The North Hennepin Community College Associate Degree Nursing Program is designed to educate students who are prepared to begin professional nursing careers as competent, caring members of today's healthcare team. The NHCC program is a partner in the Minnesota Alliance for Nursing Education (MANE). Coursework includes nursing theory focusing on holistic assessment, therapeutic nursing interventions including communication, levels of prevention, critical thinking, collaboration and leadership/management concepts. Clinical application occurs in a variety of settings including: acute, subacute and long term care facilities, community clinics, schools and home health settings. Safe, caring, competent nursing care across the lifespan and along the wellness continuum is fostered.

All students admitted will be dually enrolled in North Hennepin Community College and Metropolitan State University. Upon the completion of five semesters, graduates are awarded an Associate in Science degree in Nursing and are eligible to apply to take the NCLEXRN exam and meet the Minnesota State Board of Nursing requirements for licensure. NHCC nursing graduates can seamlessly continue for an additional three semesters with an upper division full partner school in the Minnesota Alliance for Nursing Education (MANE) to complete their Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The Advanced Standing Track is offered to qualified licensed practical nurses (LPNs). Students who enter in the spring of 2015 or later are granted 5 credits of advanced standing and will participate in a transition course to assist in the change of role to professional nurse.

Admission into the nursing program requires a separate special application and entrance exam. The selection process is highly competitive. The college may not be able to accept all applicants that meet the minimum standards. The application deadlines are February 1st for fall semester and June 1st for spring semester.

The Associate of Science in Nursing is designed to align with the Metropolitan State University B.S.N. in Nursing degree.

Completion of current Minnesota Human Services Background Check including fingerprints along with a National Criminal Background Check.. If an applicant has been arrested, charged or convicted of any criminal offense, he or she should investigate the impact that the charge or conviction may have on his or her chances of employment and the student's chances to obtain federal, state and other higher education financial aid ( by Minnesota Statute 135A. 157). If the applicant refuses, or is disqualified as a result of the background study, the applicant will be unable to successfully complete the requirements of the program.

 

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2018 - 2019

  • Curriculum

    Program Courses: LPN
    CoursesTitlesCourse OutlinesGoal AreasCredits
    Practical Nursing Courses - 5 credits
     
    Nursing Application Prerequisite Courses
    CoursesTitlesCourse OutlinesGoal AreasCredits
    Course Subject: BIOL         Course Number:1001
    Course Title:Biology I      Goal Areas:03       Credits:4

    Course Description:This course focuses on the concepts of biological chemistry, cell structure and function, cellular metabolism, molecular genetics and heredity reproduction and development. The course is intended for allied health majors and others not requiring a majors-level introductory biology. High school algebra and chemistry are recommended. Prerequisite: ENGL 0990 or a score of 78 on the Accuplacer Reading Comprehension (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab).
    		Biology IView-BIOL 100103 4
    College Writing I
    Course Subject: ENGL         Course Number:1200
    Course Title:Gateway College Writing      Goal Areas:01       Credits:4

    Course Description:This class provides extended practice in critical reading, writing, and thinking skills. Students will develop an effective writing process and work to achieve college-level competence in reading and responding to texts, visuals, events, and ideas in a variety of written formats, with an emphasis on the academic essay. Audience awareness, interpretation and analysis, logical reasoning, and persuasive and argumentative skills will be developed. MLA style documentation of primary sources will be included.
    		Gateway College Writing orView-ENGL 120001 4
    Course Subject: ENGL         Course Number:1201
    Course Title:College Writing I      Goal Areas:01       Credits:4

    Course Description:This class provides extended practice in critical reading, writing, and thinking skills. Students will develop an effective writing process and work to achieve college-level competence in reading and responding to texts, visuals, events, and ideas in a variety of written formats, with an emphasis on the academic essay. Audience awareness, interpretation and analysis, logical reasoning, and persuasive and argumentative skills will be developed. MLA style documentation of primary sources will be included.
    		College Writing IView-ENGL 120101 4
    Psychology
    Course Subject: PSYC         Course Number:1150
    Course Title:General Psychology      Goal Areas:05       Credits:3

    Course Description:This course provides an overview of topics in psychology. Topics may include history of psychology, research methods, physiological psychology, sensation and perception, consciousness, learning, memory, motivation and emotion, personality, stress and coping, abnormal behavior, therapy, and social psychology. Students are strongly encouraged to check with an advisor to determine if this is the appropriate course for their degree/program.
    		General Psychology orView-PSYC 115005 3
    Course Subject: PSYC         Course Number:1160
    Course Title:Introduction to Psychology      Goal Areas:05       Credits:4

    Course Description:This course provides an in-depth introduction to psychology. Topics may include history of psychology; research methods; physiological psychology; sensation and perception; consciousness; learning; memory; cognition; motivation; emotion; personality; stress, health and coping; abnormal behavior, therapy; social psychology; human development; sexuality; and gender. Students are strongly encouraged to check with an advisor to determine if this is the appropriate course for their degree/program.
    		Introduction to PsychologyView-PSYC 116005 4
    1 course from CHEM1010, CHEM1061
    Course Subject: CHEM         Course Number:1010
    Course Title:Introduction to Chemistry      Goal Areas:03,10       Credits:4

    Course Description:An introduction to the basic concepts of Chemistry along with mathematical application, which include the atomic theory, periodic trends, stoichiometric relationships, kinetic-molecular theory, molecular structure, heat transfer, and chemical properties as related to the gas and liquid and solid phases. Additionally, this course will explore the role that chemistry plays in our personal and professional lives. This course enables students to think critically about current environmental issues in science. The lab portion contains experiments that includes observation, data collection and analysis, and mathematical applications that support the concepts being studied in class. The course is designed for non-science majors or students who have not completed chemistry in high school in order to prepare them to take Chem 1061 or courses in various health programs.Prerequisite: Math 0900 or Math 0980 with a grade of 'C' or better.
    		Introduction to Chemistry orView-CHEM 101003,10 4
    Course Subject: CHEM         Course Number:1061
    Course Title:Principles of Chemistry I      Goal Areas:03       Credits:4

    Course Description:This course is a study of the basic concepts of Chemistry, with an emphasis on atomic theory, stoichiometric relationships, kinetic-molecular theory, molecular structure, and chemical bonding as related to the gas and liquid and solid phases. The lab portion with experiments includes observation, data collection, and mathematical applications that support the concepts being studied in class. (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab) Placement in this class will be determined by student college assessment score and/or successful completion of Math 1150 with a grade of C or better.
    		Principles of Chemistry IView-CHEM 106103 4
     
    Program Prerequisite Courses
    CoursesTitlesCourse OutlinesGoal AreasCredits
    Course Subject: BIOL         Course Number:2100
    Course Title:Microbiology      Goal Areas:03       Credits:4

    Course Description:This course is a study of bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa, infection, immunity, human diseases and microbiology of food and water. Laboratory exercises stress detection, isolation and control of microorganisms. (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab) Prerequisite: Biol 1001 or 1101 with grade of C or better
    		MicrobiologyView-BIOL 210003 4
    Course Subject: BIOL         Course Number:2111
    Course Title:Human Anatomy and Physiology I      Goal Areas:03       Credits:4

    Course Description:This course is the first course of a two-course sequence. The course offers students a comprehensive study of the structure and function of the human body in a classroom and laboratory setting. Topics include anatomical terminology, homeostasis, cell structure and function, histology, as well as the anatomy and physiology of the following organ systems; integumentary, skeletal, articular, muscular, nervous, special senses and endocrine. Utilization of preserved specimens in the laboratory is a required part of the course. (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab) Strongly recommend college level reading abilities, a working knowledge of elementary algebra and a medical terminology course. Prerequisite: Biol 1001 or 1101 with grade of C or better. Recommendations for student success in this class include: a prior course in medical terminology, college level reading and basic algebra skills
    		Human Anatomy and Physiology IView-BIOL 211103 4
    Course Subject: COMM         Course Number:1110
    Course Title:Principles of Interpersonal Communication      Goal Areas:01,07       Credits:3

    Course Description:This introductory course looks at communication in one-to-one relationships in friendships, families, the workplace, and elsewhere. Students will be challenged to discover and assess their own communication strengths and weaknesses as they define and discuss what it means to be a competent interpersonal communicator. Course content includes both theory and practice (skill development).
    		Principles of Interpersonal CommunicationView-COMM 111001,07 3
    Course Subject: PSYC         Course Number:1250
    Course Title:Life Span Developmental Psychology      Goal Areas:05       Credits:4

    Course Description:Life Span Developmental Psychology examines continuity and change across the life span. The course examines the biological, cognitive, and social development of humans from conception through death. Topics will explore maturation, human growth experiences, transitions, and the various stages of psychological and physical development as key components influencing human behaviors.
    		Life Span Developmental PsychologyView-PSYC 125005 4
     
    Other General Education Courses
    CoursesTitlesCourse OutlinesGoal AreasCredits
    Course Subject: BIOL         Course Number:2112
    Course Title:Human Anatomy and Physiology II      Goal Areas:03       Credits:4

    Course Description:This course is the second course of a two-course sequence. This course offers students a comprehensive study of the structure and function of the human body in a classroom and laboratory setting. Topics include the anatomy and physiology of the following organ systems: circulatory, non-specific and specific defenses, respiratory, digestive, urinary, reproductive and early development. Strongly recommend college level reading abilities, a working knowledge of elementary algebra and a medical terminology course. Utilization of preserved specimens in the laboratory is a required part of the course. (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab) Prerequisite: Biol 2111 with a grade of C or better.
    		Human Anatomy and Physiology IIView-BIOL 211203 4
    Course Subject: SOC         Course Number:1110
    Course Title:Introduction to Sociology      Goal Areas:05,07       Credits:3

    Course Description:This course is a study of social and cultural aspects of human behavior. Topics include society and culture, roles and norms, groups and organizations, deviance, inequality, social and cultural change, and research methods.
    		Introduction to SociologyView-SOC 111005,07 3
    Ethics
    Course Subject: PHIL         Course Number:1020
    Course Title:Ethics      Goal Areas:06,09       Credits:3

    Course Description:This course will introduce students to both the methods and issues connected with thinking about morality and ethical systems. Moral skepticism will also be examined. The aim of this class is to allow students to be more aware of their own ethical modes of thinking and the diversity of ways morality enters into human lives.
    		Ethics orView-PHIL 102006,09 3
    Course Subject: PHIL         Course Number:1220
    Course Title:Health Care Ethics      Goal Areas:02,06,09       Credits:3

    Course Description:This course looks at the underlying assumptions that affect beliefs, practices, and policies in contemporary health care.Emphasis will be placed on understanding of the ethical principles and theories related to health care. A wide variety of health care issues and the challenges they present will be studied. Critical thinking skills will be emphasized in determining the best course of action for making ethical decisions in the health care field.
    		Health Care EthicsView-PHIL 122002,06,09 3
     
    Program Courses
    CoursesTitlesCourse OutlinesGoal AreasCredits
    Course Subject: NURS         Course Number:2720
    Course Title:Transition to the Role of the Professional Nurse      Goal Areas:n/a      Credits:4

    Course Description:This course is designed to expand the knowledge and skills of the LPN as they transition to the professional role within nursing. Emphasis is placed on health promotion through the lifespan and incorporates theories related to evidence-based practice, quality and safety, communication, collaboration, clinical decision-making/reasoning, informatics, assessment, caring, and health- illness continuum.Prerequisites: Admission to the Nursing Program: LPN-Mobility Option, BIOL 2100, BIOL 2111, PSYC 1250, and COMM 1110. Co-requisite: NURS 2750Strongly Recommended to be taken prior to or concurrently: BIOL 2112 concurrently
    		Transition to the Role of the Professional NurseView-NURS 2720n/a4
    Course Subject: NURS         Course Number:2750
    Course Title:Nutrition and the Role of the Professional Nurse      Goal Areas:n/a      Credits:2

    Course Description:This course introduces the student to the role of the nurse in promoting and supporting nutritional health. Emphasis is on the role nutrition plays in health promotion/prevention of illness, recovery from acute illness and/or management of chronic illness. Students learn to access evidence to support healthy nutritional choices that reduce risk factors for disease and/or illness across the lifespan. Students explore how culture, ethnicity, socio-economic status, nutritional trends and controversies, and integrative therapies influence the nutritional health of the client. Prerequisites: Admission to Nursing program, BIOL 2100, BIOL 2111, PSYC 1250, and COMM 1110Co-requisites: NURS 2700 or NURS 2720Strongly Recommended to be taken prior to or concurrently: BIOL 2112
    		Nutrition and the Role of the Professional NurseView-NURS 2750n/a2
    Course Subject: NURS         Course Number:2800
    Course Title:Chronic and Palliative Care      Goal Areas:n/a      Credits:7

    Course Description:This course focuses on the nursing care of clients experiencing chronic illness and/or end of life. Emphasis is placed on understanding the lived experience of clients and families. Ethical issues related to advocacy, self-determination, and autonomy are explored. Evidence-based practice is used to support appropriate focused assessments and management of care of clients experiencing concurrent illnesses/co-morbidities.Prerequisites: BIOL 2112, NURS 2700 or 2720, and NURS 2750Co-requisites: NURS 2850 and 2820Strongly Recommended to be taken prior to or concurrently: SOC 1110
    		Chronic and Palliative CareView-NURS 2800n/a7
    Course Subject: NURS         Course Number:2820
    Course Title:Pharmacology and the Role of the Professional Nurse      Goal Areas:n/a      Credits:3

    Course Description:This course introduces theoretical concepts that enable students to provide safe and effective care related to pharmaceuticals and natural products to diverse clients across the lifespan. A framework is presented for approaching the study of pharmacotherapeutics including pharmaceutical research and regulation, quality and safety, major drug classifications, and clinical management. Prerequisites: Admission to the Nursing Program, BIOL 2112, NURS 2700 or 2720, and NURS 2750Co-requisites: NURS 2800 and 2850Strongly Recommended to be taken prior to or concurrently: SOC 1110
    		Pharmacology and the Role of the Professional NurseView-NURS 2820n/a3
    Course Subject: NURS         Course Number:2850
    Course Title:Applied Pathophysiology for Nursing I      Goal Areas:n/a      Credits:2

    Course Description:This course introduces a holistic perspective of pathophysiological processes and the disruption in normal body function. Emphasis will be on objective and subjective manifestations of common chronic health problems resulting from environmental, genetic, and stress-related maladaptations to provide a foundation for nursing care. This course complements selected topics addressed in Chronicity and End of Life to provide a comprehensive understanding of disease processes. Prerequisites: Admission to the Nursing Program, BIOL 2112, NURS 2700 or 2720, and NURS 2750Co-requisites: NURS 2800 and 2820Strongly Recommended to be taken prior to or concurrently: SOC 1110
    		Applied Pathophysiology for Nursing IView-NURS 2850n/a2
    Course Subject: NURS         Course Number:2900
    Course Title:Acute and Complex Care      Goal Areas:n/a      Credits:7

    Course Description:This course focuses on the nursing care of clients experiencing acute disruptions of health and/or end of life issues. Emphasis is placed on understanding and application of theory and skills required to provide nursing care to clients with complex and/or unstable conditions. Evidence-based practice is used to support appropriate focused assessments, and effective, efficient nursing interventions. Knowledge of life span, developmental factors, cultural variables and legal aspects of care guide the ethical decision making in delivery of care.Prerequisites: Completion of NURS 2800, 2820, 2850; SOC 1110Co-requisites: NURS 2920 and 2950Strongly Recommended to be taken prior to or concurrently: PHIL 1020 or 1220
    		Acute and Complex CareView-NURS 2900n/a7
    Course Subject: NURS         Course Number:2920
    Course Title:Applied Pathophysiology for Nursing II      Goal Areas:n/a      Credits:2

    Course Description:This course will facilitate ongoing critical thinking and analysis of pathophysiological concepts. Emphasis will be on interpretation and prioritization of data resulting from environmental, genetic, and stress-related maladaptations. This course complements the selected topics addressed in Acute & Complex Care to provide a comprehensive understanding of disease processes.Prerequisites: NURS 2800, NURS 2820, NURS 2850; SOC 1110 Co-requisites: NURS 2900 and NURS 2950Strongly Recommended to be taken prior to or concurrently: PHIL 1020 or PHIL 1220
    		Applied Pathophysiology for Nursing IIView-NURS 2920n/a2
    Course Subject: NURS         Course Number:2950
    Course Title:Nursing Leadership I      Goal Areas:n/a      Credits:3

    Course Description:This course focuses on prioritization, delegation, and supervision of nursing care of clients across the lifespan. Healthcare policy, finance, and regulatory environment issues are analyzed. Emphasis is on planning, collaborating and coordinating care for individuals and groups across the care continuum.Prerequisites: NURS 2800, NURS 2820, NURS 2850 and SOC 1110 Co-requisites: NURS 2900 and NURS 2920Strongly Recommended to be taken prior to or concurrently: PHIL 1020 or PHIL 1220
    		Nursing Leadership IView-NURS 2950n/a3
     
    Total Credits
    CoursesTitlesCourse OutlinesGoal AreasCredits
    75 Total Credits Required
     
    NHCC Residency and GPA
    CoursesTitlesCourse OutlinesGoal AreasCredits
    15 Credits must be earned at NHCC
     
                                   Total Credits Required75
    Notes:

  • Admission Information

    The nursing program has limited enrollment and nursing classes start in the fall semester and the spring semester of each year. The nursing course sequence for the Standard and Mobility Option begin each fall and spring semester with separate deadlines for each cohort. Students are encouraged to plan ahead because there is a separate application process required for admission to the Nursing Program. The application process is competitive. Therefore, meeting the minimum requirements does NOT assure that a student will be competitive with other applicants.

    Students accepted to the nursing program will be required to participate in nursing clinical experiences, receive certification in CPR for the healthcare provider, and maintain current immunizations records and criminal background checks. Upon acceptance to the nursing program, a student would receive more information on these requirements. Please do NOT complete these requirements prior to attending the nursing program orientation, which takes place after acceptance into the nursing program. Note: Minnesota law requires that any person who provides services that involve direct contact with patients and residents at a health facility licensed by the Minnesota Department of Health must have a background study conducted by the state. Any individual who is disqualified from having direct patient contact as a result of the background study, and whose disqualification is not set aside by the Commission of Health, will not be permitted to participate in a clinical placement in a Minnesota licensed health care facility. Failure to participate in a clinical placement required by the academic program could result in ineligibility to qualify for a degree in this program.

  • Program Outcomes

    NHCC Associate Degree Nursing Program

    Outcomes:

    NCLEXRN First Time Pass Rates

    Expected Level of Achievement:

    The program's most recent annual licensure examination pass rate will be at least 80% for all first-time test takers during the same 12-month period.   

    Actual:

    1/1/2018-12/31/2018   93.88%

    MN Average: 82.62%

    National Average 85.13%

    Outcome:

    Program Completion

    Expected Level of Achievement:

    70% of students will complete the program in 150% of program length

    Actual:

    82%

    Outcome:

    Job Placement

    Expected Level of Achievement:

    Within 12 months of completing semester 5, 70% of students will be employed as a Registered Nurse

    Actual:

    2016: 96.4%

     

  • Career Opportunities

    Information on careers, including salary and employment outlook data, is available on the Iseek.org and Bureau of Labor Statistics websites: www.iseek.org and www.bls.gov.

  • Transfer Information

    If you are planning on transferring to another institution, follow the guidelines available on our transfer resources web page to help you plan the process: Transfer Information

  • Accreditation

    ​Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc.
    3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850
    Atlanta, GA 30326
    404-975-5000