Ocean County College Nursing Program Review
Ocean County College (OCC) located in Toms River, New Jersey was established in 1969 as a community college. Supported by New Jersey and Ocean County locally, it was established to meet higher education needs of ocean county residents. OCC offers 2-year associate degree programs in arts, science and applied science along with certificates of completion in various fields of study. It also offers community and professional development courses, lifelong learning and continuing education opportunities.
Ocean County College Nursing Program
Ocean County College offers qualified candidates an opportunity to become registered nurses (RN) through their associate degree program. It has three options from which students can choose from in completing the registered nurse curriculum. There is the traditional day program, an online-onsite program and a Career mobility option for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) who wish to become registered nurses. OCC is also known for its online RN associate degree in nursing: the first of its kind in the state and among the few associate nursing programs in the country. The school and the programs are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.
Nursing
Associate in Applied Science (AAS/RN Program)
Ocean County College offers students three options to complete the Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree:
Traditional Day or Evening Nursing Program
This generic program is planned to be completed in two years of 4 semesters. Since OCC is an open-admission college, candidates only need to have a high school diploma to be eligible to apply. This track has two admission cycles for fall and spring semesters. However students should note that those admitted in the fall semester attend classes during the day while spring students attend classes in the evening.
High schools graduates must complete general education courses while those admitted with prior bachelor degrees only need to complete A & P I and II. The curriculum of 72 credits must be completed for students to be eligible to graduate with an occupation-oriented Associate of applied science in nursing degree. Graduates also become eligible to take the NLCEX-RN exam to become registered nurses.
On-line On-site (OSOL) Nursing Program
This is a very unique full time nursing program of its kind in the state. The Onsite/Online RN Program program offers a chance to individuals who have had some hands-on experience in working in a health care facility complete the AAS curriculum and become registered nurses. Preferably, candidates can be Licensed practical nurses, Certified Nurse Assistants, paramedics or Emergency Technicians. Unlike the generic AAS programs, candidates for this option must have completed general education before applying.
Coursework is delivered in both on-site: one or two days per week face-to face instructions and online via web enhanced delivery modes. Students are allowed to complete lab skills and practice at their own time from Monday through Saturday. Classes are also offered at an existing collaborating hospital as opposed to attending OCC. The curriculum is similar to the traditional program only that general education courses are not included. Students graduate with an AAS degree and become eligible to take the NLCEX-RN exam.
Career Mobility Option
This option is for graduates of an accredited Practical Nursing program and holds a valid current LPN license. Students must complete prerequisite and core requisite courses in order to be accepted in the career mobility track.
Kean-Ocean Nursing Programs
Special arrangements have been put in place to enable OCC graduates complete a Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) degree at Kean’s University RN to BSN. Through this arrangement, students can transfer all credits from their RN program to the Kean-Ocean nursing program. Kean University also offers a BSN to MSN (Master of Science in nursing) program right at OCC Manahawkin Campus. This program helps students complete a MSN degree in either Clinical Management or School Nursing within Ocean County College.
Contact:
Ocean County College
College Drive, Toms River,
NJ 08754
