Northeastern’s Associate Degree Nursing Program
Once the set of prerequisite courses are complete, the nursing program is a four-semester program. Students graduate with an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing and are then eligible to take the NCLEX-RN (nursing state board exam) to become a Registered Nurse (RN). RNs are in high demand and are the largest group of health care providers in the United States.
RNs have both independent and dependent functions in providing patient care to include patient assessment, implementing doctors’ orders and providing patient education. RNs work in a variety of settings including hospitals, home care agencies, long term care facilities, clinics, public health care agencies and schools.
Northeastern’s two-year associate degree program in nursing is approved by the state board of nursing upon and is accredited through the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). View the ADN Handbooks here.
ADN Nursing Student Handbook 2024-2025 | Northeastern Junior College (njc.edu)
Practical Nursing (PN):
While NJC does not have a separate Licensed Practical Nursing program, student may take an exit option after completing the first year of the nursing program. Students complete one additional course NUR 169 Transition into Practical Nursing (4 credits) and then are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN (practical nursing state board exam) to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). This option is a certificate program.
LPNs are the entry level position into the nursing profession and work under the direction of a register nurse (RN) or physician. LPNs provide hands on care such as medication administration, wound care, administering feedings via a feeding tube, nasogastric tube insertion and care and bladder cauterizations and care.
LPNs can also become IV (Intravenous) certified and start and maintain IVs and administer a limited number of IV medications. Some specific areas LPNs work include long term care facilities, home care agencies and clinics. Some of our rural hospitals also hire LPNs.
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) to Associate Degree Program:
Current LPNs who desire to further their education can enter the second year of a Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program after completing NUR 189 Transition from LPN to ADN (3 credits) course.
After successful completion of the 2nd year these students are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN (nursing state board exam) to become a Registered Nurse (RN). This option allows LPN’s the opportunity to return to school and work towards their RN.
Dual Enrollment Programs:
As a highlight of Northeastern’s nursing program, Northeastern has agreements with four universities: Metropolitan State University of Denver, University of Colorado-Colorado Springs, University of Northern Colorado, and University of Phoenix that allow students who are working on obtaining their associate degree in nursing to be dually enrolled at the chosen university.
Students who decide to be dually enrolled would work on obtaining their bachelor’s in nursing while attending Northeastern. See a nursing advisor for more information.
Nursing Student Testimonials:
