Program Overview
The ASN program is a full-time, 4 semester program that is delivered over a period of two years. General education courses are offered on multiple ATC campuses. The nursing core classes are offered on the Athens and Walton campuses, accepting up to 80 students each fall. The Walton campus will begin enrollment for fall 2022. All courses are web enhanced and taught on campus. Clinical experiences are obtained through multiple healthcare facilities. Each summer, the accelerated bridge program for qualifying LPN’s/paramedics integrate students into the fall semester as senior level students. Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and licensed GA paramedics personnel may be eligible to enroll in the accelerated bridge program that requires a minimum of three semesters to complete the nursing (RNSG) courses. The bridge program allows them to enter the second year of the nursing curriculum on a space-available basis. Interested students should contact the Admissions Office and request information on the bridge program.
Clinical experiences are present during all nursing courses with a practicum experience at the end of senior year. The practicum experience (180 hours) is hands-on learning, guided by an experienced registered nurse, and overseen by faculty. Many of our students have found this to be an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skills to potential employers which often leads to job offers. Our ASN graduates begin working as entry-level registered nurses (RN) once they pass the NCLEX exam. The current entry-level RN starting wage is approximately $57,000/year in the state of Georgia. There is a large diversity in workplace opportunities. For example: Settings in Hospitals, Emergency Departments, Intensive Care Units, Acute Care Units, Maternal/Child Departments, and Surgical Centers.
Competitive Health Program Mandatory Information Sessions
Specific Facility, Tools Or Educational Tools Available
The Athens campus has 2 primary learning classrooms. The junior level students begin in the laboratory/classroom. This learning space has desk/chairs for deliver of lecture content. Also included are multiple hospital beds containing high and low fidelity manikins, that are used for patient simulation activities. The Senior level students have a traditional classroom, and use the simulation laboratory. These simulation rooms provide a “safe” enviornment for students to enhance their clinical skills and critical thinking.
