Embarking on a nursing career is a significant decision, and understanding the program schedule is crucial for prospective students. American Career College (ACC) offers an Associate of Science Degree in Nursing (ADN) program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel as Registered Nurses (RNs). This comprehensive program blends online learning with hands-on clinical experience, structured across a defined schedule to facilitate student success. Let’s delve into the American Career College Adn Program Schedule, exploring its structure, curriculum, and what you can expect as a student.
Program Overview: Structure and Duration
The American Career College ADN program is meticulously structured to be completed in approximately 80 weeks, although this may be slightly extended due to holiday schedules. Classified under the code CIP 51.3801 (Nursing/Registered Nurse) and SOC 29-1141.00 (Registered Nurses), the program requires the completion of 99 quarter credits. This includes a total of 1580 clock hours, delivered through a blended learning approach. The blended format combines the flexibility of online coursework with the essential face-to-face interactions and practical skills training necessary in nursing education.
The curriculum is thoughtfully divided into eight 10-week quarters. This structured schedule ensures a progressive learning experience, starting from general education and fundamentals of nursing to more specialized areas such as medical/surgical nursing, obstetrics and pediatrics, mental health, geriatrics, community health, and leadership. Each course is paired with co-requisite clinical practicums, providing real-world application of theoretical knowledge. A portion of the ADN program is delivered fully online, offering flexibility while maintaining a rigorous academic standard.
Curriculum Breakdown & Schedule: Quarter by Quarter
The ADN program at American Career College follows a logical progression through its eight quarters. While a detailed day-to-day schedule isn’t provided in the original document, understanding the course sequence gives a clear picture of the program’s structured schedule. Here’s a breakdown based on the course curriculum:
General Education Courses (Integrated Throughout the Program):
These foundational courses are designed to provide a broad academic base essential for nursing professionals. They are integrated throughout the program to complement the core nursing coursework.
- Written Communications I
- College Mathematics I
- Introduction to Psychology
- Introduction to Sociology
- Oral Communication
- Cultural Pluralism
Core Nursing Courses (Sequential Over 8 Quarters):
The core nursing courses are sequenced to build upon each other, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of nursing principles and practices.
- Quarter 1 & 2: Fundamentals of Nursing, Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Professional Communication & Role Transition Seminar. These initial quarters lay the groundwork with essential scientific knowledge and basic nursing skills.
- Quarter 3 & 4: Beginning Medical/Surgical Nursing, General Microbiology, Pharmacology for Nursing. Students begin to delve into medical-surgical nursing and essential pharmacology concepts.
- Quarter 5 & 6: Maternal/Child Nursing, Intermediate Medical/Surgical Nursing. These quarters focus on specialized areas like maternal and child health, and further develop medical-surgical nursing skills.
- Quarter 7 & 8: Behavioral Health Nursing, Advanced Medical/Surgical Nursing, Advanced Medical/Surgical Nursing II/Leadership, Professional Communication & Role Transition Advanced Seminar. The final quarters cover advanced topics, including behavioral health, leadership, and prepare students for professional practice.
This structured schedule, with each quarter building upon the last, ensures that students progressively gain expertise in various nursing domains. The blended format allows students to manage their study schedule effectively while benefiting from on-campus clinical and lab sessions.
LVN to RN Program Option Schedule
For Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) looking to advance their careers to Registered Nurses, American Career College offers an LVN to RN program option. This pathway acknowledges the prior experience and education of LVNs, offering options to expedite their RN education.
45 Quarter Unit Option (Non-Degree):
This option is designed for LVNs seeking RN licensure in California. It’s important to note that this option does not result in an Associate of Science Degree in Nursing. The curriculum is condensed and focuses on specific required courses. The schedule for this option is also structured in 10-week quarters, as outlined below:
| ACC LVN 45 Unit RN Curriculum Guide | Credits |
|---|---|
| Term 1 | |
| Human Physiology with lab (PHYS11) | 4 |
| Term 2 | |
| General Microbiology with Lab (MICR112) | 4 |
| Term 3 | |
| Pharmacology (PHARM113) | 4 |
| Term 4 | |
| Behavioral Health and Geriatric Nursing (NURS116) | 4 |
| Behavioral Health and Geriatric Nursing Lab/Clinical (NURS116C) | 4 |
| Term 5 | |
| Intermediate Medical/Surgical Nursing (NURS115) | 4 |
| Intermediate Medical/Surgical Nursing Clinical (NURS115C) | 4 |
| Term 7 | |
| Advanced Medical/Surgical Nursing (NURS117) | 4 |
| Advanced Medical/Surgical Nursing Lab/Clinical (NURS117C) | 4 |
| Term 8 | |
| Advanced Medical/Surgical Nursing II Leadership (NURS118C) | 4 |
| Advanced Medical/Surgical Nursing II Lab/Clinical (NURS118C) | 4 |
| Professional Communication & Role Transition Advanced Seminar (NURS102) | 2 |
| Total Program Quarter Credits | 46 |
LVNs may also choose to complete the full Registered Nursing curriculum, starting from the first semester of the ADN program. The specific path and schedule for LVN to RN students are determined on a seat availability basis and at the discretion of the Director of Nursing, following an individual assessment and transcript review.
Key Takeaways & Next Steps
The American Career College ADN program schedule is designed for efficiency and comprehensiveness, aiming to prepare graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam and a successful career as Registered Nurses. The blended learning format, coupled with a structured quarter system, provides a balanced and effective educational experience.
For prospective students seeking a detailed American Career College ADN program schedule, it is recommended to:
- Contact American Career College Directly: Reach out to the admissions department for the most up-to-date and specific schedule information.
- Visit the Program Page: Explore the Associate Degree in Nursing Program page on the American Career College website for further details.
- Schedule a Campus Visit: Experience the learning environment and discuss scheduling queries with program advisors in person.
Understanding the program schedule is your first step towards a rewarding nursing career at American Career College. With its structured curriculum and blended learning approach, ACC provides a robust platform to launch your journey in healthcare.
