LaGuardia Community College Nursing Program Review

LaGuardia Community College (LAGCC, LGCC, LCC) is one of the City University of New York (CUNY) colleges. It was voted as Number One in the Top Three large community colleges in the U.S. in a national survey. Over 50 associate degree programs are offered at LaGuardia, including nursing. LaGuardia Community College is a large school with over 17,000 students enrolled. Many students choose this school because of their very low tuition fees. Many students complete the first two years of their education at this school for economic reasons and then complete their bachelor’s degree at one of the other CUNY schools.

Nursing Programs

Associate of Applied Science in Nursing

LaGuardia offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in nursing that requires 66 credits before graduation. Nursing courses are offered only in the day, and semesters last for 12 weeks. The actual nursing program requires that four 12-week semesters must be completed. Before entering the nursing program, students must first complete the general education and prerequisite courses. All students are admitted to LaGuardia Community College must have a high school diploma or GED diploma. Students from other countries must submit proof of secondary education equivalent to a high school diploma.

Applicants must complete assessment and placement tests in Basic English and math skills unless they have attained a minimum score of 480 on the SAT exam or 20 or higher on the ACT. Graduates from New York who have a New York State Regents diploma and have an average of at least 75 percent in English are also exempt from the English portion of the test. Those who have an average of at least 75 percent in Algebra, Geometry or Algebra 2 and Trigonometry are also exempt from this testing.

If an applicant to the college needs to improve his or her basic skills, this may be accomplished through remedial courses at the college. Proof of required immunizations must also be submitted at this time. Also, if students have not taken Introductory Chemistry and other college prep classes in high school, these may be taken at LaGuardia too. Before being considered for admittance to the nursing program, students must complete Biochemistry, Human Biology, Microbiology, English, Psychology, and Medical Dose Calculations at LaGuardia Community College. Students must maintain minimum grades in these courses and then may apply to the nursing program.

CUNY community colleges, like LaGuardia, are known for providing peer tutors and many other sources of help to students who need support while completing any pre-nursing courses. One of the unique offerings at LaGuardia to help students get a head start on their college studies is the First-Year Institute. Students can get a strong start to their college education by taking a basic skills course, receive tutoring, and meet with counselors at no cost. Once a student has begun courses, there are other helpful programs that offer academic support, such as the Bridges to the Future Program. Minority students have a chance to gain research experience in science, math, or computer science through this program. Those who hope to qualify for the nursing program may take advantage of the help that they can get in completing their preliminary studies.

Another program is the College Discovery Program that is offered at CUNY community colleges. This program provides tutorial services and financial aid stipends to students for educational expenses. It also consists of counseling and remedial instruction for students who need an extra boost to their studies. Students must have resided in New York City (NYC) for at least one year to qualify for this program. The CUNY COPE Program is designed for students who receive public assistance. Tutoring, child care, and help with transportation to LaGuardia are benefits of this program. When a student graduates, job placement is also part of the program. LaGuardia Community College also has enrichment programs, such as Study Abroad Program, Enriched Off-Campus Summer Programs, and others. Nursing students do not qualify for these programs due to the heavy course schedule that they carry and the summer semester that is required for completing core nursing courses and clinical experience.

Also, if students have not taken Introductory Chemistry and other college prep classes in high school, these may be taken at LaGuardia too. Before being considered for admittance to the nursing program, students must complete Biochemistry, Human Biology, Microbiology, English, Psychology, and Medical Dose Calculations at LaGuardia Community College. Students must maintain minimum grades in these courses and then may apply to the nursing program. Once all of the prerequisite courses are completed and students have been accepted into the nursing program, there are 33 credits that must be earned in sequential order. During this time, students also complete their clinical experience. They may then apply for licensure and take the NCLEX national exam to become a licensed RN.

Practical Nursing Certificate Program

LaGuardia Community College also offers a Practical Nursing Certificate Program. It requires that students earn 48 credits. This is usually accomplished in a one year period. Students must meet the same requirements for U.S. residency as those applying to the RN program. During the Pre-Clinical Phase, students must complete Composition I, Psychology, Mathematics of Medical Dosages, Human Biology I & II and maintain a 2.5 or better grade point average in these courses. When students begin the Practical Nursing segment of their studies, they must take a Fall I, Fall II, and Spring I sessions of courses. This is a full-time program that requires 30 to 40 hours each week in class or studying. Graduates are then ready to take the national exam, the NCLEX-PN to become certified as Practical Nurses.

One advantage to completing this program is that Licensed Practical Nurses may take the New York State PN-RN Transition Course to meet all admission criteria of the RN program. Many students do this to cut down on the required coursework to become a RN.

Contact:
LaGuardia Community College – CUNY
31-10 Thomson Avenue,
Long Island City, New York 11101
(718) 482-7200