River Valley Community College Nursing Program Review
River Valley Community College (RVCC) was founded in 1968 to meet the higher education needs of residents of Claremont. The college is located in a rural setting with a rich and diverse culture of students from all walks of life. In the effort to reach-out to more communities, the college has established an academic center at Keene. Qualified candidates can choose from the 19 associate degree programs and 19 certificate and diploma programs.
Nursing Programs at RVCC
River valley Community College has four nursing programs to offer to qualified candidates. Two of the tracks lead to an associated degree in nursing: an entry-level option and an advanced placement option for licensed practical nurses (LPN). There is also a practical nursing diploma and a nursing assistant certificate program. The programs are approved by the New Hampshire Board of Nursing. The diploma and associate tracks are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.
Nursing Assistant Certificate
The Nursing Assistant certificate program prepares students to become licensed nursing assistants. The program consists of one course of 144 hours: 24 in clinical labs, 72 in supervised direct patient care and 48 of classroom theory instructions. The course is scheduled to be completed in 8 weeks on a part time study plan: 2 evenings and 1 weekend day per week. After completion, students become eligible for national exams to become Licensed Nursing Assistants (LNA) besides being awarded the Nursing Assistant Certificate from RVCC
Practical Nursing Diploma
The practical nursing program provides a curriculum that enables students become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN). Those seeking admission into this program must have completed a nursing assistant course and have a LNA license to practice in the state. Such status must be maintained throughout the program. 6 courses consisting of 31 credits must be taken at RVCC to be eligible to graduate with a practical nursing diploma. Satisfactory completion also leads to eligibility to take the NLCEX-PN exam to become licensed practical nurses.
Associate Degree in Nursing
The curriculum for the associate degree in nursing prepares students to become registered nurses. Candidates must have a LNA license for New Hampshire to be allowed to apply to the program. In addition, students must also take the National League for Nursing (NLN) Pre-admission exam.
Students need to complete 69 credit hours from either Claremont or Keene campuses or complete the general education courses prior joining the program. All nursing courses must be completed within 5 years from the date of entry into the program. Successful completion of the coursework grants eligible to apply and take the NLCEX-RN exam to become a registered nurse. Students are also awarded the Associate of Science in nursing degree; a degree that is both career-oriented and transferable.
Advanced Placement Option-For Practical Nurses
This is designed for LPNs who wish to earn an associate degree in nursing and become registered nurses. This program begins every summer where students take 4Transition PN to RN courses. Candidates whose credits from the practical nursing do not transfer automatically must complete an Accelerated Challenge Exam with a minimum score of 80%. This enables such students gain transferability their PN program credits.
After admission, students get matriculated in the associate program at the 2nd year level. Satisfactory completion leads to the award of the Associate of Science in nursing besides gaining eligibility to take the NCLEX-RN exam to become registered nurses.
Transfer Options
River Valley Community College has articulation agreements to enable RN graduates to transfer seamlessly to complete a 4-year Bachelor of Science in nursing degree from:
- Franklin Pierce University
- University of New Hampshire
- University of Vermont
Contact:
River Valley Community College
1 College Drive, Claremont,
NH 03743
