Registered nurses (RNs) promote health, prevent disease, and help patients and families cope with illness. They have a unique scope of practice, yet work collaboratively with all members of the healthcare team. Nurses are hands-on professionals who provide focused and highly personalized care. Registered nurses assess a patient's health, help perform diagnostic tests and analyze results; operate medical equipment; administer a variety of treatments and medications; and assist with patient follow-up and rehabilitation. They develop and manage a nursing plan of care and instruct patients and families on issues of health promotion, disease prevention, and disease management. Nurses also serve as advocates for patients, families, and communities.
A majority of registered nurses practice in hospitals, though a growing number are employed in long-term care settings, community-based facilities such as out-patient surgery centers and rehabilitation centers. Others work in community health, industrial or school nursing, clinics, and physician offices. The field has a wide range of opportunities ranging from entry-level practitioner to doctoral-level researcher/practitioner.
* Dependable, supportive and detail-oriented
* Able to direct or supervise others
* Emotional stability to cope with human suffering, emergencies, and other stresses
* Analytical and excellent problem solving skills
Median annual earnings of registered nurses in Missouri were $59,140 in May 2010. The middle 50 percent earned between $52,980 and $79,020. The lowest 10 percent earned $44,198, and the highest 10 percent earned $95,130.
(Data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
East Central College offers two programs leading to an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing. The main campus in Union, as well as the Rolla site, offer a complete pre-licensure program (generic) for those interested in becoming a registered nurse. A LPN to RN Bridge program is also available for LPNs interested in becoming registered nurses. Advanced Placement opportunities are available for LPNs in the pre-licensure programs at the Union and Rolla locations. Upon completion of either program, graduates are eligible to apply to write the NCLEX-RN exam for licensure as a registered nurse. Both nursing education sites are fully approved by the Missouri State Board of Nursing. The nursing program has state-of-the-art clinical labs which utilize technology and high-fidelity human patient simulators. The program utilizes some distance learning technology to promote access and flexibility.
Students must have completed:
High school diploma or the equivalent (documentation sent to the Registration office)
Application for Admission
A placement test as specified by the college. (Please note: Some coursework requires minimum placement results.)
Program Specific:
Cumulative college GPA of 2.5 or greater.
A2 Admission Test with a composite greater than 75% in the last two years.
Completion of prerequisite courses with a “C” or better.
Satisfactory criminal background check and drug screening upon acceptance to program.
A complete nursing application on file by specified deadline.
For specific admission criteria, please check the program applications below. For other questions or inquiries, please call (636) 584-6616 or e-mail: nursing@eastcentral.edu.
Generic Pre-licensure Nursing Application
LPN to RN Bridge Nursing Application
Admission Test:
For additional information, please contact the following:
Brenda Garrison Program Assistant for Allied Health
(636) 584-6616
Robyn Walter Director of Nursing, Division Chair Nursing & Allied Health
(636) 584-6617
Scholarships
Applications are available in the ECC Student Services office or at the follow link: http://www.eastcentral.edu/current/collegefinances/scholarships.php.
