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Nursing

Professional Nursing

A registered nurse (RN) uses compassion, care, and intelligence to provide care for patients of all ages. Registered nurses function in a variety of roles, including caregiver, educator, manager, and patient advocate.
Female nursing graduate smiling and being capped at graduation
Nursing Hat 

Upcoming Professional Nursing Program Start Dates:
July 6, 2023 - Evening/Weekend Program
(Application Deadline – March 24, 2023)

August 14, 2023 - Day Program
(Application Deadline: Early Accept – March 24, 2023 Regular Accept - May 18, 2023) 

January 8, 2024 - Day Program 
(Application Deadline – August 10, 2023)

Registered nurses work to promote health and prevent disease. When illness occurs, the registered nurse assists patients and families by providing physical care, emotional support, and education. The registered nurse performs assessments, develops, implements, and evaluates care plans, documents care, assists with diagnostic tests, administers treatments and medications, monitors advanced technology and equipment, and participates in patient follow-up and rehabilitation. Registered nurses are vital members of the healthcare team. View our Nursing Program Philosophy.

Riverside is proud to offer:

  • A program leading to an Associate of Applied Science Degree. Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to apply to sit for the NCLEX-RN© (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses)./li>
  • Full-time Day option consisting of four 16-week semesters (64 total weeks - 2 academic years) in addition to specific college-level prerequisite preadmission courses - occasional evening or weekend hours may be required
  • Full-time Evening/Weekend option consisting of four 23-week semesters (92 total weeks - 2 academic years) in addition to specific college-level prerequisite preadmission courses - occasional day hours may be required
  • Theoretical instruction integrated with laboratory simulations and clinical experience
  • Hands-on clinical experience in our modern medical center and a variety of affiliated clinical sites
  • Advanced Placement Option for qualifying LPNs
  • Financial aid for students who qualify
  • Associated with Riverside Health System Career planning services for current students and alumni

Prerequisite College Courses/Credits

  • Anatomy and Physiology with Lab - 8 Credits*
  • Microbiology with Lab - 4 Credits*
  • English Composition - 3 Credits*
  • Developmental Psychology - 3 Credits

*Applicants must have completed Chemistry, Anatomy & Physiology with Lab, Microbiology with Lab, and English Composition requirements before a formal application can be submitted and reviewed. Developmental Psychology must be completed before matriculation.

Preadmission Testing Requirements
ATI TEAS
Suggested Score: 66.1%

Other Requirements

  • The applicant must graduate from an accredited high school with a GPA of 2.0 or higher or have earned a high school equivalency (GED) certificate.
  • Preadmission testing required.
  • A cumulative College-level GPA of 3.0 or better is recommended due to the competitive nature of admissions.
  • Documentation of previous healthcare experience (including volunteer hours) is recommended.
  • Chemistry: 1 unit of High School or College level chemistry (Also accepted: CLEP of 100 level chemistry course; job-related chemistry; LPN developmental courses in chemistry; adult education courses; or Chemistry related courses in military education).

General Education Prerequisites: 18 credit hours

RCHC Gen Ed Curriculum Hours: 1 credit hour

RCHC Program Hours - Theory: 32.5 credit hours

RCHC Program Hours - Skills Lab: 3.5 credits

RCHC Program Hours - Clinical: 14 credit hours

PROGRAM APPROVED BY:

  • Virginia Board of Nursing Perimeter Center
    9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300
    Henrico, VA 23233-1463
    804-367-4515

PROGRAM ACCREDITED BY:

The Associate degree, Professional Nursing program at Riverside College of Health Careers at 316 Main Street located in Newport News, Virginia, is accredited by the following:

  • 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 Associate degree, Professional Nursing program is Initial Accreditation. View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at http://www.acenursing.com/accreditedprograms/programsearch.htm.

LICENSURE:

  • Program graduates are eligible to apply to sit for the NCLEX-RN© (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses). Application to the Board is a student responsibility and includes additional fees. Additional information may be obtained from:

Virginia Board of Nursing Perimeter Center
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300
Henrico, VA 23233-1463
804-367-4515, http://www.dhp.virginia.gov/Nursing
RCHC Licensure Disclosure Information

INSTITUTIONAL CERTIFICATION:

  • Certified by the State Council of Higher Education (SCHEV) to operate in Virginia.
    SCHEV
    101 N. 14th Street James Monroe Building
    Richmond, VA 23219
    804-225-2600, www.schev.edu

INSTITUTIONAL ACCREDITATION:

  • Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
    6116 Executive Blvd, Suite 730
    North Bethesda, MD 20852
    703-917-9503, www.abhes.org

RIVERSIDE REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER IS ACCREDITED BY:

Tuition breakdown for Professional Nursing

  • $350 per GEN credit
  • $450 per NUR credit

Total Tuition: $22,850

Other Associated Costs

  • Book Estimate: $1,435
  • Uniform & Shoe Estimate: $150
  • Supplies Estimate: $120
  • Credentialing Estimate: $430

Apply Now

Visit our step-by-step application page to view program requirements and start your application TODAY!

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