Our Nursing program is a dynamic, concept-based nursing curriculum taught by faculty who are experts in their field. You will be able to apply your nursing knowledge in a variety of healthcare settings. In fact, our graduates are highly sought by local healthcare employers.

Throughout our program, our compassionate, empathetic professors will teach you how to:

• Get vital nursing care experience as you provide direct patient care
• Observe, assess and record symptoms, reactions and progress
• Assist physicians with treatments and examinations
• Administer medications
• Assist in convalescence and rehabilitation
• Promote wellness through health education

You will also be taught how to develop and manage nursing care plans, instruct patients and their families in proper care and help individuals take steps to improve or maintain their health. In addition, high-fidelity simulation scenarios will prepare you to handle high-risk situations that you may face when caring for patients.

HACC developed the following program outcomes from the four core concepts and nine key components of the Nursing program’s Conceptual Framework (pdf). The curriculum will prepare you to demonstrate:

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 the life-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

*Adapted from Educational Competencies for Graduates of Associate Degree Nursing Programs, NLN, 2010. Bold and italicized words are concepts that thread throughout the HACC Nursing program Conceptual Framework (pdf).

Please note that our program is selective. Acceptance in to the College does not guarantee admission into the Nursing program. There are specific requirements you must meet to be accepted. For the specific requirements, nursing application and admission cycle, please visit the Health Careers webpage or email us at start@hacc.edu.

• Browse our advising checksheet (pdf), which is also an excellent tool to help you personalize your course load each term and manage your overall advancement through our programs.

• View summaries of every course at HACC by browsing our class schedules database.

• Review our program guide (pdf) to view a list of required courses, recommended course sequencing and program competencies.

Can I transfer my credits to a four-year college or university?

Yes! Conveniently YOURS, our degree programs are designed to be flexible enough to transfer to a wide variety of four-year colleges and universities with no loss of credit. However, each individual college has its own unique program. We encourage you to select a four-year school as soon as possible. This will allow you to learn the transfer college’s program requirements so that you can take the proper classes at HACC.

It is important to note that the current trend in nursing is to mandate that all nurses obtain a Bachelor’s of Science in nursing (BSN). At HACC, you will complete your basic education, obtain your licensure and be able to find employment so that you can work while continuing to pursue your education.

Our various transfer options for you are:

American Public University System:

RN to BSN (pdf)

Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences:

RN to BSN (pdf)

York College of Pennsylvania:

RN to BSN (pdf)

Where can I complete this program?

You can complete the entire program at our Gettysburg, Harrisburg, Lancaster, and York campuses.

Does HACC offer scholarships?

Yes! HACC has approximately 200 scholarships available through the HACC Foundation. Before you submit your application, we encourage you to learn the guidelines and steps to follow.
 

When can I apply?

You can enroll in HACC classes for the spring, summer and fall, and you can apply online anytime! When you submit your application, you must include the unique program code 345P to ensure you are applying to the correct program.  

Clinical application is a separate process. Find information on applying for clinicals here.

Please remember that the program is selective. Acceptance in to the College does not guarantee admission in to the Nursing program. There are specific requirements you must meet to be accepted. For the specific requirements, nursing application and admission cycle, please visit the Health Careers Nursing webpage or please contact an Admissions Counselor, by phone at 800-ABC-HACC, or by email at start@hacc.edu.
 

How can I learn more?

Compassionately YOURS, we want to help you succeed in your studies and to be your education partner. Please contact an Admissions Counselor, by phone at 800-ABC-HACC, or by email at start@hacc.edu.

 

Meet Abigail: Veteran and Successful Nursing Student

“The Veteran’s Affairs office has been incredibly helpful with figuring out how to use my benefits. And, the nursing advisors are great at making sure you know what your next steps are to stay on track.”

Read Abigail’s feelings about HACC’s VetSuccess Program.

Check out more: 

• Student stories
• Successful alumni

 

“The love of nursing and teaching others that it is rewarding is what inspires me to teach.” – Brooke Kaiser, MSN, RN, nursing faculty member