Nursing, Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)
Definition of Associate of Applied Science in Nursing
Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AASN) provides the basic education necessary to become a registered nurse. After graduation with an Associate of Applied Science Degree and successful completion of the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN), graduates are prepared to practice in a variety of care settings. AASN incorporates nursing knowledge, knowledge of key biological and social sciences and the study of humanities. Graduates of the AASN program exhibit competencies of human flourishing, nursing judgment, professional identity and the spirit of inquiry.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, the AASN graduate will:
- Human Flourishing: “Advocate for patients and families in ways that promote their self-determination, integrity and ongoing growth as human beings” (NLN, 2010, p. 38).
1. Incorporate culturally competent, individualized plans of care focusing on services and activities that promote independence, maintain or restore health, or support a peaceful death. - Nursing Judgment: “Make judgements in practice, substantiated with evidence, that integrate nursing science in the provision of safe, quality care and promote the health of patients within a family and community context” (NLN, 2010, p. 38).
1. Utilize the nursing process as a basis for clinical judgment to optimize outcomes of care for the patient, family and community.
2. Advocate for access and quality of care for patients
3. Apply evidence-based practice to support clinical decision making in the provision of safe quality care. - Professional Identity: “Implement one’s role as a nurse in ways that reflect integrity, responsibility, ethical practices and an evolving identify as a nurse committed to evidence- based practice, caring, advocacy, and safe quality care for diverse patients within a family and community context” (NLN, 2010, p. 38).
1. Exhibit professional behaviors/practice as defined by the ethical, legal and regulatory frameworks of nursing.
2. Establish and maintain effective/therapeutic communication in collaboration with patients, families, significant others and members of the health care team.
3. Use information and technology to communicate, manage knowledge, mitigate error and support decision making. - Spirit of Inquiry: “Examine evidence that underlies clinical nursing practice to challenge the status quo, question underlying assumptions and new insights to improve the quality of care for patients, families and communities” (NLN, 2010, p. 38).
1. Utilize evidence-based literature/research for use in nursing practice.
Admission Requirements and Procedures
All students who are admitted to EKU and declare their major as Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AASN) are admitted as pre-associate degree nursing majors. However, admission to the University does not guarantee admission to the AASN program. Students are eligible to be considered for admission to the AASN program only after having been admitted to the University.
Applicants are eligible to be considered for admission who have:
- Met University requirements for proficiency in English, reading and mathematics.
- Met the Pre-College Curriculum requirements.
- A minimum high school or college (institutional) GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
- Grades of “C” or better in any supporting courses that have been completed. Some support courses (BIO 208, BIO 208L, BIO 308, BIO 308L, and BIO 273 or MLS 209) must have been taken within five years prior to the time application is made for admission, unless an exception has been approved by the department.
- Completed the HESI A2 exam within one year of application for admission to the AASN program.
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In alignment with the Kentucky Nurse Practice Act (KRS Chapter 314) and the ethical and professional standards outlined in the American Nurses Association’s (ANA) Code of Ethics for Nurses (2015) and ANA Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice (2021), students must demonstrate good moral and ethical character, be in good mental and physical health, and meet academic qualifications necessary for the responsibilities of professional nursing practice.
Applicants for licensure as a Registered Nurse in Kentucky must disclose to the Kentucky Board of Nursing any criminal convictions, including driving under the influence (DUIs). Applicants with felony convictions may be denied licensure. Each case is reviewed individually at the time of application, and outcomes cannot be guaranteed in advance.
If you have a criminal history, it is strongly recommended that you contact the board of nursing in any state where you may seek licensure before enrolling in a nursing program. Licensure eligibility policies vary by state.
Completion of eligibility criteria does not guarantee admission to the clinical nursing courses. Admission to the clinical courses is competitive and based on review of the applicants’ academic history and HESI A2 exam scores. Spaces are limited and the most qualified applicants will be selected for admission. Students must meet all clinical agency placement requirements.
Progression in the Program
For progression, students must earn a grade of “C”/2.0 or better in all nursing and supporting courses. Students who fail to meet the requirements for progression must apply for readmission through the AASN Readmission Committee. Readmission to a nursing course is not guaranteed to any student. Please refer to the AASN Student Handbook for specific information on readmission procedures. The program reserves the right to alter the suggested plan as necessary to enhance a quality educational program.
For additional admission information please refer to https://www.eku.edu/chs/nursing/aas-nursing/
Students Transferring from Another Nursing Program
Transfer students must meet the following criteria in addition to admission criteria of Eastern Kentucky University and the School of Nursing:
- The nursing credits transferred must be comparable to AASN credits for a maximum of 16 semester hours credit.
- A complete course outline and/or syllabi must be submitted for each nursing course being evaluated for transfer credit.
- Transfer credits must meet passing standards of the nursing program from which they are transferred.
- Transfer credits must be from a nationally accredited program. Each transfer student’s application will be evaluated on an individual basis.
Clinical Requirements
Transportation to all clinical experiences is the responsibility of the student. Students are expected to adhere to all program and clinical agency policies and must meet all clinical agency placement requirements. To be compliant with regulatory requirements, clinical agency contractual agreements, and ensure a safe clinical environment the following items are required before a student can progress to a clinical experience:
1. Proof of professional liability insurance purchased through the University.
2. Proof of American Heart Association (AHA) Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) for the Health Care Professional.
3. Proof of Rubella, Measles (Rubeola), and Mumps immunity.
4. Proof of Hepatitis B immunity.
5. Proof of negative Tuberculosis screening.
6. Proof of Varicella immunity.
7. Documentation of adult TDaP vaccine (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Acellular Pertussis).
8. Documentation of annual Influenza vaccine.
9. Documentation of the CHS-approved Criminal Background Check.
10. Documentation of the CHS-approved Drug Screening.
11. Proof of Personal Health Insurance.
12. Other documentation as required by specific clinical facilities.
Program Requirements
CIP Code: 51.3801
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| University Graduation Requirements | ||
| GSD 101 | Foundations of Learning | 3 |
| General Education | 12 | |
Elements 1A and 1B | ||
| Reading, Writing, and Rhetoric | ||
| Research, Writing, and Rhetoric | ||
| Choose from one of the following: | ||
| Introductory Sociology (Element 5B) G | ||
| Introduction to Psychology (Element 5B) G | ||
| Major Requirements | ||
| Core Courses | ||
| NSC 114 | Nursing Concepts I | 5 |
| NSC 114C | Nursing Concepts Clinical | 3 |
| NSC 124 | Medical-Surgical Nursing I | 3 |
| NSC 124C | Medical-Surgical Nursing I Clinical | 2 |
| NSC 126 | Mental Health Nursing | 2 |
| NSC 126C | Mental Health Nursing Clinical | 1 |
| NSC 223 | Medical-Surgical Nursing II | 4 |
| NSC 223C | Medical-Surgical Nursing II Clinical | 2 |
| NSC 225 | Family Nursing | 4 |
| NSC 225C | Family Nursing Clinical | 2 |
| NSC 240 | Med-Surgical Nursing III | 4 |
| NSC 240C | Med-Surgical Nurs III Clinical | 3 |
| NSC 250 | NCLEX Review | 2 |
| NSC 255 | Trends and Issues in Nursing | 1 |
| Supporting Course Requirements | ||
| BIO 208 & 208L | Human Anatomy and Physiology I and Human Anatomy & Physiology I Lab (Element 4) G | 4 |
| BIO 308 & 308L | Human Anatomy and Physiology II and Human Anatomy and Physiology II Lab | 4 |
| BIO 273 | Clinical Microbiology | 3 |
| or MLS 209 | Microbiology for Health Sciences | |
| Total Hours | 64 | |
- G
Course also satisfies a General Education element. Hours are included within the General Education requirement above.
Specific Degree Requirements for Associate of Applied Science in Nursing Degree
In addition to the general requirements for the associate degree, students must earn a grade of “C”/2.0 or better in all nursing and supporting courses.