ADN/RN (Associate Degree Nursing)

Program Objectives:

The objective of the Nursing (ADN) program at the College is to help graduates prepare to become Licensed Registered Nurses. The program is designed to prepare students to work in a variety of medical settings as Registered Nurses. The program combines theory and clinical components in addressing the concepts of professional nursing roles: caregiver, advocate, educator, communicator, and manager.

The purpose of the Nursing (ADN) program is to participate as an active partner in meeting the healthcare needs of the community by educating and preparing entry-level professional nurses to practice in a variety of settings. The faculty is committed to the professional development of the student, the support of the institution within the community and the enhancement of the nursing profession. Graduates of the bridge track are eligible to write the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX-RN) for licensure as a Registered Nurse.

Upon completion of the Nursing (ADN) program graduates will:

• Achieve a passing score on the NCLEX-RN exam;
• Provide compassionate, protective and effectual professional nursing care to individuals and families.
• Employ other professionals and paraprofessionals in the therapeutic and mutual discussion for the benefit of patient results.
• Combine the knowledge of biological and behavioral sciences into the decision-making process regarding patient care.
• Merge values, ethics and legal principals with critical thinking when making decisions for patients.
• Support the mission and goals of the organization through efficient use of all resources, personnel and financial.
• Display a commitment to professional nursing through patient advocacy, professional activism, and lifelong learning.

Program Description:

The Nursing (ADN) program is designed to facilitate career mobility for the Registered Nurse. The program is designed to provide educational and clinical experiences leading to employment in beginning positions as registered nurses in hospitals or comparable facilities.

This educational program builds on the vocational knowledge and experience of the licensed practical nurse. The program is designed to provide the licensed practical nurse with a method to complete an associate of science degree in nursing and be eligible to take the State of Florida NCLEX-RN exam.

The program is nine (9) quarter long comprising of six (6) general and pre-requisite courses, six (6) pre-requisite courses and twelve (12) professional nursing courses totaling 109 quarter hours. This translates to 820 clock hours of didactic instruction, 100 clock hours of supervised laboratory experience and 630 clock hours of supervised clinical experience for a total of 1550 clock hours.

Areas of study include nursing values and roles, fundamental nursing concepts and techniques, adult health nursing, gerontology nursing, mental health nursing, gynecology, obstetrics and pediatric nursing, community health concepts, medical and surgical nursing, and pharmacology, with nutrition integrated throughout the program.

Curriculum Development:

The Nursing (ADN) program at the College prepares the graduates to sit for the Florida State Board Examination (Florida Statutes, Chapter 464) and upon successful completion of the exam to be licensed as a registered nurse (RN).

Estimated Length of Study:

Day Classes: 18-24 Months (109 Quarter Hours)

Online Course Delivery:

This course has been approved for online course delivery of general education courses.

Credit/Clock Hour Description:

The program courses are presented in quarter-hour segments. Each academic quarter is 12 weeks in duration with a total of 109 quarter credit hours for program completion. The 109 quarter credit hours translate to 72.6 semester hours or 1550 clock hours. 1 quarter credit hour is equivalent to 10 theory hours, 20 lab hours or 30 clinical hours.

*Books and materials are NOT included in the cost of tuition. Students must purchase their own uniforms.

Admission Requirements

General Admission/ Application Requirements:

Applicants are encouraged to apply well in advance of the proposed start date of classes. Prospective students are encouraged to visit the College, tour the facility and engage in a personal interview with an admissions representative. This allows the individual to make an informed decision on the available programs of study, institutional policies and procedures and the documentation required to enroll in their program of choice. To begin the application process at Care Hope College an applicant must:

• Be at least 17 years, 8 months of age
• Complete and sign an application form and pay the non-refundable application fee of $150.00
• Provide proof of a Social Security Card
• Provide proof of graduation from High School or College by submitting High School Diploma, High School Transcript, General Education Development (GED) or proof of post-secondary education. Applicants with International High School credentials must be translated and evaluated to prove US High School equivalency or higher from a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services [NACES] approved institution.
• Provide a valid drivers’ license or government-issued photo ID.
• Meet program specific admission criteria for the programs offered.

General Enrollment Requirements

To enroll in the programs at Care Hope College the applicant must:

• Complete the Admission/Application Requirements
• Complete and sign the enrollment agreement
• Complete the Reference Form
• Pay applicable tuition and fees

Our History

Care Hope College (formally known as Palm Beach Vocational Institution) was established in 1996 as an educational training institution to fill a growing need for quality health education. It was designed to develop “hands- on” professional health care workers. The programs are all designed to address the quality preparation of those who provide patient care in hospitals, long-term care facilities and private homes.

In 2008 the College established new ownership modifying the structure and organization of the school and the newly renamed Care Hope College was born. In 2011, the College moved to a larger location, added new programs and hired additional faculty/staff to accommodate the larger student body.

The College has become the home to a student body, which includes working adults, adults who are changing their careers, and those adults who always longed and aspired to venture into the health care industry.

Our Mission Statement

Care Hope College is dedicated to providing our students with the highest quality of focused education and training that will enable our diverse student population to attain their academic and professional goals.

Our Vision Statement

The vision of Care Hope College is to provide H ealth, O pportunity, P artnership and E ducation ( HOPE ) to all residents and citizens in Palm Beach County and the neighboring areas. The vision statement provides guidance to what the College is committed to achieve by employing qualified professionals and experienced faculty and staff to teach and guide health care and other allied health professionals to be nurturing, caring, compassionate and competent health care givers.