Southwest Virginia Community College Nursing Program Review

Southwest Virginia Community College (SWCC) is part of the Virginia Community College system and is based in Cedar Bluff, Virginia. Over 3,500 students are educated in the outskirts of Virginia at Southwest Virginia Community College. Southwest Virginia Community College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The college opened in Virginia in 1968 just two years after the Virginia Community College system was established in 1966.

Students at Southwest Virginia Community College will benefit from a student centered approach in which their goals and educational needs are put in the forefront by faculty and staff. In addition to the main campus in Cedar Bluff, the college holds classes at various community centers in Tazewell, Russell, Buchanan and Dickenson counties.

Nursing Programs

Nursing programs at Southwest Virginia Community College are part of the Virginia Appalachian Tricollege Nursing Program (VATNP). Nursing programs at Southwest Virginia Community College are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and approved by the Virginia State Board of Nursing. Southwest Virginia Community College offers 5 nursing programs all leading to Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing and eligibility to take the National Council for Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses, NCLEX-RN (if licensure has not already been earned)

Southwest Virginia Community College Undergraduate Nursing Programs

Track 1 -Nursing Two-year plan

Recent high school graduates and aspiring nurses without previous nursing education or experience can become a Registered Nurse (RN) in two years through the Track 1, Nursing Two-year plan program at Southwest Virginia Community College. The program can be completed in 5 semesters (which includes one summer) upon completion of the program; students earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing and are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN. Track 1 is an intensive course which is suitable for students able to dedicate a majority of their time to the nursing program.

Track 2- Health Services Certificate + 2 years

Students who need flexibility as they earn their degree usually find Track 2 of the nursing program, Health Services Certificate an ideal option. An added benefit to the Track 2 Nursing program is that students receive a Health Sciences Certificate while completing their general nursing courses. The program requires a minimum 6 semesters (approximately 2 years), but can take up to 3 years depending on the student’s individual schedule.

Track 3 Part-time Evening/Weekend RN Nursing

The part-time evening/weekend course offers students with career and personal responsibilities the opportunity to complete the AAS degree in up to four years. Students complete all general education requirements before beginning nursing courses. Nursing classes are offering evenings, weekends, and through online platforms.

Track 4 LPN to RN Bridge
The LPN to RN program allows LPNs to build on their previous education and experience to earn an AAS in less time than students in the general AAS tracks. After students complete general education courses (17 hours) nursing education coursework can be completed in just one year. LPNs take courses in the summer to accelerate their standing in the nursing program. Students begin courses in the second year of the nursing program, and take the same courses as nurses in other tracks.

Track 5 Part-time Evening/Weekend LPN to RN
The LPN to RN Bridge offers a less accelerated option for LPNs seeking a career change as an RN. Students complete the same requirements as students in Track 4, but in a slower time frame. Students will earn an AAS and eligibility to take the NCLEX-RN upon completion of the LPN to RN program. The Part-time Evening/Weekend LPN program can be completed in 3 years.

Southwest Virginia Community College Nursing Certificate Programs

Practical Nursing Certificate

The Practical Nursing Certificate consists of a four semester program that educates students in the procedures and methods necessary to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Upon completion of the program, students earn a certificate and practical nursing and take the NCLEX-PN exam to earn a certificate as a Practical Nurse. The program is 48 academic credits.

Contact:
Southwest Virginia Community College
724 Community College Road,
Cedar Bluff, VA 24609