Associate Degree in Applied Science
Courses toward an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Nursing (two-year program) are now offered in cooperation with Delaware County Community College with day-nursing classes, as well as an evening/weekend program. Priority for enrollment is offered to residents of Chester County. This degree prepares students for positions as beginning level staff nurses in hospitals and transitional, long-term care and community settings.

Upon successful completion of 70 hours of class time, students receive an Associate Degree in Applied Science (AAS) with a major in Nursing and are eligible to sit for the state licensure examination to become a registered nurse.

Upon graduation, the associate degree nurse should be able to:

• Use therapeutic nursing intervention to provide care for patients of all ages.
• Use critical thinking skills to make nursing decisions.
• Practice as a registered nurse in a variety of structured healthcare settings.

The career outlook is very promising for future Registered Nurses:

• Over 65% of all registered nurses are graduates of a two-year associate degree program.
• The Pennsylvania Center for Health Careers published a Supply/Demand Report for RNs/LPNs. The RN report shows that by 2010 the shortage of RNs in Pennsylvania will likely be as large as 16,000.
• Almost 90% of new RNs find employment within three months.

Last Updated: 7/23/2009