About our Nursing Associate Degree
The Nursing program prepares individuals to become registered nurses at the associate degree level. Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX Registered Nurse (RN) licensure examination for entry into practice. The curriculum blends nursing and general education courses to provide a sound theoretical base for nursing practice. Diverse clinical experiences are concurrent with didactic experiences during the four semesters.
Students are required to meet clinical objectives or obtain a course grade of C (76) or better in order to receive a passing grade. In the event of a failure, students may apply for reinstatement/re-admission to the Nursing program only once.
Equipment Requirements
What opportunities does this program provide?
Launch Your Career
SMCC graduates in this program have gone on to work as:
- Oncology Nurse
- Emergency Room Nurse
- Pediatric Nurse
- Clinical Nurse Liaison
- Care Coordinator
- Patient Coordinator
- Home Care Nurse
- Clinical Research Associate
Continue Your Education
Available transfer agreements for this program include:
How do I complete this program?
Browse the information below to view our program requirements and how you might complete this program.
Estimated Full-Time Degree Completion Time
Please note, these estimates are based on a student taking an average of 15 credits per semester and do not include college preparatory or developmental courses.
Interested in viewing full program and course details?
Prerequisites:
- A high school diploma or GED/HiSET/High School Equivalency Diploma
- A B- (2.75) or better in:
- Anatomy & Physiology I with lab
- English Composition
- Dosage Calculations
- The following nursing entrance test scores the ATI TEAS for the Nurse (RN) Program:
- Math – 68.8% or higher
- Reading – 72.3% or higher
- English – 66.7% or higher
- Science – 57.4% or higher
- Total Score – 66.1% or higher
- Learn more about the ATI TEAS
- Required: Attend a Nursing Info Session
Related Programs
Not ready to commit to a degree program? We may have other options that work for you.
Did you know that we offer a broad array of short-term workforce training programs that allow you to enter the workforce and start earning quickly? These programs are a great way to enter a career in your area of interest and to become accustomed to college classes. They are also often grant-funded (free of charge to trainees). And, if you find you want to keep going, we can help you find a related academic degree or certificate program of interest with which you can continue your education.
Learn More:
Accreditation, Outcome Data & Licensure Information
Accreditation
The Nursing program is approved by the Maine State Board of Nursing, 161 Capitol Street, 158 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333-0158 (207-287-1133) and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3390 Peachtree Road, NE- Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326 (404-975-5000). For more information, visit the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing website.
Please note: The Maine State Board of Nursing may refuse to grant a license on the basis of criminal history record information relating to convictions denominated in Title 5, Chapter 341, Section 5301, Subsection 2 of the Maine Revised Statutes Annotated (MRSA).
Graduation Outcomes
Student Learning Outcomes
- Systematically apply the nursing process to provide care to clients in a variety of healthcare settings.
- Demonstrate patient-centered caring behaviors and actions that result in an environment of respect and trust.
- Adhere to professional behaviors within the legal, ethical and practice standards.
- Demonstrates a minimal practice of clinical judgment that results in safe outcomes.
Program Outcomes (as of January 2025)
- Goal: The program’s annual licensure examination NCLEX pass rate is 80% or greater for all first-time test takers during the same 12 month period (Dec 15th-Dec 15th). Outcome: SMCC meets this goal with a pass rate of 98.8% (2023-2024).
- Goal: At least 80% of graduates report employment in nursing within 6 months of graduation. Outcome: SMCC’s rate was 88.6% of respondents within six months of graduation.
- The student rate of completion will be measured for two accreditation bodies, ACEN and NECHE when students enter either NURS 125 or NURS 111 LPN Upgrade Option:
- ACEN: At least 55% of entering students complete the Nursing program within two years. Outcome: SMCC’s rate for 2022-2024 was 82.8%.
- NECHE: At least 70% of entering students complete the Nursing program within three years. Outcome: SMCC’s rate for 2022-2024 was 85.8%.
Out-of-State Licensure Information
If you are completing this program and will be seeking licensure in another state, please view our Out-of-State Licensure document.
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Additional Admissions Requirements:
Please note that our Health Sciences programs have additional requirements.
For more information, visit our Health Science Applicants webpage.
Contact Us:
For more information about this program, contact:
Nursing Department: Aidan Fennessy, 207-741-5590 or afennessy@mainecc.edu
Edie Forbes, 207-741-5794 or eforbes@mainecc.edu
For information about enrollment, including transferring credits, contact:
Admissions: 207-741-5800 or smccadmissions@mainecc.edu
For questions about this career path contact:
Department Chair: Jessica Dreves, 207-741-5776 or jdreves@mainecc.edu