Nursing (RN) Associate in Science

With the population of Central Florida growing at a staggering rate, the need for nurses is expanding along with it. In this limited-access program, students will learn a broad range of subjects and attend clinical experiences that prepare them to work at hospitals, extended-care facilities, and community health centers to meet the demand.

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Getting Started: 12-Week Session

Jan. 2:  Financial Aid


Jan. 22:  Application


Jan. 29:  Classes Begin

Other Important Dates »

Why Seminole State?

  • Industry-driven curriculum: Courses were developed with input from Central Florida healthcare partners.
  • Flexible scheduleStudents have the option of a full-time day program or a part-time program designed for working professionals. 
  • Seamless transition: With your associate degree (ASN), you can easily transfer into the RN-to-BSN program.
  • Dedicated faculty: Faculty are licensed healthcare professionals with real-world and classroom expertise.  
  • Affordable tuition: Seminole State has significantly lower costs than Florida's universities.
  • Job placement: Seminole State's nursing program is consistently ranked as one of the best in the nation and boasts a near-perfect job-placement rate for its graduates. 

Additional Information

Nursing Info Sessions

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Nursing (RN)
Type: Associate in Science
Major Code: RN-AS
CIP: 1351380100

Program Description

Program Admission

Available Course Course Not Offered Summer 2024

Students must complete all Required Courses with a grade of "C" or higher.

This course introduces the Student Learning Outcomes (5Cs) of the Nursing curriculum upon which all subsequent nursing courses are built. The student is introduced to the Student Learning Outcomes (5Cs): caring, communication, collaboration and management of care, commitment to professionalism and clinical competence and decision-making as they apply to the role of the nurse. The student will be introduced to the legal, ethical and professional standards of the nursing profession and the role of the associate degree nurse in health promotion, maintenance and restoration. Basic bio-psychosocial needs of clients are identified and the student will begin to utilize the nursing process to identify and intervene when these needs are unmet. The student will explore basic concepts regarding the therapeutic use of medications, patient response to drug therapy and the nurse’s role in medication administration as part of the health care team. Clinical competence in selected basic nursing skills will be developed in the nursing laboratory. Clinical experiences include long-term care and acute care facilities where students begin to apply concepts and competencies learned in the classroom and nursing laboratory. Students must complete this course with a grade of "C" or higher. Lab fee required.
The nursing skills laboratory course introduces basic nursing skills utilized and delegated by the nurse to implement the nursing process. This course complements the foundations of nursing course and provides students an opportunity to integrate evidence-based practice into the clinical skills laboratory. This course introduces the student learning outcomes of caring, clinical competence and decision-making, communication, commitment to professionalism and collaboration and management of care. Demonstrations of basic nursing skills, therapeutic use of medication, client responses to drug therapy and the nurse’s role in medication administration in a safe and supportive environment will be emphasized. Students must complete this course with a grade of "C" or higher. Lab fee required.
This course introduces the student to important concepts related to assessment and maintenance of health in individuals. Content will cover basic assessment of patients across the lifespan, including patients with diverse backgrounds as well as geriatric populations. Students will perform assessments incorporating aspects of history-taking, risk potential, psychosocial development, physical examination techniques and deviations from normal assessment findings. This course will emphasize the core educational competencies of the curriculum: caring, clinical competence and decision-making, communication, commitment to professionalism and collaboration and management of care. A strong laboratory focus is provided to enable the student/learner to demonstrate competence in nursing assessment skills. Students must complete this course with a grade of "C" or higher.
This course builds upon the core educational competencies introduced during the Fundamentals course. Using the framework of the nursing process, the student is able to assist the adult client and family achieve an optimum state of health and wellness. This course prepares the student/learner to apply theoretical knowledge and basic nursing skills when providing care in meeting the biopsychosocial needs of adult clients with simple/common medical and surgical problems. This course will continue to emphasize the Student Learning Outcomes of the curriculum: caring interventions, clinical competence and decision-making, communication, commitment to professionalism and collaboration and management of care. A strong laboratory focus is provided to enable to the student/learner to demonstrate competence in selected basic nursing skills. Clinical experiences in the acute care setting will be provided along with simulated lab experiences. Students must complete this course with a grade of "C" or higher. Lab fee required.
This course focuses on the theory base necessary for understanding mental health and illness. Students utilize the nursing process in the care of patients experiencing interference in meeting basic needs due to neurobiological and psychosocial problems. This course continues to build on the five core educational competencies of the curriculum: (a) caring interventions, (b) clinical competence and decision-making, (c) communication, (d) commitment to professionalism and (e) collaboration and management of care. Emphasis is placed on developing therapeutic communication skills, self-awareness and effective nurse-patient relationships. Students collaborate with the healthcare team in a mental health clinical setting and begin to develop the core competencies necessary to achieve desired client outcomes. Psychopharmacology across the lifespan and concepts of medication management are integrated in each unit. Community experiences, selected video, role play and simulation activities are incorporated in this course. There are clinical experiences in acute care inpatient mental health facilities and selected community settings. Students must complete this course with a grade of "C" or higher. Lab fee required.
This course prepares the student/learner to apply safe and effective care for clients with advanced medical and surgical problems. This course is designed to build on material from the previous medical surgical courses. Through the use of the nursing process, this course will build on the five Student Learning Outcomes of the curriculum: caring interventions, clinical competence and decision-making, communication, commitment to professionalism and collaboration and management of care. The student will prioritize the biopsychosocial needs of clients to promote optimal health and wellness. Lab simulation of selected clinical nursing skills will be used to facilitate meeting the needs of clients with advanced medical and surgical problems. During clinical, students will interact with culturally diverse clients. Clinical experiences in acute care settings and observational experiences in specialty settings may be scheduled to enhance the learning experience. Students must complete this course with a grade of "C" or higher. Lab fee required.
This course addresses the unique concepts in maternal-child nursing. This course will help prepare the student to meet the developmental, biological and psychosocial health and illness needs of the child-bearing family. The educational and anticipatory guidance needs of the child-bearing family will be integrated throughout the theory and clinical components in the course to enable the family to maintain or restore an optimal state of health and well-being. The clinical component provides guided clinical experiences that allow students to demonstrate caring and clinical competencies in the application of the nursing process in selected obstetric and pediatric health care environments. Students interact with culturally diverse clients and families with emphasis on the integration of critical thinking, effective interpersonal communication, professionalism and legal and ethical standards. The clinical simulation laboratory experience reinforces the concepts acquired during the theoretical portion of the class and allows for student collaboration and decision-making in a supported environment. Concepts that will be emphasized throughout the curriculum reflect the Student Learning Outcomes: caring, clinical competence and decision-making, communication, commitment to professionalism and collaboration and management of care. Students must complete this course with a grade of "C" or higher.
This course is designed to build on the five Student Learning Outcomes of the curriculum: (a) caring interventions, (b) clinical competence and decision-making, (c) communication, (d) commitment to professionalism and (e) collaboration and management of care. The nursing process will be a guide for the student to utilize decision-making skills to meet the biopsychosocial needs of clients with complex medical and surgical problems and multi-system dysfunction. Lab simulation of selected clinical nursing skills will be used to facilitate meeting the needs of the client with complex medical and surgical problems and multi-system dysfunction. During clinical experiences, students will interact with culturally diverse clients. Clinical experiences in acute care settings and observational experiences in specialty settings may be scheduled to enhance learning experiences. Content will include concepts of critical care, emergency care and application of leadership and patient care management. Students must complete this course with a grade of "C" or higher.
This culminating course in the Associate Degree Nursing Program provides students the opportunity to (a) synthesize previous knowledge and skills and (b) develop new knowledge and skills for the management of client care in a dynamically changing healthcare system. Students participate in live and online seminars to develop and enhance the five Student Learning Outcomes of the nursing program: (a) caring interventions, (b) clinical competence and decision-making, (c) communication, (d) commitment to professionalism and (e) collaboration and management of care as they learn to make the transition from student to graduate nurse. In addition, selected leadership and management principles including (a) prioritizing competently, (b) delegating successfully and (c) managing conflict will be explored. These outcomes are applied in the clinical environment through a guided preceptorship that is directed by the nursing faculty. Students must complete this course with a grade of "C" or higher. Lab fee required.

Option one

This course focuses on the scientific principles of normal nutrition, including specific nutrients, digestion, absorption, metabolism and nutritional requirements of different age groups. This course has a special focus on the application of nutrition principles to physical health. Emphasis is placed on the interdisciplinary team approach to disease prevention and health restoration.

Option two

This course provides instruction in the scientific principles of nutrition, including the role of specific nutrients, digestion of each, absorption, metabolism and sources of the nutrients and requirements of the various age groups. Emphasis is on the factors influencing the ability of individuals to maintain good nutritional status.
A study and application of science-based nutrition concepts within healthcare focusing on medical nutrition therapy in disease management.

Natural Science General Education Core course

3 Credits
This course is primarily for science majors or students with a strong biology background. It is a study of the molecular and cellular composition and function of living organisms. Emphasis will be given to structure, chemical metabolism and genetic mechanisms. Laboratory illustrates basic biological principles. Lab fee required. This class satisfies the General Education State Core Science requirement for A.A. degree seeking students.
This is the first part of a two-semester course that investigates in detail the structure and function of humans. The course is primarily designed for students of healthcare professions, biology or physical education. We will utilize a "system" approach, examining each organ system at the cellular, tissue, organ and system levels and discuss interactions with other systems. Emphasis will be placed on the homeostatic rather than the dysfunctional individual. Lab fee required.
This course is the second part of a two-semester course that investigates the structure and function of humans. The course is designed for students of healthcare professions, biology or physical education. We utilize a "systems" approach, examining each organ system at the cellular, tissue, organ and system levels and discuss interactions with other systems. Emphasis will be placed on homeostatic rather than dysfunctional individuals. Lab fee required.
This fundamental course in Microbiology is designed to fulfill the needs of nursing students as well as other allied health majors. The course stresses the structure, nutrition, growth, control, metabolism and introductory genetics of bacteria. An introduction to fungi, parasites and viruses is included. Laboratory experience in techniques and primary isolation will be provided. Lab fee required.

MCB 2005C Microbiology for Health Professionals may substitute for MCB 2010C in the RN-AS

Communication General Education Core course

3 Credits
English I Gen Ed Core
3
Credits
This is a course in the process of expository writing. Students will compose essays that are unified, organized, logically developed and supported, clearly stated, and well-focused. The analysis of texts and vetting of information will help inform student writing. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Communications requirement for degree seeking students.

Students can satisfy the English Requirement with either ENC 1101 English I or ENC 1102 English II.

Mathematics General Education Core course

3 Credits
College Algebra Gen Ed Core
3
Credits
This course is a study of the fundamental topics in advanced algebra with emphasis on applications, the understanding of the function concept and manipulative skills. Major topics include operations on algebraic expressions and complex numbers, solving polynomial equations and inequalities, absolute value equations and inequalities and rational equations and inequalities, applications, functions, exponents and logarithms, graphs of polynomial, exponential and logarithmic functions and systems of equations and inequalities. The use of graphing calculators will be incorporated throughout the course. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Mathematics requirement for degree seeking students.

Or higher level math course

PHI 2010 is recommended.

Art Appreciation Gen Ed Core
3
Credits
This course introduces students to art from a variety of cultures and historical contexts. Topics include major art movements, varieties of materials and aesthetic theories. Coursework covers formal terms, elements and principles common to the study of art and architecture. The course stresses the relationship of design principles to various art forms including, but not limited to, sculpture, painting and architecture. Upon completion, students should be able to identify and analyze a variety of artistic styles, periods and media and students will have an increased vocabulary of art terminology. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Humanities requirement for degree seeking students.
This humanities course is designed to introduce students to the critical study of human culture and its varied expressions across time. Students will employ interdisciplinary methods of analysis through engagement with cultural artifacts in order to develop a foundational understanding of the human experience and its connection to culture. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Humanities requirement for degree seeking students.
This humanities course is designed to introduce students to the critical study of human culture and its varied expressions across time. Students will employ interdisciplinary methods of analysis through engagement with cultural artifacts in order to develop a foundational understanding of the human experience and its connection to culture. This course partially satisfies the writing requirements of S.B.E. 6A-10.030. This class satisfies the General Education State Core Humanities for degree seeking students.
This course is designed to introduce students to the concepts and applications of analytical and theoretical approaches to literature. Students will employ critical thinking in their interrogation of the texts. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Humanities requirement for degree seeking students.
Open to all students, this course is designed for the musical layman and is a survey course devoted to music in world civilization. Included is a study of the music relating to the background of the life and other arts of the times. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Humanities requirement for degree seeking students.
This course is designed for the musical layman and is a survey course devoted to music in world civilization. Included is a study of the music relating to the background of the life and other arts of the times. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Humanities requirement for degree-seeking students. Honors level content. Permission from Honors Director required.
This course covers fundamental philosophical questions of the human condition including: discussions of existence, identity, ethics, culture, free will, personhood, politics, distributive justice, and much more. Students engage in deep critical thought, analysis of philosophical perspectives including their own, and ultimately gain perspective on how philosophy manifests itself in every aspect of our lived experience. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Humanities requirement.
This course covers fundamental philosophical questions of the human condition including: discussions of existence, identity, ethics, culture, free will, personhood, politics, distributive justice, and much more. Students engage in deep critical thought, analysis of philosophical perspectives including their own, and ultimately gain perspective on how philosophy manifests itself in every aspect of our lived experience. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030. Honors level content. Permission required from Honors director. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Humanities requirement.
This course surveys the art of theatre. Students will learn about the process of creating theatre through study of the production process and the many artists who participate in the creation of theatre. Through videos and attendance at live theatre, students will also learn the various forms of theatre, such as tragedy and comedy and various modes of presentation, both presentational and representational. Students will also be introduced to theatre's historic roots and its diversity as expressed in various cultures throughout the globe. This course contains a reading and writing component. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B. E. 6A-10.030. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Humanities requirement for degree seeking students.
This course surveys the art of theatre. Students will learn about the process of creating theatre through study of the production process and the many artists who participate in the creation of theatre. Through videos and attendance at live theatre, students will also learn the various forms of theatre, such as tragedy and comedy and various modes of presentation, both presentational and representational. Students will also be introduced to theatre's historic roots and its diversity as expressed in various cultures throughout the globe. This course contains a reading and writing component. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B. E. 6A-10.030. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Humanities requirement for degree seeking students.
This is an introductory course which surveys the scientific study of behavior and mental processes known as psychology. This course will focus on the major categories identified by the American Psychological Association which are: Biological, Cognitive, Development, Social and Personality, and Mental and Physical Health. These categories will encompass topics such as learning, motivation, emotions, personality, abnormal behavior, treatment and therapy options, and an introduction to research methods. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030. Some sections of PSY 2012 have service-learning components. Please refer to class notes in schedule of classes for details. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Social Science/History requirement for degree seeking students.
This is an introductory psychology course with an Honors designation. It intends to survey the scientific study of behavior and mental processes known as psychology. Honors level content. Permission required from Honors director. This course will focus on the major categories identified by the American Psychological Association which are: Biological, Cognitive, Development, Social and Personality, and Mental and Physical Health. These categories will encompass topics such as learning, motivation, emotions, personality, abnormal behavior, treatment and therapy options, and an introduction to research methods. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030. Some sections may have service-learning components. Please refer to class notes in schedule of classes for details. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Social Science/History requirement for degree seeking students.
U.S. Federal Government Gen Ed Core Civic Lit
3
Credits
In this course basic aspects of the federal government are studied. Emphasis is placed upon content and interpretation of the Constitution, Federalism, the Congress, the Presidency, the federal court system and the citizen's connection to the federal government by means of elections, political parties, interest groups and public opinion. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030. This class satisfies the General Education State Core Social Science/History requirement for A.A. degree seeking students and the Florida state civic literacy requirement per Florida Statues Section 1007.25 for all students.
Honors U.S. Federal Government Gen Ed Core Civic Lit
3
Credits
In this course, basic aspects of the federal government are studied. Emphasis is placed upon content and interpretation of the Constitution, Federalism, the Congress, the Presidency, the federal court system and the citizen's connection to the federal government by means of elections, political parties, interest groups and public opinion. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030. This class satisfies the General Education State Core Social Science/History requirement for A.A. degree seeking students and the Florida state civic literacy requirement per Florida Statues Section 1007.25 for all students.
This course begins with the "Reconstruction" period and examines the problems of reunifying America. The nation's industrial period gets close attention, as does the rise of American cities and their accompanying social and political problems. The Spanish-American War, World War I, and its aftermath in the "Roaring Twenties" are analyzed. The Great Depression and World War II are detailed. The conflicts of the late twentieth century are examined as well. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Social Science/History requirement for degree seeking students and satisfies the Florida State Civic Literacy requirement per Florida Statutes.
This course begins with the "Reconstruction" period and examines the problems of reunifying America. The nation's industrial period gets close attention, as does the rise of American cities and their accompanying social and political problems. The Spanish-American War, World War I, and its aftermath in the "Roaring Twenties" are analyzed. The Great Depression and World War II are detailed. The conflicts of the late twentieth century are examined as well. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Social Science/History requirement for degree seeking students and satisfies the Florida State Civic Literacy requirement per Florida Statutes.

POS 2041, POS 2041H, AMH 2020 or AMH 2020H partially satisfies the Civic Literacy requirement. Students entering the Florida College System for the first time in Fall 2022 or later can satisfy the Civic Literacy requirement by passing a course and an assessment. Refer to the online catalog for assessment options.

Total Credits: 72

Gen Ed Core   Denotes that a class is a State of Florida General Education Core Course.

Beginning in the 2022-23 academic year and thereafter, students entering associate in arts, associate in science or associate in applied science, or baccalaureate degree programs must complete at least one (1) course from each of the general education subject areas listed in this section prior to the awarding of their degree. Please refer to this catalog's Graduation Requirements section for specific requirements on the General Education Core Courses .

Civic Lit   Denotes that a class counts toward the course Civic Literacy Requirement.

The State of Florida requires that all students graduating from Seminole State College of Florida and other institutions in the Florida College System (FCS), as well as from any State University System (SUS) institution, fulfill a Civic Literacy Competency requirement prior to submitting an Intent to Graduate form in the term they plan to graduate. Requirements vary based on admit term and program. Please refer to this catalog’s Graduation Requirements section for specific requirements on the Civic Literacy Proficiency Requirement.

Additional Information

Nursing Info Sessions

Attend a Zoom session and learn about our degrees & programs.

Your tuition shouldn’t go against your intuition.

Your pursuit of higher education is admirable. So why struggle with high tuition in the process? Here we make life’s next steps affordable. Whether you’re seeking a university transfer (A.A.) degree, a four-year bachelor’s, an Associate in Science degree or even earning a college credit certificate, you’ll find reasonable tuition and great value. And to us, that’s scholarly.

In fact, a full-time college education at Seminole State is more than $10,000 less each year than most state universities.

Go For Less.


Tuition and Fee Comparison*

 Seminole StateUFFSUUCF
Tuition and Fees$3,131$6,380$5,666 $5,954 
Room and Board-0-$11,500
$12,740  $12,070 
Books and Supplies$1,000$1,060$1,000$1,000
Total$4,131$18,940$19,406$19,024

For more information on Seminole State's tuition and fees, please see the current fee schedule.

* Tuition costs are based on the current academic year for in-state students living on campus. Dorm fees, meal plans and book expenses are estimates based on cost of attendance information provided by the State University System of Florida. Lab fees and other fees that may be assessed at the time of registration may be viewed in the College fee schedule. As Seminole State is a commuter college with no residence halls on its campuses, costs for room and board are not calculated.

Additional Information

Nursing Info Sessions

Attend a Zoom session and learn about our degrees & programs.

Profession

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Job Outlook

Degree Transfer

Certifications

Additional Information

Nursing Info Sessions

Attend a Zoom session and learn about our degrees & programs.