Associate of Science in Nursing

Offered at Denver, Colorado, and Zona Rosa campus in Kansas City, Missouri.  Interim approval has been granted by the Colorado Board of Nursing.  Full approval has been granted by Missouri Board of Nursing. The Denver, CO ASN program is in NLNAC candidate status for spring 2008 through fall 2009. The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) has granted full initial accreditation for the NAU Zona Rosa, Missouri ASN program for spring 2009 through spring 2014. Information concerning NLNAC accreditation can be obtained at www.nlnac.org

Nursing is a career that is in great demand.  Nursing offers opportunities in multiple settings with individuals, families and communities. The National American University Nursing Associate of Science Degree will provide the student the knowledge and skills necessary to integrate practice theories and concepts from nursing, sciences and humanities when providing comprehensive nursing care in a variety of settings. The program will provide competent graduates prepared to take the NCLEX-RN exam. (Completion of the program does not ensure student eligibility to take the NCLEX exam. Students are responsible for meeting eligibility requirements for licensure designated by the Nurse Practice Act and the State Board of Nursing.)

Student Learning Outcomes

• Exhibit behaviors and characteristics congruent with the professional nurse role.
• Show caring behaviors in the nurse-client interaction.
• Utilize skills to promote collaboration in the health care environment.
• Incorporate information to promote health, prevent disease, restore health, and promote adaptation across the lifespan.
• Create a safe and effective environment.
• Plan and adapt care based on desired outcomes utilizing the nursing process.
• Demonstrate achievement of competency of identified essential nursing skills.
• Provide culturally sensitive care to a diverse group of clients across the lifespan.

Admission Requirements
Application to the nursing foundational core is contingent on application to NAU.

Admission to the nursing foundational core does not guarantee enrollment in the nursing clinical core. Admission to the nursing clinical core is selective and highly competitive.

Completed applications to the nursing clinical core must be received at least 90 days prior to the start of each nursing clinical core cohort. Spaces for the nursing clinical core are assigned on a competitive and space available basis for each admission period.

Acceptance is based on available resources and overall ranking in the following areas:

• Admission to National American University before application to the nursing clinical core.
• Students who have completed nursing foundational coursework at National American University will be given priority consideration but not guaranteed admission into the nursing clinical core.
• Criteria to be considered for acceptance into the nursing clinical core:
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8 on all nursing foundational courses.
• All nursing foundational courses must be completed by application.
• All science courses must have been completed within five years of application.  All science courses must have been achieved with a minimum “C.”
• General education nursing clinical core courses (SC1201, SC1370, PS2000, SO1050 or PS1050) may be completed prior to acceptance into the nursing clinical core. They are not nursing foundational courses and will not be calculated into the nursing foundational core needed 2.8 cumulative GPA.
• A state specific verification of active certification of a nursing assistant must be on the completed application for admission into the nursing clinical core.
• Prior to application to the nursing clinical core, applicants must successfully complete a pre-entrance examination (TEAS). The TEAS provides a means to determine the potential for professional competency. The TEAS score will remain valid as entry criteria for six months. Applicants may retake the test if desired in an attempt to gain a higher score.

Submitted with the application (the cost of the following items is the student’s responsibility):

• Successful criminal background check through a company designated by National American University.
• Evidence of a physical exam (current within six months of admission) completed and signed by a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant.
• Evidence of up-to-date immunizations or evidence of serologic immunity as required by clinical agencies.
• Documentation of a negative TB skin test (taken within one year) or chest x-ray (taken within five years) signed by a licensed professional.
• Documentation of current active CPR certification (American Heart Association for Healthcare Providers).
• Evidence of active health insurance (NAU student policy application is available at the student services desk).
• The functional abilities statement form that declares one’s ability to meet the required performance standards necessary for success in a nursing education program as well as in the nursing profession.

* For a new start ASN clinical core, the application timeline may be modified.

In addition to meeting the NAU general admission requirements, non-English speaking students must pass the official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 500 paper-based, 173 computer-based, or 61 for an Internet-based exam.

The general education transfer courses for the nursing foundational core must meet the same NAU admission criteria.

All nursing prefix (NS) courses must be completed at NAU.