Bucks County Community College Nursing Program Review
Pennsylvania based Bucks County Community College (BCCC) has three campus-the main campus in Newton, the Upper Campus in Perkasie and the Lower Campus in Bristol. Over 11,000 students pursue study 90+ academic programs each year. The two-year junior college awards associate’s degree and certificates in fields such as nursing, music and mathematics. In addition to academics, students can participate in extracurricular activities such as student clubs, campus organizations, intramural and collegiate team sports. Financial aid is available to Bucks County Community College students who qualify; approximately one-quarter of students receive some form of financial aid. Bucks County Community College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Bucks County Community College was founded in 1964.
Nursing Programs
The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) accredits the ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) program at Bucks County Community College. The nursing program is approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing. The nursing program at Bucks County Community College is offered under the division of Health, Physical Education and Nursing. Nursing is considered an occupational degree program at Bucks County Community College.
Bucks County Community College Undergraduate Nursing Programs
AD (Associate Degree) Nursing Program
The AD Nursing program is a nursing diploma program that prepares students for a career as a licensed RN.
Admission Requirements to the AD Nursing Program at Bucks County Community College
Applicants to the nursing program must have a high school diploma with 16 units distributed as follows:
4 units of English
5 units of Electives
2 units of Math
2 units of Sciences
3 units of Social Sciences
Within this distribution of courses, nursing applicants should have at least one year of Chemistry, Biology and Algebra with a minimum grade of “C.” Students with a GED are eligible to apply to the nursing program but must complete required college courses to make up for the individual units necessary for the nursing program. In order to be admitted to the clinical component of the nursing program, applicants to the nursing program must earn a satisfactory score on the SAT ACT or NLN-RN Pre RN Exam (National League for Nursing-Registered Nurse Pre Registered Nurse Exam). Additional requirements include completing all nursing courses with a grade of “C” or higher and a minimum 2.5 overall GPA. If space remains in the nursing program a GPA of 2.0 may be accepted.
Duration and Completion of the AD Nursing Program
Upon completion of the AD Nursing program, students are eligible to take the National Council for Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses, NCLEX-RN to become a Registered Nurse (RN). The nursing program may be completed in two years of full-time study or longer if the student chooses part-time study. Students receive an Associate of Arts degree upon graduating from the AD Nursing program, which is a more general type of associate’s degree which can be used to transfer to four-year colleges and universities. Bucks County Community College prides itself in offering transfer opportunities for its students.
Advancement Placement for LPNs (Licensed Practical Nurses)
Licensed Practical Nurses with at least one year of experience and nurses who have graduated from a nursing program accredited by NLNAC are eligible for advanced standing in the nursing program. LPN advanced standing applicants are not required to complete standardized testing (SAT, ACT, or NLN-RN Pre RN Exam), but are required to provide proof of their nursing license and at least one year of employment experience in addition to meeting other general AD Nursing requirements. Upon completion of the program, nurses receive an Associate of Arts Degree and are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN.
Bucks County Community College Nursing Undergraduate Certificate Programs
Practical Nursing
The Practical Nursing program prepares students for employment as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). The Practical Nursing program can be completed in 12 months of full-time study, which begins in July. Upon completion of the program, students take the NCLEX-PN (National Council for Licensure Exam for Practical Nurses) to become an LPN.
Nurse Aide Training
The Nurse Aide Training program is a 100 hour program offered at the Newton Campus. Admission requirements include a high school diploma and college coursework or a satisfactory score on the nurse aid assessment test prior to beginning the program. Upon completion of the Nurse Aide Training program, students are eligible to take the state exam to become a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA).
Continuing Education for Nurses and Healthcare Professionals at Bucks County Community College
Bucks County Community College offers continuing education programs for nurses and healthcare professionals through The Center for Allied Health. Nursing classes include specialized courses in toxicology, nursing review and re-entry and dementia care. The center strives to keep students up to date with the most current healthcare practice.
Contact:
Bucks County Community College
275 Swamp Road,
Newtown, PA 18940-4106
