Nursing – Associate Degree Program (RN)

Nursing combines compassion, science, and technology to care for people from all walks of life during some of their most trying times. As THE most trusted profession, according to a 2017 Gallup poll, nursing also offers great job placement, security, and satisfaction. Put your heart into a career you’ll be proud of with skills that open so many doors!

Program Requirements and Job Outlook

Nursing AS Practical Nursing Diploma

Program delivery

• Hutchinson and Willmar campuses
• Fall and spring starts

Skills you will learn

• Wellness and health promotion
• Chronic and palliative care and end-of-life care
• Acute and complex care illness
• Critical thinking and clinical reasoning
• Professionalism and leadership

Choose Ridgewater

The Ridgewater College Associate Degree Nursing Program has a long history of nursing education excellence that is affordable and close to home. With innovative curriculum, Ridgewater’s nursing programs combine high-fidelity simulation with hands-on, real-world experiences resulting in a respected reputation. With a 94-100% job placement rate since 2014, students are glad they chose Ridgewater College.

Ridgewater’s graduating students have the opportunity to transfer to various universities to attain their baccalaureate degree. To provide a smooth transition from the associate degree option to the bachelor’s degree, we have purposeful partnerships with universities across the region.

Program Distinction

Approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing. Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (ACEN) for information on the accreditation process, contact ACEN at 404-975-5000 or at www.acenursing.org.

Program attributes that help students thrive

• Hands-on experiences with invested, clinical partners
• Concept-based curriculum spiraled to help students better learn and think critically
• Class sizes lead to personal attention and strong classmate relationships
• Active Nursing Club connections for volunteer and educational activities
• Experienced instructors are current with industry practices

The Ridgewater College Practical and Associate Degree Nursing Programs meet the state education requirements for a Practical or Professional nursing license in the state of Minnesota. Ridgewater College has not determined if the Practical and Associate Degree Nursing Programs at Ridgewater College meet the state education requirements in any other state, any U.S. Territory, or the District of Columbia.

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) has resources that may be helpful.

• Link to Nursing Practice Act
• Link to FAQs regarding the impact of 34 CFR 668.43 on nursing programs

Becoming a registered nurse is work. Deciding where to get your degree is simple when you seek the best and to be among the best.