Wallace State: Registered Nursing

Application Packet (updated January 2008)

Physical Form Essential Functions
This Physical Form consists of five pages including the Essential Functions which must be presented to the physician at the time of physical.

AWARD OFFERED Associate in Applied Science Degree

Registered nurses (RNs), regardless of specialty or work setting, perform basic duties that include treating patients, educating patients and the public about various medical conditions, and providing advice and emotional support to patients and family members. RNs record patients’ medical histories and symptoms, help to perform diagnostic tests and analyze results, operate medical machinery, administer treatment and medications, and help with patient followup and rehabilitation. RNs can specialize in one or more patient care specialties often divided by work setting or type of treatment, disease or ailment, organ or body system, or population. RNs may combine specialties from more than one area—for example, pediatric oncology or cardiac emergency—depending on personal interest and employer needs.

Most RNs work as staff nurses, providing critical health care services along with physicians, surgeons, and other health care practitioners. However, some RNs choose to become advanced practice nurses who often are considered primary health care practitioners and work independently or in collaboration with physicians. Upon completing an associate’s degree, Wallace State nursing graduates are prepared to fulfill an entry-level position as a staff nurse in a variety of settings. They may also take advantage of an articulation agreement that leads to a bachelor’s or master’s degree through the University of Alabama. Often, they can find a staff nurse position and then take advantage of tuition reimbursement benefits while working on an advanced degree. In 2006 the licensure rate for Wallace State nursing graduates was better than 94%.

Job opportunities for RNs in all specialties are expected to be excellent. Employment of registered nurses is expected to grow through 2014, and, because the field is very large, many new jobs will result. In fact, registered nurses are projected to create the second largest number of new jobs among all occupations. Thousands of job openings also will result from the need to replace experienced nurses who leave the occupation, especially as the median age of the registered nurse population continues to rise.

Median annual earnings of registered nurses were $52,330 in May 2004. (Source: U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Dr. Denise Elliott, Program Director
256/352-8198
denise.elliott@wallacestate.edu