PN to RN Program Option, A.A.S.

Associate of Applied Science Degree

This program option provides an opportunity for students that hold an active, unencumbered license as a practical or vocational nurse to pursue an associate of applied science in nursing degree. Students accepted into the option will complete coursework that prepares them to enter the traditional registered nursing program. Once completed, students transition into the traditional program for the final third and fourth semesters of nursing study. Graduates earn an associate of applied science degree with specialization in nursing and are prepared to function as beginning registered nurses and members of the health care team. Registered nurses are qualified to work in a variety of healthcare settings, including acute care hospitals, outpatient clinics, extended care facilities and physicians’ offices. With experience, nurses may also participate in providing skilled care in more specialized areas, including psychiatric units, emergency departments, pediatric and obstetric units, critical care units and home health settings. Job pay is exceptional, averaging $75,330 annually for practicing nurses according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2020), and nursing is a flexible and mobile career choice.

Career Opportunities

Upon program completion, students will be prepared and eligible to apply for licensure in the State of Michigan. Students must meet the Michigan Board of Nursing eligibility requirements and successfully pass the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX-RN) in order to become a licensed registered nurse. Students may also be eligible for licensure in other states; students are encouraged to contact a state’s board of nursing for eligibility requirements.

Transfer Information

Upon program completion, students may be eligible to enroll in a RN to BSN completion program. MCCC’s RN program has articulation with several four-year university partners. For information regarding transfer opportunities for this or any program, please go to the Transfer section of the college’s website.

Additional Program Information:

The associate of applied science in nursing program at Monroe County Community College located in Monroe, Michigan, is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30326. Phone: (404) 975-5000. The most recent decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the associate degree in nursing program is Continuing Accreditation. View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at http://www.acenursing.com/accreditedprograms/programsearch.htm.

PN to RN Program Option Admission Criteria

Students accepted into the PN to RN program option are chosen according to selective admission criteria. Option applicants must meet established minimum criteria to be considered for admission. Application deadlines will be posted on the program option website. Only applicants who meet established minimum criteria by the deadline will be considered for admission. The potential applicant needs to be aware that meeting minimum standards does not guarantee admission. Seats are limited and determined according to the number of MCCC PN graduates that automatically progress into the option and the number of returning students requesting readmission. Additional candidates will be accepted according to the selection criteria until a cohort is fully enrolled. Minimum admission criteria and PN to RN program option selection criteria for each application deadline are available for review by visiting the PN to RN section of the MCCC website. Students can also receive application information by contacting the Health Sciences Division Office at 734.384.4102 or by contacting the MCCC Admissions Office at 734.384.4104.

General Information

1. Recent MCCC practical nursing graduates will have the option to automatically progress into the PN to RN option upon completion of the PN program. Remaining seats (up to 24) will be offered to past PN graduates and community members meeting minimum eligibility requirements. Applicants will be numerically ranked according to selective admission criteria to determine who will be offered the remaining seats.
2. All accepted students will complete transition coursework during the summer semester. Upon completion, students will be separated into two cohorts for completion of the program. Up to 12 students may enroll in core coursework during the fall semester and will complete the PN to RN option at the end of the following winter semester. The remaining 12 students may enroll in core coursework during the winter semester and complete at the end of the following fall semester.
3. Immunizations and health examinations are required at the student’s expense to ensure that the student can meet the technical standards of the program and the requirements of partner clinical agencies.
4. Applicants should be aware that any previous or current conviction of a crime and/or treatment for substance abuse may result in ineligibility to be licensed as a registered nurse. The determination of eligibility to take NCLEX-RN is made by the Michigan State Board of Nursing/Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. Any questions or concerns about licensing should be directed to the State Board of Nursing at www.michigan.gov/healthlicense.
5. Students admitted to health science programs must consent to background/security checks including a criminal background check and drug screening. The student is responsible for any cost associated with the background/security/drug screening checks. Certain criminal convictions may render a student ineligible to train at clinical sites which are necessary in order to successfully complete the program. Additionally, certain criminal convictions may render an individual ineligible to take the licensing/certification exam or to be licensed/certified in the State of Michigan or other states. The college will review the results and determine, on a case-by-case basis, whether to deny admission to any individual based on the results of the background check, criminal background check, and drug screening. Despite the passage of the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act in November 2018, the possession of marijuana remains prohibited under United States Federal Law and MCCC policy (6.21). The College and Health Sciences Division prohibits employees, students, and members of the public from possessing or using marijuana (legal or medicinal) on College property or during any College activity. Health occupation students must consent to random drug screening with negative results for marijuana or any illicit substance. Failure to provide a negative drug screen will prevent participation in the program and/or result in program dismissal.
6. Nursing students are required to have professional liability and personal health insurance. The professional liability insurance is provided by the college. Personal health insurance must be obtained by the student and maintained throughout the program in order to comply with clinical agency requirements. Proof of insurance will be required prior to participating in the first clinical activity.
7. Students must maintain for the duration of the program an active American Heart Association cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certificate for professional rescuer of infant, child, and adult. More information will be provided to students at the beginning of the program.
8. Registered nursing at the associate degree level involves the provision of direct care for individuals and families and is characterized by the application of verified knowledge in the skillful performance of nursing functions. Therefore, in order to be considered for admission or to continue in the program, all applicants must be able to meet the health sciences technical standards available in the Nursing, Registered section of the MCCC website. A prospective student or participant in the program with an approved documented disability can request reasonable accommodations to meet these standards. The college will provide appropriate accommodations, but is not required to fundamentally alter the requirements or nature of the program or lower its academic standards. Requests for accommodations should be directed to a disability services counselor in the Student Success Center. To make an appointment, please call 734.384.4167.
9. Students must complete the nursing portion of the program within four semesters of the start of the first PN to RN (PNRN) course (150 percent of the program length). Failure to meet the program completion timeframe will result in program dismissal. Students otherwise in good standing with the program may reapply in three years. Additional detail regarding program completion requirements is available in the Student Information Handbook.
10. The student must receive a “C” or better grade in all nursing courses and a “C” or better grade in all non-nursing courses required in the program plan of study. Failure to meet this requirement may result in the inability to progress to the next semester of the program. Nursing and required non-nursing courses must be completed in the order outlined in the program’s plan of study.
11. All nursing students utilize internet services and resources to supplement instruction. Students must have reliable internet access. Students enrolled in the PN to RN option will be required to take assessments (ie: exams, quizzes, etc.) electronically using an online assessment program called ExamSoft Examplify. Students enrolled in these courses will be required to provide their own computer (including webcam and microphone) that will support the assessment software. The software can be used on most modern Microsoft Windows-based computers and Mac OS X devices. Information related to minimum system requirements can be located by visiting https://examsoft.com/resources/examplify-minimum-system-requirements. Students are encouraged to check with the Health Sciences Division for a complete list of minimum system requirements.
12. Nursing education offered at MCCC is provided in collaboration with multiple clinical partners located in southeast Michigan and northwest Ohio. As a part of these partnerships, MCCC students and faculty are required to meet and follow the policies and procedures of these clinical partners. Given the number of students in the program, the program must be able to place students at any of the clinical agencies for clinical and observational experiences during the course of the program. Students need to be in good standing with all clinical agencies, both as a student and as a member of the community. Therefore, any condition (i.e. criminal history, positive drug screening, unprofessional/unethical behavior, negative employment history) that prevents a student from being placed in any clinical agency during a semester may jeopardize the student’s ability to meet the course objectives and may lead to course failure and program dismissal.
13. Students are expected to maintain a flexible schedule for the nursing program. Clinical assignments vary and are subject to change. This may include any day of the week and any shift, including weekends. On days that are not scheduled for class or clinical, students may be expected to view audiovisual material, study in the skills laboratory, or participate in other on-campus activities. Usually, these activities are self-scheduled. There may be added classes on other days, but students will receive notice of these in advance.
14. In addition to the general college rules, nursing students are required to adhere to policies and procedures outlined in the Nursing Program Student Information Handbook. Students are encouraged to review the handbook prior to applying to the program. A copy of the Student Information Handbook can be accessed through the program’s webpage (https://www.monroeccc.edu/programs/nursing-registered) or by contacting the Health Sciences Division office (734.384.4102).
15. In conjunction with requirements set forth by the Michigan Licensing and Regulatory Affairs agency, information related to the student complaint process, career opportunities by state and licensing requirements by state can be accessed by visiting the following websites: a) Student Complaint Process: found in the Consumer Information section of the MCCC website; b) Career opportunities by state: http://bls.gov/; and c) Licensure requirements by state: https://www.ncsbn.org/14730.htm.

Technical Standards

The purpose of the technical standards is to inform students choosing to enter into a health occupation program of the basic minimal technical standard requirements that must be met in order to complete all coursework, objectives and student outcomes. The listed standards encompass what is minimally required to perform necessary tasks. This list is not exhaustive, and can be modified as the college deems necessary at any time. Students enrolled in a health occupation program at MCCC must provide care that is safe and effective. These technical standards apply to any student enrolling in any one of the health occupations programs. The student must be able to demonstrate sufficient cognitive, professional, motor (physical), sensory and other abilities, with or without accommodation, to meet program technical standards. Technical standard requirements are listed below. Examples of tasks associated with each requirement and standard are available for review by visiting the Health Sciences Division section of the MCCC website. Prospective students are encouraged to review the Technical Standards for Health Occupational Programs document in its entirety prior to enrolling in or applying to any health occupation course or program.

• Critical Thinking and Cognitive Competencies:
  Sufficient critical thinking and cognitive abilities in classroom and clinical settings.
• Professionalism:
  Interpersonal skills sufficient for professional interaction with a diverse population of individuals, families and groups.
• Communication:
  Communication sufficient for professional interactions.
• Mobility:
  Physical abilities sufficient for movement from room to room and in small spaces.
• Motor Skills:
  Gross and fine motor abilities which are sufficiently effective and safe for providing allied health care.
• Sensory:
  Auditory and visual ability sufficient for observing, monitoring and assessing health needs.
• Observation:
  Ability to sufficiently make observations in a health care environment consistent with program competencies.
• Tactile sense:
  Tactile ability sufficient for physical assessment.