Associate of Science in Nursing
Your calling to help others is only a two-year sprint away.
*Wage and job growth based on Statistics from Bureau of Labor Statistics.
About Our ASN Program:
Your career in health care is closer than you may think. Becoming a nurse doesn’t require endless years of education. You can earn your Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree in just two years. An ASN will prepare you to:
- Draw from an extensive knowledge of nursing to provide direct care for patients in structured health care settings
- Become a highly regarded role model
- Offer patient care with the highest legal, ethical and professional standards
- Connect with clients, their family members, and your health care team
- Apply the latest health care research findings in nursing practice
- As a graduate, you will be ready to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN®). Once you pass, you will be eligible to be a registered nurse.
Note: According to Missouri Statutes Section 335.066, RSMO of the Missouri Nursing Practice Act 4CSR 200-1.010 to 4CSR 200-6.010, completion of a nursing degree program does not guarantee eligibility to take the licensure examination.
For specific Nursing policies, refer to the Nursing Student Handbook.
For Admissions requirements, please refer to the college catalog or the admission web pages. More information can be found here.
Your ASN Experience:
Year One
This is your fast track to becoming an RN. In your first year, you will build a strong foundation of clinical application and pharmacology while learning technical skills from hands-on training. You will work in a clinical setting, learning from nurses in their day-to-day roles.
Year Two
The second year will apply the knowledge gained in your first year, expanding to more complex patients and preparation for the National Council Licensure Examination.
Real Life
You will get the practice you need at our on-campus simulation center. This state-of-the-art facility offers “real-life” situations where you can practice in a controlled environment.
New cohorts start every fall and spring. Your heroic journey in health care starts at Cox College.
Three Program Options:
Our nursing students come from a wide range of backgrounds.
That's why we offer three program options to fit your needs:
Springfield Campus
Are you here in town? Go through our ASN program at our main Springfield campus.
Monett Campus
Are you southwest of town? You can get your ASN at our satellite location in Monett, MO.
Night & Weekend Classes
Already working full-time? Further your career on the side with night and weekend classes.
"As a non-traditional student, the decision to go back to school was scary to say the least. However, I found the staff to be extremely welcoming and willing to go above and beyond to see their students succeed. Additionally, I was pleased to learn that there are several great ways to be involved outside of attending classes, which was important to me personally. I am forever grateful for my experiences at Cox College!"
Shelly Bassham, RN
ASN Admissions Requirements
- BIOL205 Human Anatomy*
- BIOL206 Human Physiology*
- BIOL208 Microbiology*
- BIOL382 Pathophysiology
- CHEM103 Fundamentals of Chemistry
- ENGL150 English
- SOCI101 Introduction to Sociology
- PSYC101 Introduction to Psychology
- MATH150 Intermediate Algebra
*Core science courses
- NURS 105 Clinical Applications I
- NURS 106 Clinical Applications II
- NURS 205 Critical Thinking
- NURS 206 Clinical Applications III
- NURS 208 Clinical Application IV
- NURS 215 Pharmacological Basis of Nursing Practice
- NURS 220 NCLEX Preperation
- NURS 303 Professional Nursing Concepts
- NURS 309 Fundamentals in Gerontology
The ASN admissions requirements and program benefits can be found here.
Candidates who are licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and request advanced placement also must complete these requirements:
- Proven math proficiency
- Transcript verification and successful LPN program completion
- Completion of these courses: Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Microbiology, Intro to Psychology, English Composition, Chemistry, and Intermediate Algebra
- Minimum 2.5 GPA for science courses used to apply to the ASN program
- Minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA for courses used to apply to the ASN program
Applicants have the option to take the Nursing Acceleration Challenge Exam: Nursing Care during Childbearing, Nursing Care of the Child, and the Pharmacology Exam.
NOTE: Individual test results are reviewed according to the decision score for each test by the program chair. Candidates scoring above 70% on each exam will be allowed to progress to NLPN 206: Clinical Applications III. Those scoring less than 70% will be advised to begin at NLPN 106: Clinical Applications II and/or NLPN 215: Pharmacological Basis of Nursing Practice.
Admission into the LPN Advanced Placement program is offered to the highest-ranking candidates in the applicant pool. Ranking is based on a composite number determined by selection criteria. Selection criteria are based on cumulative GPA and hours of completed coursework.
Once a candidate has been notified of an offer for admission into the LPN Advanced Placement program, a non-refundable background and drug screen fee must be submitted. After receipt of this fee, the student may register for classes according to the academic calendar. An Advanced Placement orientation will be offered during intersession classes.
Background
Cox College offers several programs leading to professional licensure within the State of Missouri. States vary in what professions they require to be licensed and how licensure functions. Some states require an individual to graduate from an approved program. Others require an individual to “meet [the] certification requirements of a national organization”. A specific amount of training can also be required as well as passage of an exam based on a state requisite exam score. Often, licensed professionals must complete continuing education on an annual basis.
State Authorization
Cox College is a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC-SARA) which allows us to provide distance learning programs (both online and in the form of supervised field experiences) and coursework to residents of states other than Missouri. NC-SARA membership, however, does not grant reciprocity or exempt us from state professional licensing requirements. As a result, licensing requirements in Missouri may not be recognized as sufficient to obtain a license in any other state.
Location
Per 34 CFR 668.43(c)(3)(ii), institutions must provide the Department of Education with the institutional determination of where the student is located upon request. To achieve this an institution must establish policies or procedures to consistently determine where students are located. Institutions must determine where a student is located both at the time of enrollment in an institution and after receiving information provided by the student indicating that the student's location has changed.
Cox College collects location information from students as part of the registration process wherein students are asked to provide their physical location. This information is collected every semester.
Relocation
Relocating during the course of a program to another state may impact if the student can remain in the program, meet the state licensure requirements and/or continue to receive financial aid funding. Prior to considering relocation, please contact your program Chair to discuss authorization and licensure eligibility requirements.
Responsibility of Students
Students should review the specific academic requirements for the program in which they are enrolling, including those related to practicum/internship as well as pre-qualifications for licensure such as the need for a criminal background check.
We highly recommend that students contact the applicable licensure board(s) in their state of residence or in the state where they intend to obtain a license before beginning an academic program that results in licensure and prior to beginning any internship/practicum.
Many licensure boards require more than successful degree completion to obtain a license. Please be advised that state laws, regulations, and policies may change at any time. Changes in requirements can impact the program's ability to meet educational requirements for licensure. It is the responsibility of the student completing the licensure program to check with the licensing board(s) in their state of residence or in the state in which they intend to obtain a license for the most recent information and requirements. Cox College shall not be held liable if the student is unable to qualify for licensure or certification in any jurisdiction or cannot obtain a practicum/internship location.
Licensure Disclosures
The curriculum for programs customarily leading to licensure at Cox College have been designed to meet the licensure/certification requirements in Missouri as well as preparing students to apply for licensure exams in the State of Missouri.
The licensure boards in each state are responsible for establishing the requirements for licensure/certification for their state. Students who intend to return or move to any state other than Missouri need to review the professional licensure disclosures pertaining to their program and consult with the state professional licensing board. The state professional licensing boards make the ultimate decision as to whether or not an individual will be eligible to sit for licensure based on the rules and regulations in place at the time the individual submits their application
General Disclosures
Licensing requirements vary by state/territory and relocating could impact whether you will meet eligibility requirements for licensure. Cox College’s Associate of Science in Nursing prepares student for licensure in Missouri
For any questions about relocation eligibility, contact the agency where you desire licensure before relocating to ensure that you will be eligible for licensure or reciprocity.
Carefully review the educational prerequisites for your intended state/territory of licensure and whether our program meets those requirements for licensure. Use the agency contact information provided below to clarify or confirm any requirements.
If questions remain after reviewing the information provided below, contact yourprogram chair. While the College can provide initial guidance, it is ultimately your responsibility to continually check with the state/territory where you intend to seek licensure to confirm all licensing/certification requirements.
Disclosures By State
Nursing is a licensed profession with nurses practicing according to state-specific provisions outlined in the Nursing Practice Act, and Rules, Missouri Statute: Chapter 335.011 TO 383.133 , Rules: 20 CSR 2200 -1.010 To 20 CSR 2200-8.180.
Programs
No matter your focus, we offer a path to your success.
- Associate, Bachelors, and Masters degrees in Nursing
- Masters in Nutrition Diagnostics
- Doctorate and Masters in Occupational Therapy
- Bachelors in Diagnostic Imaging
- Associate in Radiography
About Cox College
For more than 100 years, we've helped shape compassionate, dedicated nurses who help others. Our private college of nearly 900 students is based in Springfield, Missouri. As our student, you can expect meaningful faculty interaction in smal classes, diverse practical experiencs, and leadership opportunities.
We're accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Accrediting Commission for Education in Nursing and more.
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