Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Program

Course Description

Nursing Program

The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program is approved by the Virginia State Board of Nursing and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, Inc., which may be reached at 1-404-975-5000 or 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850, Altanta, GA 30326.

The nurse who completes an ADN program provides safe, direct nursing care in acute and non-acute settings. The registered nurse makes independent nursing assessments and may delegate care activities to health team members with similar or less academic preparation.

After successful completion of the ADN program, students will be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for registered nursing. The Virginia State Board of Nursing has the power to deny the opportunity to take the exam if the applicant has willfully committed a felony/misdemeanor under the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia or of the United States (see below):

Denial of License

Code of Virginia # 54-367.32: The Nursing Board shall have the power to deny … (a nursing license) … upon proof that the person:

  1. Is guilty of fraud or deceit in procuring or attempting to procure a license;
  2. Is guilty of a felony or of a crime involving moral turpitude;
  3. Is unfit or incompetent by reason of negligence, habits or other causes;
  4. Is addicted to the use of alcohol or habit-forming drugs
  5. Is mentally or physically incompetent; or
  6. Is guilty of unprofessional conduct

An Information Packet about the Nursing Program is available as is the Nursing Handbook.

Students wishing to transfer should contact an advisor in Student Services for guidance.

DSLCC has Articulation Agreements with the following schools:

Program Requirements

Nursing requires skill-related courses, and in most cases, some general education courses. The curriculums are developed to ensure that students have the knowledge, skills and abilities to deliver safe and competent patient care. Selected courses and/or programs have prerequisites which must be completed before enrolling; acceptable scores on placement tests or previous coursework may exempt a student from having to complete selected courses. Some programs have specific criteria which must be met before admission into the program is considered.

Students seeking admission into the DSLCC Nursing Program are advised to meet with an academic advisor in Student Services to discuss their academic background, current skill levels, need for placement testing, and personal and occupational goals. Working with an advisor, students can develop a plan which will guide them in achieving success.