Allegheny College of Maryland Nursing Program Review

Allegheny College of Maryland (ACM) opened in 1961 as a two-year public college. The College offers over 90 associate degree programs, certificates, and letters of recognition. It also has over 35 associate degree transfer programs designed to let students easily continue their studies at a four-year institution.

ACM enrolls 4000 students in credit courses and 16,000 students in continuing education courses each year. The student to faculty ratio is 17 to 1, and there are day, evening and online programs available. The main campus is in Cumberland, MD, and there are satellite campus sites in Everett, PA, and in Somerset, PA. There is also a site in Garret, MD, that admits students every other year.

Nursing Programs

Associate Degree in Nursing

This program allows students to pursue a career in nursing and earn their Associate in Science (AS) degree. This is a two year ladder program, allowing students to exit after completing the qualifications for Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Students that complete the entire program are allowed to take the licensure exam for Registered Nurses (RNs).

To apply, students must have taken a year each of high school algebra, biology, and chemistry, all with a C or higher. They also need to submit ACT scores and pass the placement test or take the courses indicated by the test. In addition, they will need to take the TEAS standardized test, and take Anatomy and Physiology I.

It is also recommended that students take Anatomy and Physiology II, Microbiology, and College Algebra, as the grades in those classes are used to rank applicants. Grades in the general education courses of English Composition, General Psychology, Intro to Sociology, and two Humanities electives are also used in ranking.

Fast Track Program

Students that have already completed all of their general education courses may enter this program, and finish with and Associate Degree in 16 months.

Practical Nursing (LPN)

This program allows students to leave the associate degree program after the first year of studies having met the educational requirements to become an LPN. They will receive a certificate of completion and be able to take the licensing exam for Practical Nurses.

LPN to RN Online

LPNs who wish to earn their associate degree may take this online program. It allows students to enter the associate degree program in the second year, and takes 18 months or less to complete.

Students must have graduated from an approved Practical Nurse program with a C or higher in each course, and must be currently licensed as an LPN to be able to apply. They must also have two years of work experience as an LPN, be CPR certified, have three letters of recommendation, have a 2.5 or better GPA, and must have completed the general education classes required for the program.

The general education courses are English Composition, College Algebra, Humanities elective, General Psychology, Growth and Development, Microbiology, and Anatomy and Physiology I and II. The science courses must have a grade of C or higher.

Nursing Transfer Program

This program is for students who intend to transfer to a four-year institution and complete their bachelor’s degree. Students will earn an associate degree, but will not be eligible for the RN licensing exam, as they will not take any clinical courses during this program.

Nursing Assistant/Geriatric Aide

This certificate program trains students to become certified as CNAs or Geriatric Nursing Assistants (GNAs). Students may earn this certificate after taking the first semester of the associate degree program, and earning a C or higher in all classes.

In-Home Nursing Assistant

This program is for CNAs who wish to continue their education and become In-Home Nursing Assistants. This is a one semester program, and students must earn a C or higher in all classes to qualify for the certificate.

Contact:
Allegheny College of Maryland
12401 Willowbrook Road, SE
Cumberland, MD 21502-2596