Foundations of Nursing - FOUN.AS

Program Goals

Graduates of the Health Science Foundations of Nursing Degree at STCC will be able to:

• Demonstrate proficiency in foundational sciences relevant to healthcare.
•  Apply critical thinking skills effectively in resolving complex healthcare scenarios.
• Execute fundamental healthcare procedures with proficiency.
• Display a comprehensive understanding of human anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology, translating into informed patient care decisions.
• Exhibit cultural competence in delivering patient-centered care to diverse populations.
• Apply evidence-based practice effectively to guide clinical decisions.
•  Utilize advanced communication skills to interact with patients and healthcare teams.
• Demonstrate professionalism and ethical conduct in nursing practice.
• Engage in interdisciplinary collaboration to optimize patient outcomes.
• Prepare effectively for further education and licensure in nursing.
•  Execute nursing assistant duties proficiently, prioritizing patient safety.
• Provide respectful and inclusive care that upholds patient rights and values.
• Achieve proficiency in general education areas such as English, mathematics, and humanities.

Applying to this Program

• High School Diploma or GED/HiSET.
• Must show evidence of being compliant with the immunization requirements specified by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Additional immunization requirements will be required for clinical experiences.
• Technical Performance Standards: See the technical standards.
• CORI, SORI, Fingerprinting & Drug Testing etc
• Students should note that some first-semester courses carry minimum prerequisites.
• Credit for Prior Learning (CPL): CPL allows students to use skills they already have towards a college degree or certificate. CNA course or PCT course
•  Additional Cost: See the program fees
• FOUND. A.S. Degree - Students completing the program will be exempt from taking the TEAS Exam for entry into the nursing program. All other nursing program pre-requisites will be required to be met to be accepted into the program.

Additional Requirements for Accepted Students

Mandatory Health Records: All required health records, immunizations, and physicals MUST be filed in the STCC Health Services office by the first day of classes.  The Health Office is located in Building 19, Room 177, the phone number is 413 755-4230.  Additional information and required forms can be found on the health services website http://www.stcc.edu/healthservices. The college/program reserves the right to rescind the admission status of any student not meeting, as well as not submitting, all post-admission requirements in a timely manner. 

Background Check: College programs involving potentially unsupervised contact with children, the disabled, or the elderly, including fieldwork (a clinical affiliation, internship, externship, or field placement) with a private or public healthcare provider or daycare provider, will be required to undergo state-wide and/or national criminal background checks, including but not limited to: Massachusetts Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) and Sex Offender Record Information (SORI), Seven (7) year residential Search, and FBI Fingerprinting checks. The purpose of the background check is to ensure a safe and protective environment for all clients, particularly members of vulnerable populations.

Students choosing not to consent to the required background checks will be ineligible to participate in fieldwork involving vulnerable populations. Ineligibility to participate in fieldwork may affect a student’s ability to successfully complete the program.

Based upon the results of the background checks, a student may be deemed ineligible to participate in academic or clinical activities, which may impact a student’s ability to successfully complete program requirements. Background checks are reviewed by the College’s CORI Board. The CORI Board determines eligibility to participate in academic and/or clinical activities. Students have the right to appeal the determination of the CORI Board by filing a written appeal with the Vice President of Student and Multicultural Affairs within 10 business days of receiving the CORI Board’s determination.

Furthermore, please be advised that eligibility to participate in College academic and/or clinical activities following a background check does not guarantee eligibility to sit for a professional credentialing examination(s) or for employment upon program completion. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the certification or licensure board for a particular healthcare or other service profession to determine the standards that must be met for credentialing, licensing and/or employment in that field.

(FOUN.AS) Curriculum

Program Personnel