Virginia Highlands Community College Nursing Program Review

Over 3,000 students are enrolled in certificate and associate degree programs at Virginia Highlands Community College (VHCC). Virginia Highlands Community College is one of twenty-three colleges in the Virginia Highlands Community College system. In 1967, Virginia Highlands Community College was founded; one year after the Virginia Community College system was established. The college serves students in the city of Bristol as well as Smyth and Washington counties.

Though the college began offering only career-oriented technical programs, throughout the years Virginia Highlands Community College has expanded its offerings to include the Center for Business and Arts Array program in addition to numerous educational programs in business, education, healthcare, science, and technology. The college is accredited by the Commission on Colleges, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

Nursing Programs

Virginia Highlands Community College is part of the Virginia Appalachian Tricollege Nursing Program (VATNP) along with two other colleges. Nursing programs at Virginia Highlands Community College are offered through the Division on Nursing and Allied Health and include other health programs such as occupational and physical therapy, health sciences, and medical technology. The RN nursing programs at Virginia Highlands Community College are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) and approved by the Virginia State Board of Nursing. The Tricollege program began in 1972.

Virginia Highlands Community College Undergraduate Nursing Programs

Nursing Track 1: 2 Year Curriculum Plan

An intensive, two-year academic program is offered for nurses who would like to complete all required courses for the AAS in Nursing degree in two years of full-time coursework. The Nursing AAS program prepares students to take the National Council for Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses (RN), NCLEX-RN. Upon completion of the program, students receive an AAS, which is a type of ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) for nurses that would like to pursue a career in the nursing vocation immediately rather than transfer to a four-year institution to earn a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing).

Nursing Track 2: Health Sciences Certificate Plus 2 Year Curriculum Plan

Nursing Track 2 allows students to complete the 2-year degree program in a less intensive format than Nursing Track 1. Students in Nursing Track 2 will earn a Health Sciences Certificate in the course of completing their general education requirements. Upon completion of the program, students will earn an AAS and are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN upon completion of the program.

Nursing Track 3: Part-time Evening/Weekend (AAS)

For students whose schedule can only accommodate distance learning, weekend and evening courses on a part-time basis, Nursing Track 3 is a great option. Admission criteria for the program include 20 academic credits of general education which may be completed upon admission to the nursing program, but before nursing courses began. The part-time Nursing Track 3 program can be completed in 3 to 4 years of study.

Nursing Track 4: LPN to RN Bridge Curriculum (AAS)

In the LPN to RN Bridge program, Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) can pursue an RN license without repeating nursing courses and re-learning information obtained through professional experience. The LPN to RN program begins with a summer bridge course that reviews critical areas of nursing education not covered in the LPN program. The program can be completed in one year once general education nursing courses are completed.

Nursing Track 5: Part-time Evening/Weekend LPN to RN Program (AAS)

LPNs who would like to complete the nursing program on a part-time schedule can pursue the part-time LPN to RN course with an evening, weekend, and online courses. Admission criteria to the LPN to RN program include 2,000 hours (approximately one year) of work experience as an LPN, a valid RN license, and acceptance to the nursing program. The Nursing Track 5 LPN to RN program can be completed in 3 years.

Contact:
Virginia Highlands Community College
100 VHCC Drive,
Abingdon, VA 24212-0828