Associate Degree Nursing

This Selective Program has a competitive entry selection process based on a competitive point system. Application requirements are included in the description below.

Associate Degree Nursing

Associate of Applied Science

The Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program is approved by the Texas Board of Nursing (BON) and is accredited by Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Upon completion of the degree, the graduate will be able to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) administered by National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be a registered nurse and can work in hospitals, day-surgery centers, rehabilitation centers, physicians’ offices, home health care agencies, among other areas.

Mission: "The Mission of the Associate Degree Nursing program is to provide excellence in nursing education for the future Registered Nurses with professional integrity in the delivery of safe patient care services to the diverse regional and global community."

The ADN Program is identified as competitive entry and has a selection process based on a competitive point system. Due to limited resources, some applicants who meet all program application requirements may not be admitted to the program for the current application period.

Application Requirements

All applicants must:

1. Participate in the required Prospective Student Information Session. For the session schedule, access the information online at https://www.southtexascollege.edu/adn or contact the Associate Degree Nursing Program at 872-3089.
2. Be admitted to the college as a high school graduate or GED equivalent.
3. Meet TSI College Readiness Standards, or meet TSI exemption standards.
4. Complete all prerequisite courses with a minimum of "B" as listed in the Associate Degree Nursing Program Degree plan.
5. Achieve a HESI A2 Admission Assessment exam test score of 75% or higher in English Language Composite, Science (Anatomy & Physiology only) and Math. HESI exam test scores must be current within two years.
6. Earn a minimum grade of “B” in “Introduction to Nursing” course within the last two years. Required HESI A2 exam test scores are needed to register for this course.
7. Earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in all courses, including transfer courses, and those completed at STC.
8. Pass a criminal background check through Texas Board of Nursing, 10-panel drug and alcohol screen through approved providers, and complete all required immunizations including Hepatitis B series and any additional clinical requirements before beginning any of nursing clinical courses . For more information contact the NAH Clinical Affairs Specialist at 872-3022.
9. Meet Technical Standards as stated by the Associate Degree Nursing Program.
10. Submit a completed Program application by stated deadline. For more information contact Associate Degree Nursing Program at 872-3089 or access the information online at https://www.southtexascollege.edu/adn.

Competitive Entry Selection Process

The ADN Program selection process is Competitive Entry and is based on a competitive Point System. Points are given for the following selection criteria: ADN Program pre- requisite courses, HESI A2 exam scores, STC Cumulative GPA, a score of 100% in Dosage and Calculation Math Exam in one of three attempts and other additional points as listed in the Application Form. A Cutoff Score is calculated for each application period based on the qualified applicant pool, the number of slots available, and may vary for each application period. Qualified applications are ranked from highest to lowest points and admission is based on this ranking. Applicants with total points above the cutoff score will be admitted and applicants with total points below the cutoff score will be denied. Applicants with total points equal to the cutoff score will be designated as alternates. Should any of the admitted applicants decline admission, an alternate will be offered admission to the program. A random draw of alternate applicants will be used as needed. A full description of the competitive entry point system is published in the Associate Degree Nursing Program website.

NOTE: A new applicant pool is established for each admission period and program. Applicants who were not admitted for the current application period must re-apply to be considered for the next application period. Please see program web page for additional information regarding the application process. https://www.southtexascollege.edu/academics/nursing/

Graduation Requirements

To graduate with an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing, a student must meet college graduation requirements and complete all course work as listed in the degree plan with a minimum grade of "C."

Texas Board of Nursing Information for Students Seeking to Enroll in a Nursing Program

Students seeking to enroll at South Texas College Associate Degree Nursing Program must be in compliance with the Board of Nursing guidelines and the Nursing Practice Act. All prospective students must have a complete Criminal Background Check with the Texas Board of Nursing. Upon application at the STC ADN Program, the student must either present a Blue Card or an Outcome Letter from the TBON. The information is available on the Texas Board of Nursing website.

Licensure of Persons with Criminal History

Students at South Texas College Associate Degree Nursing Program and students seeking to enroll must be in compliance with RULE §213.28 Licensure of Individuals with Criminal History

The STC Board of Trustees approved Board Policy #3337 on July 15, 2004 for all students participating in any Nursing and Allied Health clinical program to meet established program standards for professional practice established by the Dean of Nursing and Allied Health. This policy is implemented to ensure compliance with health care agency standards and state licensing regulations.

Program Learning Outcomes

1. The student will be able to Perform holistic health assessment of assigned patients independently.
2. The student will Utilize clinical reasoning and clinical judgment in providing a patient-centered plan of care to patients, families, and the community with interprofessional collaboration.
3. The student will Implement a Teaching Plan for patients, families, and the community based on diversity, inclusion, equity, and social determinants of health.
4. The student will Manage information technology to promote the safe delivery of care.
5. The student will be able to Provide Evidence-Based nursing care within the legal and ethical framework of nursing practice to patients, families, and the community.

Advisory Committee Members

Kathy Dassler, MS, RN - Chief Nursing Officer, Rio Grande Regional Hospital  
Kennetha Foster, MSN, RN - System Chief Nursing Officer, South Texas Health System - McAllen Center
Nancy Garcia - MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, CMOM, CMCO, Chief Nursing Officer, DHR Health
Cesar E. Guerra, RN - Chief Nursing Officer, Mission Regional Medical Center
Alfred Mascorro - Vice-President, Quality- Rio Grande Regional Hospital
Frank Tostado, RN - Director of Nursing Services - Legends- McAllen Transitional Care 
Romeo Valladares, RN- Administrator, Presidente Home Care, Inc.
Macario Villarreal, RN - Director of Nursing, Retama Manor

• Associate Degree Nursing
  Associate of Applied Science - Fall Admission

• Associate Degree Nursing
  Associate of Applied Science - Spring Admission

• Associate Degree Nursing
  Specialization: LVN/RN Transition Option Associate of Applied Science - Summer Admission

• Associate Degree Nursing
  Specialization: LVN/RN Transition Option Associate of Applied Science - Spring Admission

• Associate Degree Nursing
  Specialization: EMT Paramedic to RN Track Associate of Applied Science - Fall Admission

Associate Degree Nursing
Associate of Applied Science - Fall Admission

TSI Liable

Plan of Study Grid

Pre-requisites		Credit Hours
ENGL 1301	Composition I 1,2	3
BIOL 2401	Anatomy and Physiology I 2	4
BIOL 2402	Anatomy and Physiology II 2	4
RNSG 1209	Introduction to Nursing 3	2
	Credit Hours	13
First Year
Fall
RNSG 1301	Pharmacology	3
RNSG 1513	Foundations for Nursing Practice	5
RNSG 1205	Nursing Skills I	2
RNSG 1262	Clinical I	2
	Credit Hours	12
Spring
RNSG 1144	Nursing Skills II	1
RNSG 1341	Common Concepts of Adult Health	3
RNSG 2161	Clinical - Medical/Surgical (8 weeks)	1
RNSG 2213	Mental Health Nursing	2
RNSG 2162	Clinical - Mental Health (8 weeks)	1
PSYC 2301	General Psychology 2	3
	Credit Hours	11
Second Year
Fall
RNSG 1412	Nursing Care of the Childbearing and Childrearing Family	4
RNSG 2260	Clinical - Pediatrics/Maternal/Infant (8 weeks)	2
RNSG 1343	Complex Concepts of Adult Health	3
RNSG 2361	Clinical - Complex Medical Surgical (8 weeks)	3
	Credit Hours	12
Spring
Humanities Elective 2		3
RNSG 2331	Advanced Concepts of Adult Health	3
RNSG 2163	Clinical IV (12 weeks)	1
RNSG 2221	Professional Nursing: Leadership and Management	2
RNSG 2363	Clinical V (4 weeks)	3
	Credit Hours	12
	Total Credit Hours	60

¹

May substitute ENGL 1302 Composition II - Rhetoric.

²

Identifies courses to fulfill minimum 15 credit hour General Education requirement

³

Admission Assessment Exam (A2 test) composite scores of 75% or better in Math, Science and English required prior to registration for RNSG 1209 Introduction to Nursing.

Associate Degree Nursing
Associate of Applied Science - Spring Admission

TSI Liable

Plan of Study Grid

Pre-requisites		Credit Hours
ENGL 1301	Composition I 1,2	3
BIOL 2401	Anatomy and Physiology I 2	4
BIOL 2402	Anatomy and Physiology II 2	4
RNSG 1209	Introduction to Nursing 3	2
	Credit Hours	13
First Year
Spring
RNSG 1301	Pharmacology	3
RNSG 1513	Foundations for Nursing Practice	5
RNSG 1205	Nursing Skills I	2
RNSG 1262	Clinical I	2
	Credit Hours	12
Fall
RNSG 1144	Nursing Skills II	1
RNSG 1341	Common Concepts of Adult Health	3
RNSG 2161	Clinical - Medical/Surgical (8 weeks)	1
RNSG 2213	Mental Health Nursing	2
RNSG 2162	Clinical - Mental Health (8 weeks)	1
PSYC 2301	General Psychology 2	3
	Credit Hours	11
Second Year
Spring
RNSG 1412	Nursing Care of the Childbearing and Childrearing Family	4
RNSG 2260	Clinical - Pediatrics/Maternal/Infant (8 weeks)	2
RNSG 1343	Complex Concepts of Adult Health	3
RNSG 2361	Clinical - Complex Medical Surgical (8 weeks)	3
	Credit Hours	12
Fall
Humanities Elective 2		3
RNSG 2331	Advanced Concepts of Adult Health	3
RNSG 2163	Clinical IV (12 weeks)	1
RNSG 2221	Professional Nursing: Leadership and Management	2
RNSG 2363	Clinical V (4 weeks)	3
	Credit Hours	12
	Total Credit Hours	60

¹

May substitute ENGL 1302 Composition II - Rhetoric.

²

Identifies courses to fulfill minimum 15 credit hour General Education requirement

³

Admission Assessment Exam (A2 test) composite scores of 75% or better in Math, Science and English required prior to registration for RNSG 1209 Introduction to Nursing.

Associate Degree Nursing - 
Specialization: LVN/RN Transition Option Associate of Applied Science - Summer Admission

TSI Liable

Designed for the individual who is a licensed vocational nurse and who is interested in pursuing the Registered Nurse degree. Students who complete the LVN program must apply for acceptance to the Associate Degree Nursing program in order to be admitted as a student. Prospective Associate Degree Nursing students must meet all application requirements before being eligible to apply to the program. Meeting the specific application requirements is not a guarantee of program acceptance. This Selective program has a competitive entry selection process based on a competitive point system. A full description of the competitive entry point system is published in the Prospective Student Guide on the Associate Degree Nursing Program website.

Plan of Study Grid

First Year
Pre-requisites		Credit Hours
BIOL 2401	Anatomy and Physiology I 1	4
BIOL 2402	Anatomy and Physiology II 1	4
ENGL 1301	Composition I 1,2	3
Vocational Nursing Hours (Electives) 3		10
	Credit Hours	21
Second Year
Summer
RNSG 1417	Concepts of Professional Nursing Practice I for Articulating Students	4
RNSG 1140	Professional Nursing Skills for Articulating Students	1
RNSG 1162	Transition Clinical (8 weeks)	1
RNSG 2213	Mental Health Nursing	2
RNSG 2162	Clinical - Mental Health (8 weeks)	1
PSYC 2301	General Psychology 1	3
RNSG 1301	Pharmacology	3
	Credit Hours	15
Fall
RNSG 2361	Clinical - Complex Medical Surgical	3
RNSG 1412	Nursing Care of the Childbearing and Childrearing Family	4
RNSG 2260	Clinical - Pediatrics/Maternal/Infant	2
RNSG 1343	Complex Concepts of Adult Health	3
	Credit Hours	12
Spring
Humanities Elective 1		3
RNSG 2331	Advanced Concepts of Adult Health	3
RNSG 2163	Clinical IV (12 weeks)	1
RNSG 2221	Professional Nursing: Leadership and Management	2
RNSG 2363	Clinical V (4 weeks)	3
	Credit Hours	12
	Total Credit Hours	60

¹

Identifies courses to fulfill minimum 15 credit hour General Education requirement

²

May substitute ENGL 1302 Composition II - Rhetoric

³ Vocational Nursing Hours (Electives)

Upon successful completion of RNSG 1417 Concepts of Professional Nursing Practice I for Articulating Students, RNSG 1140 Professional Nursing Skills for Articulating Students and RNSG 1162 Transition Clinical, an escrow of 10 credit hours will be given for the following courses:

Course List

Code	Title	Credit Hours
RNSG 1513	Foundations for Nursing Practice	5
RNSG 1205	Nursing Skills I	2
RNSG 1144	Nursing Skills II	1
RNSG 1262	Clinical I	2
Total Credit Hours		10

Associate Degree Nursing - 
Specialization: LVN/RN Transition Option Associate of Applied Science - Spring Admission

TSI Liable

Designed for the individual who is a licensed vocational nurse and who is interested in pursuing the Registered Nurse degree. Students who complete the LVN program must apply for acceptance to the Associate Degree Nursing program. Prospective Associate Degree Nursing students must meet all application requirements before being eligible to apply to the program. Meeting the specific application requirements is not a guarantee of program acceptance. This Selective Program has a competitive entry selection process based on a competitive point system. A full description of the competitive entry point system is published in the Prospective Student Guide on the Associate Degree Nursing Program website.

Plan of Study Grid

First Year
Pre-requisites		Credit Hours
BIOL 2401	Anatomy and Physiology I 1	4
BIOL 2402	Anatomy and Physiology II 1	4
ENGL 1301	Composition I 1,2	3
Vocational Nursing Hours (Electives) 3		10
	Credit Hours	21
Second Year
Spring
RNSG 1417	Concepts of Professional Nursing Practice I for Articulating Students	4
RNSG 1140	Professional Nursing Skills for Articulating Students	1
RNSG 1162	Transition Clinical (8 weeks)	1
RNSG 2213	Mental Health Nursing	2
RNSG 2162	Clinical - Mental Health (8 weeks)	1
RNSG 1301	Pharmacology	3
PSYC 2301	General Psychology 1	3
	Credit Hours	15
Summer
RNSG 2361	Clinical - Complex Medical Surgical (8 weeks)	3
RNSG 1412	Nursing Care of the Childbearing and Childrearing Family	4
RNSG 2260	Clinical - Pediatrics/Maternal/Infant (8 weeks)	2
RNSG 1343	Complex Concepts of Adult Health	3
	Credit Hours	12
Fall
Humanities Elective 1		3
RNSG 2331	Advanced Concepts of Adult Health	3
RNSG 2163	Clinical IV (12 weeks)	1
RNSG 2221	Professional Nursing: Leadership and Management	2
RNSG 2363	Clinical V (4 weeks)	3
	Credit Hours	12
	Total Credit Hours	60

¹

Identifies courses to fulfill minimum 15 credit hour General Education requirement

²

May substitute ENGL 1302 Composition II - Rhetoric

³ Vocational Nursing Hours (Electives)

Upon successful completion of RNSG 1417 Concepts of Professional Nursing Practice I for Articulating Students, RNSG 1140 Professional Nursing Skills for Articulating Students and RNSG 1162 Transition Clinical, an escrow of 10 credit hours will be given for the following courses:

Course List

Code	Title	Credit Hours
RNSG 1513	Foundations for Nursing Practice	5
RNSG 1205	Nursing Skills I	2
RNSG 1144	Nursing Skills II	1
RNSG 1262	Clinical I	2
Total Credit Hours		10

Associate Degree Nursing - 
Specialization: EMT Paramedic to RN Track Associate of Applied Science - Fall Admission

TSI Liable

Designed for the individual who is a licensed Emergency Medical Technology (formally Paramedic) under either Texas or National Registry, and who is interested in pursuing the Registered Nurse degree. Students who complete the EMT-Paramedic program must apply for acceptance to the Associate Degree Nursing program. Prospective Associate Degree Nursing students must meet all application requirements before being eligible to apply to the program. Meeting the specific application requirements is not a guarantee of program acceptance. This Selective Program has a competitive entry selection process based on a competitive point system. A full description of the competitive entry point system is published in the Prospective Student Guide on the Associate Degree Nursing Program website.

Plan of Study Grid

First Year
Pre-requisites		Credit Hours
BIOL 2401	Anatomy and Physiology I 1	4
BIOL 2402	Anatomy and Physiology II 1	4
ENGL 1301	Composition I 1,2	3
Paramedic Nursing Hours (Electives) 3		10
	Credit Hours	21
Fall
RNSG 1417	Concepts of Professional Nursing Practice I for Articulating Students	4
RNSG 1140	Professional Nursing Skills for Articulating Students	1
RNSG 1162	Transition Clinical (8 weeks)	1
RNSG 2213	Mental Health Nursing	2
RNSG 1301	Pharmacology	3
PSYC 2301	General Psychology 1	3
RNSG 2162	Clinical - Mental Health (8 weeks)	1
	Credit Hours	15
Spring
RNSG 1412	Nursing Care of the Childbearing and Childrearing Family	4
RNSG 2260	Clinical - Pediatrics/Maternal/Infant (8 weeks)	2
RNSG 2361	Clinical - Complex Medical Surgical (8 weeks)	3
RNSG 1343	Complex Concepts of Adult Health	3
	Credit Hours	12
Second Year
Fall
Humanities Elective 1		3
RNSG 2331	Advanced Concepts of Adult Health	3
RNSG 2163	Clinical IV (12 weeks)	1
RNSG 2221	Professional Nursing: Leadership and Management	2
RNSG 2363	Clinical V (4 weeks)	3
	Credit Hours	12
	Total Credit Hours	60

¹

Identifies courses to fulfill minimum 15 credit hour General Education requirement

²

May substitute ENGL 1302 Composition II - Rhetoric.

³ Paramedic Nursing Hours (Electives)

Upon successful completion of RNSG 1417 Concepts of Professional Nursing Practice I for Articulating Students, RNSG 1140 Professional Nursing Skills for Articulating Students and RNSG 1162 Transition Clinical, an escrow of 10 credit hours will be given for the following courses:

Course List

Code	Title	Credit Hours
RNSG 1513	Foundations for Nursing Practice	5
RNSG 1205	Nursing Skills I	2
RNSG 1144	Nursing Skills II	1
RNSG 1262	Clinical I	2
Total Credit Hours		10