Associate in Arts Degree Major in Nursing (ADN)
The Associate’s Degree in Nursing meets the standards for and has been approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, leading to a California Registered Nurse (RN) license. Students who wish to practice in a state other than California may or may not have additional requirements to complete prior to applying for the RN license. Mount Saint Mary’s University is in the process of researching program professional licensure standards in other states. Contact Dr. Beverley Brownell at bbrownell@msmu.edu to discuss additional requirements that may be needed to obtain an RN license in a state outside of California.
ADN Program Objectives
Upon completion of the program, the student will have met the following objectives:
Provider of Care
- Utilize Roy Adaptation Model to:
- Recognize, assess and define the factors influencing the person's/family's adaptive level, adaptive response, and consequent position of the health-illness continuum;
- Identify, assess and validate the person's/family's adaptive level and response;
- Define patient/client goals based upon a clear analysis and synthesis of data in collaboration with patient, nursing and other disciplines;
- Define and perform those nursing interventions which affect the patient/client goals;
- Evaluate the consequences of nursing interventions in terms of the person's/family's behavioral change and the achievement of both patient/client and nursing goals, and modify those nursing actions, if desired adaptive outcomes are not achieved.
- Utilize the nursing process as a scientific method.
- Utilize knowledge of health-illness (normal/disruption) as it pertains to patient/client care.
- Demonstrate competency in common nursing procedures.
Communicator
- Utilize effective communication skills with clients and peers.
- Use communication skills as a method of data collection, nursing intervention and evaluation of care.
- Communicate and record assessments, nursing care plans, interventions and evaluations within the protocol of the institution.
- Client Teacher
- Apply principles of the teaching/learning process.
- Develop short-range teaching plans based on the learning process.
- Manager of Client Care
- Function effectively as a member of health care team.
- Utilize basic leadership skills in practice, based on small group patient care management and primary nursing.
- Membership within the profession of Nursing
- Make judgments based on moral, ethical, and legal principles.
- Continue to evaluate and enhance personal and professional behavior.
- Assume responsibility for self-development and use resources for continued learning.
- Maintain the role of the nurse as a patient advocate.
Upon completion of the program, the student is eligible to take the California State Board examination for registered nurses (R.N.) licensure.
ADN Program Admission Policy
In addition to meeting the general admission requirements, acceptance into the Department of Nursing is determined by the Admission Committee of the department/program. Admission is based upon a consideration of the student's academic achievement, University Entrance Examination scores and previous university experience (if any).
In order to be eligible for review, applicants must be admitted to the University and then fulfill the nursing admission requirements. Admission to the ADN Program is considered for the fall semester and for spring semester with a specific deadline for each semester. Admission is based on:
- Completed application form
- Satisfactory fulfillment of pre-requisite classes
- Cumulative GPA of at least 2.75
- Cumulative Science GPA of at least 2.50
- Letters of reference
- Passing score on the nursing entrance examination
Personal interviews may be scheduled for qualified applicants admitted directly to the ADN Program. Students admitted as Pre-Nursing will not be asked to interview until the point of admission into the nursing program.
Priority is given to students who:
- Meet the required criteria.
- Have a cumulative GPA of 2.75 for all transferable college work attempted.
- A GPA of 2.50 for university science courses is required for admission to the nursing program. The science GPA will consist of grades received from scientific concepts or chemistry, anatomy, physiology, and microbiology.
- A student may repeat a course required for the nursing major no more than once. Failure (C- and below) of any two required science or pre-requisite courses results in non-admission.
- A student may repeat the nursing entrance examination no more than once. Failure to meet the required benchmark results in non-admission.
Candidates who have 30 units of general education requirements completed (except RST 41) prior to admission may be admitted into the first year of the nursing program.
LVNs who have met the admission requirements for the ADN program must notify Admissions and Advisement of their intent to pursue the Mobility Option prior to their admission into the program. In the Mobility Option, LVNs are awarded 10 units of nursing course credits (NUR 23 series, NUR 24 series, and NUR 30). Successful completion of NUR 20 is required during the first semester session for continuation in the LVN Mobility Option.
A non-degree option is available for LVNs who meet the university entrance requirements. The student is eligible to take the NCLEX-RN examination for the registered nurse licensure after completing 29 units of prescribed courses. The student is not awarded a degree from Mount Saint Mary’s University. The same admission policy applies to individuals wishing to pursue the 30-unit option
Candidates with previous Registered Nursing education may be given transfer credit for previous nursing courses equivalent to the Nursing Department courses. Admission of these candidates will be on a probationary status. The student must have a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or better in the nursing courses for admission consideration. A minimum of 18 units of nursing courses must be completed during the last two semesters at Mount Saint Mary’s University. Candidates who have taken courses related to nursing with a theoretical foundation and are currently practicing in the healthcare setting (i.e., CNA, Respiratory Tech, Hemodialysis Tech, LPT) may challenge specific courses. The student must make an appointment with the Program Director to discuss this option and his/her qualifications.
ADN Program Academic Policy
The faculty of the Department of Nursing has the right and the responsibility for judging and evaluating the quality of the student's achievement, both in the mastery of theoretical content and in clinical competence.
Notice of academic difficulty, probation, or dismissal is used when deemed necessary. A grade below C (2.0) in a course (Nursing or General Education) is considered a failed course and must be repeated. A student may have only one failed course during the entire nursing program. A student may repeat only one failed course in the entire program. A second failed course or a failed repeated course results in dismissal from the program. A failure of more than one course in a series of courses (e.g., NUR 24, 24A, 24L, 25) taken concurrently, counts as one failed course. If a student's level of clinical practice is unsatisfactory or unsafe, the student may fail before the end of the semester.
Readmission may be granted by special action of the ADN Admission Committee, per the ADN Program readmission policy. Students seeking readmission must reapply via the admissions online process within one year of termination. Any subsequent course failure will result in termination from the ADN Program without consideration of future readmission. Readmission of a student who was dismissed from the nursing program due to unsafe practice is not permitted.
Prior to admission to the ADN program, a nursing entrance examination is administered, i.e., ATI TEAS test. The score benchmark for the ADN Program as determined by the ATI norming process must be achieved. Students who score below the passing score are recommended to utilize a remediation program prior to retaking the test. A student may retest only once. The purpose of this test is to determine the student's knowledge related to math, English, sciences and critical thinking.
During the clinical portion of the program, students must carry malpractice insurance, have a current CPR card (American Heart Association (AHA) Health Care Provider or BCLS/Professional Rescuer CPR), and an LA City fire safety card.
Dosage Calculation Examination: Accurate calculation of drug dosages is a skill that is necessary for the safe and effective practice of nursing. Serious harm to a client can result from math errors. Incorrectly calculated or measured dosages are the leading cause of error in the administration of medications. A drug error is a violation of a client's rights. Therefore, it is extremely important that nurses and nursing students demonstrate competence in such calculations. A dosage calculations exam will be given regularly throughout the curriculum. A minimum 100% score is required on this test. If a score of less than 100% is achieved, a second test will be given. The second test must be passed with 100% proficiency to remain in this course. If unsuccessful on the second attempt the student must drop the theory, skills lab, and clinical courses for that session. If in a subsequent course the math proficiency test is not passed at the 100% benchmark, the student may be disqualified from the program.
ADN/RN to BSN Bridge Program
Mount Saint Mary's University ADN/RN to BSN Bridge Program is intended for ADN candidates with the intention to proceed to the RN-BSN program. Upon admission to the ADN program, self-declared bridge students will sign a letter of commitment and take RST 149 during the summer of their ADN program as a bridge to the RN-BSN program. After successful completion of the ADN program, students who meet RN-BSN eligibility will sign the inter-program change (IPC) form for the RN-BSN program.
AA Degree Curriculum Prerequisite Requirements A.D.N. Program
Prerequisite Requirements for A.D.N. Program
Pre-Nursing
| CHE 3 | Foundations of Chemistry | 3 |
| or | |
| PHS 1 | Scientific Concepts | 3 |
| BIO 50A | Human Anatomy | 3 |
| BIO 50AL | Human Anatomy Laboratory | 1 |
| BIO 50B | Human Physiology | 3 |
| BIO 50BL | Human Physiology Laboratory | 1 |
| BIO 3 | General Microbiology | 3 |
| BIO 3L | General Microbiology Lab | 1 |
| ENG 1A | Freshman English | 3 |
| ENG 1B | Freshman English | 3 |
| SPE 10 | Introduction to Communication | 2 |
| PSY 1 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 12 | Lifespan/Human Development | 3 |
| or | |
| PSY 15 | Global Lifespan Development | 3 |
| PHI 10 | Critical Thinking | 3 |
| or | |
| PHI 5 | Introduction to Logic | 3 |
| RST 41 | Introduction to Christian Ethics | 3 |
| or | |
| PHI 21 | Moral Values and Ethical Decisions | 3 |
| SOC 1 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| ART 5 | Fundamentals of Art | 3 |
| MTH 10 | Quantitative Reasoning and Mathematical Ideas | 3 |
MTH 10, BIO 50A, BIO 50AL, BIO 50B, BIO 50BL, BIO 3 and BIO 3L: Must have been completed within five years prior to admission
RST 41: Must be completed within the first academic year in the nursing program or if transferred in prior to admissions must meet the nursing department requirements for bioethics as an upper division course.
Those wishing to apply to the A.D.N program may choose to fulfill the pre-requisite courses at Mount Saint Mary’s University. Admission to this Pre-ADN component is based on.
- High school transcript
- SAT or ACT test scores and
- College transcripts showing satisfactory completion of ENG 1A, PSY 1, and one general education course
AA Degree Curriculum Requirements A.D.N. Program
First Year
Courses
| NUR 20 | Adaptation Model Nursing Theory | 2 |
| NUR 23 | Principles and Practice of Nursing Skills | 2 |
| NUR 23L | Principles and Practice of Nursing Skills | 1 |
| NUR 24 | Adult Adaptation Nursing I | 2 |
| NUR 26 | Adult Adaptation Nursing II | 2 |
| NUR 24A | Medical-Surgical Principles and Practice Of Skills I | 0.5 |
| NUR 24L | Medical-Surgical Principles and Practice Of Skills I | 0.5 |
| NUR 26A | Medical-Surgical Principles and Practice Of Skills II | 0.5 |
| NUR 26L | Medical-Surgical Principles and Practice Of Skills II | 0.5 |
| NUR 25 | Medical-Surgical Practicum I | 2 |
| NUR 27 | Medical-Surgical Nursing Practicum II | 2 |
| NUR 28 | Adult and Adolescent Mental Health Adaptation | 2 |
| NUR 28A | Principles and Practice of Advanced Interpersonal Skills | 1 |
| NUR 29 | Mental Health Practicum | 2 |
| NUR 30 | Pharmocology | 2 |
| NUR 31 | Children: Adaptation | 2 |
| NUR 32 | Children: Practicum | 2 |
Summer
Option
Specialties are subject to change at times when students have progressed to taking a specialty. During summer sessions students whom have advanced to specialties may or may not need to increase their units for financial aid. In the case that units are required, students may register for an upper division course that will meet requirements for RN to BSN option if they choose. An appointment with the RN to BSN advisor may need to be scheduled to select an appropriate course.
Second Year
Courses
| NUR 33 | Professional and Management Issues in Nursing | 2 |
| NUR 35 | Childbearing: Adaptation | 2 |
| NUR 36 | Childbearing: Practicum | 2 |
| NUR 37 | Gerontological Nursing: Adaptation | 2 |
| NUR 38 | Gerontological Nursing: Practicum | 2 |
| NUR 46 | Adult Adaptation Nursing III | 2 |
| NUR 47 | Medical-Surgical Nursing Practicum III | 2 |
| NUR 48 | Professional Nursing Practicum | 2 |
LVN Mobility Option Curriculum Requirements A.D.N. Program
Prerequisites to beginning nursing courses for LVNs are the same AA Degree Curriculum Requirements
Same as AA Degree curriculum requirement.
First Year
Courses
| NUR 20 | Adaptation Model Nursing Theory | 2 |
| NUR 26 | Adult Adaptation Nursing II | 2 |
| NUR 26A | Medical-Surgical Principles and Practice Of Skills II | 0.5 |
| NUR 26L | Medical-Surgical Principles and Practice Of Skills II | 0.5 |
| NUR 27 | Medical-Surgical Nursing Practicum II | 2 |
| NUR 28 | Adult and Adolescent Mental Health Adaptation | 2 |
| NUR 28A | Principles and Practice of Advanced Interpersonal Skills | 1 |
| NUR 29 | Mental Health Practicum | 2 |
| NUR 31 | Children: Adaptation | 2 |
| NUR 32 | Children: Practicum | 2 |
Summer
Option
Specialties are subject to change at times when students have progressed to taking a specialty. During summer sessions students whom have advanced to specialties may or may not need to increase their units for financial aid. In the case units are required students may register for an upper division course that will meet requirements for RN to BSN option if they choose. An appointment with the RN to BSN advisor may need to be scheduled to select an appropriate course.
Second Year
Courses
| NUR 33 | Professional and Management Issues in Nursing | 2 |
| NUR 35 | Childbearing: Adaptation | 2 |
| NUR 36 | Childbearing: Practicum | 2 |
| NUR 37 | Gerontological Nursing: Adaptation | 2 |
| NUR 38 | Gerontological Nursing: Practicum | 2 |
| NUR 46 | Adult Adaptation Nursing III | 2 |
| NUR 47 | Medical-Surgical Nursing Practicum III | 2 |
| NUR 48 | Professional Nursing Practicum | 2 |
LVN 30 Units Non-Degree Option Curriculum Requirements
First Year
First Year
| BIO 50B | Human Physiology | 3 |
| BIO 50BL | Human Physiology Laboratory | 1 |
| BIO 3 | General Microbiology | 3 |
| BIO 3L | General Microbiology Lab | 1 |
| NUR 20 | Adaptation Model Nursing Theory | 2 |
| NUR 28 | Adult and Adolescent Mental Health Adaptation | 2 |
| NUR 28A | Principles and Practice of Advanced Interpersonal Skills | 1 |
| NUR 29 | Mental Health Practicum | 2 |
| NUR 30 | Pharmocology | 2 |
Second Year
Second Year
| NUR 33 | Professional and Management Issues in Nursing | 2 |
| NUR 37 | Gerontological Nursing: Adaptation | 2 |
| NUR 38 | Gerontological Nursing: Practicum | 2 |
| NUR 46 | Adult Adaptation Nursing III | 2 |
| NUR 47 | Medical-Surgical Nursing Practicum III | 2 |
| NUR 48 | Professional Nursing Practicum | 2 |
Total units required for California RN Licensure Exam: 29