Nursing

Associate Degree in Nursing

(575) 527-7735

The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program gives students an opportunity to become a registered nurse and a member of a respected and rewarding profession. Nursing is an exciting and growing field which will be part of the healthcare revolution of the future.

In four semesters of study the ADN program prepares the graduate for a career as a registered nurse by providing entry-level nursing education. Graduates of the program, “graduate nurses,” are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam for registered nurses. It is to be understood that program completion does not guarantee licensure, which is controlled by state boards of nursing.

After licensure, graduates may pursue a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) or a master of science in nursing (MSN) at a university, if desired.

ADN graduates are qualified to work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, home health care, and nursing homes.

Nursing courses are team taught, and the teacher-student ratio for clinical courses is 1-to-8. In the final semester, students are provided the opportunity to refine previously learned, clinical skills through a preceptorship at an assigned facility.

Special Admission Criteria

ADN is a limited-entry program. To be considered for admission, students are required to successfully complete the prerequisites, the designated entrance exam, and the student selection process. Information on requirements, transfer, and deadlines for applications are available from the Health and Public Services Office (room 190), or by calling 527-7735.

The DACC ADN program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.

ADN Prerequisites

The following must be completed before applying to the Nursing program.

• Admission to DACC
• CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) or demonstrated competency
• Computer literacy
• Completion of all Core and Related Requirements listed in the Program Content section

NOTE: Required courses taken more than five years prior to admission to the nursing program will be accepted for credit; however, if the student has not utilized this subject matter within the past five years, (s)he may want to audit courses as a refresher. Nursing students will be responsible for familiarity with the required information, regardless of how long it has been since a particular course was taken.

Prospective students are required to complete and pass a security background check in order to take clinical courses. Past criminal violations may prevent a student from completing the degree and gaining a nursing license or employment in the field.

Associate Degree (71 credits)

NOTE: In order to remain in the program, students must attain a final average of 79% or better in each course attempted. Related requirements must be completed prior to starting nursing coursework. Courses appearing in italics are identical to those offered at New Mexico State University Las Cruces (main) Campus.