Caption: As part of her training, reigning Miss ASCC and Nursing Program graduate Danielle Jennings assists a resident of Fatuoaiga. The ASCC Nursing Deaprtment will accept applications for its Fall 2007 courses through the end of this month.(Courtesy Photo)
(Photo: J. Kneubuhl)

Students first entering the field of nursing start with the PN program, which takes 11 months of study to complete at ASCC. After successfully completing the PN curriculum, candidates must next take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to become certified. After completing their credentials to work as a Practical Nurse, those who wish to proceed to the next professional level may enter the RN program, which takes two years. As in the PN program, those who graduate from the RN program still have to take an NCLEX examination to earn full certification.

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing has established the NCLEX-PN for the certification of Licensed Practical Nurse and the NCLEX-RN for Registered Nurses.  The certification exams measure knowledge, skills and abilities at these two levels of entry into the nursing profession.  The Pearson Professional Testing Center, the only authorized site nationwide where nurses can take these tests, administers both of these computerized examinations at their local office. Some nursing students take their certification exams soon after graduation, while others choose to wait until they have accumulated further knowledge and experience.  Should a student not pass either exam, he or she can re-schedule after 45 days to take another test.  The last few years have seen an increasing number of ASCC graduates in the PR and RN programs earning their licenses and readily finding work in the medical profession, especially at the Territory’s LBJ Hospital, where the number of licensed nurses can barely keep up with the rising number of patients who need their services.

Ah Mu-Mageo says that after reviewing all applications submitted before April 30th, the Nursing Department will conduct interviews in late May or early June. These interviews will determine which applicants have the necessary prerequisites to enter the PN or RN program, and those accepted may register in August for the fall 2007 nursing courses. The ASCC 2006-2008 Catalog lists the prerequisites for both programs. You can also find the catalog online at the ASCC web site: www.amsamoa.edu.  

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