Nursing - Associate Degree

Nursing - Associate Degree

Degree Type

65-credit Associate of Applied Science Degree

Program Code

10-543-1

Time to Degree

More than 2 years

Start Date

August / January

How You'll Learn

8-Week Courses

Full-Time

If you are interested in transferring to WCTC after completing nursing core courses at another nursing school, you must receive approval from WCTC’s associate dean of Nursing. Transfers are not guaranteed.

  • Students are evaluated for core nursing transfer and clinical placement in June for fall semester entry and in November for spring semester entry.
  • There needs to be an open seat in the semester you are entering the program. Open seat availability is confirmed/awarded by the associate dean.

To transfer into nursing core courses, you must:

  • Apply and be admitted to the WCTC Nursing - Associate Degree program.
  • Submit official transcript(s) with nursing courses completed.
    • Once you apply and send your official transcripts, your coursework will be evaluated.
    • If you have been dismissed from your previous program for failing two or more core nursing courses or if you have two unsuccessful attempts of the same course, you will not be eligible for transfer.
  • Petition to the program. See Step 3 in "Steps to Complete the Nursing - Associate Degree Program" below.

Please note:

  • You must complete nursing program courses within five years of taking your first core nursing course. Based on timing, you may not be eligible for transfer and would need to start the nursing program courses over.
  • You must complete at least 25 percent of the program coursework at WCTC to obtain a degree from WCTC.

If you have already completed your LPN and have an active license, please follow the LPN to RN Nursing Bridge program entry process.

Learn more about policies related to transfer credit.

Nurses are key to the healthcare team, serving as caregivers, educators and patient advocates. Integrate the science and art of nursing to prepare for the national licensing exam to become a registered nurse. Licensed nurses may work in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities or on the business side of healthcare.

Please note: To be eligible for testing and/or licensing in the state of Wisconsin, you may be required to obtain a social security number.

Deadlines To Know*

Fall 2024 Start

  • Application Opens: September 1, 2023
  • Application Deadline: July 15, 2024

Spring 2025 Start

  • Application Opens: April 1, 2024
  • Application Deadline: January 10, 2025

Summer 2024 Start

  • This program cannot be started in summer.

* Submit all checklist items by the application deadline. Apply early; deadlines are subject to change based on program demand.

Tuition Costs

The cost of your degree depends on a number of factors, including where you live, how your program is delivered, how long it takes to finish your program and the financial aid you receive. Explore current tuition and fees.

Additional Estimated Costs

  • iPad (128GB): $399
  • Exam Soft: $500
  • Kaplan Testing: $350
  • Viewpoint Screening: $110
  • Immunizations/tests: up to $900
  • Uniform/Scrubs: $100
  • Stethoscope: $100

How To Apply

  • Complete and pass the ATI TEAS Exam.
      • If you took the TEAS exam elsewhere and passed with a 70% or higher overall score, request official scores to be sent to WCTC.
  • Apply online and pay the $30 application fee.
  • Submit a copy of one of the following to demonstrate your reading and writing skills:
      • High school GPA of 2.60 or above. Transcript must include completed coursework through the 11th grade.*
      • ACT, ACCUPLACER® or GED - 2014 Series (165 or higher).*
      • Prior college coursework may meet this requirement in whole or in part. Courses must be in the specific area(s), and you must have earned a grade of C or better (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) in the courses.*
      • If none of the above apply, sign up for the ACCUPLACER® placement test.

*Unofficial copies of these documents can be sent to admissions@wctc.edu.

Questions on the application process? Visit the Admissions page or contact an Enrollment Counselor.

1

Apply and Become Admitted to the Nursing Program

  • Follow the "How to Apply" steps outlined above. Be sure to complete these steps by the date listed in the "Application Deadlines" tab.
  • Once admitted into the Nursing program, you are eligible to take general studies (pre-core) courses.
  • Admission to the Nursing program does not guarantee seats in our core or clinical courses.
2

Complete General Studies Courses

Complete your General Studies courses. This program also requires:

You will be required to provide this documentation during the petitioning process. Have transfer credit? Check out Credit for Prior Learning.

3

Petition to the Program

After successfully completing these steps and being awarded a seat through the petitioning process, you can begin your core courses. In order to begin core courses, you will need to successfully:

  • Petition to the Nursing program (Use this link during the petition window to complete the form and upload your required documents). The next petition window is November 1-14, 2023 for spring entry and June 1-14, 2024 for fall entry.
  • Complete a background check as part of the mandatory new student orientation. If you are accepted into core courses, you will find directions to access this course in an acceptance letter. 

Explore frequently asked questions about the Nursing petition process, and review the health and safety requirements and Nursing student handbook for students in core Nursing courses.

4

After the Program

Upon graduating, you will be prepared to take the national licensing exam (NCLEX) to become a Registered Nurse. View the current WCTC NCLEX pass rates.

Program Details

Questions? We'd love to help! Connect with our Outreach team by filling out our online form or by email at enroll@wctc.edu.

If you have a solid background in science, are emotionally strong, enjoy caring for others, and have empathy and compassion, the nursing profession may be for you. Nurses are quick thinkers who can adapt to a wide range of situations and work in a variety of healthcare settings. Successful nurses are responsible, organized and detail oriented, and they have a passion for helping others.

  • Staff Nurse
  • Charge Nurse/Supervisor
  • Public Health or School Nurse
  • Forensic Nurse
  • Home Care Nurse
  • Nurse Educator

The students enrolled in the Nursing - Associate Degree program should be able to meet the established technical standards identified below with or without reasonable accommodation. The technical standards for the Nursing - Associate Degree program are representative of those found in the Nursing profession.

Review the Nursing Technical Standards.

This program is open to qualified high school applicants. Learn more >

$62,200 – $90,800 annually

Salary range estimates based on wages for related occupations in Waukesha County as reported by Economic Modeling Specialists International (EMSI). Individual wages may vary based on experience, industry, location and specific job requirements.

Check the WCTC Graduate Success Report to view our graduates’ entry wages.

As a program student, you are eligible to receive:

  • Financial aid loans
  • Scholarships
  • Other forms of assistance

Learn more about financial aid.

Review the current Nursing - Associate Degree health and safety requirements

Please note that some clinical sites require compliance with various safety protocols and measures as a condition to placement. Students may individually address clinical placement requirements with Jenny Clausen, Clinical Placement Specialist.

Reasonable accommodations may be available for students with documented disabilities and/or sincerely held religious beliefs. Students seeking accommodation due to documented disability should contact the Student Accessibility Office. Students seeking accommodation due to a sincerely held religious belief should contact Jonathan Pedraza in the Student Life Office.

What Makes This Program Unique?

1

After completing the fourth term of core/technical nursing courses, students are eligible to receive a certificate of completion, take the Practical Nursing (PN) Licensure exam and work as an LPN while continuing Nursing studies.

2

Gain realistic, scenario-based clinical practice in WCTC’s high-tech Human Patient Simulator (HPS) Lab along with developing a variety of hands-on skills in the Nursing Skills Lab.

3

Nursing Bridge Programs: We offer accelerated tracks for Licensed Practical Nurses and Paramedics to earn this degree.

Accreditation

The associate degree nursing program at Waukesha County Technical College at the Pewaukee Campus located in Pewaukee, WI is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000

The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Waukesha County nursing program is Continuing Accreditation.

Similar Programs

Program Pathway

Earn certificates, technical diplomas and/or industry credentials along this pathway. Start with some courses for entry-level employment, and continue with additional courses for higher wages and job advancement.

Nursing Pathway

Earn credit for prior learning for the college-level knowledge and skills that you've already acquired through advanced high school classes, previous ollege coursework, self-study, military training work or volunteer experience.

Grid 2
Associate Degree
  • Nursing - Associate Degree (this program)

WCTC has credit transfer agreements with many four-year institutions that allow our degree graduates to transfer credits into a baccalaureate program, often at junior-level standing.

More Credit Opportunities

High School Dual Credit

Dual enrollment offers high school students an opportunity to get a head start in high-demand fields while earning college credits.

Learn More

Credit for Prior Learning

You may have the opportunity to obtain credit for the college-level skills and knowledge you've already acquired through prior coursework, work experience and more.

Learn More

Transfer Opportunities After WCTC

WCTC has credit transfer agreements with many four-year institutions that allow our degree graduates to transfer credits into a baccalaureate program, often at junior-level standing.

College Program Name Credit Awards
Alverno CollegeBSNFull Program
Carthage CollegeBSNFull Program
Chamberlain College of NursingBSNup to 77
Concordia University - WisconsinBSN65+ Junior Standing
Grand Canyon UniversityBSNFull Program, concurrent enrollment option, $250/credit-scholarship rate
Herzing UniversityBSNFull Program
Lakeland UniversityBSNFull Program
Marian UniversityBSNfull program, 10% tuition discount
Mount Mary UniversityBSNfull program
Purdue NorthwestBSNup to 65
Upper Iowa UniversityBSNup to 65
UW-Eau ClaireBSN "BSN@Home"60+
UW-Green BayBSN "BSN@Home"60+
UW-MadisonBSN "BSN@Home"60+
UW-MilwaukeeBSN "BSN@Home"60+
UW-MilwaukeeBS Biomedical Sciences38-65
UW-OshkoshBSN "BSN@Home"60+
UW-Stevens PointBSN "BSN@Home"60+
UW-SuperiorBS Public Health33 + Electives
Viterbo UniversityBSNfull program

There are currently no general college credit agreements for Nursing - Associate Degree. For more information, contact your academic advisor.

 

 

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