be ranked based on the following formula: Nursing Technician TCC GPA (40%) + HESI Critical Thinking Conversion Score (20%) + HESI Cumulative Score (40%)
    • Applicants must have a 2.75 or better GPA in the Nursing Technician Technical Certificate classes (ENGL 1101, MATH 1111, BIOL 2113, BIOL 2113L, and NAST/ALHS 1100/PNSG 2030).
    • Applicants must have a 75.0 or better on the cumulative HESI A2 Exam.
  • Beginning Fall 2024 Entry: Applicants will be ranked based on the following formula: Nursing Technician TCC GPA (40%) + HESI Critical Thinking Conversion Score (20%) + HESI Cumulative Score (40%)
    • Applicants must have a 2.75 or better GPA in the Nursing Technician Technical Certificate classes (ENGL 1101, MATH 1111, PSYC 1101, BIOL 2113, BIOL 2113L, BIOL 2114, BIOL 2114L, ALHS 1090, and NAST/ALHS 1100/PNSG 2030).
    • Applicants must have a 75.0 or better on the cumulative HESI A2 Exam.
  • If class capacity remains unfilled for a program, the deadlines and/or other requirements for that program can be extended/modified with the Dean of Health Sciences approval.
  • All of the competitive admissions criteria are current as we know them. They may be modified with curriculum revisions. Please see the One-Stop Enrollment and Success Center for the most current criteria.

HESI A2 Information

  • The HESI A2 exam must be taken at Wiregrass. Scores from other institutions will not be accepted. Both the cumulative and critical thinking portion of the exam must be completed. HESI scores are valid for 2 years and must be valid at the application deadline date. Applicants have 3 attempts per 2 years to complete the HESI A2 exam.

Program Information

  • Applicants must be in "good academic standing" with Wiregrass. Applicants on academic warning, probation or suspension cannot be accepted into the program.
  • Clinical experience is required to complete the ASN program, and students must meet all clinical requirements defined by the clinical facility. No student will be denied admissions to a program due to these requirements; however, the clinical partner requirement may prevent a student from completing the program. Clinical requirements may include, but not limited to, some or all of the following: American Heart Association Provider CPR certification, physical examination or proof of ability to perform required duties, Tuberculin skin test, up-to-date immunizations, mandatory vaccinations, and/or titers. A criminal background check and drug screen are required prior to performing the clinical rotation. Students unable to meet clinical requirements may not be able to graduate from the program. Alternate clinical locations may not be offered or available if a student is unable to meet clinical requirements. See the Program Advising Packet for more information.
  • Coffee Campus Fall 2023 Application available here.
  • Valdosta Campus Spring 2024 Application available here.

Trend Data:

  • Valdosta Campus - Spring 2020 Entry
    • GPA: 3.80 average (low – 3.38)
    • HESI Cumulative: 85.2 average (low – 76.4)
    • HESI Critical Thinking: 89.3 average (low – 79.0)
    • Points: 89.98 average (low – 86.74)
    • A total of 40 students were selected, with an additional 10 on the waitlist. There were 81 students TCC complete by the application deadline who were ranked for priority acceptance. There was a grand total of 117 applicants.
  • Valdosta Campus - Spring 2021 Entry
    • GPA: 3.80 average (low – 3.38)
    • HESI Cumulative: 90.01 average (low – 80.4)
    • HESI Critical Thinking: 92.1 average (low – 80.0)
    • A total of 40 students were selected. There were 94 students TCC complete by the application deadline who were ranked for priority acceptance. There was a grand total of 149 applicants
  • Valdosta Campus - Spring 2022 Entry
    • GPA: 3.75 average (low – 3.38)
    • HESI Cumulative: 85.4 average (low – 79.2)
    • HESI Critical Thinking: 86.4 average (low – 78.0)
    • A total of 40 students were selected. There were 72 students TCC complete by the application deadline who were ranked for priority acceptance. There was a grand total of 115 applicants.

Start Terms:

  • Valdosta: each Spring Semester
    • The application deadline for Spring 2024 entry is August 1, 2023; the application will open on May 1, 2023.
    • The program accepts up to 50 students each spring.
  • Coffee: Fall 2023 -- PENDING ACEN APPROVAL
    • The application deadline for Fall 2023 entry is June 1, 2023; the application will open on March 1, 2023.
    • The program will accept up to 30 students to begin Fall 2023.
  • Ben Hill-Irwin: Fall 2024 -- PENDING ACEN APPROVAL
    • The application deadline for Fall 2024 entry is May 1, 2024; the application will open on March 1, 2024.
    • The program will accept up to 30 students to begin Fall 2024.

The Associate of Science in nursing program at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College at the Valdosta campus located in Valdosta, Georgia is accredited by the: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326

(404) 975-5000

The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Associate of Science in nursing program is initial accreditation.

View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at http://www.acenursing.us/accreditedprograms/programSearch.htm
Public Notice of Upcoming Accreditation Review Visit by the ACEN

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing - ACEN

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, Georgia 30326
Phone: (404) 975-5000

Program Effectiveness Data for Nursing

Curriculum Outline (65 hours)
General Core Courses 15
Area I - Language Arts/Communication (3 Hours) 3
ENGL 1101

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Degree Level Reading and Writing Scores Co-requisite(s): None Explores the analysis of literature and articles about issues in the humanities and in society. Students practice various modes of writing, ranging from exposition to argumentation and persuasion. The course includes a review of standard grammatical and stylistic usage in proofreading and editing. An introduction to library resources lays the foundation for research. Topics include writing analysis and practice, revision, and research. Students write a research paper using library resources and using a formatting and documentation style appropriate to the purpose and audience.

3
Area II - Social/Behavior Science - (3 Hours) 3
PSYC 1101

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Degree Level Reading and Writing Scores Co-requisite(s): None Introduces the major fields of contemporary psychology. Emphasis is on fundamental principles of psychology as a science. Topics include research design, the organization and operation of the nervous system, sensation and perception, learning and memory, motivation and emotion, thinking and intelligence, lifespan development, personality, psychopathology and interventions, stress and health, and social psychology.

3
Area III - Natural Sciences/Mathematics (3 Hours) 3
MATH 1111

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Degree Level Math Scores Co-requisite(s): None Emphasizes techniques of problem solving using algebraic concepts. Topics include fundamental concepts of algebra, equations and inequalities, functions and graphs, and systems of equations; optional topics include sequences, series, and probability or analytic geometry.

3
Area IV - Humanities/Fine Arts - Complete 3 Hours 3
General Education Core Elective - Complete 3 Hours 3
Occupational Courses 50
BIOL 2113

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): BIOL 2113L, ENGL 1101 Introduces the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Emphasis is placed on the development of a systemic perspective of anatomical structures and physiological processes. Topics include body organization, cell structure and functions, tissue classifications, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, and nervous and sensory systems.

3
BIOL 2113L

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 0 Lab 2 - 0 Lab - 3 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): BIOL 2113, ENGL 1101 Selected laboratory exercises paralleling the topics in BIOL 2113. The laboratory exercises for this course include body organization, cell structure and functions, tissue classifications, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, and nervous sensory systems.

1
BIOL 2114

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): BIOL 2113, BIOL 2113L w/ a “C” or better Co-requisite(s): BIOL 2114L Continues the study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Topics include the endocrine system, cardiovascular system, blood and lymphatic system, immune system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system,and reproductive system.

3
BIOL 2114L

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 0 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 3 Pre-requisite(s): BIOL 2113, BIOL 2113L w/ a “C” or better Co-requisite(s): BIOL 2114 Selected laboratory exercises paralleling the topics in BIOL 2114. The laboratory exercises for this course include the endocrine system, cardiovascular system, blood and lymphatic system, immune system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system, and reproductive system.

1
BIOL 2117

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): (BIOL 2113 and BIOL 2113L) OR (BIOL 1111 and BIOL 1111L) w/ a “C” or better Co-requisite(s): BIOL 2117L Provides students with a foundation in basic microbiology with emphasis on infectious disease. Topics include microbial diversity, microbial cell biology, microbial genetics, interactions and impact of microorganisms and humans, microorganisms and human disease.

3
BIOL 2117L

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 0 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 3 Pre-requisite(s): (BIOL 2113 and BIOL 2113L) OR (BIOL 1111 and BIOL 1111L) w/ a “C” or better Co-requisite(s): BIOL 2117 Selected laboratory exercises paralleling the topics in BIOL 2117. The laboratory exercises for this course include microbial diversity, microbial cell biology, microbial genetics, interactions and impact of microorganisms and humans, and microorganisms and human disease.

1
RNSG 1350

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 4 Lab 2 - 2 Lab 3 - 3 Pre-Requisites: ENGL 1101, MATH 1111, BIOL 2113, BIOL 2113L Co-Requisite: BIOL 2114, BIOL 2114L, RNSG 1355, RSNG 1360 This course is designed to introduce the student nurse to professional nursing including basic care of the adult and older adult population, health promotion, illness prevention, the nursing process, and the role of the associate degree nurse. The focus of this course is on nursing history, professional organizations, collaboration, communication, critical thinking, cultural diversity, documentation, ethical issues and values, hygiene and safety, infection control and prevention, and patient teaching. The student learns pain management, skin integrity and wound care, and urinary and bowel elimination. The student nurse learns correct techniques with nursing skills. This course includes classroom, skills lab, and a clinical rotation. The course must be successfully completed with a minimum grade of 70 percent in theory and 70 percent in the clinical rotation.

6
RNSG 1355

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-Requisites: ENGL 1101, MATH 1111, BIOL 2113, BIOL 2113L Co-Requisite: BIOL 2114, BIOL 2114L, RNSG 1350, RNSG 1360 This course is designed to prepare the student with the necessary skills essential to perform accurate medication calculations. The student will learn how to competently prepare and administer medications including intradermal, intramuscular, intravenous, oral, and subcutaneous injections. Students learn conversions between systems and reconstitution of solutions. Emphasis is placed on knowledge and precision necessary for accuracy in drug calculations. The student will learn medication classifications, action, adverse reactions, peak, route of administration, side effects, and medication safety. This course must be successfully completed with a minimum theory grade of 70 percent.

3
RNSG 1360

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 2 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-Requisites: ENGL 1101, MATH 1111, BIOL 2113, BIOL 2113L Co-Requisite: BIOL 2114, BIOL 2114L, RNSG 1350, RNSG 1355 This course introduces the student to health assessment and physical examinations of patients in the clinical environment. The student learns how to perform a therapeutic nurse-patient relationship and conduct a head-to toe assessment including each body system. Emphasis is placed on knowledge and skills necessary for acquiring, organizing, recording and interpreting data. This course must be successfully completed with a minimum grade of 70 percent.

2
RNSG 1365

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 4 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 3 Pre-Requisites: RNSG 1350, RNSG 1355, RNSG 1360 Co-Requisite: BIOL 2117, BIOL 2117L, RNSG 2350 This initial medical-surgical course is designed to introduce and prepare the student to care for patients with selected medical disorders and surgical conditions. This course includes classroom, simulation and a clinical rotation which builds on concepts and skills taught in the Fundamentals of Nursing Care course. The role of the nurse as provider of care will be utilized to include patient care, basic clinical decision making, patient teaching, coordination of care, clinical reasoning, and collaboration of care with other disciplines. Specific medications related to health care conditions will be taught. The application of the nursing process in caring for patients experiencing alterations in cardiovascular, endocrine, gastrointestinal, hematologic, musculoskeletal, neurologic, respiratory, and renal systems are included. Infusion therapy is introduced. The student will learn about the perioperative patient. Emphasis is placed on diversity and in care of the elderly considering developmental, cultural and spiritual needs of each patient. This course must be successfully completed with a minimum grade of 70 percent in the theory component and 70 percent in the clinical component.

5
RNSG 2015

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 4 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 3 Pre-requisite(s): RNSG 1365, RNSG 2350 Co-requisite(s): RNSG 2355 This course prepares the student to provide competent, compassionate evidenced-based nursing care for the childbearing patient, family, and the pediatric patient. Concepts will be introduced which include normal pregnancy and childbirth, complications in pregnancy and childbirth, care of the newborn, assessment, planning, and intervention as well as nutritional care, patient education, health promotion strategies and illness prevention practices for the childbearing family. Emphasis is placed on disease processes and management, interventions and critical knowledge skills with care of the child. Pharmacologic principles are incorporated as applies to the obstetrical and pediatric patient. Students learn to provide safe and culturally competent care for obstetrical and pediatric patients and their families. The student will learn concepts and theories related to developmental stages. This course requires supervised clinical rotations in clinical environments to enhance the educational opportunities and meet course objectives. This course requires a minimum grade of 70 percent in theory and a minimum of 70 percent in the clinical rotation.

5
RNSG 2350

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 3 Pre-Requisites: RNSG 1350, RNSG 1355, RNSG 1360 Co-Requisite: RNSG 1365, BIOL 2117, BIOL 2117L This course introduces the student to care for patients across the lifespan with alterations in mental health. The focus is on the nurse-patient therapeutic relationship, behavioral and emotional responses. Emphasis is placed on building the therapeutic relationship, milieu therapy, and psychopharmacology. A project is required on mental illness classifying defense mechanisms and variations in mental health. This course includes class and a clinical rotation at an acute care mental health facility. This course requires a minimum grade of 70 percent in theory and a minimum grade of 70 percent in the clinical rotation.

4
RNSG 2355

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 6 Pre-Requisites: RNSG 1365, RNSG 2015 Co-Requisite: RNSG 2350 This course prepares the student to care for patients with complex medical and multisystem disorders. This course includes classroom and a clinical rotation and builds on concepts and skills taught in the Medical-Surgical Nursing I course. Specific medications related to health care conditions will be strengthened. The student will continue applying the nursing process in caring for patients experiencing disorders including arthritis and connective tissue disorders, cancer, cardiovascular alterations, endocrine, gastrointestinal, inflammation and immune response, infections, neurologic, musculoskeletal trauma, renal, and respiratory diseases and disorders. Emphasis is placed on maintenance and restoration of health. Clinical inpatient experiences will provide the student with opportunities to meet course outcomes. This course requires a minimum grade of 70 percent in theory and a minimum of 70 percent in the clinical rotation.

5
RNSG 2360

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 9 Pre-Requisites: RNSG 2015, RNSG 2355 Co-Requisite: RNSG 2365 This course is the final medical-surgical nursing course. This class builds on previous content and includes classroom and a clinical rotation. The student will gain knowledge and understanding about patients with complex and multisystem disorders. This course prepares the student to acquire knowledge and skills for the application of the nursing process. Students learn to care for patients with emergency, life threatening, or multi-system disorders. This course requires a minimum grade of 70 percent in theory and 70 percent in the clinical rotation.

6
RNSG 2365

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 2 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-Requisites: RNSG 2015, RNSG 2355 Co-Requisite: RNSG 2360 This course is designed to prepare the graduate nurse to function as a role of a leader with management and leadership skills necessary to promote growth and development in the profession of nursing. This course requires a minimum theory grade of 70%.

2
Faculty
Advisor

Director of ASN Programs
Valdosta Campus

Advisor

Associate of Science in Nursing Instructor
Valdosta Campus

Advisor

Associate of Nursing Instructor
Valdosta Campus

Advisor

Associate of Science in Nursing Instructor
Valdosta Campus

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