Muskegon Community College Nursing Program Review
From Muskegon Junior College, a legislative vote by the residents of Muskegon County formed Muskegon Community College. The college dates back in 1951 with the three changes of names from the junior college to Muskegon County Community College to the current name it has today. The college upholds the mission of community colleges by bringing higher education to the people at affordable costs. It offers academic programs that help students get into employment or transfer into four-year degree programs.
Department of Nursing at Muskegon Community College
The department of nursing at Muskegon Community College (MCC) offers three nursing programs which form a career advancement ladder. Due to the curriculum ladder design of the nursing programs, students can choose to exit at some point and earn a certificate of complete the entire ladder to earn an associate of science in nursing degree. The three exit programs are approved by the Michigan Board of Nursing and the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission has accredited the programs.
The Nursing Program
It takes the form of a career ladder where all prospective nursing students start at the same point. Students enrolled into the nursing program take similar courses and students wishing to exit the program after the first year are awarded a diploma in practical nursing. The first year exit students are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam for licensure as practical nurses in Michigan.
As part of the continuation ladder, students who continue to take a total of six semesters of nurse training are also free to exit from the program; hence being awarded the Associate in applied science degree in nursing as an occupational oriented degree. These students are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam to become registered nurses. Students who exit at this point are those who wish to get into practice fast. On the third level, students who have achieved the six semesters can add on one semester in pursuit of transfer options to a four year BSN program.
Students who add the extra semester to a total of seven semesters are awarded the Associate in Science and arts degree and are also eligible for the NLCEX-RN exam to become registered nurses. Because the last part is primarily a transfer degree, Muskegon Community College therefore only provides articulation agreements for the ASA degree and not the Associate in applied Science degree.
For the breakdown of the nursing ladder, students can take up to 84 credits. In this case, students exiting at the diploma in practical nursing level take a total of 40 credits. For the associate in applied science exit, 72 credits are required and an extra 14 credits giving the maximum number of 84 credits for the associate of science in nursing degree.
Advanced Placement for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)
Muskegon Community College also welcomes licensed practical nurses from the state of Michigan for advanced placement into the either of the two associate degrees exits. To be eligible for this enrollment, students must have an unencumbered licenses with prove of at least six months working experience as a practical nurse.
Contact:
Muskegon Community College
221 S. Quarterline Road, Muskegon,
MI 49442
