Rochester Community and Technical College Nursing Program Review

Following a merge of a number of state community colleges and technical colleges, Rochester Community College came into being. The college has been offering two year programs from 1996 under its new name and status as a community and technical college. It serves higher education needs for students in Minnesota but more so to Rochester; the third largest metro city of Minnesota. Areas of study include credit and non credit programs, which are can be used for career entry, transfer or career development purposes.

Nursing Programs at Rochester Community College

Three nursing programs are available at Rochester Community and Technical College (RCTC); an associate program, a diploma and a certificate program. The three programs have been accredited by the National Leagues for Nursing Accrediting Commission and approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing. Details of the programs are given below:

Nursing- Associate Degree Program

The program admits cohorts every spring and fall semesters. Candidates must complete a total of 64 credits in a four-semester plan spanning two years of full time study. Of these, 30 credits are general education courses required for transfer by the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum. The remaining 34 are nursing courses taken during the second year of the program.

Completion of the 64 credits leads to the award of the Associate of Science in nursing and eligibly to take the NCLEX-RN exam to become registered nurses. Rochester Community and Technical College has a unique articulation agreement with Winona State University for the nursing program to allow students transfer into their BSN program. This program is known as the “Path to Purple “and ensures the smoothest transition into a four-year BSN.

Nursing- Practical Nursing Program

The practical nursing diploma program from Rochester comprises of 39 credits; 12 general education and 27 practical nursing credits. The general education courses can be completed on a full time or part time basis. Basically, the program is designed to be completed in one year if students take all the 39 credits on a full time basis. Completion of the program leads to a diploma in practical nursing besides attaining eligibility to sit for the NCLEX-PN to become a licensed practical nurse.

Nursing- Nursing Assistant Program

The college offers this program to help entry students start their journey into nursing. The program accepts several admissions of student to this certificate program including summers offered several times hence, there are always no waiting lists. Courses include nursing assisting theory and clinical and home health aide nursing assistant credits.

Additional Program/ Degree Options for Nursing

Rochester Community and Technical College has an option for students to take all the nursing programs in an upward career mobility mode. On this note, students can take a career path that starts at the Nursing Assistant program. Students completing the nursing assistant program may exit or continue with the practical nursing diploma. A choice of exiting is also available or a progression to finish the 64 credits for the associate program and finally, students can get into the ‘Path to Purple’ program to complete a BSN at Winona State University.

Contact:
Rochester Community and Technical College
851 30th Avenue SE, Rochester,
MN 55904