The technical nursing program is two academic years in length leading to an associate in arts degree. Graduates are prepared to administer beginning staff level nursing care in a variety of health care settings after a period of orientation with the employing agency. The philosophy and purpose of the program are in accord with the policies and purposes of the Division and of the University. The curriculum stresses the uniqueness of man and his rights and responsibilities in relation to himself, his dependents and his social groups. The nursing student is recognized as an individual and is assisted to develop strengths and deal with individual weaknesses while achieving the objectives of the program.
Emphasis is placed on development of abilities for self-evaluation, learning and problem solving.
The philosophy of the program flows from the University of Charleston mission statement and from the faculty's belief about people, social systems, role, health, nursing, community, learning, students, faculty and professional nursing practice. The faculty views man as unique and multidimensional including the dimensions of physical, intellectual, social, spiritual and behavioral being. These dimensions develop progressively, interactively, and concurrently across the life span. The faculty believes that social systems are the organizational units for interaction and relationships with others. Health is a generally desired state of human functional and structural integrity which is individually perceived and defined in accord with cultural beliefs and values.