Nursing

The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing Program is available at eight of the Maricopa Community Colleges. Clinical experiences are provided in a variety of healthcare settings. Nursing Program graduates are eligible to apply for the national exam for the registered nurse license. Licensing requirements are the exclusive responsibility of the State Board of Nursing.

The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) Nursing Program is approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30326; (404-975-5000); email: info@acennursing.org.

Program offerings:
This program is offered at the following sites:
Chandler-Gilbert Community College
Estrella Mountain Community College
GateWay Community College
Glendale Community College
Mesa Community College
Paradise Valley Community College
Phoenix College
Scottsdale Community College

Waiver of Licensure/Certification Guarantee:
Admission or graduation from the Nursing Program does not guarantee obtaining a license to practice nursing. Licensure requirements and the subsequent procedures are the exclusive right and responsibility of the Arizona State Board of Nursing. Students must satisfy the requirements of the Nurse Practice Act: Statutes, Rules and Regulations, independently of any college or school requirements for graduation.

Pursuant to A.R.S. 32-1606(B)(17), an applicant for professional or practical nurse license by examination is not eligible for licensure if the applicant has any felony convictions and has not received an absolute discharge from the sentences for all felony convictions. The absolute discharge must be received five or more years before submitting this application. If you cannot prove that the absolute discharge date is five or more years, the Board cannot process your application.

Level One Fingerprint Clearance is required for admission into the program. Applicants must present a Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card to be copied by the advisor or designee. For a Department of Public Safety Fingerprint Clearance Card application, contact MCCCD Healthcare/Nursing Advisor. If there is any question about eligibility for licensure or certification, contact the nursing education consultant at the Arizona State Board of Nursing (602-771-7800).

Health Declaration:
It is essential that nursing students be able to perform a number of physical activities in the clinical portion of the program. At a minimum, students will be required to lift patients, stand for several hours at a time and perform bending activities. Students who have a chronic illness or condition must be maintained on current treatment and be able to implement direct patient care. The clinical nursing experience also places students under considerable mental and emotional stress as they undertake responsibilities and duties impacting patients' lives. Students must be able to demonstrate rational and appropriate behavior under stressful conditions. Individuals should give careful consideration to the mental and physical demands of the program prior to making application. All must provide documentation of compliance with all health and safety requirements required to protect patient safety. Only students in compliance are permitted to enroll in nursing courses. Students will meet these requirements by providing the required documentation for the Health/Safety Requirements Documentation Checklist and the signed Health Declaration Form.

Health and Safety Requirements for the MaricopaNursing Program:
1. Students must submit a Health and Safety Documentation Checklist verifying completion of all requirements and maintain current status throughout the program.
2. Students must submit the Health Declaration Form signed by a licensed health care provider.
3. Students must test negative on a timed urine drug screen.
4. Admission to an Allied Health program requires that students be in compliance with the Maricopa County Community College District Supplemental Background Check policy. Program applications will not be accepted without a copy of an Arizona Department of Public Safety Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card. Upon conditional program admission, the student must comply with all requirements of the current MCCCD background check policy.

University Transfer Students:
Students who are planning to earn the Bachelor of Science in Nursing may obtain their prerequisite courses at the Maricopa Community Colleges. For information on courses that meet requirements for admission into a baccalaureate program, please contact a program advisor.

REGISTERED NURSE PATHWAY
Associate in Applied Science Degree in Nursing Program
The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Nursing graduate is eligible to apply for licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN). The RN is educated as a generalist who delivers health care to clients and family groups and has competencies related to the art and science of nursing. The RN may be employed in a variety of acute, long term, and community-based healthcare settings. The AAS degree in Nursing provides the graduate with an educational foundation for articulation into the university setting.

This program is designed to meet education requirements for licensure or certification in the State of Arizona. Granting licensure and certification is the sole responsibility of the state board or approval agency. This program is only offered and available to students located in the State of Arizona. The Maricopa County Community College District and colleges define student location within Administrative Regulation 2.2.3(7).