Nursing Degree
Admission to Montgomery College is open to all; however, the nursing program is a selective application-based program limited to 192 students each semester. Visit the Health Sciences Admissions page for complete details, including special admissions requirements and the health sciences application.
Students who plan to major in nursing will be assigned the temporary major of pre-nursing, with POS code 570, until they are officially admitted to the nursing program. Students may take preparatory courses and courses that fulfill general education requirements during the waiting period. As an alternative to being assigned a temporary major, students waiting for admission to the nursing program may choose to major in general studies or any other open-admission program. The Admissions and Records Office at Takoma Park/Silver Spring will assign a matriculated code once students are admitted to the nursing program.
The basic nursing curriculum covers two academic years, is approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing, and is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Upon successful completion of the curriculum, the graduate is granted the AS in nursing and is eligible to take the state board examination for registered nurse licensure. Graduates will be prepared to give competent and safe nursing care to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and other comparable health agencies. Hospitals, nursing homes, and other health agencies within the metropolitan area will provide the settings for a variety of clinical experiences, which are planned as a vital part of each nursing course.
In addition to the scholastic standards required of all students in the College, nursing students are required to achieve a grade of C or better in all pre- and corequisite courses in the nursing program.
After acceptance into the nursing program, all students must obtain their CPR card from the American Heart Association (BLS Provider or HeartCode BLS). Additional requirements include: background check and drug/alcohol screening; positive titers for MMR, Varicella, and Hepatitis B; annual Tuberculosis screening; annual Flu vaccinations; current Tdap vaccination; evidence of health insurance; and proof of the full initial dose(s) of the Covid vaccine. These are requirements mandated from the hospital facilities in the area in and around Montgomery County.
Attend a nursing information session to learn more about the program.
Program Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, a student will be able to:
- Maintain legal, ethical, evidence-based, and professional standards in nursing.
- Utilize clinical reasoning in practice.
- Practice patient centered care.
- Demonstrate teamwork and collaboration.
- Effectively use current technology and informatics.
- Ensure a safe environment for patient, self, and others.
Program Advising
Prospective students should attend an information session instead of contacting a program advisor. Students will receive advising through the nursing program after admission into the program. If you are a current nursing student, meet with your academic advisor regularly to discuss your academic plans and make sure you are on track to graduate and/or transfer.
Transfer and Articulation Opportunities
Montgomery College has numerous nursing transfer agreements to help students reach their goal of earning their bachelor of science degree in nursing (BSN), including the MC and UMSON Dual Admission Program (University of Maryland School of Nursing). The ADN to BSN Pathway provides resources for students in their academic journey as they work towards earning a BSN.
In Maryland, as well as many other states, Associate Degree Nursing graduates articulate to universities for a bachelor's and/or master's degree. Articulation is different from transferring. While transferring between schools involves the transfer of individual courses, articulation means that a block of credits are awarded based on having an RN license.
Careers
For some positions listed, a bachelor's degree or higher may be required. Use the Career and Program Explorer to see a full report for this career field. See links below chart for further guidance and/or connect with a Program Advisor to discuss career goals.
Graduate of this program typically pursue a career as a registered nurse.
The States with the Largest Nursing Shortagesnew window
- MC Student Employment Services: Speak with the Student Employment Specialist for help with resume writing, interviewing, setting up a College Central Network (CCN)new window account and other job search topics.
- Career Coach: Explore Career Coach to learn more about this career and/or discover related majors and in-demand careers based on your current interests! Take a Career Assessment and then browse careers and job opportunities in the area.
Curriculum
Admission to Montgomery College is open to all; however, the nursing program is a selective application-based program limited to 192 students each semester. Visit the Health Sciences Admissions page for complete details, including special admissions requirements and the health sciences application.
The nursing curriculum depends on proper sequencing of courses. All non-nursing courses in the curriculum are to be completed prior to or during the semester in which they are listed.
See syllabi for all nursing courses.
- All students should review the advising guide and consult an advisor.
- Find out about related programs and course in the Fields of Study section.
- Most courses have either assessment levels that must be met or prerequisites (courses that must be taken first). Part-time students and those who need to meet assessment levels or take prerequisite courses will take longer to complete a degree. An advisor will help make sure you are taking your courses in the right order.
- All degree-seeking students must take a central group of General Education courses in English, mathematics, arts, behavioral and social sciences, humanities, and science. These courses are included in the suggested course sequence below.
Distribution Courses
- SOCY 100 - Introduction to Sociology (BSSD)
-
OR
- SOCY 105 - Social Problems and Issues (BSSD)
-
OR
- SOCY 240 - Sociology of Age and Aging (BSSD)
- Arts Distribution 3 semester hours (ARTD)
- Humanities Distribution 3 semester hours (HUMD)
- English Foundation 3 semester hours (ENGF)
- Mathematics Foundation 3 semester hours (MATF)
AA and AS programs require one global and cultural perspectives (GCP) General Education course.
Total credit hours: 70
- All students should review the advising guide and consult an advisor.
- Find out about related programs and course in the Fields of Study section.
- Most courses have either assessment levels that must be met or prerequisites (courses that must be taken first). Part-time students and those who need to meet assessment levels or take prerequisite courses will take longer to complete a degree. An advisor will help make sure you are taking your courses in the right order.
- All degree-seeking students must take a central group of General Education courses in English, mathematics, arts, behavioral and social sciences, humanities, and science. These courses are included in the suggested course sequence below.
Other Requirements
- All students should review the advising guide and consult an advisor.
- Find out about related programs and course in the Fields of Study section.
- Most courses have either assessment levels that must be met or prerequisites (courses that must be taken first). Part-time students and those who need to meet assessment levels or take prerequisite courses will take longer to complete a degree. An advisor will help make sure you are taking your courses in the right order.
- All degree-seeking students must take a central group of General Education courses in English, mathematics, arts, behavioral and social sciences, humanities, and science. These courses are included in the suggested course sequence below.
Program Requirements
- NURS 113 - Fundamentals of Nursing 7 semester hours
- NURS 114 - Professionalism and Communication in Nursing 1 semester hour
- NURS 121 - Basic Health Assessment 1 semester hour
- NURS 125 - Nursing in Health and Illness I 4 semester hours
- NURS 126 - Nursing Care of Special Populations I: Geriatric and Psychiatric Nursing 4 semester hours
- NURS 129 - Pathophysiology and Pharmacology in Nursing 2 semester hours
- NURS 205 - Transition to Professional Nursing Practice 1 semester hour
- NURS 225 - Nursing in Health and Illness II 4 semester hours
- NURS 240 - Nursing in Health and Illness III 7 semester hours
Health Sciences Admissions
Related Programs and Courses
Students who major in general studies explore personal, professional, and academic areas of interest within a flexible framework supporting transfer.
Health Career Training Programs
Students have the opportunity to learn an entry level skill in the field of health
sciences such as dialysis, EKG, phlebotomy, pharmacy technician, or medical assistant.
We also offer wellness training and TEAS test preparation. Learn more about Health Career Training Programs.
Nursing Related Courses
Nursing related courses include certified nursing assistant (CNA), certified geriatric
assistant (GNA), and CPR and first aid training. We also offer nursing refresher classes
for nurses wishing to reenter the field, as well as NCLEX RN review. Learn more about Nursing Related Courses.