Alcorn State University

Nursing Programs Offered

ADN Program Details

The Department of Associate Degree Nursing, established in 1977, is approved by the State of Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning and Accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. The Associate Degree Nursing curriculum is designed to prepare graduates who are competent to function as entry level registered nurses. The graduate is prepared to function as provider of care, manager of care and member within the discipline of nursing. Major areas of emphasis encompass the following core components essential for the entry level registered nurse and inherent to the three roles of nursing practice. They are professional behaviors, communication, assessment, clinical decision making, care interventions, teaching and learning, collaboration, and managing care (NLN, 2000). The graduate is prepared to utilize critical thinking through the nursing process as a basis for clinical decision making. The graduate engages in collaborative managed care in diverse settings.

The department offers two program options, the ADN generic program option and the LPN Fast Track Program option. Students who successfully complete the curriculum sequence are conferred the Associate of Science in Nursing Degree by the University and are eligible to write the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN)® administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. The minimum number of hours required for graduation with the Associate of Science Degree is 70. With this educational preparation and licensure the graduate may enter a field of endeavor that is personally satisfying, financially rewarding and offers broad employment opportunities.

BSN Program Details

The Department offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Degree with two program options, Upper Division BSN and RN to BSN. Curricula are designed to prepare graduates to practice professional nursing in diverse health/illness settings and to provide a foundation for continuing education and life-long learning. After completion of the plan of study for the Upper Division Program Option, students are eligible to write the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN)®.