Associate Degree, Nursing
The Associate Degree Nursing program
is a concentrated two-year program that includes a combination of science,
liberal arts,and focused nursing courses. The program prepares 
graduates for work in hospitals and long-term care facilities that focus
on nursing care of individuals with common acute and chronic health
problems.
After earning an associate degree, students are eligible to take the national examination for licensure NCLEX as registered nurses (RN). The licensing exam is administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
Program Requirements
Students enrolled in the Associate Degree
program in nursing complete 68 credits of course work. Full-time students
begin their course of study in the fall and follow the prescribed 
course
outline. Course work may also be completed successfully by part-time
students.
Full-time students attend classes at Penn State Erie,
The Behrend College for four semesters. During this time students also
travel to area health care facilities for one clinical nursing course each
semester. Clinical nursing courses must be completed in sequence to
guarantee placement in required clinical areas.
Other Program Requirements
Students in the Associate Degree program must meet
University requirements for cultural diversity and writing-intensive
courses. There are no requirements for study during the summer
months, although students may elect to take summer courses.
In order to graduate a student must earn a minimum grade
of "C" in all courses prescribed for the major, and earn at least
18 of the last 30 credits required for the associate degree in courses
offered by the University.
Advanced Standing and Credit By Examination
for LPNs
A licensed practical nurse who is admitted to the
Penn State program as an associate degree in nursing candidate is eligible
to earn credit by portfolio for up to 8 credit hours of nursing course
work for NURS 111 and NURS 112 and eligible to earn credit by examination
for up to 8 credit hours of nursing course work for NURS 113 and NURS 114.
NOTE: “The Pennsylvania State Board
of Nursing will not issue a license to an applicant who has been convicted
of a felony relating to a controlled substance unless: (1) at least ten
years have elapsed from date of conviction, (2) significant rehabilitation
has occurred, and (3) the applicant otherwise satisfies the qualifications
contained or authorized by this act.”
The Professional Nursing Law,
Section 6, as amended June 2002
All program decisions related to child abuse and
criminal clearance are consistent with the Department of State, Bureau of
Professional and Occupations Affairs, and the State Board
of
Nursing.