ASSOCIATE DEGREE NURSING (ADN) Associate in Applied Science Degree (A45110)

The Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) curriculum provides knowledge,, skills, and strategies to integrate safety and quality into nursing care, to practice in a dynamic environment, and to meet individual needs that impact health, quality of life, and the achievement of potential. Coursework includes and builds upon the domains of healthcare, nursing practice, and the holistic individual. Content emphasizes the nurse as a member of the interdisciplinary team providing safe, individualized care while employing evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and informatics.

This program has selective admissions requirements. You can find them and more program information in the ADN Information Sheet.

The ADN program at Brunswick Community College, located in Bolivia, NC, is accredited by the:

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE,
Suite 1400 Atlanta,
GA 30326
(404) 975-5000
http://www.acenursing.us/candidates/candidacy.asp

The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the ADN program is Initial Accreditation. View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at http://www.acenursing.us/accreditedprograms/programSearch.htm.

ACEN logo
Student with Laptop

Semesters

Additional student information:

    • Must be a graduate of a state approved NA program OR be licensed as a Practical Nurse (PN), before applying to the nursing program.
    • Must complete all non-nursing courses with a grade of “C” or higher. All nursing courses must be completed with an exam average of “80” or higher.
    • Must score at least a 59 or higher on the required TEAS nursing entrance exam. Exam must be completed before applying to the AND program. Scores are only good for 3 years.
    • BCC has an articulation agreement with UNCP for ADN graduates interested in pursuing their BSN. Please speak to an advisor for further information.

Applicants must attend an in-person Nursing Information Session.

Saved courses will be emailed to you. Click the ribbon after each title to select.

Class room image
First Summer Semester

Pharmacology

This course introduces information concerning sources, effects, legalities, and the safe use of medications as therapeutic agents. Emphasis is placed on nursing responsibility, accountability, pharmacokinetics, routes of medication administration, contraindications and side effects. Upon completion, students should be able to compute dosages and administer medication safely.

NUR 117

Prerequisites: Admission to the Practical Nursing Program or Admission to the Associate Degreement in Nursing Program
Length: 1
Credits: 2
Lecture: 1
Lab: 3
Semester Total 2
First Fall Semester

Anatomy & Physiology I

This course provides a comprehensive study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Topics include body organization, homeostasis, cytology, histology, and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems and special senses. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of principles of anatomy and physiology and their interrelationships. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA and ICAA as a pre-major and/or elective course requirement for the AA & AS degree.

BIO 168

Prerequisites:

ENG 025

This course provides the skills necessary for success in college English courses. Topics include reading and writing processes and strategies, such as critical thinking, text analysis, idea development, and application of writing conventions. Upon completion, students should be able to analyze readings and produce unified, coherent, well developed paragraphs and essays using appropriate document design and standard written English while developing positive academic habits, learning strategies, and a growth mindset.

Length: 3
Credits: 4
Lecture: 3
Lab: 3

Writing and Inquiry

This course is designed to develop the ability to produce clear writing in a variety of genres and formats using a recursive process. Emphasis includes inquire, analysis, effective use of rhetorical strategies, thesis development, audience awareness, and revision. Upon completion, students should be able to produce unified, coherent, well-developed essays using standard written English. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA and ICAA as a pre-major and/or general education elective course requirement for the AA, AS or AE degrees. This is a Universal General Education Transfer Component (UGETC) course in English Composition for the AA, AE, and AS degrees.

ENG 111

Prerequisites:

ENG 025

This course provides the skills necessary for success in college English courses. Topics include reading and writing processes and strategies, such as critical thinking, text analysis, idea development, and application of writing conventions. Upon completion, students should be able to analyze readings and produce unified, coherent, well developed paragraphs and essays using appropriate document design and standard written English while developing positive academic habits, learning strategies, and a growth mindset.

Length: 3
Credits: 3
Lecture: 3

Introduction to Health Concepts

This course introduces the concepts within the three domains of the individual, healthcare, and nursing. Emphasis is placed on the concepts within each domain including medication administration, assessment, nutrition, ethics, interdisciplinary teams, informatics, evidence-based practice, individual-centered care, and quality improvement. Upon completion, students should be able to provide safe nursing care incorporating the concepts identified in this course.

NUR 111

Prerequisites:

NUR 117

This course introduces information concerning sources, effects, legalities, and the safe use of medications as therapeutic agents. Emphasis is placed on nursing responsibility, accountability, pharmacokinetics, routes of medication administration, contraindications and side effects. Upon completion, students should be able to compute dosages and administer medication safely.

Length: 4
Credits: 8
Lecture: 4
Lab: 6
Clinics: 6
Semester Total 15
First Spring Semester

Anatomy & Physiology II

This course provides a continuation of the comprehensive study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Topics include the endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems as well as metabolism, nutrition, acid-base balance, and fluid and electrolyte balance. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of principles of anatomy and physiology and their interrelationships. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA and ICAA as a pre-major and/or elective course requirement for the AA & AS degree.

BIO 169

Prerequisites:

BIO 168

This course provides a comprehensive study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Topics include body organization, homeostasis, cytology, histology, and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems and special senses. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of principles of anatomy and physiology and their interrelationships. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA and ICAA as a pre-major and/or elective course requirement for the AA & AS degree.

, minimum Grade of “C”
Length: 3
Credits: 4
Lecture: 3
Lab: 3

Health-Illness Concepts

This course is designed to further develop the concepts within the three domains of the individual, healthcare, and nursing. Emphasis is placed on the concepts of acid-base, metabolism, cellular regulation, oxygenation, infection, stress/coping, health-wellness- illness, communication, caring interventions, managing care, safety, quality improvement, and informatics. Upon completion, students should be able to provide safe nursing care incorporating the concepts identified in this course.

NUR 112

Prerequisites:

NUR 111

This course introduces the concepts within the three domains of the individual, healthcare, and nursing. Emphasis is placed on the concepts within each domain including medication administration, assessment, nutrition, ethics, interdisciplinary teams, informatics, evidence-based practice, individual-centered care, and quality improvement. Upon completion, students should be able to provide safe nursing care incorporating the concepts identified in this course.

Length: 3
Credits: 5
Lecture: 3
Clinics: 6

Holistic Health Concepts

This course is designed to further develop the concepts within the three domains of the individual, healthcare, and nursing. Emphasis is placed on the concepts of cellular regulation, perfusion, inflammation, sensory perception, stress/coping, mood/affect, cognition, self, violence, health- wellness-illness, professional behaviors, caring interventions, and safety. Upon completion, students should be able to provide safe nursing care incorporating the concepts identified in this course.

NUR 114

Prerequisites:

NUR 111

This course introduces the concepts within the three domains of the individual, healthcare, and nursing. Emphasis is placed on the concepts within each domain including medication administration, assessment, nutrition, ethics, interdisciplinary teams, informatics, evidence-based practice, individual-centered care, and quality improvement. Upon completion, students should be able to provide safe nursing care incorporating the concepts identified in this course.

Length: 3
Credits: 5
Lecture: 3
Clinics: 6

General Psychology

This course provides an overview of the scientific study of human behavior. Topics include history, methodology, biopsychology, sensation, perception, learning, motivation, cognition, abnormal behavior, personality theory, social psychology, and other relevant topics. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a basic knowledge of the science of psychology. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA and ICAA as a pre-major and/or elective course requirement for the AA, AE, & AS degrees. This is a Universal General Education Transfer Component (UGETC) course in Social & Behavioral Sciences for the AA, AE, & AS degrees.

PSY 150

Prerequisites:

ENG 025

This course provides the skills necessary for success in college English courses. Topics include reading and writing processes and strategies, such as critical thinking, text analysis, idea development, and application of writing conventions. Upon completion, students should be able to analyze readings and produce unified, coherent, well developed paragraphs and essays using appropriate document design and standard written English while developing positive academic habits, learning strategies, and a growth mindset.

Length: 3
Credits: 3
Lecture: 3
Semester Total 17
Second Summer Semester

Family Health Concepts

This course is designed to further develop the concepts within the three domains of the individual, healthcare, and nursing. Emphasis is placed on the concepts of oxygenation, sexuality, reproduction, grief/loss, mood/affect, behaviors, development, family, health- wellness-illness, communication, caring interventions, managing care, safety, and advocacy. Upon completion, students should be able to provide safe nursing care incorporating the concepts identified in this course.

NUR 113

Prerequisites:

NUR 111

This course introduces the concepts within the three domains of the individual, healthcare, and nursing. Emphasis is placed on the concepts within each domain including medication administration, assessment, nutrition, ethics, interdisciplinary teams, informatics, evidence-based practice, individual-centered care, and quality improvement. Upon completion, students should be able to provide safe nursing care incorporating the concepts identified in this course.

Length: 3
Credits: 5
Lecture: 3
Clinics: 6

Developmental Psychology

This course is a study of human growth and development. Emphasis is placed on major theories and perspectives as they relate to the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial aspects of development from conception to death. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of development across the life span. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA and ICAA as a general education course in Social & Behavioral Sciences for the AA & AS degrees.

PSY 241

Prerequisites:

PSY 150

This course provides an overview of the scientific study of human behavior. Topics include history, methodology, biopsychology, sensation, perception, learning, motivation, cognition, abnormal behavior, personality theory, social psychology, and other relevant topics. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a basic knowledge of the science of psychology. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA and ICAA as a pre-major and/or elective course requirement for the AA, AE, & AS degrees. This is a Universal General Education Transfer Component (UGETC) course in Social & Behavioral Sciences for the AA, AE, & AS degrees.

Length: 3
Credits: 3
Lecture: 3
Semester Total 8
Second Fall Semester

Microbiology

This course covers principles of microbiology and the impact these organisms have on man and the environment. Topics include the various groups of microorganisms, their structure, physiology, genetics, microbial pathogenicity, infectious diseases, immunology, and selected practical applications. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills including microscopy, aseptic technique, staining, culture methods, and identification of microorganisms. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA and ICAA as a pre-major and/or elective course requirement for the AA & AS degree.

BIO 275

Prerequisites:

BIO 110

This course provides a survey of fundamental biological principles for non-science majors. Emphasis is placed on basic chemistry, cell biology, metabolism, genetics, evolution, ecology, diversity, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate increased knowledge and better understanding of biology as it applies to everyday life. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA and ICAA as a pre-major and/or general education elective course requirement for the AA& AS degrees. This is a Universal General Education Transfer Component (UGETC) course in Natural Sciences for the AA & AS degrees.

,

BIO 111

This course introduces the principles and concepts of biology. Emphasis is placed on basic biological chemistry, molecular and cellular biology, metabolism and energy transformation, genetics, evolution, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate understanding of life at the molecular and cellular levels. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA and ICAA as a pre-major and/or general education elective course requirement for the AA, AE, & AS degrees. This is a Universal General Education Transfer Component (UGETC) course in Natural Sciences for the AA, AE, & AS degrees.

,

BIO 163

This course provides a basic study of the structure and function of the human body. Topics include a basic study of the body systems as well as an introduction to homeostasis, cells, tissues, nutrition, acid-base balance, and electrolytes. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a basic understanding of the fundamental principles of anatomy and physiology and their interrelationships. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA and ICAA as a pre-major and/or elective course requirement for the AA & AS degree .

or

BIO 168

This course provides a comprehensive study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Topics include body organization, homeostasis, cytology, histology, and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems and special senses. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of principles of anatomy and physiology and their interrelationships. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA and ICAA as a pre-major and/or elective course requirement for the AA & AS degree.

, minimum Grade of “C”
Length: 3
Credits: 4
Lecture: 3
Lab: 3

Health Care Concepts

This course is designed to further develop the concepts within the three domains of the individual, healthcare, and nursing. Emphasis is placed on the concepts of cellular regulation, perfusion, infection, immunity, mobility, comfort, behaviors, health-wellness-illness, clinical decision-making, caring interventions, managing care, and safety. Upon completion, students should be able to provide safe nursing care incorporating the concepts identified in this course.

NUR 211

Prerequisites:

NUR 111

This course introduces the concepts within the three domains of the individual, healthcare, and nursing. Emphasis is placed on the concepts within each domain including medication administration, assessment, nutrition, ethics, interdisciplinary teams, informatics, evidence-based practice, individual-centered care, and quality improvement. Upon completion, students should be able to provide safe nursing care incorporating the concepts identified in this course.

Length: 3
Credits: 5
Lecture: 3
Clinics: 6

Health System Concepts

This course is designed to further develop the concepts within the three domains of the individual, healthcare, and nursing. Emphasis is placed on the concepts of grief/loss, violence, health-wellness- illness, collaboration, managing care, safety, advocacy, legal issues, policy, healthcare systems, ethics, accountability, and evidence-based practice. Upon completion, students should be able to provide safe nursing care incorporating the concepts identified in this course.

NUR 212

Prerequisites:

NUR 111

This course introduces the concepts within the three domains of the individual, healthcare, and nursing. Emphasis is placed on the concepts within each domain including medication administration, assessment, nutrition, ethics, interdisciplinary teams, informatics, evidence-based practice, individual-centered care, and quality improvement. Upon completion, students should be able to provide safe nursing care incorporating the concepts identified in this course.

Length: 3
Credits: 5
Lecture: 3
Clinics: 6

Humanities/Fine Arts Elective

ART 111

This course introduces the origins and historical development of art.  Emphasis is placed on the relationship of design principles to various art forms, including but not limited to, sculpture, painting, and architecture. Upon completion, students should be able to identify and analyze a variety of artistic styles, periods, and media. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA and ICAA as a pre-major and/or general education elective course requirement for the AA, AE, & AS degrees.  This is a Universal General Education Transfer Component (UGETC) course in Humanities & Fine Arts for the AA, AE, & AS degrees.

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ART 115

This course covers the development of art forms from the Renaissance to the present. Emphasis is placed on content, terminology, design, and style. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a historical understanding of art as a product reflective of human social development. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA and ICAA as a pre-major and/or general education elective course requirement for the AA, AE, & AS degrees. This is a Universal General Education Transfer Component (UGETC) course in Humanities & Fine Arts for the AA, AE, & AS degrees.

,

HUM 115

This course introduces the use of critical thinking skills in the context of human conflict. Emphasis is placed on evaluating information, problem solving, approaching cross-cultural perspectives, and resolving controversies and dilemmas. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate orally and in writing the use of critical thinking skills in the analysis of appropriate texts. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA and ICAA as a general education course in Humanities & Fine Arts for the AA & AS degrees.

,

MUS 110

This course is a basic survey of the music of the Western world. Emphasis is placed on the elements of music, terminology, composers, form, and style within a historical perspective. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate skills in basic listening and understanding of the art of music. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA and ICAA as a pre-major and/or elective course requirement for the AA, AE, & AS degrees. This is a Universal General Education Transfer Component (UGETC) course in Humanities & Fine Arts for the AA, AE, & AS degrees.

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MUS 112

This course introduces the origins and musical components of jazz and the contributions of its major artists. Emphasis is placed on the development of discriminating listening habits, as well as the investigation of the styles and structural forms of the jazz idiom. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate skills in listening and understanding this form of American music. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA and ICAA as a pre-major and/or elective course requirement for the AA & AS degrees. This is a Universal General Education Transfer Component (UGETC) course in Humanities & Fine Arts for the AA & AS degrees.

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PHI 215

This course introduces fundamental issues in philosophy considering the views of classical and contemporary philosophers. Emphasis is placed on knowledge and belief, appearance and reality, determinism and free will, faith and reason, and justice and inequality. Upon completion, students should be able to identify, analyze, and critically evaluate the philosophical components of an issue. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA and ICAA as a pre-major and/or elective course requirement for the AA, AE, & AS degrees. This is a Universal General Education Transfer Component (UGETC) course in Humanities & Fine Arts for the AA, AE, & AS degrees.

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PHI 240

This course introduces theories about the nature and foundations of moral judgments and applications to contemporary moral issues. Emphasis is placed on moral theories such as consequentialism, deontology, and virtue ethics. Upon completion, students should be able to apply various ethical theories to moral issues such as abortion, capital punishment, poverty, war, terrorism, the treatment of animals, and issues arising from new technologies. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA and ICAA as a pre-major and/or elective course requirement for the AA, AE & AS degrees. This is a Universal General Education Transfer Component (UGETC) course in Humanities & Fine Arts for the AA & AE degrees.

Credit: 3
Semester Total 17
Second Spring Semester

Complex Health Concepts

This course is designed to assimilate the concepts within the three domains of the individual, healthcare, and nursing. Emphasis is placed on the concepts of fluid/electrolytes, metabolism, perfusion, mobility, stress/coping, violence, health-wellness-illness, professional behaviors, caring interventions, managing care, healthcare systems, and quality improvement. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to provide quality, individualized, entry level nursing care.

NUR 213

Length: 3
Credits: 10
Lecture: 3
Clinics: 3

ENG 112

This course, the second in a series of two, introduces research techniques, documentation styles, and writing strategies. Emphasis is placed on analyzing information and ideas and incorporating research findings into documented writing and research projects. Upon completion, students should be able to evaluate and synthesize information from primary and secondary sources using documentation appropriate to various disciplines. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA and ICAA as a pre-major and/or general education elective course requirement for the AA, AS or AE degrees. This is a Universal General Education Transfer Component (UGETC) course in English Composition for the AA, AE, and AS degrees.

OR

ENG 114

This course, the second in a series of two, is designed to teach professional communication skills. Emphasis is placed on research, listening, critical reading and thinking, analysis, interpretation, and design used in oral and written presentations. Upon completion, students should be able to work individually and collaboratively to produce well-designed business and professional written and oral presentations. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA and ICAA as a general education course in English Composition for the AA & AS degrees.

Credit: 3
Semester Total 13
Total Program Credit 72

SALARY POTENTIAL

Entry-Level Roles

$40,000 – $55,000/year

Solid starting point with high potential for growth into specialized roles. Excellent for gaining foundational experience.

Moderate demand

93% of graduates find work within 6 months

Mid-Level Roles

$65,000 – $85,000/year

Strong progression path with options in corporate finance, public accounting, or government. Certifications (e.g., CPA, CFA) enhance mobility.

High demand

96% employed within 3–6 months post-certification.

Specialist Roles

$100,000 – $180,000+/year

Leadership and strategic roles with influence on business decisions. High long-term stability and career satisfaction.

Very high demand

97% with strong job security and lateral mobility.

ADN Program Outcomes for 2023-2024

NCLEX Pass Rates

YEARPASS RATE
202493%
2023100%
202295%
202192%

Program Completion Rates

YEAR% of ADN Students
202478%
202341%
202238%
202155%

Job Placement Rates

YEAR% of ADN Students
2024100%
2023100%
202285%
2021100%

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STUDENT STORY

Caroline Bailey

Congratulations to Caroline Bailey for being named as a BCC Student of the Month. “In every way, Caroline represents the best of BCC,” said Instructor Heather Hardie. “She’s a team player, hard worker, and has a heart of gold. Her passion for learning and helping others inspires us all.”

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