AAS Nursing

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Program Overview

The Associate of Applied Science in Nursing Program at The Chicago School is a five-term program of study leading to an Associate of Applied Science Degree. This program is also referred to as the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).This program prepares the graduate for the NCLEX-RN, the licensing exam administered by the National Council for State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).

The program design focuses on the following four roles of the nurse as described by the Texas Board of Nursing:  Provider of Patient-Centered Care, Patient Safety Advocate, Member of the Health Care Team, and Member of the Profession.  Health promotion, disease prevention, and disease management are major concepts that are incorporated into each course.  A systematic approach is the framework that the nurse utilizes for assessment, planning, and evaluating the nursing care.

There are two entry points for the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).  The Direct Track, which is 69 credit hours, is for students entering directly into the pathway to the RN with no previous nursing experience.  The LVN to RN Track, which is 61 credit hours, is for students holding a current valid license in practical or vocational nursing. Both tracks of the ADN are 80 weeks full time.

Program Foundation and Delivery

Educational foundations in the Associate Degree of Nursing (ADN) are based upon the Differentiated Essential Competencies of Graduates of Texas Nursing Programs (DECs).  Please use the following link to the Texas Board of Nursing’s website to access additional information regarding DECs: https://www.bon.texas.gov/pdfs/publication_pdfs/Differentiated%20Essential%20Competencies%202021.pdf. Instruction in The Chicago School’s programs may be delivered through residential, distance education, or a combination of both.

Philosophy of Nursing

The programs believe that nursing is a dynamic process in which the provider and the client (individual, family, or community) work together to achieve health promotion, disease prevention, and disease management for the client across the lifespan. Nursing has a holistic view of the client based on physiologic, psychosocial, and spiritual principles.

Nurses use clinical judgment, communication, and nursing skills to assist a diverse population of clients in meeting their needs and achieving optimal health. The nurse practices within an ethical and legal framework and embraces evidence-based practice.

The ADN faculty believe that nursing is a dynamic profession that encompasses a global view of health for the individual from prevention through tertiary care within their cultural and spiritual beliefs.

Philosophy of Healthcare Education 

The ADN program is committed to providing excellent education to a diverse student population. Based on the belief that life-long learning is essential to continued competence, the programs strive to empower students to function independently and utilize critical thinking. Faculty members serve as facilitators and role models and expect students to function as adult learners.

The faculty of the ADN program embraces current and future technology as a tool to be used appropriately for the enhanced learning experience of the individual student.

Program Mission

The mission of the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program at The Chicago School is to advance the art and science of nursing through academic excellence by integrating the knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes essential for entry-level and practicing nurses.

Program Learning Outcomes

The Associate Degree in Nursing program at The Chicago School focuses on the following four roles of the nurse as described by the Texas Board of Nursing: Provider of Patient-Centered Care, Patient Safety Advocate, Member of the Health Care Team, and Member of the Profession. Health promotion, disease prevention, and disease management are major concepts that are incorporated into each course. A systematic approach is the framework that the nurse utilizes for assessment, planning, and evaluating the nursing care. The curriculum prepares students to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Upon completion of the program, the graduate will:

Professional Practice

• Utilize communication, critical thinking, and nursing skills to develop, implement, and evaluate a nursing care plan.
• Delegate appropriately according to the Texas Nurse Practice Act.
• Collaborate effectively with other healthcare professionals.

Diversity

• ​Demonstrate caring behavior to a diverse client population.

Professional Behavior

• Utilize ethical/legal principles in the practice of nursing.
• Practice life-long learning, within the clinical environment, through continuing education, and within the four-year institution.
• Pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses NCLEX-RN.

Scholarship

• Embrace and incorporate evidence-based practice into nursing practice.

Licensure 

For information on where The Chicago School meets, does not meet, or has not determined if the program meets licensure eligibility requirements for the  state in which you wish to be licensed, please visit: https://www.thechicagoschool.edu/admissions/licensure-disclosures/.

Admission Requirements

The Chicago School is not currently enrolling new students in this program.

For information on where The Chicago School is currently authorized, licensed, registered, exempt or not subject to approval, please visit https://www.thechicagoschool.edu/why-us/state-authorization/

The Associate Degree of Nursing admits, as regular students, applicants having a valid high school diploma, official General Educational Development (GED), or recognized equivalent.

All applicants must be at least 17 years of age. In accordance with Texas laws, if applicant is under 18, a parent or legal guardian signature is required prior to enrollment.

Standardized Test Requirements for Admission ​

• An American College Test (ACT) score within the last five years with a composite score of 19 or above or
• A Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) score taken within the last five years with a composite score of 1350 if taken before 2016 or a composite score of 990 or above if taken since 2016 or
• Passing of the Nursing School Admissions Test.
  • Applicants who fail any section(s) on their first attempt must wait 4 weeks before retaking the failed section or sections
  • Applicants who fail any section(s) on their second attempt must wait 6 months before retaking the ADN entrance exam.
  • No student will be admitted to the ADN programs if he or she has failed two attempts at BIOL 2401 Human Anatomy & Physiology I, BIOL 2402 Human Anatomy & Physiology II, BIOL 2420, Microbiology for Non-Science Majors, HPRS 2300 Pharmacology, or HPRS 2301 Pathophysiology.
• All applicants must provide:
  • Two professional letters of reference (non-family members).
  • Written essay to meeting the nursing program required score.
  • Associate Degree of Nursing LVN to RN Track students must also provide proof of licensure as a Vocational Nurse or Practical Nurse, current and in good standing, prior to enrollment.
• Applicants must pass a drug screen (Texas Board of Nursing 213.29 Criteria and Procedure Regarding Intemperate Use and Lack of Fitness in Eligibility and Disciplinary Matters).
• Applicant background check must meet the Texas Board of Nursing 213.28 criteria regarding Licensure of Person with Criminal Offenses.
• Applicant must be a U.S.citizen or a permanent resident of the U.S.
• All applicants must complete an admissions interview.

For transfer credit to be granted:

• Completion of the following general education courses must have been within the past 5 years: BIOL 2401 Human Anatomy & Physiology I, BIOL 2402 Human Anatomy & Physiology II, and BIOL 2420 Microbiology for Non-Science Majors
• Completion of the following general education courses must have been within the last 10 years: ENGL 1301 Composition I, PSYC 2301 General Psychology, and PSYC 2314 Lifespan Growth & Development.
• No transfer credit will be accepted for HPRS 2300 Pharmacology, and HPRS 2301 Pathophysiology.

All applicants are required to submit a completed application, application fee ($100), and official transcripts of any programmatically required diploma, degree, or credential. Official transcripts of schools listed in the application are required with a conferral date prior to the term of entry.

The Dean of Nursing must give final acceptance of each student to any program. The Chicago School reserves the right to decline any high school diploma, transcript, or equivalency documentation it deems as unacceptable.

Policies

Student to Faculty Ratio

The Associate Applied Sciene in Nursing Program will maintain a proper ratio between faculty and students to allow adequate attention to each student in all class settings. The student to faculty ratio generally will not exceed these guidelines:

Minimum to Start provision: The Chicago School reserves the right to cancel any course in which the census drops below the minimum to start up to the fourth class session. Students will be notified immediately and given the opportunity to change classes where possible. Schedule changes are processed in the Office of the Registrar. In the event of a course cancellation due to low enrollment, a student will not be charged for the course and the course will be removed from the student’s education record.

The following policies are located under Academic Policies and Procedures : Academic Calendar, Admissions Requirements, Attendance, Satisfactory Academic Progress, Service Learning, and Transfer and Nontraditional Credit Hours. 

Graduation Requirements

To meet the graduation requirements, a student must pass each course in their program of study with a grade of C or better maintain the minimum required CGPA of 2.0 or higher, and complete all program requirements within a period of time which does not exceed 1.5 times the program length.

The ADN graduate who meets all requirements and is in good financial standing with The Chicago School will be awarded an Associate Degree which bears the graduate’s name, the degree granted, and the signatures of the Dean of Nursing, the Campus Dean, and the seal of the university.

A student enrolled in their final term is solely responsible for all licensing and NCLEX testing fees.