The Nursing: Career Associate program at Harrisburg Area Community College is a comprehensive pathway designed to prepare students for a rewarding career in the healthcare field. This program provides students with the essential knowledge, practical skills, and clinical experience necessary to become competent registered nurses, capable of providing high-quality patient care in a variety of healthcare settings. Throughout the program, students will learn foundational nursing concepts, including anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, nutrition, and patient assessment. Emphasis is placed on developing critical thinking, effective communication, and compassionate care practices to ensure students are well-equipped to meet the diverse needs of patients. The curriculum combines classroom instruction with hands-on clinical rotations, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world environments under the supervision of experienced healthcare professionals. The program also covers topics such as nursing ethics, legal issues, and patient safety, ensuring graduates are prepared to uphold the highest standards of professional practice. Upon successful completion, students will be eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN), a vital step toward becoming licensed registered nurses. The program is designed to be accessible and supportive, fostering a collaborative learning environment where students can develop confidence and competence. Graduates of this program often find employment in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and community health organizations, contributing meaningfully to patient well-being and community health. With a focus on both technical skills and compassionate care, the Nursing: Career Associate program aims to develop future nursing professionals who are ready to meet the challenges of modern healthcare with dedication and integrity.
General Education
ENGL 101 English Composition I 3
ENGL 102 English Composition II 3
COMM 101 Effective Speaking 3
Core A Elective 3
Free Elective 3
Physical Education & Wellness 1
Major Requirements
NURS 140 Intro to Nursing Practice Concepts I 1
NURS 141 Intro to Nursing Practice Concepts II 1
NURS 142 Health Assessment Concepts for Nursing Practice 3
NURS 143 Concepts of Informatics in Nursing Practice 1
NURS 144 Fundamental Concepts for Nursing Practice 3
NURS 150 Holistic Health Concepts for Nursing Practice I 5
NURS 151 Holistic Health Concepts for Nursing Practice II 4.5
NURS 240 Adult Health Concepts for Nursing Practice I 2
NURS 241 Adult Health Concepts for Nursing Practice II 2.5
NURS 242 Family Health Concepts for Nursing Practice I 2.5
NURS 243 Family Health Concepts for Nursing Practice II 2.5
NURS 244 Advanced Behavioral Health Concepts for Nursing Practice 2.5
NURS 250 Complex Health Concepts for Nursing Practice 2.5
NURS 251 Leadership & Management Concepts for Nursing Practice 4
Other Required Courses
BIOL 121 Anatomy & Physiology I 4
BIOL 122 Anatomy & Physiology II 4
BIOL 221 Microbiology 4
PSYC 101 General Psychology 3
PSYC 209 Life Cycle Development 3
SOCI 201 Intro to Sociology (D) 3
This curriculum is designed to prepare students to:
[Professionalism]
Possess a sense of professional identity and a commitment to the profession of nursing.
Qualify for NCLEX-RN Licensure Examination
Demonstrate self awareness, respect and value for differing perspectives, and expertise of all healthcare team members
Adhere to the standards of professional practice
Demonstrate accountability for individual actions
Consistently demonstrate ethical behavior
Manage safe, competent, patient-centered care
Commit to life-long learning, possessing a spirit of inquiry which encourages continued personal and professional growth
[Communication]
Communicate effectively, in a therapeutic way with the patient, promoting human dignity, integrity, and human flourishing across thelife-span.
Communicate collaboratively and respectfully with other members of the healthcare team
Communicate
information (verbally, nonverbally, and in writing)
Utilize Informatics to provide patient-centered care
Utilize information interventions to promote health and assist the patient in the navigation of the healthcare system
[Critical Thinking]
Demonstrate problem-solving using the nursing process and evidence-based practice.
Provide patient-centered care utilizing the nursing process
Utilize evidenced-based practice as a basis for formulating nursing judgments
Demonstrate critical thinking to deliver clinically competent care in accordance with the national patient safety initiatives
[Caring]
Engage in caring behaviors to provide a safe, compassionate, nurturing environment that promotes human flourishing
Provide holistic care, across the health continuum that reflects the patients' values, cultures, and lifestyles
Want to improve your English level for admission?
Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.
- ✔️ Flexible study schedule
- ✔️ Experienced teachers
- ✔️ Certificate upon completion
📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.
Apply for a Full-Ride Scholarship
Are you a future student and ready to apply to HACC?
By applying to HACC, you have the opportunity to apply for a full-ride scholarship! HACC will fund two years of your education – enough to complete your associate degree.
Thanks to the support of the HACC Foundation, the College is able to offer FREE money to support future students, like you, in reaching your educational goals. Six full-ride scholarships are available – one from each of the five campuses and one through HACC’s Virtual Learning Program.
Please note that current students are not eligible for the full-ride scholarships. However, there are more than 250 scholarships available for current students.
What should you know about the full-ride scholarship?
The scholarship covers tuition, books and fees for a full academic year.
The scholarship will automatically renew each term for up to six consecutive terms if you maintain your eligibility.
Once you apply to the College and receive a HACC ID and email address, you may apply for the full-ride scholarship. You do not have to register for classes before applying for the scholarship.
Are you eligible?
To be eligible, you must:
Apply to HACC
Take 12-15 credits each term for no more than six consecutive terms (two years)
Live in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, Schuylkill or York county
Have a minimum cumulative high school GPA of 3.0
Provide a 480 SAT reading score, 21 ACT or comparable scores on the College’s placement test
Maintain a GPA of 3.0 while enrolled at HACC
Participate in at least two HACC student organizations
The Nursing: Career Associate program at Harrisburg Area Community College is a comprehensive educational pathway designed to prepare students for a career in nursing. The program emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for providing high-quality patient care. It offers a curriculum that combines classroom instruction with clinical experiences in various healthcare settings, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to meet the demands of the nursing profession. The coursework typically includes foundational topics such as anatomy and physiology, microbiology, nursing fundamentals, pharmacology, maternal and pediatric nursing, mental health nursing, and acute care nursing. Students also develop critical thinking, communication, and teamwork skills necessary for effective collaboration within healthcare teams.
Throughout the program, students have access to state-of-the-art simulation labs and clinical rotations at local hospitals and clinics. These experiences enable students to apply their learning in real-world situations, enhancing their competency and confidence in patient care. The program is accredited by relevant nursing education authorities, ensuring that the curriculum meets national standards for nursing education and prepares graduates for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). Success in this exam is essential for obtaining licensure as a registered nurse and beginning a professional career.
The program typically takes about two years to complete for full-time students, though part-time options may be available. Harrisburg Area Community College provides dedicated faculty members who are experienced nurses and educators committed to student success. They offer personalized support, including tutoring, academic advising, and career counseling, to help students navigate their educational journey and secure employment after graduation. The Nursing: Career Associate program also encourages students to engage in professional organizations and continuing education opportunities to stay current with advances in nursing practice.
Graduates of the program are prepared for diverse roles within healthcare, including working in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and community health organizations. The program also lays a foundation for further education in nursing, such as RN-to-BSN programs, fostering lifelong learning and professional development. Overall, the Nursing: Career Associate at Harrisburg Area Community College aims to produce competent, compassionate, and ethical nurses who can contribute positively to the health and well-being of individuals and communities.
Currency
EUR
GBP
KZT
INR
RUB