Associate of Science - Nursing
The Associate of Science degree program prepares graduates to function as members and leaders of healthcare teams in various healthcare environments. Graduates of the program are eligible to apply for the NCLEX-RN licensure examination from the Montana State Board of Nursing.
The Associate of Science RN program is a 5-semester curriculum. The RN program accepts up to 20 qualified applicants in both fall and spring semesters.
Applicants to the RN program must score 70% or higher on the TEAS, achieve a GPA of 2.75 or higher in pre-requisite courses, and score 58 points or higher on application to be eligible to apply.
Admission to the program also requires completion of the Helena College application for admission and the nursing program application. A student may apply while enrolled in the prerequisite courses with acceptance to the program to be determined after the current completed semester grades are finalized.
Included in the application process are a general physical examination and current BLS for Health Care Providers. Nursing students must comply with the vaccination requirements of the clinical agencies where assigned in order to complete the clinical coursework and progress on in the program.
Once accepted into the nursing program, the student must complete a criminal background check as the final step in acceptance to the nursing program.
A student must maintain a “C” or better in each of the courses required and complete each semester prior to progressing to the next semester.
Current Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) interested in continuing their education to become RNs are encouraged to apply to the ASRN program at Helena College. Credit may be given for prior learning assessment in the LPN college courses. See the Nursing Program Director for additional information.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Use the Nursing Process to provide safe, effective, and individualized care, to address the assessed needs of the client.
- Demonstrate effective, therapeutic communication skills for delivering patient care, providing patient education, and to be an effective member of the healthcare team.
- Practice collaboratively within legal and ethical frameworks and professional scope of practice when managing all aspects of client care.
- Coordinate and prioritize care delivery to best meet the identified needs of the client, community or group utilizing evidence-based practices and caring interventions.
- Safely and accurately perform all nursing skills under the pressure, distractions, and interruptions of an actual nursing experience.
Program Outcomes for the ASRN Graduate
- The program’s annual licensure examination pass rate will meet or exceed the national average for first time takers for the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses).
- Eighty-five percent (85%) of students who start on the first day of NRSG 230 in the traditional RN program will complete the program within two (2) academic years (four semesters).
- Ninety percent (90%) of graduates will be employed as an RN within six months of graduation.
- Ninety (90%) of the surveys returned by graduates will indicate that they are satisfied with their education.
- Ninety (90%) of the surveys returned by employers will indicate satisfaction with the graduate’s performance.
Student Achievement Outcome Data
- NCLEX pass rate for Registered Nursing program: 93.3%
- Retention/Completion rate for Registered Nursing program: 94%
- Job placement rate for Registered Nursing program (within 6 months of graduation): 100%
