Associate Degree Nursing

What Is Nursing?

Coursework in this program is presented in a daytime format; however, there may be occasional evening clinical experiences. The Associate Degree Nursing program prepares graduates to use their skill and knowledge to fulfill the role of the nurse: enhance human flourishing, demonstrate sound nursing judgment, continually develop professional identity, and possess a spirit of inquiry to improve the quality of patient care. Encompassed within these roles are the core components of context and environment, knowledge and science, personal/professional development, quality and safety, relationship-centered care, and teamwork. These core components are introduced, developed and built upon through the curriculum. Graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). The Associate Degree Nursing curriculum is organized around a clearly defined conceptual framework and combines general education and nursing courses. The nursing courses correlate classroom and clinical instruction in a variety of community agencies.

Program admits one time per year for the fall semester (Somerset) and the spring semester (Laurel). The Manchester program will admit a new class every other spring semester starting with January 2023.

Technical Standards

• Sufficient visual acuity
• Sufficient auditory perception
• Sufficient gross and fine motor coordination
• Sufficient communication skills (speech, reading, writing)
• Sufficient intellectual and emotional functions

What are my career options?

Nurses are employed in a variety of health care settings, such as: long term care facilities, hospitals, home health agencies, clinics, schools, physician and dentist offices, industrial settings and rehabilitation agencies. Graduates of the program are eligible to continue their education and complete a bachelor's degree in nursing through completion programs in surrounding four year universities.

What are my degree, diploma, or certificate options?

Advising Plans

Program Outcomes

Pre-Admission Conference

You can now participate in the online pre-admission conference.

Upon completion of the online pre-admission conference, a student can submit an online Program Application via the link provided. 

If a student applied to the program or completed a pre-admission conference in the past, the student must still complete the online pre-admission conference and submit an online Program Application by the appropriate deadline.

Pre-Admission Conference

Application Process

The following materials must be submitted to the Admissions/Records office by March 15 for the Somerset program, by October 15 for the Laurel program, and TBA for the Manchester program that will start January 2025:

• Application for admission to a KCTCS college.
• Transcripts of all post-secondary work completed at other institutions.
• Results of the ACT or PAX-RN Exam (NLN Pre-Entrance Exam).
• Read the online pre-admission conference presentation, complete and submit the online Program Application by the appropriate deadline. 
• Completion of a minimum 75 clock hour nursing assistant course or its equivalent and proof of active status on the State Registered Nurse Aide (SRNA) Registry.

Dates for submitting the A.D.N. Program Application:

The online Program Application must be submitted from January 28 through March 15 for the Somerset program, from September 15 through October 15 for the Laurel program, and TBA for the Spring 2025 Manchester program. Applications submitted at times other than listed above will not be considered during the selective admissions process.

Upon admission to the program, the student must submit the following:

• Evidence of receiving the Hepatitis B vaccine series or a vaccine declination form
• TB skin test or chest x-ray
• Immunization records
• Other vaccinations may be required depending upon clinical facility
• Current CPR certification (American Heart Association - Health Care Providers)
• Criminal background check and drug screen once a year

Accreditation

The Somerset Community College Associate Degree nursing program at Somerset Community College at the Somerset campus, London Campus, McCreary Center, and Manchester EKU Center located in Somerset, London, Whitley City, and Manchester Kentucky is accredited by the:

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000

The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Associate Degree nursing program is Continuing Accreditation.

View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program.

Kentucky Board of Nursing Approval

The Associate Degree Nursing Program is approved by the Kentucky Board of Nursing.  Pursuant to the Kentucky Board of Nursing regulation 201 KAR 20:340.

Nursing Program Benchmark Data

Length of Program

You can earn an associate in applied science degree in two years if you maintain full-time status.

This information should not be considered a substitute for the KCTCS Catalog. You should always choose classes in cooperation with your faculty advisor to ensure that you meet all degree requirements.