Nursing

Associate

Nursing

Make a Difference

Help meet the growing demand for trained, compassionate nursing professionals by completing your Associate of Science in Nursing degree at Trine University.

The Degree

Trine University Nursing now offers an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) — a pre-licensure program for the student seeking to become a registered nurse. The Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program is five semesters (two years) – 65 credits (29 general education and 36 nursing). 

The Experience

Students will learn in state-of-the-art facilities on Trine University's Angola campus and in Cameron Memorial Community Hospital's new Education and Innovation Center. Learn more

The ASN program progresses the student from the fundamentals of nursing to advanced medical-surgical nursing, including mental health nursing, women’s health and childbirth, and pediatric nursing.  Upon successful completion of the program, the graduate will be eligible to sit for the National Council Licensing Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

The Outcome

The median average salary of a registered nurse (RN) is $77,600/year or $37.31/hour https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291141.htm

As a graduate of Trine University ASN program, you will be able to:

  • Demonstrate clinical judgement and evidence-based practice as an entry-level nurse based on nursing knowledge, critical thinking, and clinical reasoning as a basis for professional actions
  • Provide safe, compassionate, patient-centered holistic care to a wide-range of diverse populations
  • Employ collaborative communication within interprofessional teams and settings
  • Advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion to contribute to well-being of individuals, families and communities
  • Uphold the integrity of the profession while following the ethical and legal guidelines that are integral in nursing

After successful completion of Trine University ASN program, and graduation from Trine University, you will be eligible to contact the State Board of Nursing to apply for licensure as a registered nurse by examination. The ability to qualify to sit for the state board exam is dependent upon meeting the required criteria set by the State Board of Nursing.  

Accreditation

Notice added 02/07/2024

The Brooks College of Health Professions RN-BSN and ASN programs are pursuing Pre-Accreditation Candidacy status with the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA). The RN-BSN and ASN programs have been preparing an application that addresses the extent to which the programs are in compliance with the CNEA Standards for Accreditation.  

CNEA Accreditation

The National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation promotes excellence and integrity in nursing education globally through an accreditation process that respects the diversity of program mission, curricula, students, and faculty; emphasizes a culture of continuous quality improvement; and influences the preparation of a caring and competent nursing workforce.

Opportunity to Submit Public Comment

The Trine University, Associate Degree in Nursing Program and RN-BS Program (delivered via distance education), are pursuing pre-accreditation candidacy status from the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA), located at 2600 Virginia Avenue, NW, 8th Floor, Washington, DC 20037; phone 202-909-2487. Interested parties are invited to submit third party comments in writing directly to NLN CNEA (cneaaccreditation@nln.org) no later than April 24, 2024.

For admission or to visit, email admit@trine.edu or call (800) 347-4878

For program questions, email nursing@trine.edu

Program Information

Duration

65 credit hours

Level

Undergraduate

Campus Location

Angola, IN

ASN at Trine

Mission

The ASN Program at Trine University will provide a quality, innovative educational experience that produces entry-level nurses capable of delivering safe, ethical, culturally competent, evidence-based care to a diverse patient population in a variety of environments, while also preparing them to positively impact individuals, groups, and communities through scholarship, leadership, and service.

Vision

The ASN Program at Trine University will be recognized as a premier provider of nursing education characterized by dynamic and engaging learning experiences, through the use of holistic, evidence-based practice, and compassionate care, improving the lives of its graduates and community.

Philosophy

Trine University’s ASN program focuses on engaging students to be proficient critical thinkers and lifelong learners, through the application of clinical judgment, theory, progressive and comprehensive nursing knowledgebase, safe evidence-based practice, and compassionate care, in diverse patient populations. The nursing program uses collaborative communication and a holistic approach across the lifespan, with a community-inspired attitude necessary for the profession of nursing, and the promotion of health.

Application to the nursing program is an online process. If a prospective student has not taken the three prerequisite general education courses listed below, the student may apply to Trine University's Pre-Nursing pathway, take the required courses below, and then apply to the nursing program during the open application cycle.

The following are required to be considered a qualified applicant:

  • College Composition (ENG 143)* or approved transfer equivalent
  • Math Elective (MA XXX)* or approved transfer equivalent
  • Fundamentals of Human Anatomy & Physiology I (BIO 204)* or approved transfer equivalent.
    *Student must achieve a grade of “C” or higher on all courses above to be considered eligible
  • Have a GPA 2.5 or higher.
  • Take the ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) test (administered by Assessment Technologies Institute, LLC (ATI) and score proficient or higher.
  • Pass a criminal background check (background checks are conducted through Castlebranch)
  • Interview with the nursing faculty

If prospective students meet the requirements above, they may apply directly to the nursing program during the open application cycle. 

If prospective students meet all of the requirements pending the final grade in a currently enrolled* prerequisite general education course listed above, they may also apply directly to the nursing program during the open application cycle. *Final grades must be available by the closing date of the application cycle.

ASN Application

Application Times and Deadlines 

A completed online nursing application is due by the stated deadline date.

Admission Semester for Nursing Program Opening Date of Application (Online Only) Deadline for ATI TEAS and Criminal Background Check Closing Date of Application Acceptance into Program Orientation
Fall
(August start)
December 1 April 1 May 10 May 24 June
Spring
(January start)

June 1 August 1 September 1 September 15 October

Selection and Acceptance Offers All applications and mandatory documentation are due by 11:59 p.m., EST, by the indicated closing date of application.

In the event of equally qualified applicants, selection will be based on the interview, highest TEAS, and prerequisite grade point scores.

Completion of the Nursing Application

TEAS Entrance Test

A required component for point selection in the admissions process by the Trine University Department of Nursing ASN Program is the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) test.  Subject matter tested includes Reading, Mathematics, Science, and English and Language Usage.  Information about the TEAS test, cost, prep products, remotely proctored exams, testing schedule, and how to submit required scores can be found at ATI Information.

Additionally, Trine Nursing has set the following guidelines:

  • The TEAS test can be taken three (3) times in a one-year time frame.
  • There must be a minimum of fourteen (14) days between each testing attempt.
  • Each TEAS exam will be valid for a period of three (3) years.
  • All test components (Science, Math, English, and Reading) from the ATI TEAS must be included.
  • Applicants will receive one complimentary transcript with their TEAS registration and may choose the school to submit the official transcript. To send the transcript following the completion of the TEAS exam by logging into student account at atitesting.com/login and select send transcript under TEAS activity or by selecting my results tab and clicking send transcript below scored proctored TEAS exam results. The transcript will be electronically sent to the institution within two hours of submission.
  • Applicants must score at the proficient level or higher, and request ATI submit an official copy of TEAS Test score to the nursing program in order to be considered for the admission process.

 

CastleBranch

A criminal background check is required to apply to the nursing program. This must be obtained through CastleBranch.

 

Nursing Interview

The student who intends to apply to the nursing program must schedule a nursing interview after the ATI TEAS and Criminal Background check date but prior to the closing date of the application cycle.  Interviews can be scheduled by emailing nursing@trine.edu

Payment of tuition, fees, and room and board is due by the first day of class. Each student is responsible for purchasing books using funds from personal and/or financial aid sources. Students with an outstanding financial obligation to the University will not be permitted to register for a subsequent semester, or receive a diploma until the obligation is fulfilled. Students maintaining a balance owed to the University will be assessed late fees and will be responsible for collection and/or attorney costs if such efforts should become necessary.  

Refunds

Refunds of tuition and room and board are available at the Business Office page. The enrollment fee is not refundable.

Please note: If a student receiving financial aid withdraws during the semester, that aid is subject to the federal refund calculation.

Any student who is dismissed or suspended for misconduct shall not be entitled to any refund. No refund is provided at any time on fees, books and supplies, or personal expenses.

 

Associate of Science in Nursing Spring 2024
Trine University semester pricing - 12-18 credit hours $7,000/semester
Cost below 12 credit hours $467/credit hour
Nursing Fees (Student discount ATI complete partner package) $475/semester
Trine University Fees (health & wellness fee, student fee, parking permit fee)  $365/semester
*Note: starting Fall 2024, a lab fee of $170 will be charged to all students enrolled in NRS 103.  
Academic Year 2023-2024 Estimated Nursing Supplies Cost
Item ASN Program 5 semesters - 65 total credit hours
Background check (complete for application) $55
Drug screen (initial and annual screen - complete before first day) $38
Compliance Tracker (administered through Castle Branch) $43
HIPAA Online Training (administered through Castle Branch - complete before first day) $15
OSHA and blood-borne pathogens online training (administered through Castle Branch - complete before first day) $15
Immunizations (complete before first day) Varies per provider
CPR Certification for the Health Care Provider (complete before first day) Approx. $25 (varies per provider)
Lab bag (purchase before first day) $160
Uniforms and other supplies (purchase before first day - recommend a minimum of three uniforms) Approx. $60 and up each, depending on brand
Embroidered logo required - $7 and up extra per top
Books (estimate for the entire program) Varies. $950 approximate entire program
Indiana State Board of Nursing background check (last semester of nursing) $40
License application fee (last semester of nursing) $50
NCLEX-RN exam fee (directly upon graduation) $200
Total estimated costs
(does not include Trine University tuition or any associated student fees)
$700+

 

Trine University does not currently offer institutional scholarships for undergraduate students in the ASN program. There are federal and state grant opportunities available to those who qualify. To determine eligibility, complete your FAFSA at https://fafsa.gov.

Grants

Federal Student Loans

Cameron ASN Scholarship Program

Questa Cameron Hospital Scholars Program

Questa Parkview Nursing Candidate Awards

There are three general education courses needed to apply to the ASN program:

  • College Composition (ENG 143) or approved equivalent
  • Math Elective (MA XXX) or approved equivalent
  • Fundamentals of Human Anatomy & Physiology I (BIO 204) or approved equivalent.

You must achieve a grade of “C” or higher on all required courses to be considered eligible.

The following is the overall ASN curriculum. See the Courses page for course details. There are 19 courses taken in a progressive manner using a cohort model.

For a complete description of the course requirements, please go to the Course Catalog.

Nursing education is built on many levels of knowledge and skill.  It starts with the first nursing semester and is a continuous process throughout the program. Below is an outline of expected criteria in order to progress in Trine University’s ASN program:

  • Progression is dependent on successfully completing the pre-requisite and co-requisite requirements of each nursing course.
  • Maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher while in the ASN program.
  • Students must complete each individual nursing course with a grade of “C” or higher.
  • All required general education courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or higher.
  • A student can only repeat a total of two (2) nursing courses in the nursing program.
  • The repeated course can only be attempted one time.
  • If a nursing student repeats a nursing course for the second time and scores below a “C,” the student will be withdrawn from the nursing program.
  • If a nursing student must repeat a course that has a clinical or lab associated with that course and receives a grade below “C,” only the course below “C” must be repeated.
  • Withdrawal from nursing courses more than once will count as an attempt at repeating a course.

All general education co-requisites must be taken prior to the last eight weeks of the nursing program.

The ASN program is designed to provide a quality education for entry-level nurses. The curriculum builds on a foundation of biological, physical and social sciences that promote the development of critical thinking and clinical reasoning necessary for delivering safe, culturally and contextually relevant, evidence-based care in a variety of environments.  The ASN program consists of a 36-credit nursing core and a 29-credit general education courses.  Total for the Associate of Science in Nursing degree is 65 credit hours.

To complete the Associate of Science in Nursing degree, students must meet the following criteria:

  • Complete all required ASN program courses (nursing core) with minimum grade of “C” or higher.
  • Complete all general education courses (pre-requisites and co-requisites) with a minimum grade of “C” or higher.
  • Achieve minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.5
  • Complete graduation requirements in no more than six (6) semesters after starting nursing courses.

Upon satisfactory completion of all graduation requirements, the student will be eligible to receive the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree.  Students must indicate their intent to graduate by completing the graduation application located in the student’s myPortal. Applications must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office no later than one semester before the final semester of attendance in which degree requirements shall be completed. To receive their diploma, students must discharge all financial obligations to the University.

Trine University ASN program aspires to meet the following outcomes:

  1. The ASN program will achieve an on-time completion rate of 70% for ASN students which falls within the 150% timeframe. The timeframe begins with the enrollment of the first nursing (NRS) course and times of non-continuous enrollment do not count in the calculation.
  2. The ASN program will achieve an NCLEX-RN pass rate of 80% for first-time testers annually and an overall three-year average of 80% that will meet the accrediting organization standards.
  3. The ASN program will achieve an employment rate of 70% of ASN students who report employment in nursing six to twelve months post-graduation.
  4. The ASN program will achieve a post-graduate satisfaction survey result of 70% of ASN graduate respondents’ rate at greater than or equal to 3 on a 1 to 5 scale their overall level of preparedness as an entry-level registered nurse.
  5. The ASN program will achieve an employer satisfaction survey result of 70% of employer respondents rate at greater than or equal to 3 on a 1 to 5 scale the ASN graduates’ overall level of preparedness as an entry-level registered nurse.

*Data indicating how the program outcomes were met is not available at this time and will be posted at a later date.

Trine University ASN faculty aspire to meet the following goals:

  1. Provide an educational experience that affords students the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to practice successfully as a registered nurse as evidenced by data results from the End-of-Program surveys reflected in the Systematic Plan of Evaluation (SPE).

    Outcome MET: 100% of the graduating nursing students for AY 2020-21, AY 2021-22, and AY 2022-23 rated satisfaction with various components of the program, such as overall satisfaction, learning, and instructional effectiveness at ≥ 3/5.

  2. Prepare generalist nurse who demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to practice professionally as evidenced by data results from the End-of-Program, Graduate, and Employer surveys reflected in the SPE.

    Outcome MET: 100% of graduating students rate an overall level of preparedness in the role of the professional-level registered nurse at 3 or higher on a 5.0 scale.

    100% of graduate respondents rated their overall level of preparedness, knowledge, skills, and attitudes in the role of the baccalaureate registered nurse at 3 or higher on a 5.0 scale.

    100% of employer respondents for nursing alumni rated Trine nursing graduates’ overall level of preparedness, knowledge, skills, and attitudes in the role of the baccalaureate registered nurse at 3 or higher on a 5.0 scale.

  3. Promote academic excellence through creative, high-quality learning experiences as evidenced by data results from the Annual Faculty evaluation reflected in the SPE.

    Outcome MET: 100% of full-time faculty met the University expectations for facilitating high-quality learning experiences during the AY 2020-21, AY 2021-22, and AY 2022-23.

  4. Contribute to the improvement of nursing education through the scholarship of teaching, application, integration, and discovery as evidenced by data results from the Faculty Scholarship Report reflected in the SPE.

    Outcome MET: 100% of full-time faculty contributed to the scholarship of teaching, application, integration, and discovery during the AY 2020-21, AY 2021-22, and AY 2022-23.

By the end of the program, the student will be able to meet the outcomes expected as established by The Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education (AACN, 2021). The accomplishment of such will enable graduates to assume the roles of an entry-level nurse that can practice in diverse settings and within each of the four spheres of care:

Descriptor: Integration, translation, and application of established and evolving disciplinary nursing knowledge and ways of knowing, as well as knowledge from other disciplines, including a foundation in liberal arts and natural and social sciences. This distinguishes the practice of professional nursing and forms the basis for clinical judgment and innovation in nursing practice.

 

Competencies:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the discipline of nursing’s distinct perspective and where shared perspectives exist with other disciplines.
  • Apply theory and research-based knowledge from nursing, the arts, humanities, and other sciences.
  • Demonstrate clinical judgment founded on a broad knowledge base.

Descriptor: Person‐centered care focuses on the individual within multiple complicated

contexts, including family and/or important others. Person‐centered care is holistic, individualized, just, respectful, compassionate, coordinated, evidence‐based, and developmentally appropriate. Person‐centered care builds on a scientific body of knowledge that guides nursing practice regardless of specialty or functional area.

 

Competencies:

2.1 Engage with the individual in establishing a caring relationship.

2.2 Communicate effectively with individuals.

2.3 Integrate assessment skills in practice.

2.4 Diagnose actual or potential health problems and needs.

2.5 Develop plans of care.

2.6 Demonstrate accountability for care delivery.

2.7 Evaluate outcomes of care.

2.8 Promote self-care management.

2.9 Provide care coordination.

Descriptor: Population health spans the healthcare delivery continuum from public health prevention to disease management of populations and describes collaborative activities with both traditional and non‐traditional partnerships from affected communities, public health, industry, academia, health care, local government entities, and others for the improvement of equitable population health outcomes.

 

Competencies:

3.1 Manage population health.

3.2 Engage in effective partnerships.

3.3 Consider the socioeconomical impact of the delivery of health care.

3.4 Advance equitable population health policy.

3.5 Demonstrate advocacy strategies.

3.6 Advance preparedness to protect population health during disasters and public health emergencies.

Descriptor: The generation, synthesis, translation, application, and dissemination of nursing knowledge to improve health and transform health care.

 

Competencies:

4.1 Advance the scholarship of nursing.

4.2 Integrate best evidence into nursing practice.

4.3 Promote the ethical conduct of scholarly activities.

Descriptor: Employment of established and emerging principles of safety and improvement science. Quality and safety, as core values of nursing practice, enhance quality and minimize risk of harm to patients and providers through both system effectiveness and individual performance.

 

Competencies:

  • Apply quality improvement principles in care delivery.
  • Contribute to a culture of patient safety.
  • Contribute to a culture of provider and work environment safety.

Descriptor: Intentional collaboration across professions and with care team members, patients, families, communities, and other stakeholders to optimize care, enhance the healthcare experience, and strengthen outcomes.

 

Competencies:

6.1 Communicate in a manner that facilitates a partnership approach to quality care delivery.

6.2 Perform effectively in different team roles, using principles and values of team dynamics.

6.3 Use knowledge of nursing and other professions to address healthcare needs.

6.4 Work with other professions to maintain a climate of mutual learning, respect, and shared values.

Descriptor: Responding to and leading within complex systems of health care. Nurses effectively and proactively coordinate resources to provide safe, quality, equitable care to diverse populations.

 

Competencies:

7.1 Apply knowledge of systems to work effectively across the continuum of care.

7.2 Incorporate consideration of cost-effectiveness of care.

7.3 Optimize system effectiveness through application of innovation and evidence-based practice.

Descriptor: Information and communication technologies and informatics processes are used to provide care, gather data, form information to drive decision making, and support professionals as they expand knowledge and wisdom for practice. Informatics processes and technologies are used to manage and improve the delivery of safe, high quality, and efficient healthcare services in accordance with best practice and professional and regulatory standards.

 

Competencies:

8.1 Describe the various information and communication technology tools used in the care of patients, communities, and populations.

8.2 Use information and communication technology to gather data, create information, and generate knowledge.

8.3 Use information and communication technologies and informatics processes to deliver safe nursing care to diverse populations in a variety of settings.

8.4 Use information and communication technology to support documentation of care and communication among providers, patients, an all system levels.

8.5 Use information and communication technologies in accordance with ethical, legal, professional, and regulatory standards, and workplace policies in the delivery of care.

Descriptor: Formation and cultivation of a sustainable professional nursing identity, accountability, perspective, collaborative disposition, and comportment that reflects nursing’s characteristics and values.

 

Competencies:

9.1 Demonstrate an ethical comportment in one’s practice reflective of nursing’s mission to society.

9.2 Employ participatory approach to nursing care.

9.3 Demonstrate accountability to the individual, society, and the profession.

9.4 Comply with relevant laws, policies, and regulations.

9.5 Demonstrate the professional identity of nursing.

9.6 Integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion as core to one’s professional identity.

Descriptor: Participation in activities and self‐reflection that foster personal health resilience, and well‐being, lifelong learning, and support the acquisition of nursing expertise and assertion of leadership.

 

Competencies:

10.1 Demonstrate a commitment to personal health and well-being.

10.2 Demonstrate a spirit of inquiry that fosters flexibility and professional maturity.

10.3 Develop capacity for leadership.

American Association of Colleges of Nursing [AACN], (2021). The essentials: Core competencies for professional nursing education. Washington, DC: Author.

 

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