Program Overview
The AS Degree in Nursing program provides a broad foundation in nursing and the more general healthcare sciences, which is necessary for preparing professional nurses capable of practicing in a competent and responsible fashion as informed citizens in a dynamic and diverse society. The curriculum prepares graduates to function as practitioners in acute and long-term care, community settings, home care, and other nontraditional settings, as well as provides a foundation for leadership positions and further study (for those who plan to pursue a BSN.) Graduates will be competent in meeting the current and future health needs of society.
Associate Degree Nursing Program Mission Statement and Program Goals
Mission of the Nursing Department
Pine Technical and Community College (PTCC) Nursing Department is committed to providing an opportunity for higher education in an affordable student-focused environment. The Nursing Department offers comprehensive educational opportunities, including general and transfer education, technical program education and lifelong learning.
The Nursing Department is committed to the advancement of teaching methodologies and technology, student development, and community service. The Nursing Department believes in the practical value of higher education as a means of economic and personal advancement in society. The Nursing Department respects and cares for students as individuals and as members of diverse groups, supporting their aspirations for a better life.
Associate Degree (AD) Nursing Program Goals
Program completion: 75% of associate degree (AD) nursing students will complete the program at 150% of the program length, averaged over the past 3-years.
NCLEX-RN: 80% (or higher) of AD nursing graduates will pass the NCLEX-RN on first attempt, averaged over 3-years.
2016 NCLEX-RN = 73.08%
2017 NCLEX-RN = 91.67%
2018 NCLEX-RN = 92.59%
2019 NCLEX-RN = 90.19%
2020 NCLEX-RN = 78.95%
2021 NCLEX-RN = 90.32%
Job Placement: 80% of AD nursing graduates will be employed in their nursing field at 6-12 months post-graduation; 10% of AD graduates will continue on in their nursing education.
6-12 month Graduate Surveys: 50% of AD nursing graduates will complete and return the 6-12 month graduate surveys; 80% of respondents will chose “Excellent” or “Good” for each survey question; 80% of respondents will rate program satisfaction as “Excellent” or “good”; Qualitative comments will be trended and changes made to program as needed for continuous quality improvement.
See all Program Requirements and Courses
Steps to Apply
Associate Degree Program Information Sessions at PTCC!
Learn what is required for acceptance in the AD program. Nursing Advisors guide you through the program application process and all the requirements necessary for acceptance. Watch for upcoming sessions this fall.
Can't attend an Information Session? Click here to view the powerpoint presentation.
STEP ONE: Become a Pine Student
1. Save a Pine and apply online at http://www.pine.edu/apply
2. Request all external transcripts be sent to PTCC
- If you attended a Minnesota State school, your transcripts will automatically be sent
- If you attended a school outside the MNState system, contact the school to have your official transcripts sent to PTCC
3. Complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
STEP TWO: Apply to the Associate Degree Nursing Program
1. Apply online to the Associate Degree Nursing Program. Watch for the fall 2023 online application link to open in spring 2023.
2. Meet all program timeline requirements
3. Fall 2022 Application: Closed
Watch for the Fall 2023 online application link to open in spring 2023
4. Students are required to complete ALL of the following requirements before full acceptance into the program.
- At the time of Fall 2023 application, you must have completed the following prerequisite courses with a grade of "C" or better AND a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, OR are currently registered for the prerequisite courses during spring semester 2023 (Note: all prerequisite coursework must be completed by the end of spring semester 2023. Students with summer coursework will be considered a late applicant, and will be considered on a space available basis):
- BIOL 1250 General Biology
- BIOL 1260 Anatomy & Physiology I
- BIOL 1270 Anatomy & Physiology II
- BIOL 1255 Microbiology
- ENGL 1276 College Composition
- PHIL 1220 Human Ethics
- PSYC 1200 Introduction to Psychology
- PSYC 1250 Lifespan Development
Use the GPA Calculator to determine your prerequisite GPA
For questions regarding your prerequisites: Contact Jen Rancour.
- Provide proof of current licensure (MN Practical Nurse License or current state in which you are licensed to practice)
- Have taken the ATI TEAS exam within the last 12 months with an overall composite score of 68 or higher
STEP THREE: TEAS Test
TEAS exams will be offered at the PTCC campus on the following dates:
- Friday, July 15, 2022, 9 a.m.
1. Register to take the ATI TEAS test
- The test is $92.00
- Students need a 68 or better to be accepted into the Associate Degree Nursing program
- If you take the TEAS at PTCC, your scores will automatically be sent without extra costs to the student
- If you take the TEAS at another location, you will need to have your scores sent to PTCC (extra cost)
- You can take the TEAS more than once, and we will accept your highest score
- Important note when registering to take the TEAS test on the PTCC Campus!
There are 4 options you will see when registering for the TEAS:
TEAS online, proctored by ATI - PTCC does not accept this
TEAS online, proctored by an Institution - not available at PTCC - PTCC does not accept this
*TEAS in-person at an Institution - this is the option to choose to take the exam on the Pine Technical & Community College campus
TEAS in person at a PSI National Testing Center, proctored by PSI - Check this out for more TEAS information
- Need some help studying for the TEAS?
- TEAS Prep - Individualized study plan available
AD PROGRAM ACCEPTANCE
- Students are ranked by points using a rubric
- Ranking points are based on prerequisite courses GPA, TEAS score, and LPN work experience
- Bonus points for receiving PN degree from PTCC
There are a maximum of 40 seats in the AD program each fall semester.
Employment Outlook
High job placement rates, growing demand in the field, and a great salary range creates a bright outlook for Registered Nurses. RNs with Associate Degrees are typically employed in hospitals, clinics, hospice care, long-term care, and assisted living facilities. RNs constitute the largest healthcare occupation, with 2.6 million jobs, and about 60 percent of RN jobs in the U.S. are in hospitals.
About eight percent of jobs are held in offices of physicians; five percent in home healthcare services; five percent in nursing care facilities; and, three percent in employment services. The remainder of work is mostly in government agencies, social assistance agencies, and educational services. It is estimated, now through 2018, hundreds of thousands of job openings for RNs will result from the need to replace experienced nurses who leave the occupation.
Nursing Career Information
Accreditation and Recognition
The Minnesota Board of Nursing has approved this program since June 2011.
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Contact Information
Jen Rancour (new admissions only)
Gina Zorotovich (nursing program application questions)
Related Programs and Student Clubs
USDE Professional Licensure Disclosure
The U.S. Department of Education has implemented regulations (Regulation 34 CFR 668.43 [a][5][v]) which requires Pine Technical and Community College associates program in Nursing to make public whether a program will fulfill educational requirements for a specific professional licensure or certification required for employment in an occupation where the institution’s curriculum meets state educational requirements for professional licensure or certification.
The Associate Degree in Nursing at Pine Technical and Community College meets the state education requirements for Associate Degree in Nursing license in the state of Minnesota. Pine Technical and Community College has not determined if the Associate Degree Nursing program at Pine Technical and Community College meets the state education requirements in any other state, any U.S. Territory, or the District of Columbia.
Students should contact the Board of Nursing in the state in which they wish to be licensed for specific licensing requirements. Additionally, students may review the National Council of States Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) website to review each state’s initial licensure educational requirements: https://www.ncsbn.org/14730.htm