Nursing

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Overview

Graduates of the Associate Degree Nursing program are prepared to take the state licensure exam for Registered Nurses- NCLEX-RN. The Associate Degree Nursing program is approved by the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission (NCQAC). The NCQAC may be reached at PO Box 47864 Olympia, WA 98504-7864 360-236-4700 nursing@doh.wa.gov.

This nursing education program is a candidate for accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. The Commission may be contacted at 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, Georgia 30326. Phone: (404) 975-5000, email: info@acenursing.org

The Registered Nurse performs acts that require substantial knowledge, judgment and skill based on the principles of biological, behavioral, health, and nursing sciences. Such acts are grounded in the elements of the nursing process which includes, but is not limited to, the assessment, analysis, diagnosis, planning, implementation and evaluation of nursing care and health teaching in the maintenance and the promotion of health or prevention of illness of others and the support of a dignified death. The registered nurse using specialized knowledge can perform the activities of administration, supervision, delegation and evaluation of nursing practice.

Graduates are well prepared in the art and science of nursing to meet the challenging and changing demands of the healthcare industry. Graduates of the BTC Nursing program work in a variety of settings including acute care hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living, skilled home care, hospice, clinics, day-surgery centers, schools, and public health.

Academic preparation includes core courses in arts and sciences and those focusing on basic nursing skills and knowledge. In addition to providing pathways designed for those new to the field, Bellingham Technical College is committed to providing pathways for the movement of licensed practical nurses into its Associate Degree- Transfer program. Agreements are in place with baccalaureate programs, enabling graduates to continue their education. Applicants are encouraged to plan early for Baccalaureate Degree completion by meeting with an admissions adviser at their school of choice.

The Associate Degrees in Nursing DTA/MRP and LPN to Associate in Applied Science programs includes instruction in English, psychology, mathematics, and science and will position you to enter select Washington State four-year pre-licensure nursing programs as a junior, where you may complete your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.

Direct Transfer Agreement/Major Related Program (DTA/MRP)

Upon completion of BTC’s Associate Degrees in Nursing DTA/MRP and LPN to Associate in Applied Science program degree, students are eligible to transfer to a number of Washington State institutions.

Important note: Admission into many schools is competitive and higher grade point averages and course grades are often required. Completion of the general Associate Degree in Nursing DTA/MRP or LPN to Associate in Applied Science program degree does not necessarily satisfy all transfer requirements; some institutions may have additional course requirements. Check individual schools for the most up-to-date admission requirements and recommendations.

Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities, please contact Accessibility Resources at 360-752-8576.

Program Outcomes

• Practice professional nursing behaviors incorporating personal responsibility and accountability for continued practice by providing care requiring substantial knowledge, judgment and skill based on the principles of biological, behavioral, health and nursing sciences.
• Integrate knowledge of holistic needs to provide an individual centered assessment and implement caring interventions based on respect for patient preferences, values and needs.
• Demonstrate self-care by extending the notion of caring to interactions with self, peers, and co-workers; this includes promoting healthy behaviors, reflection, self-analysis, and a healthy work environment.
• Actively participate within the nursing profession by seeking opportunities for continued learning, self-development, leadership, and management skills.
• Use effective communication techniques to: therapeutically interact with the individual/family; provide health education; completely and accurately convey information to other professionals and coworkers; establish rapport, educate and resolve conflict.
• Utilize substantive evidence to demonstrate critical thinking, decision making, and problem solving by reflecting on, integrating, and building upon theoretical concepts.
• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary healthcare team to advocate for positive individual, organizational and community outcomes.
• Coordinate health care for the individual including appropriate allocation of resources, quality improvement processes, and informatics to formulate evidence-based clinical judgments and decisions.
• Collect, interpret and prioritize information from a variety of sources to provide safe evidence-based nursing care using a legally defined scope of practice and professionally defined standards.

Program Entry Information

The AAS-T program option is closed, please see the DTA/MRP Associate Degree in Nursing. Continue reviewing the Nursing website for future information.

Program Start

• LPN’s who are interested in applying to the Nursing program should meet with an advisor to plan a course of study. Please call the Admissions and Resource Center at 360-752-8345 to make an appointment.

Degree and Certificate Requirements

Nursing DTA/MRP Degree completion requires a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or greater and minimum grade of B- /2.7 for all Program Core courses, and minimum grade of B/3.0 for all academic courses.

Programs

• Nursing, AAS-T

• Associate in Nursing, DTA/MRP

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