Nursing - Associate Degree

10-543-1 Associate Degree (two-year)
Offered at Ashland, New Richmond, Rice Lake, and Superior

Assessment. Competence. Commitment.

A career as an Associate Degree Nurse will provide you with a dynamic profession that encompasses compassion and caring with a scientific approach to promote optimal health for the individual, family, community, and society. At completion of the program, you will be eligible to become a Registered Nurse through the state licensure examination. The WITC Nursing - Associate Degree program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and approved by the Wisconsin Board of Nursing.

Professional. Compassionate. Flexible.

Successful graduates have certain characteristics and skills that help them succeed in the healthcare field. As you prepare for your career, you should strive to reach a comfort level in the following courses or skills:

• Algebra/Biology/Chemistry
• Anatomy/Physiology
• Medical Terminology
• Communications - written and oral
• Human Relations
• Keyboarding and computer applications

Special Features

An agreement between the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) and the University of Wisconsin System (UWS) and some other private colleges allows graduates of the WTCS Nursing - Associate Degree program to transfer, with junior standing, into their baccalaureate nursing program.

For the student that is a licensed practical nurse (LPN) and is interested in becoming a registered nurse (RN), WITC offers an “LPN Progression to ADN” track. The LPN Progression pathway provides advanced standing for nursing courses in ADN Semesters 1 and 2 of the WITC ADN program. Additionally, credits may be transferred from the practical nursing program if the General Studies and/or elective credits were at an associate degree level. Contact the campus admissions advisor for more information.

Program-Specific Admission Requirements

To be in the Nursing - Associate Degree program, you must:

• Meet a special assessment standard on a WITC admissions test
• Have earned a high school diploma or GED certificate or be currently enrolled in a secondary Youth Options program
• Complete one year of high school chemistry or one semester of college-level chemistry with a 2.0 or better
• Have an acceptable Wisconsin Caregiver Background Check, National Criminal Background Check, Minnesota Caregiver Background Check (if applicable), and/or other states if applicable
• Review and sign the Functional Abilities Statement of Understanding
• Complete a nursing assistant program
• Possess current certification of “CPR for Healthcare Providers”
• Pass a physical exam, have current immunizations, and demonstrate negative status for tuberculosis (Tb)
• Review and sign Functional Abilities Statement of Understanding

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Progression to Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
If you are a licensed practical nurse (LPN) and are interested in becoming a registered nurse (RN), WITC offers an “LPN Progression to ADN” track. The LPN Progression pathway provides advanced standing for nursing courses in ADN Semesters 1 and 2 of the WITC ADN program. Additionally, credits may be transferred from the practical nursing program if the General Studies and/or elective credits were at an associate degree level. Contact the campus Admissions Advisor for more information.

Program Outcomes

Employers will expect you, as a graduate of the Nursing - Associate Degree program, to be able to:

• Adhere to professional standards of practice within legal, ethical, and regulatory frameworks of the registered nurse
• Use effective communication skills incorporating lifespan considerations
• Assess health of individuals, families, and groups across the lifespan within the context of the community
• Make clinical decisions to assure safe and accurate nursing care
• Provide safe, caring interventions with diverse populations across the lifespan
• Collaborate with others to respond to the needs of individuals, families, and groups across the health-illness continuum
• Manage care to facilitate continuity within and across healthcare settings
• Use teaching and learning processes to promote and restore health incorporating lifespan considerations

Program Outcomes 2008-09

Program Costs

The estimated total program cost for the two-year Nursing - Associate Degree program is approximately $10,600. This program is eligible for financial aid. View more information on program and costs.

Accredited. Reputable. Nationally Recognized.

WITC's Nursing - Associate Degree program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) and approved by the Wisconsin State Board of Nursing. Concerns about the Nursing - Associate Degree program or questions about current status may be communicated to the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) located at 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 500, Atlanta, GA 30326, phone 404-975-5000. Concerns may also be directed to the Wisconsin State Board of Nursing, PO Box 8935, Madison, WI 53708-8935, phone 608-266-8957.