Aiken Technical College Nursing Program Review

Aiken Technical College (ATC), founded in 1972, is one of the sixteen members of the South Carolina Technical College System. Over 3000 students take classes at the college each year for credit and over 10,000 students each year participate in the non-credit, continuing education courses. From Aiken Technical College, students can enter the workforce directly, or transfer into a four-year school. Among its professional training programs, Aiken Technical College offers several in the health sciences field, including nursing. Students can train to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) or Registered Nurses (RN). Both programs have accreditation from the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).

Practical Nursing Diploma in Applied Science

The Practical Nursing program awards graduates with a diploma in applied science, which allows them to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Practical Nurses (NLCEX-PN) and start their careers as LPNs. As LPNs, they will be able to perform entry-level nursing duties, under the direct supervision of RNs and doctors. The practical nursing diploma program trains students for this career through a combination of general education courses, nursing courses, and clinical instruction. Before beginning the nursing program, a practical nursing student must complete prerequisites in anatomy and physiology, college algebra, English composition, and psychology. Once these are completed, he starts the nursing component of the program, which requires three semesters. In total (including prerequisites), he must earn forty-seven credits in order to graduate. The practical nursing program begins in the spring semester.

Associate Degree in Nursing

Aiken Technical College awards graduates of the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program with an Associate Degree in Health Science with a Major in Nursing. In order to earn this, a student must complete a total of sixty-eight credits. First, she must complete prerequisites in anatomy and physiology, English composition, college algebra, and psychology. She can then enroll in the ADN program, which takes five consecutive semesters to complete (excluding prerequisites). The curriculum consists of a combination of general education and nursing courses. After completing the five semesters, a graduate is eligible to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). An ADN student can start the prerequisites at any time; the nursing sequence starts only in the fall and the spring semesters.

Associate Degree in Nursing – LPN to ADN

On the basis of his practical nursing diploma and his work experience, an LPN can enter the ADN program with advanced standing. Before he starts the nursing sequence of classes, though, he must complete any missing prerequisites in anatomy and physiology, English composition, college algebra, and psychology. Once these are completed, he can start the nursing sequence. With his advanced standing in the ADN program, he only needs three semesters to complete the nursing courses. In total, he needs fifty-three credit hours in order to earn the ADN. Once he is finished with the program, he may take the NCLEX-RN. An incoming LPN can take the prerequisites in any semester, but he must enter the LPN to ADN nursing sequence in either the summer or the fall.

Certified Nurse Assistant Program

Through the Training and Business Development Division, Aiken Technical College offers a training program for prospective Certified Nurse Assistants (CNA). The class consists of fifty-two hours of classroom instruction (which can be completed either online or on campus) and 40 hours of clinical experience in a long-term care facility. After completing the program, a graduate receives a certificate, and is eligible to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam, administered through the state.

Certified Nurse Assistant Program – Further Education Options

After completing the CNA program, a student may opt to complete a short, three-hour training class that focuses specifically on skills that will be tested on the NNAAP exam. This is offered on campus only. If, after earning certification as a CNA, a student wishes to specialize in caring for patients with dementia, she can complete the Advanced CNA: Dementia Specialist class. This requires twenty-four hours, and is offered on campus.

Contact:
Aiken Technical College
2276 J. Davis Highway,
Graniteville, SC 29829