Nursing A.S.

This is a selective admissions program.

The Nursing A.S. Degree Program prepares students to give competent, safe nursing care to clients in hospitals, nursing homes and other comparable health agencies under the supervision of more experienced practitioners. With experience and further preparation, students should be able to assume increasing responsibility in nursing. The program prepares students to take the examination for registered nurse licensure. High school preparation for the nursing program should include algebra, advanced biology, chemistry and data processing. Enrollment in the nursing program is limited by the availability of clinical facilities.

Students must apply for the Nursing cohort of their choice (day or evening-weekend) after completing the third semester.

View Program Pathway

The Nursing A.S. Degree Program at FCC is a selective admissions program. This pathway is for students who have been accepted into the program only. Students who have not yet been accepted into the program should begin the Health Sciences A.S. pathway and apply to the Nursing A.S. Degree Program after all selective admissions courses have been completed.

This is a selective admissions program.

The RN-to-BSN is a combined Associate Degree in Nursing and Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program. The Associate-to-Bachelor’s (ATB) program at FCC allows eligible nursing students to complete bachelor’s degree courses through Frostburg State University while completing clinical work at FCC.

To get started in this program, students should:

1. Apply to FCC (the College) and indicate intent to apply to FCC’s Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program.
2. Once finished or finishing FCC ADN pre-admission courses, apply for admission to FCC’s selective-admission Associate Degree in Nursing program. If admitted, enroll in FCC’s ADN program and apply to the Frostburg University’s ATB program.
3. If accepted into Frostburg University’s ATB program, enroll in Frostburg University BSN courses while completing FCC’s Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Program.

FCC nursing clinicals can be completed in two years, and the ATB program at Frostburg can be completed in an additional six months if the recommended course sequence is followed. Students who successfully complete the ATB program will receive an Associate of Nursing Degree from FCC and a B.S. in Nursing from Frostburg State University. 

Students admitted to the ADN program at FCC may elect to pursue the Frostburg ATB program at any time. Students can enroll at Frostburg and will be granted early admission to their ATB program as long as they meet admission requirements and remain in good standing at FCC. Students may also choose to pursue the ATB program at Frostburg after completion of the FCC ADN program.

FCC participates in the Maryland Articulation Model that was revised in fall 2003. A maximum of 70 non-nursing credits will be accepted. Transfer of nursing credits will not be necessary as 30 upper division nursing credits will be awarded by the baccalaureate college or university based on a valid unencumbered Maryland nursing license.

View Program Pathway

This is a selective admissions program.

The RN-to-BSN is a combined Associate Degree in Nursing and Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program. The RN-to-BSN Dual-Admission Partnership through FCC and the University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON) allows eligible nursing students to complete bachelor’s degree courses through the University of Maryland School of Nursing while completing clinical work at FCC.

To get started in this program, students should:

1. Apply to FCC (the College) and indicate intent to apply to FCC’s Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program.
2. Once finished or finishing FCC ADN pre-admission courses, apply for admission to FCC’s selective-admission Associate Degree in Nursing program.
3. If admitted to FCC’s ADN Program, enroll and meet with FCC’s Dual-Admission Partnership advisor.
4. If accepted into the UMSON RN-to-BSN Dual-Admission Partnership, enroll in UMSON BSN courses while completing FCC nursing clinicals or start UMSON’s RN-to-BSN classes once finished with FCC’s Associate Degree in Nursing Program.

FCC clinicals can be completed in two years, and the BSN degree can be earned in an additional two semesters if the recommended course sequence is followed. Students who successfully complete the Dual-Admission Partnership will receive an Associate of Nursing Degree from FCC and a B.S. in Nursing Degree from University of Maryland School of Nursing.

Students admitted to the ADN program at FCC may elect to pursue the UMSON Dual-Admission Partnership at any time. Students can enroll at UMSON and will be granted early admission to their RN-to-BSN program as long as they meet admission requirements and remain in good standing at FCC. Students may also choose to pursue the RN-to-BSN program at UMSON after completion of the FCC ADN program.

FCC participates in the Maryland Articulation Model that was revised in fall 2003. A maximum of 70 non-nursing credits will be accepted. Transfer of nursing credits will not be necessary as 30 upper division nursing credits will  be awarded by the baccalaureate college or university based on a valid unencumbered Maryland nursing license.

View Program Pathway

This is a selective admissions program.

The RN-to-BSN is a combined Associate Degree in Nursing and Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program. The Associate-to-Bachelor’s (ATB) program at FCC allows eligible nursing students to complete bachelor’s degree courses through Towson University while completing clinical work at FCC.

To get started in this program, students should:

1. Apply to FCC (the College) and indicate intent to apply to FCC’s Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program.
2. Once finished or finishing FCC ADN pre-admission courses, apply for admission to FCC’s selective-admission Associate Degree in Nursing program.  If admitted, enroll in FCC’s ADN program and apply to the Towson University’s ATB program.
3. If accepted into Towson University’s ATB program, enroll in Towson University BSN courses while completing FCC’s Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Program.

Students who are dually enrolled in the FCC/TU ATB option will be pursuing an Associate of Nursing degree from FCC and a B.S. Degree in Nursing from Towson University. Successful students will earn both degrees in 2.5 years if the recommended course sequence is followed. The Towson ATB option consists of 30 credits that are offered in a combination of formats including face-to-face, hybrid, and online. The required face-to-face classes will be offered at the Towson main campus in Towson, MD.

Students admitted to the ADN program at FCC have the opportunity to join the Towson University ATB option during their first fall semester provided all prerequisites have been met. Students who are interested in earning their B.S. in Nursing from Towson University but do not want to participate in the dual enrollment option can complete the ADN program at FCC and then apply to Towson’s RN-to-BS program once they are a licensed RN in Maryland.

FCC participates in the Maryland Articulation Model that was revised in fall 2003. A maximum of 70 non-nursing credits will be accepted. Transfer of nursing credits will not be necessary as 30 upper division nursing credits will be awarded by the baccalaureate college or university based on a valid unencumbered Maryland nursing license.

The Nursing A.S.  program is approved by:

Maryland Board of Nursing
4140 Patterson Avenue
Baltimore Maryland, 21215
410.585.1900

The program is accredited by:

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc.
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
404.975.5000

Upon successful completion of the curriculum, the graduate is eligible to take the examination for registered nurse licensure.

Graduates are prepared to give competent, safe nursing care to clients in hospitals, nursing homes and other comparable health agencies under the supervision of more experienced practitioners, and with experience and further preparation, should be able to assume increasing responsibility in nursing. High school preparation for the nursing program should include algebra, advanced biology, chemistry and data processing. Enrollment in the nursing program is limited by the availability of clinical facilities.

Admission to the program is competitive and, generally, priority is given to residents of Frederick County. Applications for admission to the nursing program should be completed by March 1 for the day option (fall admission) or October 1 for the evening/weekend option (spring admission). This includes applying for admission to the college through the Welcome Desk, completion of placement tests and arranging an interview with the allied health advisor. 

The associate degree nursing program is seldom completed in fewer than three years by full-time students. Because of prerequisite courses and the demands of clinical experiences and family responsibilities, most students will be enrolled in the program for four years. Students who drop out for any reason may be readmitted on a space available basis and should contact the director of nursing education as soon as possible.

Information about tuition, fees and completion time may be obtained from the Welcome Desk or the allied health advisor. Conviction of a felony or misdemeanor may prohibit students from taking the nursing licensure exam. Please see the director of nursing education prior to enrolling as a nursing major to discuss options. Students are required to obtain criminal background checks before starting clinical coursework.

A grade of “C” or better must be earned in all courses in the nursing program.

If the student’s knowledge of biological and chemical principles is deficient, BSCI 55 Preparation for Allied Health will be required.

Success in the program is defined by your ability to apply what you’ve learned in real-world scenarios. This program ensures that every student achieves the following core competencies:

• Provide client-centered care which addresses the interrelated dimensions of the client’s health, and is based on respect for the client’s preferences, values, and needs.
• Effectively utilize appropriate and available modes for organizing information and communicating within nursing and the inter-professional members of the health care team.
• Utilize critical thinking and integrate best current evidence and clinical expertise into the nursing process, for the delivery of optimal care throughout the lifespan in a variety of settings.
• Provide care that minimizes the risk of harm to clients and providers, and is based on accepted ethical and legal principles and standards of nursing practice.
• Develop a professional identity, integrating values and behaviors that are consistent with the profession of nursing.

Mission

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In partnership with the community, and to meet the needs of a diverse community, the nursing program strives to provide an environment of academic excellence in which to prepare students as nurse generalists for entry-level practice in the profession of nursing.

Philosophy

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The discipline of nursing is often described as both a science and art. The science of nursing is the knowledge base that is required for and provides support to the care that is given. The art of nursing is the caring and creative application of this knowledge. As a nursing faculty, we are committed to the development of students who provide excellent nursing care. Nurses are tasked with providing quality health care to diverse clients across the lifespan. Health care includes the promotion of health, the prevention of illness, the restoration of health, and the facilitation of coping with chronic illness, disability, and death. Clients are individuals, family units, and/or communities who receive nursing services.

Values

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The Nursing Faculty at Frederick Community College have identified five core values which are central to the profession of nursing.

1. Holistic Care: Care which recognizes the client or designee as the source of control and full partner in the relationship, and which is based on respect for the client’s preferences, values, and needs.
2. Communication: Quality communication within nursing and with inter-professional members of the health care team which leads to the provision of excellent care. The nurse utilizes verbal and non-verbal skills, information systems, and technology to achieve effective communication.
3. Critical Thinking: The integration of the best current evidence, clinical expertise, client data, and client preferences, for the delivery of optimal health care.
4. Safety: Minimization of risk of harm to clients and providers; ethical and legal practice. The nurse provides safe and effective care that is based on accepted principles and standards of nursing practice.
5. Professionalism: The implementation of one’s role as a nurse in ways that reflect integrity and responsibility and reflect a spirit of inquiry.

The Nursing Student Handbook will serve as a valuable reference guide for the nursing program. Successful completion of any of the nursing program will require many long hours of study and preparation. Please feel free to consult with a faculty member at any time.

Nursing Student Handbook

The Associate Degree nursing program at Frederick Community College at 7932 Opossumtown Pike Frederick, MD 21702 is accredited by:

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc.
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
Contact Number: (404) 975-5000
acenursing.org

The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Associate Degree nursing program is continuing accreditation.

FCC Accreditation Information

To find more information about how credits may transfer from Frederick Community College to a state four-year institution visit ARTSYS or consult a College advisor.

Frederick Community College has articulation agreements with the following institutions, allowing students a seamless transfer experience. Students who plan to transfer should speak with an advisor or program manager from their chosen transfer institution before selecting elective courses.

• American Public University
• Chamberlain University
• Drexel University
• Frostburg State University
• Towson University
• University of Maryland Baltimore
• University of Maryland Global Campus

Goal

The program will maintain a minimum pass rate of 80% first-time test-taker, as established by program accrediting body, during the same 12-month period. Or the program will meet or exceed the annual licensure examination pass rate for the ADN national average for all first-time test-takers during the same 12-month period.

Outcome

FCC Nursing Program NCLEX—RN First-time Pass Rates/Year of Taking the NCLEX

First-Time Pass Rate Table – Aggregated for the Entire Program 

Disaggregate and Aggregate NCLEX First Time Pass Rates Data

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Goal

70% of FCC nursing program students will complete the ADN program in no more than 100% of stated program length (for each cohort/program option) beginning with enrollment in the first nursing course and 80% of FCC nursing program students will complete the ADN program in no more than 150% of the stated program length (for each cohort/program option) beginning with enrollment in the first nursing course.

Outcome

Graduation Rates

Disaggregated Program Completion Rates (100% and 150% of Published Program Length) by Graduation Year (Spring and Fall Graduation Cohorts Combined) 

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Program Goal:

At least 95% of students will be employed as an RN within one year of graduation.

Outcome:

Job Placement Rates

E/W = Evening Weekend Program
D = Day Program
AP = Advanced Placement Program

Essential Functions for Nursing

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Technical Standards

The technical and professional standards for nursing are the non-academic skills including the physical, cognitive, and behavioral standards required for satisfactory completion of the nursing program. These standards are not a requirement of admission into the program. However, individuals interested in applying for admission to the nursing program should review these standards to develop a better understanding of the skills, abilities and behavioral characteristics required to successfully complete the nursing program.

Physical/Motor

• Coordinate fine and gross motor movements.
• Coordinate hand/eye movements.
• Function with both hands free for performing psychomotor tasks.
• Maneuver in small areas.
• Attend to cognitive and psychomotor tasks for up to 7-12 hours.
• Examples of learning activities found in the nursing curriculum and related to industry standards:

• Transfer patients/clients in and out of bed from stretchers and wheelchairs.
• Control a fall by slowly lowering client to the floor.
• Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
• Lift or move (turn, position) patients
• Reach to shoulder or higher level to place or access equipment such as intravenous fluid bags, bend or squat to access equipment below bed level.
• Carry equipment and supplies to the client bedside.
• Manipulate small equipment and containers, such as syringes, vials, ampules, and medication packages, to administer medications maintaining sterile technique.
• Complete assigned periods of clinical practice (7-12 hour shifts, days, evenings, or nights).

Physical/Sensory

• Acquire information from demonstrations and experiences, including but not limited to information conveyed through online coursework, lecture, small group activities, demonstrations, and application experiences.
• Collect information through observation, listening, touching, and smelling.
• Use and interpret information from physical assessments.
• Examples of learning activities found in the nursing curriculum and related to industry standards:

• • Detect changes in skin color or condition (pale, ashen, gray, or bluish).
  • Draw up a prescribed quantity of medication into a syringe.
  • Detect sounds related to bodily functions using a stethoscope.
  • Detect audible alarms generated by mechanical systems such as those that monitor bodily functions, fire alarms, call bells.
  • Observe and collect data from recording equipment and measurement devices used in patient care.
  • Communicate with patient and members of the healthcare team in person and over the phone in a variety of settings, including isolation and the operating room where health team members are wearing masks and there is background noise.
  • Detect changes in skin temperature.
  • Detect anatomical abnormalities such as edema.
  • Feel vibrations such as an arterial pulse.

Cognitive

• Recall, collect, analyze, synthesize, and integrate information from a variety of sources.
• Measure, calculate, reason, analyze and synthesize data.
• Problem-solve and think critically in order to apply knowledge and skill.
• Communicate verbally, and through reading and writing, with individuals from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds.
• Relay information in oral and written form effectively, accurately, reliably, and intelligibly to individuals and groups, using the English language.
• Examples of learning activities found in the nursing curriculum and related to industry standards:

• • Read and comprehend medical orders and patient information found in the medical record.
  • Sequence or cluster data to determine patient needs.
  • Analyze information to prioritize and implement nursing care.
  • Develop and implement a nursing plan of care for patients in acute, long term and community settings.
  • Report verbally and in writing patient data to members of the healthcare team.
  • Perform math computations for medication dosage calculations both with and without a calculator.

Behavioral

• Demonstrate emotional stability to function effectively under stress and adapt to changing environments.
• Maintain effective, mature, and sensitive relationships with others.
• Examine and modify one's own behavior when it interferes with others or the learning environment.
• Possess attributes that include compassion, empathy, altruism, integrity, honesty, tolerance and responsibility and accountability for actions.
• Examples of learning activities found in the nursing curriculum and related to industry standards:

• • Exercise judgment
  • Manage time appropriately to carry out the usual patient care assignment for a particular point in the program within the allotted clinical time
  • Work effectively under stress and adapt to rapidly changing patient care environments.
  • Accept accountability for actions that resulted in patient care errors.
  • Deal effectively with interpersonal conflict if it arises; maintain effective and harmonious relationships with members of the healthcare team.

Health Requirements

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Prospective students need to be aware that nursing involves contact with communicable diseases. All students entering nursing programs must meet the following health requirements:

Notes:

• The clinical site no longer mandates COVID-19 vaccinations or boosters, but they remain strongly recommended.
• If you have received any COVID vaccines or boosters, please upload your documentation to your health portal.
• Requirements are subject to change based on clinical site policy. If updates occur, students will be notified promptly.

Other Requirements

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CPR Certification

The nursing program utilizes the Resuscitation Quality Improvement (RQI)® Program from the American Heart Association that requires quarterly training to support mastery of high-quality CPR skills.

Background Check & Drug Screen

In accordance with the policies of many of our clinical facilities as well as in compliance with the recommendations of the National Council, State Boards of Nursing and the Maryland Board of Nursing, Frederick Community College’s Nursing Program requires all nursing students to have a criminal background check and drug screening. This background check and drug screening will be completed PRIOR to full admittance to the program and may be repeated during the program as deemed necessary.

All students must be successfully cleared via this background check and drug screening to be admitted to the clinical facilities. If a student is not successfully cleared, the student may not enter the clinical setting and, therefore, will be unable to meet the Nursing Program’s requirements.

If, during the program, a student tests positive for an illegal or un‐prescribed drug, the student will be immediately terminated from the program.

The Maryland Board of Nursing prohibits nursing students from taking care of clients if the student compromises client safety. In accordance with this law, the instructor is obliged to dismiss students from a unit if a condition exists which compromises client safety, such as fatigue, substance abuse, physical illness, emotional instability, or inadequate preparation for clinical experience. Any student who is under the influence of any chemical substance (drugs or alcohol) may be terminated from the nursing program. All students are required to undergo drug screening and background checks.

Program applicants are advised that the Maryland Board of Nursing as well as other State Boards of Nursing may deny licensure to any individual they deem to be unsuitable for the practice of nursing. Examples include, but are not limited to, falsifying application information, habitual intoxication and/or narcotic addiction, convictions or “nolo contendere” pleas for felonies or crimes of moral turpitude, whether or not appears of other proceedings are pending or in progress (Maryland Nurse Practice Act).

Uniforms

Uniforms are required for clinical learning experiences. All students must wear the official school uniform.

Math Testing

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Math for Medication Safety Exam

All clinical nursing students are required to pass a Math for Medication Safety Exam (MMSE) every semester. The purpose of the Math for Medication Safety Exam is to show basic math competency skills related to giving medications in the lab and clinical setting. Medication errors are one of the leading causes of preventable harm in healthcare, the MMSE ensures that nurses have the knowledge to prevent errors in incorrect dosing.

The Math for Medication Safety Exam is a proctored in-person exam. Only approved nursing calculators can be used during the test. Blank paper will be provided.

First attempt must earn a 95% or higher.

Accepted students can enroll in NURS50 Preparation for Nursing in the January and summer sessions to practice math concepts for the exam.

There will be 20 dosage calculation problems on each test. Content review should include:

• Conversion between units of measure (metric and household)
• IV flow rates and infusion times (including international time)
• Interpreting drug labels and calculating dosage from the label information
• Reconstitution of drugs from a powder including calculation of dose
• Weight based dosage calculation
• Military (24 hour) time

The following conversions must be learned for best results:

• 1 fluid ounce = 30 milliliters
• 1 ounce = 28.35 grams
• 1 hour = 60 minutes
• 1 teaspoon = 5 milliliters
• 1 foot = 0.3048 meters
• 1 minute = 60 seconds
• 1 tablespoon = 15 milliliters
• 1 gram = 1000 milligrams
• 1 kilogram = 2.2 pounds
• 1 cup = 240 milliliters

Resources:

• DosageHelp.com
• Testandcalc.com

Nursing Program Fees

Additional Estimated Expenses

• Uniforms (lab coat/scrubs): $150-$200
• Miscellaneous (nursing clip board, stethoscope, scissors, penlight, nursing shoes): $200-250
• Immunizations: Variable
• Maryland RN Licensure: $187
• Nursing School Pin: $50-100

Information on Tuition, Fees & Scholarships

• FCC Tuition & Fees
• Scholarships for FCC Students
• Scholarships for Nursing Students
  • Frederick Health Hospital RN Scholarship 
  • Elizabeth Rau Scholarship
  • Frederick Medical Alliance Scholarship
  • Frederick Medical Foundation Scholarship
  • Grace Englebrecht Scholarship
  • Helen Staley Troxel Scholarship
  • Kim Cool Scholarship
  • LPN Scholarship
  • Loats Foundation Scholarship
  • Nurses Alumni Assn. of FMH Scholarship
  • Rebecca Arn-Gruber Scholarship
  • Robert C. Hutton Scholarship
  • Robin L. Herring Scholarship
  • Ruth Tick Memorial Scholarship
  • Tuition Reduction for Non-Resident Nursing Students
  • Workforce Shortage Student Assistance Grant Program
  • Parren J. Mitchell Public Service Scholarship – Nursing, FCC Foundation