Raritan Valley Community College Nursing Program Review
Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) opened its doors for the first class of students in 1966 in temporary facilities at Green Brook High School. During its early years, it was known as Somerset County College offering post-secondary education to Somerset county residents. In 1986, the board of freeholders from the mother and Hunterdon Counties decided on co-sponsoring the college. This decision led to the change of name to Raritan Valley Community College. It is an open admission public college that offers 2-year associate degrees, certificate and professional development in the 2 counties and beyond.
Nursing Programs at Raritan Valley Community College
RVCC offers two entry options in the associate degree for candidates wishing to become registered nurses (RN). The first choice is available in day and evening options for recent high school graduates with no prior nursing experience. The second choice is for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) wishing to become registered nurses through advanced placement. In the continuing education category, RVCC offers two short courses: Home Health Aide and Certified Nurse Aide courses. The associate nursing tracks are approved by the National League for Nursing.
Nursing/RN, Associate of Applied Science
The nursing program is strictly meant for candidates who can proof residency in Somerset and Hunterdon counties, hence external applications are rejected. Candidates need to take a TEAS test before applying into the nursing. Candidates must have completed all prerequisites courses and if they had not been taken at RVCC, a second application into clinical program is required. Admission into the clinical program is based on the ranking of TEAS and GPA scores.
The 68 credits needed to graduate are designed to be completed in 4 academic semesters on Day or Evening/Weekend plans. After completion of the program, students must take a college exit exam to be allowed to apply for the NCLEX-RN exam. An associate of applied science degree is awarded upon completion.
Nursing PN/AD, Associate of Applied Science Degree Option in Nursing
This track is open to Hunterdon and Somerset county Practical Nurses (PN) wishing to becoming registered nurses by completing the Associate Degree (AD). Candidates must have graduated from LPN program in the last five with at least 6 months experience. However, LPN with more than 5 years from the time of graduation must have at least 3 years working experience to be allowed to apply. There is also an option for those LPN who do not have the 3.25 GPA cutline from the earlier practical nursing program. Such candidates are advised to apply for an advanced standing opportunity in the generic program rather than applying for the PNAD.
After admission into the PNAD program, students take a Nursing Transition summer session followed by one year of study. In addition to the nursing transition course, LPN receives 15 credits from the practical nursing program. Since this track is offered in a rigorous full time day-only option, the college advices the LPN to give-up employment while studying.
Nursing-LPN Program
RVCC had a practical nursing program which at the moment has not been accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. The program is also suspended along with other PN programs in the state and students can only be admitted if the current New Jersey moratorium on PN programs is lifted. RVCC advices students interested in the program to apply and be placed in a waiting list until the suspension is lifted.
Articulation Agreements
RVCC has special articulation agreements to enable graduates of the nursing program to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Upper division nursing courses from Kean University and Rutgers University are offered on-site at the RVCC’s University Center. Students can also choose the ASS-BSN Dual admission program from Kean University to enable completion of upper division nursing courses during the AAS program. However, students can still transfer to a 4-year college of choice.
RVCC Continuing Education
Certified Nurse Aide (CNA)
This course is offered in the RVCC continuing education category and prepares entry-level students to work in long-term care facilities. It is a 90-hours clinical and theory course that makes students eligible for CNA licensure.
Homemaker/Home Health Aide
This is also a short 10-hour course designed for already Certified Nurse Aides who wish to become Home maker home health aides (HHHA). This course allows dual certification as a nurse aide.
Contact:
Raritan Valley Community College
118 Lamington Road, Branchburg,
NJ 08876
