College of Southern Maryland Nursing Program Review

The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) was established as Charles County Community College in 1958. It expanded its services throughout the area in the 1970s and 1980s, and was officially renamed to CSM in 2000. CSM has campuses in La Plata, Leonardtown, Prince Frederick and the Waldorf Center for Higher Education. It also has Centers for Trades and Energy Training, and Transportation Training.

There are over 24,000 students enrolled at CSM. Of those, 11,600 are enrolled in credit programs, and the remainder in continuing education. The average class size is 20. CSM offers over 100 programs of study, including 13 online programs.

Nursing Programs

Nursing – Associate’s Degree

This program allows students to earn an Associate of Science degree. After graduating the program, they will be allowed to take the licensing exam to become a Registered Nurse (RN).

To apply for this program, students must have a high school diploma or equivalent, a high school GPA of at least 2.0, submit their ACT or SAT scores, and have acceptable scores on the English, Math and Reading placement exams. They must also take the prerequisite classes.

The prerequisites for this program are Integrated Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Composition and Rhetoric, Current Issues of the Older Adult, Introduction to Nursing, and a Math elective. Students must earn at least a C in all prerequisites.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to RN

LPNs with an active license may apply for this program to earn their Associate of Science degree and become eligible to be licensed as an RN.

To apply, students need to have a high school diploma or equivalent, a high school GPA of at least 2.0, submit their ACT or SAT scores, show proof of their nursing license, have a resume and a letter from their employer documenting that they have worked at least 2000 hours in the last two years, and submit copies of their LPN program transcripts.

In addition, they must take General Psychology, Composition and Rhetoric, Introduction to Sociology, Microbiology with a lab, and Integrated Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II with labs.

After completing the LPN Transition into Nursing course with a grade of C or better, students will be admitted to the associate degree program in the third semester.

Pre-Nursing – Associate of Arts Degree

Students who intend to transfer to a four-year institution to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree may take this program. It is structured so that students take the sciences and general education courses required for the baccalaureate degree, and are prepared to take the upper level nursing courses after they transfer. Students should consult with an advisor to ensure that this program meets the requirements of the school they wish to transfer to.

To apply, students must have a high school diploma or equivalent, a high school GPA of at least 2.0, submit their ACT or SAT scores, and acceptable scores on the English, Math and Reading placement exams.

Practical Nursing Certificate

Students graduating from this one year program are eligible to take the licensing exam for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs).

To apply for this program, students must have a high school diploma or equivalent, a high school GPA of at least 2.0, submit their ACT or SAT scores, and have acceptable scores on the English, Math and Reading placement exams.

They must also take the prerequisite classes of Current Issues of the Older Adult, Introduction to Nursing, Composition and Rhetoric, and Integrated Human Anatomy and Physiology I.

Transfer Option

CSN has an articulation agreement with Stevenson University for students wishing to transfer. After earning an Associate of Science in Nursing, students that meet the admission criteria for Stevenson may transfer credits toward a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)/Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA)

This program is offered through the Continuing Education department. Students will take the Nursing Assistant Fundamentals and Nursing Assistant Practice classes. After completing the courses, they may apply for a CNA license with the Maryland Board of Nursing. They will also be able to take the GNA Skills exam through the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program to become a certified GNA.

Nurse Refresher Course

This program is for inactive LPNs and RNs who want to reactivate their licenses. The classroom portion of this program is offered online. Students must complete all requirements within one year of registration.

Workforce Development

CSM offers other nursing related courses through the Workforce Development department, such as Certified Medicine Aide and the Training Program for RN Case Managers. Not all courses are offered every semester.

Contact:
College of Southern Maryland
8730 Mitchell Road,
PO Box 910,
La Plata, MD 20646-0910