This page contains the following information pertaining to the ADN Program:
Ethical Requirements
Background Checks
All admitted students will be required to undergo a fingerprint background check before beginning the clinical portion of the ADN Program. The background check will be coordinated by the Health Professions Office. However, students will be responsible for the cost of the procedure.
A student with a positive background check containing disqualifying convictions, as defined by state law, will not be allowed to enter the clinical portion of this course until a waiver from the Illinois Department of Public Health is granted and on file with the Health Professions Office. If students have proof that they’ve completed a background check within the last 12 months, he or she should submit that material to the Health Professions Office.
Professional Integrity and Code of Ethics
Richland’s ADN Program holds its students to a high standard. The American Nurse Associate (ANA) Code of Ethics will serve as the basis of Richland’s Professional Integrity Policy and Code of Ethics.
Health and Safety Requirements
Affiliation agreements with our clinical partners require students submit documentation of health and safety requirements. Failure to comply for any reason may result in withdrawal of offer of admission or dismissal from the program.
Under no circumstances are students to attend clinical without current immunizations, initial Mantoux TB or current CPR. TB and CPR must be current from the first day of the semester through the last day of classes in the semester. Drug screens and background checks are required. The student must provide documentation to the Health Profession’s Division that immunization requirements are met.
The student must be capable of performing the core performance standards of the National Council of the State Boards of Nursing .Completion of the Student Health Record indicates performance of a physical examination and documentation of the student’s ability to perform all the National Council’s Core Performance Standards.
Ongoing Program Responsibilities
While in the program, the student is responsible for the following ongoing responsibilities:
- Documentation of the annual Tuberculin test current from the first day of the semester through the last day of classes.
- A copy of a current Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Provider Card.
- Notification of health problems while in the program. This will still be required to perform all the functional abilities outlined in the NCSBN Core Performance Standards. A student whose health status changes during the program must inform the clinical instructor so appropriate precautions can be taken and must submit written documentation of any limitations from physician.
Drug and Alcohol Testing
Any of the clinical sites or faculty may require Richland Community College Nursing students to submit to random drug tests for cause. Any student refusing to comply or who test positive will not be allowed to participate in clinical experiences. Students who refuse to comply with testing will be dismissed from the program. If the test results are positive, action will be determined by the faculty committee. The student is responsible for any costs incurred by the clinical affiliate for drug testing.
Health Insurance
Students are encouraged to obtain their own health insurance coverage. None is provided through the College.
Course Requirements
The AAS in Nursing is made up of 72 credit hours including general education, and nursing core courses. Listed below is a breakdown and description of the degree’s course requirements.
Associate of Applied Science in Nursing
- General Education and Elective Credit Hours - 28 Credit Hours
- Nursing Core Credit Hours - 44 Credit Hours
- Total Credit Hours - 72 Credit Hours
General Education Courses and Electives (28 Credit Hours)
If students do not meet the high school coursework requirements or ACT minimums or have graduated from high school more than three years ago, students will need to take at least 15 credit hours from the general education and elective courses listed below in order to be eligible to apply to the ADN Program. The remaining 13 credit hours may be completed upon admission to the ADN Program.
- BIOL 201 Human Anatomy and Physiology I (4)
- PSYCH 110 Intro to Psychology (3)
- BIOL 202 Human Anatomy and Physiology II (4)
- PSYCH 145 Human Growth & Development (3)
- BIOL 220 Microbiology (4)
- SOCIO 110 Intro to Sociology (3)
- ENGL 101 Composition I (3)
- Fine Arts Elective
- HLTH 197/297 Topics in Health care (1)
Graduation Requirements for ADN Students
- A “C” or better in all prerequisites and program courses
- A minimum G.P.A of 2.5
- Successful completion of all nursing psychomotor competencies with 76% of the designated skills performed in the clinical setting
- A score of 850 or greater on the HESI Exit Exam
- A score 0f 850 or greater on each required HESI outcome test
- Meets the ANA Code of Ethics and the Integrity Policy
