Davidson County Community College Nursing Program Review

Davidson County Community College (DCCC) is a small two-year college between Lexington and Thomasville in North Carolina. This college offers certificates, diplomas, and Associate Degrees in over 50 programs. Davidson Community College has around 3,400 students enrolled, and some graduates choose to continue their education at the University of North Carolina since Davidson has an articulation agreement with this university. Davidson is a member of the North Carolina Community College system of 58 community colleges in the state.

Nursing Programs

Practical Nurse Education

Davidson County Community College offers a Practical Nurse Diploma program that prepares students for a career as a Practical Nurse (PN). Although PNs are being phased out of hospital work as they hire mostly Associate Degree and Bachelor Degree trained nurses, PNs have many opportunities to work in clinics, private practice, doctor’s offices, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities. This program is truly unique in that it is one of the only hybrid practical nursing programs in North Carolina. Even more unique is the fact that it is the only practical nursing online program in North Carolina.

Admission to the program is very competitive, and all of the steps leading to being accepted into the program must be carefully followed by those hoping to begin the program. Students must first complete an online application for admissions and then request to have their official high school and any college transcripts sent to Davidson. Other steps to be taken are to take the placement assessment and apply for financial aid. When the results from this test are available, the applicant must make an appointment to meet with the Admissions Counselor assigned to him or her. Then, a new student Orientation is needed, along with an academic advisement appointment. At that time, courses are selected and the student registers for the upcoming semester.

To determine whether an applicant qualifies for admission to the program, they must be a high school graduate or have a GED. Applicants must also have acceptable scores on Davidson’s placement assessment. Physical checkups are necessary, as well as criminal background checks and a drug test. Applicants are given priority if they live in Davidson or Davie County and for their scores on the entrance test and for Biology if taken at Davidson County Community College. Once an applicant is accepted into the program, all courses are completed online. Applicants complete clinical experience at local hospitals and other healthcare facilities as well. After completing the program, graduates become Licensed Practical Nurses by taking and passing the NCLEX-PN.

Associate Degree Nursing

The college also offers an Associate Degree Nursing that is an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree. Admission to the program is competitive, and residents of Davidson or Davies Counties are given priority admission. Other factors that determine whether or not an applicant is accepted into the program are entrance test scores and the grade attained when taking Biology at the college. Only students who are high school graduates or those with a GED are considered. Applicants must also have good physical health and clean drug tests and background checks. The college does not keep a waiting list, so applicants must re-apply each year if they are not accepted into the program the first time. Also, students must have completed a Nurse Aide course that consisted of 70 hours of training and 40 hours of clinical instruction before they are allowed to begin nursing classes. It is not necessary to be a Nurse Aide before applying since training can be completed before enrolling in the nursing program. In the meantime, students can complete liberal arts and science classes.

The AAS program in nursing usually takes two years or four semesters to complete, but many students take an additional semester to take the general education required courses. They may then begin nursing courses and clinical experience. At the completion of all required academic work, students may take the NCLEX-RN to become licensed as Registered Nurses.

LPN-ADN Option

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) who have been employed in their field for at least a year in an acute or long-term care facility may apply for the Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in nursing program. The entire program, except for the first three days is available online. This has been very convenient for working LPNs who are not able to quit their job to attend classes full-time. Taking online courses allows students to complete their work according to their work schedule. Some of the clinical experience may be completed at the site of the LPNs current employment, but not in the same department. At the completion of the program, graduates are qualified to take the NCLEX-RN to become licensed Registered Nurses.

Contact:

Davidson County Community College-Davidson Campus,
297 Davidson Community College Road, Thomasville, NC 27360
(336) 249 -8186

Davidson County Community College-Davie Campus,
1205 Salisbury Road, Mocksville, NC 27028
(336) 751-2885