Program Overview
Associate of Applied Sciences in Nursing
Have you always dreamed of being a supportive, helping hand for those in need? With an Associate of Applied Sciences in Nursing (AASN) degree from the University of the District of Columbia, you can become the healthcare professional your community needs!
With an average of 16 to 25 students in each of our lectures and eight in each of our simulation, laboratory, and clinical study opportunities, the AASN program provides a strong foundation and personalized support to help you succeed. In addition to the traditional classroom learning environments offered at UDC, you'll have access to a variety of hands-on outlets, including:
- clinical learning
- high-fidelity simulations
- virtual reality learning
At UDC, we strive to provide both impactful learning experiences and a variety of nuanced in-field opportunities to ensure that you are prepared to not only meet but exceed the standards met by our proud lineage of alumni during their own journeys toward professional success. We designed the AASN program for a seamless transition into UDC's RN-BSN program. Because you can complete the AASN program in just four semesters, it's a perfect first step toward becoming a registered nurse.
Accreditation
The Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AASN) Program at the University of the District of Columbia at the Community College, located at 5171 South Dakota Ave. NE, is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3390 Peachtree Rd. NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30326, 404-975-5000.
The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Associate of Applied Science nursing program is Continuing Accreditation.
The AASN Program is approved by the District of Columbia Board of Nursing (2201 Shannon Pl. SE, Washington, DC. 20020, 202-724-8800
Admission Requirements
Want to learn more about admission into the AASN program at UDC? Review the list below to ensure that you are eligible for admission into the program:
- Good standing with the university, including accounts, academic standing and other university admission requirements.
- A current student enrolled at the Lamond-Riggs campus.
- Cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher on a four-point grading scale.
- Completed all pre-requisite general education courses (including IGED courses) with a grade of B or above.
- Completed all pre-requisite science courses (including BIOL) with a GPA of at least 3.0 within the past five years of application. If you are a transfer student, you must complete all pre-requisite science courses (including BIOL) with a grade of at least a B within the past five years of application.
- If you hold a grade of D or F in more than one pre-requisite course (within five years prior to applying to the program) you will be disqualified from program eligibility and will NOT be accepted into the program.
Note: If a prospective or current Nursing or Allied Health student appears before UDC’s Judicial Hearing Committee resulting in a sanction of warning and/or suspension from academic activities (including courses), the individual will not be able to enter or progress in the Nursing or Allied Health programs.
How to Apply
First-Time in College Students
Please submit your application through the Office of Undergraduate Admission.
Current AAS Nursing Applicants
The AAS Nursing Program is now accepting applications for the Spring 2026 admission from Oct. 10, 2025, through Oct. 31, 2025. Please follow the instructions below to ensure your application package is complete.
- Two Professional (i.e., Supervisor, Professor, Assistant Manager, or Manager only) recommendation letters should be submitted by the evaluator and emailed to Hector Mendoza Arias at hector.mendozaarias1@udc.edu.
- Download the application.
- For Application, essay and unofficial transcript(s) submission:
- Click on the link to gain access to the portal: https://portal.castlebranch.com/IU61
- Click on place order
- Select IUdmfall: Fall Nursing Applications Document Manager and follow the instructions.
- You will be informed by Dr. Vonda Rogers via email to complete the Global Background Clearance.
- Below is the TEAS PSI Registration Guide and Link
- Remember the test must be completed no later than Friday, Oct. 31, 2025.
TEAS at PSI Registration Guide
TEAS Registration Link
- Remember the test must be completed no later than Friday, Oct. 31, 2025.
Nursing students are admitted to the clinical nursing courses consistent with the established admission criteria and selection process. Students enrolled in UDC as regular unlicensed nursing students must complete the AAS Nursing Program general education requirements; earn a minimum grade of “B” in each course on the program of study; and earn a UDC AAS Nursing Program general education grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher to be eligible to make a formal application to the Nursing Program. Application packets for the Nursing Program are retrieved electronically through CastleBranch in August and December and must be returned to the same location announced deadlines respectively to be logged upon receipt.
Applicants are notified in writing or by their UDC email. Eligibility criteria for program admission include, but are not limited to, the following minimum requirements:
- AASN General Education Grade Point Average of 3.0 or greater.
- Completion of all pre-requisite courses with a grade of at least a B.
- Completion of a science (Anatomy and Physiology Lecture/Lab) course within five years of admission.
- Satisfactory professional recommendations (i.e., employer, manager, professor).
- National Criminal Background Clearance.
- Only have one repeat in any science courses.
- Completed application and essay received on or before the deadline.
- Successful completion of a standardized admission examination for Generic.
- The standardized admission examination score is as follows:
- Science: 70%
- English – 70%
- Math – 73.5%
- Reading – 73%
- Overall: Minimum 70%
Students are informed in writing or by their UDC email of their application status. Selected students are given detailed information on the requirements for progression. Accepted students must verify completion of the following requirements prior to agency assignments (a component of all nursing practicum courses):
- Acknowledge intent to enroll in writing.
- Valid UDC Student Picture Identification.
- Proof of purchase of professional liability insurance.
- Health clearance by University Health Services.
- Drug screening if requested.
Students who are denied admission to the nursing program are informed and assisted to explore other career options or may reapply during the next application cycle. Applications of those not admitted are not retained.
Projected Costs
- Castlebranch – $52.98 (one-time payment)
- Nursing Uniforms and supplies (Uniforms, shoes, lab coat, penlight, scissors, stethoscope, and blood pressure cuff) – $250
- ATI Admission Examination – $120
- Background Check – $75