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Nursing

Program Codes: NRB.AS
Associate in Science Degree

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This program prepares students for entry-level positions in nursing and for taking the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN®). It has been approved by the New Jersey Council of Presidents and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, Georgia 30326, 404.975.5000, http://www.acenursing.org and the New Jersey State Board of Nursing, 124 Halsey Street, 6th floor, Newark, NJ 07101, 973.504.6430, http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov

Contact the Department Chairperson

Recommended Course Sequence

Below are required courses and recommended course groupings and sequences for program completion.

Courses may have prerequisite and corequisite requirements. Check course descriptions for details.

Semester I

Semester II

Semester III

Semester IV

3

Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Humanities (GE HUM).

Standards of Progress

Criminal Background and Drug Testing: Prior to matriculation, a nursing student must undergo a complete history and physical examination and be in compliance with the MCC and Nursing Program policy on immunizations.  A student is required to have a criminal background check and drug test performed with satisfactory results acceptable by MCC and the Nursing Program and/or participating clinical facility as a condition of admission, initial enrollment and/or continued enrollment.  An offer of admission will not be final and enrollment not permitted until the completion of a satisfactory criminal background check/drug test.  Admission may be denied or rescinded or enrollment terminated based on the results of the criminal background check and drug test. 

Progression: Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 and achieve a “C” grade or better in all nursing courses (NRB-131, NRB-132, NRB-135, NRB-231, NRB-232) in order to progress in the curriculum.  A “C” in nursing is 77-80. Students must achieve a “C” grade or better for all science courses in the Nursing Program.  If a student receives a grade less than “C” in any science course of the nursing program, the student is allowed to repeat one science course only once. Any other unsatisfactory science grades will result in program dismissal. 

An unsatisfactory grade (i.e. a grade less than “C”) in NRB-131 results in dismissal from the Nursing Program.  Students have the option to reapply to the program once if they are dismissed.  Students are allowed only one reapplication/readmission to the nursing program. If the student is readmitted to the nursing program and achieves a final course grade of “D” or “F” in NRB-131 on the second attempt, the student is dismissed and is ineligible to reapply for admission. 

If a student earns a grade of “D” in any nursing course other than NRB-131, the student may apply for re-entry to the course once (space permitting and providing the GPA is at least 2.0) and must achieve a grade of “C” or better.  If the student returns to the nursing program and achieves a final course grade of “D” or “F”, the student will be dismissed from the Nursing Program and is ineligible to reapply for admission.

If a student achieves a grade of “F” in any nursing course other than NRB-131, the student will be dismissed from the Nursing Program.  The student will be ineligible to reapply for admission to the Nursing Program. 

Students must adhere to the policies of MCC and affiliated health care agencies. A student should complete the nursing program within three years of beginning enrollment in the first nursing course, unless written allowance by the nursing director or Dean of Professional Studies is provided.  A student who does not successfully complete the major nursing sequence under the above conditions may not continue in the program.

Total Credits 62

Contact Information

Nursing

Contact Name: Ms. Nancy Berger, Director of the Nursing Program
OR Jeffrey Herron, Dean, Division of Professional Studies

Contact Phone: 732.906.4660
OR 732.906.3502

Contact Email: NBerger@middlesexcc.edu
OR JHerron@middlesexcc.edu

Department Web: https://www.middlesexcc.edu/nursing/


Frequently Asked Questions

What is the pass rate for the NCLEX?

The pass rate for the NCLEX is as follows:

Class of 2016 - 92.75%
Class of 2017 - 92.41%
Class of 2018 - 90.28%

What is the role of Raritan Bay Medical Center (RBMC)?

Raritan Bay Medical Center (RBMC) (now part of Hackensack Meridian Health) is the Nursing Program partner and is the primary clinical site for the Nursing Program.

Are there any special requirements that must be satisfied before taking courses in the major?

  • An applicant must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
  • Students must have a “B” or better in high school or college laboratory biology and laboratory chemistry.
  • Algebra 1 is a pre-requisite for all majors. Algebra 1 competency may be verified with a passing score on the College’s placement test of completion of the appropriate course. As a result of the student’s performance on the College’s placement test, he or she may need developmental coursework. All developmental coursework must be completed before they will be considered for admission to the program.
  • Students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher on a 4.0 scale. High school GPA will be used if the student has less than 12 college credits at the time of application.
  • When students apply, they must take a Health Technologies entrance examination.

Is there a waitlist for the Nursing program?

No. When an applicant is admitted to the nursing program, the student starts the first nursing course in September.  If you are not admitted, then you may reapply for the next class.

How long will it take to complete this degree?

The standard duration of this Associate Degree program is four semesters (two years). Many students elect to take the science and general education courses required in the program before entry into the program. However, once starting the nursing program, four semesters of nursing courses are required before graduation.   Each nursing course may require Monday through Friday attendance.

Are there any special requirements once the student is admitted to this major?

The student must maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher and meet the academic standards of progress to stay in the nursing program.

Are there additional requirements after graduation to be eligible for licensure?

The New Jersey State Board of Nursing requires that an applicant for licensure as a registered nurse must submit to the Board evidence, in such form as the Board may prescribe, that the applicant is of good moral character, is not a habitual user of drugs and never been convicted or has not pleaded nolo contendere, non vult contendere or non vult to an indictment, information or complaint alleging a violation of any Federal or State law relating to narcotic drugs. Application for licensure may be denied by the Board if violations exist. All licensure candidates must undergo a criminal history record background check, including fingerprinting prior to the issuance of the license.

Can students who major in Nursing transfer to a four-year college or university?

The courses students take may be applied to the Bachelor of Science (BSN) Degree. Any final decision regarding transfer courses will be made by the receiving college. MCC has articulation agreements with Felician University and Kean University that makes the transfer process as seamless as possible. The articulation between the colleges provides students the opportunity to complete their BSN on MCC’s campus.

Are there any other things I should consider before I apply?

Yes, there are practical considerations, health considerations and legal considerations that you should review before making the decision to choose nursing as a career:

Practical Considerations:

The following Practical Considerations are listed so the students may be better able to assess their career choice in terms of ability to succeed in the program and gain employment in the field:

  1. Have written and oral communications skills in the English language to effectively and accurately communicate with patients, peers, and supervisors.
  2. Have sufficient visual acuity to accurately assess patient conditions and treat patients safely.
  3. Have motor skills capable of fine and delicate manipulation of patient equipment.
  4. The ability to transfer, lift and move patients without restrictions.
  5. Demonstrate acceptable affective behaviors required by health care employees such as maintaining excellent attendance and integrity and being able to work under pressure.
  6. Comprehend and follow clinical policies and procedures related to the profession you choose.

Health Considerations:

Due to the nature of clinical experiences in the Nursing Program, students will be participating in a work environment that has the potential of exposure to bloodborne pathogens and infectious diseases. All students accepted into the Nursing Program are provided with instruction on infection control protocols specific to the Program in order to reduce the risk of disease transmission.  Students are required to get a flu shot annually.

Students in the Nursing program must provide proof of having health insurance every semester.

Legal Considerations:

A student is required to have a criminal background check performed with satisfactory results acceptable by Middlesex County College and the Nursing Department and/or participating clinical facilities as a consideration of admission, initial enrollment and/ or continued enrollment. An offer of admission will not be final and enrollment not permitted until the completion of a satisfactory criminal background check. Drug testing is a requirement for the program. Admission may be denied or rescinded or enrollment terminated based on the results of the criminal background check and the drug testing.

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