Malcolm X College Nursing Programs: A Comprehensive Guide
The City Colleges of Chicago School of Nursing, particularly at Malcolm X College, offers comprehensive nursing programs designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to excel in the healthcare sector. These programs include the Associate in Science Degree in Nursing (ADN) and the Advanced Certificate in Practical Nursing. This article delves into the details of these programs, their requirements, curriculum, and career prospects.
Associate in Science Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Program Overview
The Associate in Science Degree in Nursing (ADN) program at Malcolm X College is designed to provide students with a dynamic and efficient path to becoming registered nurses (RNs). This program focuses on combining nursing theory and practice with general education to prepare students for the multifaceted role of a professional registered nurse. The ADN program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), ensuring high educational standards.
Advantages of Pursuing an ADN
- Faster Entry into the Workforce: An ADN allows students to enter the nursing profession more quickly compared to a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
- Cost-Effective Education: The ADN program offers a more affordable route to becoming an RN, reducing the financial burden on students.
- Wide Range of Opportunities: Graduates with an ADN can find employment in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes.
Admission Requirements
To be eligible for admission to the ADN program, applicants must meet several requirements:
Prerequisite Courses: Completion of four prerequisite courses with a grade of "C" or higher is mandatory before the application deadline. These courses include:
- BIOLOGY 121 (Biology I): This course must be completed within the past 10 years.
- CHEM 121 (Basic Chemistry I) or higher-level chemistry courses: Any chemistry course must be completed within the past 10 years. Approved alternatives include CHEM 201, CHEM 203, CHEM 205, CHEM 207, CHEM 212, or CHEM 217.
- ENGLISH 101 (Composition)
- MATH 118 (General Education Math) or a higher-level general education math course.
ATI TEAS Exam: Applicants must take the ATI TEAS exam at a City Colleges of Chicago campus and achieve minimum scores of 65% cumulative and 73% in reading. The test can be taken up to three times in a 12-month period, with remediation encouraged between retakes.
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GPA: A cumulative GPA of 2.75 at CCC is required prior to the application deadline.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Certificate: Proof of a CNA certificate is required at the time of application.
Transcripts: Submission of official high school transcripts or GED and official college transcripts to the Office of the Registrar at Malcolm X College.
Background Check: Students must undergo a background check as part of the admission process.
Course Curriculum
The ADN program at Malcolm X College requires a total of 69 credit hours over four semesters. The curriculum includes general education coursework and a program core.
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General Education Coursework:
- ENGLISH 101: Composition (3 credit hours)
- BIOLOGY 121: Biology I (5 credit hours)
- CHEM 121: Basic Chemistry I (4 credit hours) or higher-level chemistry
- MATH 118: General Education Math (4 credit hours)
Required Program Core:
- MCROBIO 233: General Microbiology (4 credit hours)
- BIOLOGY 226: Human Structure and Function I (4 credit hours)
- BIOLOGY 227: Human Structure and Function II (4 credit hours)
- NURSING 101: Fundamentals of Nursing (7 credit hours)
- NURSING 102: Introduction to Medical-Surgical (7 credit hours)
- NURSING 208: Maternal-Newborn Nursing (3 credit hours)
- NURSING 209: Mental Health Nursing (3 credit hours)
- NURSING 210: Intermediate Medical-Surgical Nursing (6 credit hours)
- NURSING 213: Advanced Medical Surgical (6 credit hours)
- NURSING 214: Gerontologic Nursing (3 credit hours)
- NURSING 215: Pediatric Nursing (3 credit hours)
- NURSING 216: Nursing Leadership (3 credit hours)
Course Descriptions
- NURSING 101: Fundamentals of Nursing: This course requires successful completion of ENGLISH 101, BIOLOGY 121, CHEM 121 (or higher-level chemistry), MATH 118 (or higher general education math), and admission to the ADN program. It involves 6 clinical hours, 2 laboratory hours, and 3 lecture hours, totaling 7 credit hours.
- NURSING 102: Introduction to Medical-Surgical: Requires admission to the Nursing Program and successful completion of NURSING 101 with a C or better. It includes 6 clinical hours, 2 laboratory hours, and 3 lecture hours, totaling 7 credit hours. LPN licensure is required for students admitted through the bridge cohort.
- NURSING 208: Maternal-Newborn Nursing: Includes 3 laboratory hours and 1.5 lecture hours, totaling 3 credit hours.
- NURSING 209: Mental Health Nursing: Includes 3 laboratory hours and 1.5 lecture hours, totaling 3 credit hours.
- NURSING 210: Intermediate Medical-Surgical Nursing: Includes 6 laboratory hours and 3 lecture hours, totaling 6 credit hours.
- NURSING 213: Advanced Medical Surgical: Includes 6 laboratory hours and 3 lecture hours, totaling 6 credit hours.
- NURSING 214: Gerontologic Nursing: Includes 3 laboratory hours and 1.5 lecture hours, totaling 3 credit hours.
- NURSING 215: Pediatric Nursing: Includes 3 laboratory hours and 1.5 lecture hours, totaling 3 credit hours.
- NURSING 216: Nursing Leadership: Includes 3 lecture hours, totaling 3 credit hours.
Clinical Affiliations
The program is affiliated with various hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and community agencies, providing students with supervised clinical learning experiences in medical-surgical, mental health, maternal-child, pediatrics, and gerontological nursing.
LPN-RN Bridge Program
For Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) looking to advance their careers, the City Colleges of Chicago offers an LPN-RN Bridge program. The requirements are the same as the ADN program, with the additional requirement of completing all co-requisite courses and Nursing 140. LPN Bridge applicants must complete all 100-level prerequisites and at least two of the 200-level science prerequisites to be considered for the nursing program.
Career Opportunities for ADN Graduates
Graduates of the ADN program are prepared to work as Registered Nurses. RNs assess patient health, develop and implement nursing care plans, maintain medical records, administer nursing care, and advise patients on health maintenance and disease prevention. The average starting salary for RNs in the Chicago area is approximately $50,667, with more than 1,800 job openings annually.
Advanced Certificate in Practical Nursing
Program Overview
The Advanced Certificate program in Practical Nursing is designed to provide students with a basic knowledge of nursing theory and practice, preparing them for the NCLEX-PN Exam required to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). This program offers a pathway to a career in nursing with the option to transfer credits to an associate or bachelor degree nursing program.
Admission Requirements
To be eligible for the Practical Nursing Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
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Prerequisite Courses: Completion of four prerequisite courses is required before the application deadline. These courses include:
- BIOLOGY 120: Terminology For Medical Careers (3 credit hours)
- BIOLOGY 121: Biology I (5 credit hours) - completed within the past 10 years
- ENGLISH 101: Composition (3 credit hours)
- MATH 118: General Education Math (4 credit hours) or higher
All prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of "C" or higher.
Transcripts: Submit high school diploma or GED transcripts to the Office of the Registrar at Malcolm X College. Also, submit official college transcripts.
Mathematics Eligibility: Proof of eligibility for college-level mathematics by coursework or placement test.
ATI TEAS Exam: Minimum Cumulative Score of 60% and a minimum Reading Score of 70%.
GPA: Cumulative GPA of 2.5
Background Check
Course Curriculum
The Advanced Certificate program in Practical Nursing provides students with a basic knowledge of nursing theory and practice. Graduates of the practical nursing program meet the educational requirements for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN). Graduates of the program may transfer their credits to an associate or bachelor degree nursing program.
Practical Nursing Courses:
- NURSING 150: Nursing Fundamentals I (4 credit hours)
- NURSING 151: Nursing Fundamentals II (4 credit hours)
- NURSING 152: Nursing Perspectives (2 credit hours)
- NURSING 153: Nursing Thru Life Span 1 (5 credit hours)
- NURSING 158: Nursing Thru Life Span II (2.5 credit hours)
- NURSING 159: Nursing Thru Life Span III (2.5 credit hours)
- NURSING 160: Nursing Thru Life Span IV (6 credit hours)
Course Descriptions
- NURSING 150: Nursing Fundamentals I: Requires admission into Practical Nursing Program 240. It includes 4 laboratory hours and 2 lecture hours, totaling 4 credit hours.
- NURSING 151: Nursing Fundamentals II: Requires admission to the Practical Nursing Program. It includes 4 laboratory hours and 2 lecture hours, totaling 4 credit hours. This course is repeatable up to 1 time.
- NURSING 152: Nursing Perspectives: Requires admission into Practical Nursing Program 240 and includes 2 lecture hours, totaling 2 credit hours.
- NURSING 153: Nursing Thru Life Span 1: Includes 4 laboratory hours and 3 lecture hours, totaling 5 credit hours.
- NURSING 158: Nursing Thru Life Span II: Includes 2 laboratory hours and 1.5 lecture hours, totaling 2.5 credit hours.
- NURSING 159: Nursing Thru Life Span III: Includes 2 laboratory hours and 1.5 lecture hours, totaling 2.5 credit hours.
- NURSING 160: Nursing Thru Life Span IV: Includes 7 laboratory hours and 3 lecture hours, totaling 6 credit hours.
Career Opportunities for Practical Nursing Graduates
Graduates of the Practical Nursing program are prepared to work as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs). LPNs care for ill, injured, or convalescing patients in various healthcare settings, often under the supervision of a registered nurse. The average starting salary for LPNs in the Chicago area is approximately $32,957.
Additional Information
- Information Sessions: Prospective students are strongly encouraged to attend nursing informational sessions to learn more about the selective application requirements.
- Academic Support: The Academic Support Center provides resources and assistance to help students succeed in their studies.
- Background Checks and Health Requirements: Students entering healthcare programs must present documentation of health history and vaccination status, undergo annual tuberculosis screening, submit to a background check, and undergo drug screening and fingerprinting prior to licensing.
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