Associate in General Education – Nursing

Associate in General Education – Nursing

Associate in General Education – Nursing (A1030N)

The Associate in General Education – Nursing (AGE-N) degree is designed for students who wish to begin their study toward the Associate in Applied Science in Nursing (RN) degree and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) based on the Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing Articulation Agreement (RN to BSN AA) between the State Board of North Carolina Community Colleges and The University of North Carolina (UNC) System Institutions and North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU). It applies to all NC community colleges that operate associate degree nursing programs and to those eleven constituent institutions of The University of North Carolina System and 10 North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities that operate RN to BSN Programs.

Nursing Careers are in Demand

If you like working with people and are interested in science, nursing may be a great career choice. The demand for nurses in North Carolina is high. By 2025, North Carolina is projected to have the second-largest shortage of nurses in the nation – a deficit of nearly 13,000 – according to a recent Georgetown University report. To learn more about the demand for nursing careers in North Carolina visit, NCCareers.org. 

Why a BSN is a Smart Move

A growing number of hospitals are requiring nurses to have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). While many have programs that help RNs obtain a BSN within a specified time frame, having a BSN when you enter the job market will give you a competitive advantage in securing a nursing position. Earning your BSN is a smart career move.

Advantages of the Program

The Associate in General Education – Nursing (AGE-Nursing) program at Gaston College offers many benefits to students.

Affordable

You can save an average of $5,600 over two years in tuition and fees when you compare community college costs to attending a state university. The overall cost of your degree may also be lower by living at home for your first two years instead of paying for campus housing.

Engaging

Students are able to participate in undergraduate research, and many classes are designed around an inquiry-based, hands-on curriculum. Not only are classes engaging, you’ll gain a firm grasp of the knowledge you need to succeed when you transfer to a university.

Supportive

With a 24:1 student-to-teacher ratio, you’ll be able to complete your general education requirements in a supportive atmosphere. Faculty members have a genuine interest in student success, and smaller class sizes also make it easy to interact with other students.

Flexible

Online, hybrid, and on-campus classes are offered, as well as both day and night classes. There are also options for accelerated Saturday classes..

Transfer Requirements and Options

Students who successfully complete the program have several options in pursuing further nursing education and certification.

Stay at Gaston College to pursue any of the following program degrees:

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
• Practical Nursing Diploma (LPN)
• Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (RN)
• RIBN (Regionally Increasing Baccalaureate Nurses)

Students can transfer 61 semester hours of approved college transfer courses to one of the following institutions that offer BSN degrees:

Contact Information

For general information regarding the Associate in General Education – Nursing degree, please contact:

Health & Human Services Advising Center
David Belk Cannon (DBC), room 174
704.922.6516