Des Moines Area Community College

Nursing Programs Offered

ADN Program Details

The Nursing program is designed as a career ladder program. The first two semesters provide a common core of nursing theory and skills for both the Practical Nursing and Associate Degree Nursing students. The student who completes Terms 1 and 2 of the Practical Nursing program is prepared to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). LPNs provide nursing care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse or a physician. The LPN is prepared to provide basic therapeutic, rehabilitative and preventive care for individuals of all ages, primarily in a structured care setting such as hospitals, long-term care facilities or clinics. Upon successful completion of two terms, the student is eligible to take the National Council Licensure Exam for Practical Nurse Licensure (NCLEX-PN).

An Associate degree in Nursing and a career as a Registered Nurse are available to students who are eligible to continue in the program and successfully complete Terms 3, 4 and 5. As members of the nursing profession, registered nurses are accountable for their own nursing practice. The Associate Degree Nurse (ADN) utilizes more complex nursing knowledge and skills to assess, plan, provide, evaluate and manage nursing care for patients in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and a variety of community-based healthcare settings. Upon successful completion of Terms 1–5 of the Nursing curriculum, the student is eligible to take the National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurse Licensure (NCLEX-RN).

LPN Program Details

The Nursing program is designed as a career ladder program. The first two semesters provide a common core of nursing theory and skills for both the Practical Nursing and Associate Degree Nursing students. The student who completes Terms 1 and 2 of the Practical Nursing program is prepared to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). LPNs provide nursing care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse or a physician. The LPN is prepared to provide basic therapeutic, rehabilitative and preventive care for individuals of all ages, primarily in a structured care setting such as hospitals, long-term care facilities or clinics. Upon successful completion of two terms, the student is eligible to take the National Council Licensure Exam for Practical Nurse Licensure (NCLEX-PN).