Nursing, Associate of Science (ASN)

Albany State University offers an opportunity for motivated healthcare professionals: A high-quality Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) that's affordable and convenient. The ASN Program is designed for students desiring an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) and, as such, is an ideal program for high school, transfer, and change-of-major students. We typically refer to this program as part of our "working professional" track, as this program both allows students to enter the nursing workforce quickly and offers more accessibility for individuals already working full-time positions (especially in reference to our Evening, Hybrid, and Bridge track variants).

Throughout the nursing curriculum, students are exposed to the various fields and specializations within the nursing profession, including Women's Health, Pediatrics, Adult Medical-Surgical, and many others. This program culminates with the student earning an Associate of Science in Nursing, which makes the graduate academically eligible to write the state licensing examination (the NCLEX-RN) to practice as a registered nurse. Undergraduate nursing education—whether at the associate or baccalaureate level—prepares the nurse to function as a generalist utilizing the triad of evidenced based practice, teaching, and practice in providing nursing care in traditional and nontraditional settings. The professional nurse is broadly prepared to assume responsibilities as a leader, client advocate, change agent, health care provider, health educator, and consumer of research. Additionally, our ASN graduates are prepared to enter baccalaureate- and (in the case of RN-to-MSN programs) graduate-level nursing programs to order to advance their careers!

Albany State University proudly offers several program tracks that allow our students to complete this degree quickly and conveniently:

Traditional ASN Track

The Traditional ASN Track of our ASN Program is designed for students desiring the more "traditional" college experience with courses offered throughout the week during normal business hours (typically between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM). Currently, students are accepted into this program each semester (Spring, Summer, and Fall). Courses within this program are primarily on-campus (that is, on Albany State University's East and West Campuses) with the potential for some courses to be offered as online or hybridized, but please be aware that this is not guaranteed. Clinical experiences are held in our clinical skills lab(s), Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, and other facilities in the surrounding area as needed.

Freshmen desiring to attend this program will enter ASU as a Health Science major with a secondary major/degree indicator of "AS in Nursing," which should be specified upon application to the University. During the student's first semester, they will complete (at a minimum) the three (3) courses necessary to become eligible to apply for the nursing program beginning the following semester. After being accepted into the nursing program, this track comprises five (5) additional consecutive semesters with the remaining Core curriculum courses incorporated into the curriculum pattern, culminating with the student earning their Associate of Science in Nursing.

Evening ASN Track

The Evening Track of our Traditional ASN Program offers evening nursing courses and, as such, is designed for those students who work during the day. Currently, students are accepted into this program each Spring semester of every odd year. As its name suggests, all nursing classes are held in the evening with starting times between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM and ending times between 9:00 PM and 10:00 PM. Most clinical experiences are held in the evenings or on weekends; however, some facilities require that students perform their clinical experiences during daytime hours during the weekdays, though we work closely with our clinical partners in an attempt to minimize these occurrences.

Freshmen desiring to attend this program will enter ASU as a Health Science major with a secondary major/degree indicator of "AS in Nursing," which should be specified upon application to the University. During the student's first semester, they will complete (at a minimum) the three (3) courses necessary to become eligible to apply for the nursing program beginning the following semester; however, students should be aware that while our nursing courses are offered during the evening, Core curriculum courses may not have similar accessibility. After being accepted into the nursing program, this track comprises five (5) additional consecutive semesters with the remaining Core curriculum courses incorporated into the curriculum pattern, culminating with the student earning their Associate of Science in Nursing.

Hybrid ASN Track

The Hybrid Track of our ASN Program requires that students come to campus only once a week (twice if faculty availability and/or clinical limitations require otherwise), with courses lasting from about 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM, encompassing lecture, testing, and clinical experiences. All other coursework is completed online through GeorgiaVIEW. This unique program format allows students to meet all of the same theory and clinical requirement as traditional classroom students. Currently, students are accepted into this program each Spring semester of every odd year. Clinical experiences are held in our clinical skills lab(s), Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, and other facilities in the surrounding area as needed.

Freshmen desiring to attend this program will enter ASU as a Health Science major with a secondary major/degree indicator of "AS in Nursing," which MUST be specified upon application to the University. During the student's first semester, they will complete (at a minimum) the three (3) courses necessary to become eligible to apply for the nursing program beginning the following semester. After being accepted into the nursing program, this track comprises five (5) additional consecutive semesters with the remaining Core curriculum courses incorporated into the curriculum pattern, culminating with the student earning their Associate of Science in Nursing.

Students within the Hybrid Track are required to complete online assignments and actively participate in online discussion forums. All testing will be performed on the ASU West Campus under the supervision of a member of the nursing faculty. Similarly, all clinical assignments will be completed under the direct supervision of ASU clinical faculty utilizing various healthcare facilities within the Albany area. As such, students will be required to travel to Albany throughout the semester to complete these requirements. Unfortunately, while we do work closely with our clinical partners to coordinate, some clinical assignments will occur during the weekdays while others may require weekend participation. Consequently, for students commuting more than 2 hours, overnight Albany accommodations are recommended.

Healthcare-Professional-to-RN Bridge

The Healthcare-Professional-to-RN Bridge program is an accelerated Associate Degree Nursing program for applicants who already hold active paramedic and/or LPN licensure. Currently, the Healthcare-Professional-to-RN Bridge accepts a new cohort of students every 5 semesters and, as such, may begin in the Spring, Summer, or Fall semester; consequently, it is important that the applicant contact the Department of Nursing to inquire as to the next acceptance cohort for this program. This accelerated program meets one day a week to incorporate classroom lecture, online activities, and clinical rotations and is currently available on both our Albany and Cordele Campuses.

Regarding the Albany Bridge Program, courses are primarily on-campus (that is, on Albany State University's East and West Campuses) with the potential for some courses to be offered as online or hybridized, but please be aware that this is not guaranteed. Clinical experiences are held in our clinical skills lab(s), Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, and other facilities in the surrounding area as needed.

Regarding the Cordele Bridge Program, courses are primarily on-campus (that is, on Albany State University's Cordele Campus) with the potential for some courses to be offered as online or hybridized, but please be aware that this is not guaranteed. Clinical experiences are held in our clinical skills lab(s), Magnolia Manor, Phoebe Sumter, and Crisp Regional, as well as other facilities within the surrounding area as needed.

Freshmen desiring to attend this program will enter ASU as a Health Science major with a secondary major/degree indicator of "AS in Nursing," which MUST be specified upon application to the University. During the student's first two semesters, they will complete eight of the nine nursing Core classes necessary to become eligible to apply for the nursing program beginning the following semester. After being accepted into the nursing program, this track comprises four (4) additional consecutive semesters with the remaining Core curriculum courses incorporated into the curriculum pattern, culminating with the student earning their Associate of Science in Nursing.

Admission Criteria: Associate Nursing Programs

General Admission Criteria

Applicants must:

1. FIRST, submit an application to Albany State University and be admitted in good standing.
2. AFTER being accepted as a student at Albany State University, submit the completed application, the $20.00 application fee money order, and a copy of their TEAS exam scores by the application deadline.
   • Applicants who take the TEAS exam at Albany State University’s West Campus Testing Center may submit a printed copy of their results page with the application and money order.
   • Applicants who take the TEAS exam at a testing site other than ASU’s West Campus Testing Center will need to purchase the “TEAS transcript” through ATI Testing’s online store and indicate that they wish to have their scores transferred to Albany State University.
3. Successfully complete and exit all learning support courses.
4. Complete 10 hours of the associate program’s Core Curriculum with a minimum grade of “C” in the following courses: Human Anatomy and Physiology I (BIOL 2411K) , English Composition I (ENGL 1101) , and an approved math course ( Quantitative Reasoning (MATH 1001) , College Algebra (MATH 1111) , or higher-level math course)
5. Have a minimum cumulative Nursing Grade Point Average (NGPA) of 2.8 in the three (3) core courses listed above. Passing, failing, and repeated course grades in the above courses will be computed to obtain the NGPA.
   • While not required for program admission, there are five (5) additional Core curriculum courses that students are required to complete prior to graduation: Human Anatomy and Physiology II (BIOL 2412K) , Introduction to Microbiology (BIOL 2211K) , General Psychology (PSYC 1101) , American Government (POLS 1101) , and an elective in Humanities/Fine Arts (either a Literature, Foreign Language, or Appreciation course). All courses must be passed with a “C” or better, and performance in these courses will also be included in the calculation of a student’s NGPA if taken prior to admission into the program.
   • Grades in Core courses applicable to the nursing program that are older than 10 years may be excluded from NGPA calculations.
6. Must have passed the standardized entrance exam for admission to nursing at or above the established percentage rate within no more than two (2) attempts within the past 12-month period. Students who have taken the entrance exam within the last year must present official scores to the admission committee prior to being admitted to the program.
   • Currently, the entrance exam is the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS), and the minimum qualifying score is 65.0. Pre-admission cutoff scores for admission vary each semester based on applicants’ performances.
7. Complete all required science courses with a grade of “C” or higher in each course. Sciences courses taken more than 5 years prior to enrolling in the nursing program will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the departmental chairperson and/or the program director.
   • If the applicant is not an active healthcare professional (LPN or paramedic), his/her Anatomy and Physiology courses will need to be repeated if greater than 5 years old at the time of potential admission into the nursing program. If the applicant is an active healthcare professional (LPN or paramedic), these courses will need to be repeated if greater than 8 years old at the time of potential admission into the nursing program.
     • Applicants may elect to either retake both Anatomy and Physiology courses or retake only Anatomy and Physiology II as a “refresher” course to meet this science requirement.
   • Microbiology courses will not have to be repeated.
8. Applicants who were previously enrolled in another institution’s nursing program but who are interested in apply to Albany State University must submit a letter from the Dean, Departmental Chairperson, or Program Director of their former program verifying the applicant left his/her program in good standing. Applicants who have failed (D, F, or WF) two (2) nursing courses, whether at a 2-year or 4-year institution (including ASU), must wait a period of 3 calendar years before they can be considered for admission to ASU’s nursing program. If accepted to ASU’s nursing program, no transfer credit will be given for prior nursing courses.
9. ASN students who have completed an LPN Nursing Program or the Advanced Naval Corpsman Hospitalman Course (NER-HN-001) and have one year of active practice within the past two years may challenge NURS 1101 , NURS 1105 and NURS 1111 for credit. Appointments to challenge these courses will be made after the application, a copy of PNE transcript and a copy of current Georgia license have been submitted.
10. ASN students wishing to repeat NURS 1101 or NURS 1301 must submit a new application for admission to the nursing program. Readmission will be on a space-available basis and adhere to admission requirements.
11. LPNs and paramedics who have been practicing as an LPN or a paramedic for at least one year may be eligible for the Healthcare-Professional-to-RN bridge program, provided all other admission criteria have been met.

NOTE: Students are subjected to compulsory background checks per clinical agency requirements and may also be required to submit to random tests for illegal use of controlled substance as a provided by the law or regulations of the contracting agency. If the site refuses to allow a student to attend clinical experiences, the nursing program is not obligated to find another clinical site. The student may not be able to complete the nursing program at ASU. Thereforse, it is important to conduct personal record checks prior to admission to the nursing program.

Additional Criteria: Hybrid ASN Track

Applicants interested in applying to the Hybrid Track of the ASN Program will need to meet the same general admission criteria as detailed above. Additionally, students applying to the hybrid track must also be aware of the following:

1. Priority will be given to students who have completed all core classes required for nursing,
2. A minimum GPA of 2.8, regardless of SAT/ACT scores, is required for program entry,
3. Applicants must be able to show evidence of prior learning experience in an online format, and
4. Unlike the traditional and evening program formats (as detailed in criteria #9 above), applicants to the hybrid program may have no previous failing grades in other nursing programs, whether at a 2- or 4-year institution.

Students accepted into the hybrid program should have access to a reliable computer and stable internet access. Students should be comfortable using technology to perform tasks such as downloading, uploading, and emailing files; working with email; and joining webinar sessions (such as WebEx), which may require access to a microphone, speakers, and webcam.

As detailed in the program overview, students within the Hybrid Track are required to complete online assignments and actively participate in online discussion forums. All testing will be performed on the ASU West Campus under the supervision of a member of the nursing faculty. Similarly, all clinical assignments will be completed under the direct supervision of ASU clinical faculty utilizing various healthcare facilities within the Albany area. As such, students will be required to travel to Albany throughout the semester to complete these requirements. Unfortunately, while we do work closely with our clinical partners to coordinate, some clinical assignments will occur during the weekdays while others may require weekend participation. Consequently, for students commuting more than 2 hours, overnight Albany accommodations are recommended.

Additional Criteria: Healthcare-Professional-to-RN Bridge

Applicants interested in applying to the Healthcare-Professional-to-RN Bridge program will need to meet the same general admission criteria as detailed above. Additionally, students applying the bridge program must also satisfy the following requirements:

1. Hold a valid Paramedic certification or LPN license with a minimum of one year of experience.
2. Healthcare Professional Bridge students with previous work experience will have fewer clinical hours than generic students.
3. Have completed seven (7) of the eight (8) nursing Core classes detailed in criteria #4 and #5 above, achieving a GPA of 2.8 or higher.
4. Unlike the traditional and evening program formats (as detailed in criteria #9 above), applicants to the bridge program may have no previous failing grades in other nursing programs, whether at a 2- or 4-year institution.

Preference will be given to students with highest GPA and highest pre-entrance test scores.

Credit by Examination & Advanced Placement

Applicants who have been accepted in the Traditional, Evening, or Hybrid ASN program and have already completed an LPN program or the Advanced Naval Corpsman Hospitalman Course (NER-HN-001) and have one year of active practice within the past two years may challenge NURS 1101 Fundamentals of Nursing (ASN) , NURS 1105 Pharmacology for Nurses (ASN) , and NURS 1111 Adult Health I (ASN) for credit. No advanced program placement is permitted within the HCP-to-RN Bridge program. Admissions requirements are the same as for regular Associate Degree students.

LPNs and/or Naval Corpsmen who were previously enrolled in a nursing program and earned one (1) or more failures in nursing coursework (whether a “D,” “F,” “WF,” or “U”) and/or withdrew from one (1) or more nursing courses are not eligible to challenge any nursing courses. Additionally, students wishing to transfer mid-matriculation from one of ASU’s pre-licensure nursing programs to another (e.g., ASN to BSN or vice versa) will NOT be eligible for advanced placement/credit by examination and must instead start over within their new program of study. No exceptions to this policy are permitted.

All applicants for the credit by examination option must meet these criteria:

1. Be eligible for admission to Albany State University and the Traditional, Evening, and/or Hybrid ASN program.
2. Submit a transcript from practical nursing education program / PNE transcript OR demonstrate completion of a practical nursing program / Advanced Naval Corpsman Hospitalman Course (NER-HN-001) and provide evidence of one year of experience within the last two years. Employee verification and job description required.
3. Submit evidence of unrestricted LPN Licensure (LPNs only).
4. Complete all prerequisite requirements for the entry nursing class.

Additional Nursing Program Requirements

1. Students will be required to submit a completed health form which documents satisfactory health status prior to clinical practicum. The forms will be available after enrollment in NURS 1101 / NURS 1301 .
2. The student is expected to assume responsibility for their own health in the event of illness, accident, or exposure to communicable disease. Evidence of health insurance is required upon admission to the nursing program. Professional liability insurance is also required and is included in student fees. All students in the Albany State University ASN nursing program must have health insurance. Students who do not have health insurance must purchase a USG student health insurance policy (SHIP). Fees for the USG SHIP will be added to student tuition each semester. Students who are already covered by an insurance policy (i.e., through parent plans, family plans, or employer-sponsored plans) can easily opt out of the plan by applying for a waiver though a secure online process. Once the information has been verified and approved, a waiver will be processed and posted to the student’s ASU student account. The waiver is only available for a specific time frame; therefore, students must apply in a timely fashion or they will be billed for the USG SHIP. Waivers are valid for 12 months; students must reapply each year to avoid being charged for the USG SHIP. Students who fail to submit credible health insurance and opt out online will automatically be enrolled in and billed for the system-wide student health insurance plan. This charge will post to the ASU student account. Professional liability insurance is also required and is included in student fees.
3. Students must successfully complete the American Heart Association’s BLS for Healthcare Provider Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Course before or during NURS 1101 / NURS 1301 and must be maintained throughout enrollment and updated as necessary. Students must receive permission from their course instructor(s) prior to selection of the CPR course.
4. Students wishing to enter the ASN program who are currently enrolled in the ASU BSN program must meet all ASN admission and progression requirements, and must apply to the ASN program. If accepted, these students will begin the ASN program in NURS 1101 Fundamentals of Nursing (ASN) .
5. The Department of Nursing reserves the right to discontinue, at any time, the enrollment of a nursing student if, in the judgment of the Vice President for Academic Affairs and the nursing faculty, the student does not demonstrate the necessary qualifications for a nursing career. This includes, for example, cheating in any form, unprofessional conduct, violation of Albany State University’s student code of conduct and/or any behavior/conduct deemed unbecoming of an ASU nursing student.
6. The faculty, staff, and students in health care programs shall uphold professional and ethical standards.
7. Student may withdraw from two nursing course throughout the entirety of their matriculation through the associate-level nursing program, excluding hardship withdrawals. This withdrawal must occur prior to the last day to withdraw from a course without academic penalty. Withdrawal from a third nursing course (whether from the same or another nursing course) will result in dismissal from the program for a period of three years. (For more information, see “Progression Policy” within this handbook.)
8. Following admission to the nursing program, students will be required to submit documentation evidencing satisfaction (and/or maintenance) of the following requirements prior to the established pre-clinical deadline for each nursing course with a clinical/laboratory component:
   • Annual flu vaccinations
   • Complete criminal background check and 10-panel drug screening (via PreCheck)

§ Students are subjected to compulsory background checks per clinical agency requirements and may also be required to submit to random tests for illegal use of controlled substances as a provision by the law or regulations of the contracting agency. If the site refuses to allow a student to attend clinical experiences, the nursing program is not obligated to find another clinical site, and the student will not be able to complete the nursing program at ASU. Therefore, it is important to conduct personal record checks prior to admission to the nursing program.

• Active health insurance (or enrollment in the Student Health Insurance Plan)
• Immunization record documenting the following: measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, varicella, and any other immunization(s) deemed necessary by the University and/or the clinical site. Hepatitis B vaccination is also recommended for clinical settings but is not required.
• Active malpractice insurance (University-provided)
• Basic life support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers card (must be certified by the American Heart Association)
• Tuberculosis screening

Additional Graduation Requirements

In addition to the University graduation requirements, the student must have a minimum grade of "C" in each nursing course.

Programs of Study: Associate Nursing Programs

Traditional ASN

Degree Requirement – all courses in the program of study must be completed with a grade of C or better.