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Department of Health Professions
Registered Nursing - Associate of Science Degree
Mission Statement
The mission of the UM COT Nursing Program is to pursue academic excellence to promote the preparation of students to become competent and caring individual for entry-level positions to help meet the health care needs of Montana.
The Nursing Program strives to create an environment of collaboration and mentorship among faculty, students and staff. This environment promotes the development of the student-faculty partnership supporting student accountability for their own learning. The learning environment provides opportunity for developing critical judgment and thinking, professional accountability and appreciation for life-long learning. Student learning is enhanced through professional and community relationships, intellectual strength and exposure to diverse populations.
Registered Nursing
The Associate of Science degree program articulates with the PN program and requires at least two further semesters of full time study. Applicants must have:
- completed a Practical Nursing program with the general education courses listed in the practical nursing course of study
- have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75
- possess and maintain a current unencumbered LPN license
- submit three letters of reference from employers or former instructors
- produce a proctored essay
- submit an application letter
- fill out an work history form
- possibly come before the interview committee prior to being accepted into the Registered Nursing Associate of Science program.
The program is limited to ten applicants each semester. Application deadlines are April 1st and November 1st each year. All candidates who meet the admission requirements will be considered. The Associate of Art degree program is approved by the Montana State Board of Nursing.
Students must provide proof of the following health requirements prior to entry into the clinical portion of the program:
- tuberculosis testing using the PPD (Purified Protein Derivative) or chest x-ray (positive results will require a physician’s letter before a student can work in the clinical settings)
- hepatitis B vaccine (HBV) prior to beginning clinical experience with potential exposure to blood-borne pathogens (a three injection series is required and may be obtained at Curry Health Center at The University of Montana and other health care providers)
- two measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccinations for anyone born after 1957 and a booster for anyone born before 1957
- up-to-date Diphtheria-Tetanus vaccination
Upon completion of the program, graduates earn an Associate of Science degree in Nursing and are eligible to take the NCLEX for Registered Nurses. Successfully completing the Associate Nursing Program makes a student eligible to sit for the NCLEX National Registered Nursing Examination. This does not guarantee Montana State Registered Nursing licensure. Graduates are prepared for employment as registered nurses in acute and emergency care facilities, geriatric care centers, industrial settings, and in public and private health care agencies.
Students who have started under an earlier catalog will have a slightly different course of study. Please see a program advisor for the correct schedule of courses.
See additional program information. (Adobe Acrobat required)
Curriculum Autumn Entry
Curriculum Spring Entry
Nursing Student Handbook
Student Policies and Procedures
Faculty Policies and Procedures
Regulatory
Policies and Procedures
For further faculty policies and procedures refer to The University or Montana Human Resource Services Policies