Basic students require four years of college course work. This learning approach assists students to gain a high level of clinical competence and confidence. Faculty encourage basic nursing students to be employed in a nursing setting while studying nursing. Early exposure in the clinical environment assists students to develop communication skills, to become familiar with the clinical environment and to improve organizational skills.
Nursing students take two courses during the first year.
The first course is a one-credit theory course, which introduces them to nursing and lays the foundation for future nursing courses. The second nursing course provides a sound introduction to the theory and practice of basic nursing skills. Completion of this course allows students to take the state certified nurse aide exam and to compete for a position in a hospital. The second year of study provides nine additional credits of nursing that are repeated in the summer learning session to help transfer-nursing students complete the program in a timely manner. Students also enroll for general education and nursing support courses during this year.