Passaic County Community College Nursing Program Review
Passaic County community College (PCCC) opened its doors to the residents of Passaic County in 1971. PCCC offers academic and non-credits programs including associate degrees, certificates and continuing education. In its efforts to offer accessible learning methods, PCCC has evening, weekends and online learning modes to supplement the traditional day programs. The college has its main campus in Paterson and another 3 satellite academic centers in Wayne, Wanaque and Passaic City. This public, 2-year community college helps students to acquire career training for direct job entry or transfer opportunities.
Nurse Education Program at PCCC
The Associate in Applied Science nurse program at PCCC accepts two categories of students: recent high school graduates and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) seeking advanced placement to become registered nurses (RN). High school graduates have an option of choosing between the Day and Evening programs. Both the generic and the LPN mobility option are approved by the New Jersey Board of Nursing and approved by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.
Associate in Applied Science in Nursing
This degree track has two admission options namely Day and Evening options. Admission into the program requires candidates to have a high school diploma or a GED. Before applying, candidates must complete a TEAS V test and a College Placement Exam. Selection of candidates is based on the entrance exams and GPA scores. Candidates looking forward to start on the evening option are required to have completed all general education courses prior to application.
Day Option
The day option is for students who wish to complete their nurse education program in no more than 4 semesters of 2 years. Students in this program take general education and nursing courses from PCCC on a full time basis. The program is completed within 2 years after taking 34 general education and 34 nursing credits. Students graduate with an occupation-oriented Associate in Applied Science degree and become academically eligible to take the NCLEX-RN to become registered nurses.
Evening Option
As mentioned, evening candidates must have completed at least 24 general courses before applying. If this requirement is met, students are able take a lighter course load; hence the program is suitable for working students. Basically, the remaining courses can be completed in 4 normal semesters and 2 summer sessions. The track takes at least three years to complete although the period can be extended up-to five years after taking the first nursing course. Since the degree requires 68 credits to complete, students in this track take a maximum of 44 credits to graduate with the associate degree and take the NLCEX-RN exam.
Nursing –LPN Mobility
This track is designed for Licensed Practical Nurses who wish to become registered nurses. Besides being an LPN, a candidate must meet all admission requirements for the associate in applied science in nursing program. Candidates must also hold current New Jersey LPN licenses to be eligible to apply. In addition, a Nurse Acceleration Challenge Exam for LPNs or a TEAS test must be completed during the application process. LPN students start by taking a Nursing Mobility course during the first spring semester followed by a summer, fall and another spring session. The program is designed to prepare LPN to take the NLCEX-RN exam and become registered nurses within one year.
PCCC Nursing at Sussex County Community College
The Nursing Program at Passaic County Community College is also offered to residents of Sussex County. This same program is offered from Sussex County Community College and is restricted to its residents only. The program begins every spring semester at Sussex with alternate day and evening options. This works in such a way that the day program is offered in even-numbered with the evening option being offered in odd-numbered years.
Contact:
Passaic County Community College
One College Blvd, Paterson,
NJ 07505
