The Nursing Program admitted its first students in September 1967 and received full accreditation from the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) on September 24th, 1970. The Nursing Assistant program admitted its first students and received full approval from the Arizona State Board of Nursing (AZBN) in 1990.
The Nursing program prepares students with a two-year Associate of Applied Science degree in Nursing. The program curriculum offers an exit option at the Practical Nurse level following the third semester. Transfer students and Licensed Practical Nurses are admitted into the program based on published advanced placement requirements.
The faculty and staff include the Director of Nursing, nine full-time faculty, a Clinical Facilitator, a Lab Coordinator, a full-time Administrative Assistant, a part-time Administrative Assistant, and lab technicians. The program also employs local practicing nurses educated at the MSN and BSN levels as part-time clinical faculty to maintain a maximum of 1:10 faculty/student ratio in clinical practice. Students graduating from our program are eligible for licensing as either Registered Nurses (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN).
The opportunities in nursing practice are more exciting and diverse than ever before. A variety of career and professional options await our graduates. The program also fosters academic partnerships providing graduates with a variety of options to pursue advanced degrees in Nursing.
Program Purpose
Graduates will demonstrate (1) knowledge and skills to provide safe care as an entry level nurse, (2) basic knowledge in nursing that will prepare them for the registered nurse licensure examination, and (3) competency in communication, critical thinking, quantitative analysis, and technological applications.
Mission
The faculty of the Department of Nursing upholds the mission of Arizona Western College by supporting educational and lifelong learning needs of the community through innovative partnerships. The faculty is dedicated to (1) providing excellence in nursing education and practice, (2) Incorporating changes aimed at current and emerging healthcare trends with a focus on the rural southwest. (Reaffirmed:11/13)