Employment opportunities for RNs in all specialties are expected to be excellent. Employment of registered nurses is expected to grow much faster than average for all occupations through 2014, and, because the occupation is very large, many new jobs will result.

For additional occupational information visit the U. S. department of Labor – Occupational Outlook Handbook at: http://www.bls.gov/oco097.htm#outlook

Licenses – Certifications
Licensure is required in the State of Connecticut. In addition to earning a degree at a state approved RN nursing program, licensure requires passing the National Council Licensure Examination or CGFNS examination of foreign-trained. In addition, the APRN must be certified by a prescribed national organization; have 30 hours of pharmacology coursework; and have obtained a masters degree.

For additional information on licensing in the State of Connecticut visit:
http://www.ct-clic.com/trantype.asp?code=848

In all states and the District of Columbia, students must graduate from an approved nursing program and pass a national licensing examination, known as the NCLEX – RN, in order to obtain a nursing license. Nurses may be licensed in more than one state, either by examination or by the endorsement of a license issued in another state.

There are three major educational paths to registered nursing: A bachelor’s of science degree in nursing (BSN), an associate degree in nursing (ADN) and a diploma.

A bachelor’s or master’s degree is typically necessary for administrative work, teaching, and research.

Professional Associations and Organizations
Honor Society of Nursing – www.nursingsociety.org
CT Nursing Research Alliance – www.ctnursingresearchalliance.org
Connecticut Nurses Association – www.ctnurses.org

The following is a list of courses that MxCC offers that are required at all/most of the associated degree in Nursing programs in the state system.

Gateway Community College (GW)
Capital Community College (CC)
Naugatuck Community College(NV)
Three Rivers Community College (TR)

ENG 101 - Composition
PSY 111 – General Psychology I
SOC 101 – Principles of Sociology (except GWCC)
BIO 121 – General Biology I (as prerequisite for microbiology and Bio 211 at GWCC and NVCC; required CCC; either Bio 211 or this course are required prior to admission for TRCC)
CHE 111 – Concepts of Chemistry (required with a C or better at TRCC and NVCC; required if no chemistry in high school at GWCC and CCC)
BIO 211 – Anatomy & Physiology I
BIO 212 – Anatomy & Physiology II
BIO 235 - Microbiology
MAT 137 – Intermediate Algebra (All BUT CCC which solely requires Mat 095 prior to enrollment)

Other courses are offered at Middlesex Community College that are required by some associate degree programs and should be selected in collaboration with an advisor.