Embarking on a nursing career is a significant and rewarding decision. At American Career College (ACC), the Associate of Science Degree in Nursing (ADN) program is meticulously structured to equip you with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to excel as a Registered Nurse (RN). Understanding the program schedule is a crucial first step for prospective students. This comprehensive guide delves into the American Career College Nursing Program Schedule, providing a clear roadmap for your journey into the nursing profession.
Decoding the ACC Nursing Program Structure
The ADN program at ACC is designed with a blended learning approach, integrating online coursework with essential face-to-face instruction and hands-on clinical experiences. This format offers flexibility while ensuring a robust and immersive learning environment. The program is divided into eight 10-week quarters, allowing for focused learning and progression through the curriculum. While the standard duration is 80 weeks, it’s important to note that holiday schedules may extend the program length.
The curriculum is comprehensive, requiring a total of 99 quarter credits for graduation. These credits are distributed across general education courses and core nursing courses, covering fundamental to advanced nursing concepts. The program’s objective is to cultivate competent entry-level Registered Nurses who can deliver evidence-based, patient-centered care in diverse healthcare settings.
A Detailed Look at the Course Schedule
The American Career College nursing program schedule is structured to provide a progressive learning experience. Here’s a breakdown of the courses you can expect throughout the program:
General Education Courses (24.0 Quarter Credits)
These foundational courses are designed to provide a broad base of knowledge essential for professional practice in nursing. They are often offered online, providing scheduling flexibility.
| Course Number | Title | Clock Hours | Quarter Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENGL100 | Written Communications I † | 40 | 4.0 |
| MATH100 | College Mathematics I | 40 | 4.0 |
| PSYC100 | Introduction to Psychology † | 40 | 4.0 |
| SOCY116 | Introduction to Sociology † | 40 | 4.0 |
| SPCH117 | Oral Communication † | 40 | 4.0 |
| HUM118 | Cultural Pluralism † | 40 | 4.0 |
| Totals | 240 | 24.0 |
† Courses offered online.
Core Nursing Courses (75.0 Quarter Credits)
The core nursing courses are the heart of the ADN program, providing specialized knowledge and clinical skills. These courses include a blend of online and face-to-face instruction, with significant emphasis on clinical practicums.
| Course Number | Title | Clock Hours | Clinical Hours | Quarter Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NURS101 | Professional Communication & Role Transition Seminar † | 10 | 0 | 1.0 |
| ANAT111 | Human Anatomy | 50 | 0 | 4.0 |
| PHYS111 | Human Physiology | 50 | 0 | 4.0 |
| NURS112 | Fundamentals of Nursing | 40 | 0 | 4.0 |
| NURS112C | Fundamentals of Nursing, Clinical | 120 | 120 | 4.0 |
| MICR112 | General Microbiology | 50 | 0 | 4.0 |
| NURS113 | Beginning Medical/Surgical Nursing | 40 | 0 | 4.0 |
| NURS113C | Beginning Medical/Surgical Nursing, Lab/Clinical | 120 | 120 | 4.0 |
| PHARM113 | Pharmacology for Nursing | 40 | 0 | 4.0 |
| NURS114 | Maternal/Child Nursing | 40 | 0 | 4.0 |
| NURS114C | Maternal/Child Nursing, Lab/Clinical | 120 | 120 | 4.0 |
| NURS115 | Intermediate Medical/Surgical Nursing | 40 | 0 | 4.0 |
| NURS115C | Intermediate Medical/Surgical, Lab/Clinical | 120 | 120 | 4.0 |
| NURS116 | Behavioral Health Nursing | 40 | 0 | 4.0 |
| NURS116C | Behavioral Health Nursing, Lab/Clinical | 120 | 120 | 4.0 |
| NURS117 | Advanced Medical/Surgical Nursing | 40 | 0 | 4.0 |
| NURS117C | Advanced Medical/Surgical Nursing, Lab/Clinical | 120 | 120 | 4.0 |
| NURS118 | Advanced Medical/Surgical Nursing II/Leadership | 40 | 0 | 4.0 |
| NURS118C | Advanced Medical/Surgical Nursing II, Lab/Clinical | 120 | 120 | 4.0 |
| NURS102 | Professional Communication & Role Transition Advanced Seminar | 20 | 0 | 2.0 |
| Totals | 1340 | 840 | 75.0 |
† Courses offered online.
Sample Quarter Breakdown
While the specific schedule for each quarter may vary, here’s an example of how a typical quarter schedule might look, integrating the different course types:
- Quarter 1: Might focus on foundational sciences and introductory nursing concepts, potentially including Human Anatomy (ANAT111), Human Physiology (PHYS111), and Fundamentals of Nursing (NURS112 & NURS112C).
- Quarter 4: Could delve into specialized areas such as Maternal/Child Nursing (NURS114 & NURS114C) and Pharmacology for Nursing (PHARM113).
- Later Quarters: Will progress to advanced medical-surgical nursing and leadership roles, culminating in courses like Advanced Medical/Surgical Nursing II/Leadership (NURS118 & NURS118C).
It’s important to consult the most recent program catalog or speak with an ACC program advisor for the most accurate and up-to-date schedule information, as course sequencing and availability can be subject to change.
Flexibility and Program Locations
American Career College offers the ADN program at its Los Angeles and Ontario campuses. The blended format is designed to provide a degree of flexibility, especially with the online components of the general education and some core courses. However, clinical schedules are a crucial part of the nursing program and require in-person participation at assigned healthcare facilities.
Prospective students should consider the campus location and ensure that the blended schedule and clinical hour requirements align with their personal and professional commitments.
LVN to RN Program Schedule Option
For Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) looking to advance their careers, ACC provides an LVN to RN program option. This pathway acknowledges the prior learning and experience of LVNs, offering options to expedite their RN education.
- Full ADN Program: LVNs can choose to complete the entire ADN program, following the standard schedule.
- 45-Unit Option: A more condensed option for LVNs, focusing on specific required coursework for RN licensure in California. This option does not grant an Associate’s degree or certificate from ACC but provides a transcript documenting completed courses for licensure.
LVNs interested in either option should consult with the Director of Nursing (DON) at ACC to determine the most suitable path and understand the scheduling implications of each option. The 45-unit option curriculum guide provides a focused schedule over several terms.
| ACC LVN 45 Unit RN Curriculum Guide | Credits | General Education | General Education within Area of Study | Area of Study |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 Week Quarters | ||||
| Term 1 | ||||
| PHYS11 Human Physiology with lab | 4 | X | ||
| Term 2 | ||||
| MICR112 General Microbiology with Lab | 4 | X | ||
| Term 3 | ||||
| PHARM113 Pharmacology | 4 | X | ||
| Term 4 | ||||
| NURS116 Behavioral Health and Geriatric Nursing | 4 | X | ||
| NURS116C Behavioral Health and Geriatric Nursing Lab/Clinical | 4 | X | ||
| Term 5 | ||||
| NURS115 Intermediate Medical/Surgical Nursing | 4 | X | ||
| NURS115C Intermediate Medical/Surgical Nursing Clinical | 4 | X | ||
| Term 7 | ||||
| NURS117 Advanced Medical/Surgical Nursing | 4 | X | ||
| NURS117C Advanced Medical/Surgical Nursing Lab/Clinical | 4 | X | ||
| Term 8 | ||||
| NURS118C Advanced Medical/Surgical Nursing II Leadership | 4 | X | ||
| NURS118C Advanced Medical/Surgical Nursing II Lab/Clinical | 4 | X | ||
| NURS102 Professional Communication & Role Transition Advanced Seminar | 2 | X | ||
| Total Program Quarter Credits | 46 |
Preparing for the NCLEX-RN
Graduation from the ADN program is a significant milestone, but it’s also a step towards RN licensure. In California, and across the United States, passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) is mandatory for licensure. The ACC nursing program schedule and curriculum are designed to prepare you thoroughly for this exam, covering the essential competencies and knowledge domains tested in the NCLEX-RN.
Your Journey Starts Here
Understanding the American Career College nursing program schedule is key to planning your education and career path. The blended format, comprehensive curriculum, and structured schedule are all designed to support your success in becoming a Registered Nurse. By choosing ACC, you’re choosing a program committed to providing you with the skills, knowledge, and practical experience needed to thrive in the nursing profession.
For the most detailed and current information on the American Career College nursing program schedule, it is recommended to visit the official Associate Degree in Nursing Program page or contact an ACC admissions advisor. Your rewarding nursing career awaits!
