Florida Department of Education
Curriculum Framework

The standards and benchmarks for this program were updated for the 2026-27 academic year.

Program Title: 	Nursing R.N. 
Career Cluster: 	Health Science

Associate in Science	
CIP Number	1351380100	
Program Type	College Credit 	
Program Length	72 Credit Hours 	
CTSO	HOSA	
SOC Codes (all applicable) 	For program SOC codes, please see the Program and Course Tables section of the CTE Program Resources page linked below.	
CTE Program Resources 	http://www.fldoe.org/academics/career-adult-edu/career-tech-edu/program-resources.stml	

Purpose

This program offers a sequence of courses that provides coherent and rigorous content aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills needed to prepare for further education and careers in the Health Science career cluster; provides technical skill proficiency, and includes competency-based applied learning that contributes to the academic knowledge, higher-order reasoning and problem-solving skills, work attitudes, general employability skills, technical skills, and occupation-specific skills, and knowledge of all aspects of Health Science career cluster. 

The purpose of this program is to prepare students for employment as registered nurses. The Health Careers Core must be taken by all students first (secondary and postsecondary adult) planning to complete any Health Occupations program.  Once successfully completed, the core does not need to be repeated at any instructional level.

The content includes but is not limited to, theoretical instruction and clinical experience in medical, surgical, obstetric, pediatric, and geriatric nursing; theoretical instruction and clinical experience in acute, care, long term care and community settings; theoretical instruction and clinical application of vocational role and function; personal, family and community health concepts; nutrition; human growth and development over the life span; body structure and function; interpersonal relationship skills, mental health concepts; pharmacology and administration of medications; legal aspects of practice; and current issues in nursing.  

Additional Information relevant to this Career and Technical Education (CTE) program is provided at the end of this document.

Program Structure

This program is a planned sequence of instruction consisting of 72 credit hours.

When developing the course sequence for the local implementation of this program, select courses that:
•	Meet the skill development requirements of the standards and benchmarks of this program.
•	Meet the general education core course requirements of Rule 6A-14.0303, Florida Administrative Code.
•	Where reasonable and practicable, align with programs offered by your institution or other postsecondary institutions in Florida, including: 
o	Related CCC and ATD credentials.
o	Baccalaureate degrees within the same career pathway and/or Federal CIP code.

Visit FloridaShines’ Discover Programs website to identify other institutions that offer similar programs to review their course sequencing. Where appropriate, course alignment between institutions offering related programs can facilitate interagency student articulation.

Visit FloridaShines’ Common Prerequisites Manual to identify courses that are prerequisites for admission into an upper division program.  When sub-baccalaureate courses are aligned to the course admissions requirements of baccalaureate programs with the same career pathway, students can enter upper division coursework seamlessly.   

Regulated Programs

This program is regulated by the Florida Board of Nursing:  http://floridasnursing.gov/

Clinical instruction of nursing students will meet the requirements of s. 464.019, F.S. Clinical experience must make up at least 50% of the total program. Clinical Simulation may be used for no more than 50% of the total clinical experience unless the Florida Board of Nursing approves additional Clinical Simulation experiences.

Please refer to s. 464.019 (1)(a)(1), F.S., for faculty credential requirements to teach this program. 

The program must be approved by the Florida Board of Nursing.  It is important that each associate degree nursing program effectively utilize the services of an active program advisory committee composed of individuals representative of the community.  Only when the educators and employers work together can the associate degree nursing graduate be provided the competencies that are most needed for successful employment as a new registered nurse.

Associate degree nurses (ADN) are prepared to provide nursing care to clients in a variety of settings.  ADN graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX-RN), which tests minimum competence to practice safe nursing care. 

Florida’s Career Readiness Skills for CTE Programs

Employability Skills	
01.0	Apply academic skills to workplace scenarios.	
01.01	Use reading skills.	
01.02	Use writing skills.	
01.03	Use mathematical strategies and procedures.	
01.04	Use scientific principles and procedures.	
02.0	Design a solution to an industry problem.	
02.01	Use critical thinking.	
02.02	Use creativity.	
02.03	Make sound decisions.	
02.04	Solve problems.	
02.05	Reason. 	
02.06	Plan and organize.	
03.0	Manage resources within an industry project	
03.01	Manage time.	
03.02	Manage money or resources.	
03.03	Manage materials.	
03.04	Manage personnel.	
04.0	Oversee the subcomponents, operations and output of a technical or organizational system.	
04.01	Manage systems.	
04.02	Monitor systems.	
04.03	Improve systems.	
05.0	Use information for decision making.	
05.01	Locate information.	
05.02	Organize information.	
05.03	Use information.	
05.04	Analyze information.	
05.05	Communicate information.	
06.0	Apply relevant technology to workplace scenarios to aid productivity.	
06.01	Use technology.	
07.0	Interpret and express interpersonal communication.	
07.01	Communicate verbally.	
07.02	Listen actively.	
07.03	Comprehend written material.	
07.04	Convey information in writing.	
07.05	Communicate nonverbally.	
07.06	Interpret nonverbal communication.	
08.0	Interact with others to accomplish workplace goals.	
08.01	Collaborate with others in a team.	
08.02	Respond to customer needs.	
08.03	Exercise leadership.	
08.04	Negotiate to resolve conflict.	
08.05	Respect others.	
09.0	Manage personal behavior to maximize productivity and professional growth.	
09.01	Demonstrate responsibility and self-discipline.	
09.02	Adapt and show flexibility.	
09.03	Work independently.	
09.04	Demonstrate a willingness to learn.	
09.05	Demonstrate integrity.	
09.06	Demonstrate professionalism.	
09.07	Take initiative.	
09.08	Display positive attitude.	
09.09	Take responsibility for professional growth.	
Job Attainment	
10.0	Find, assess and apply to job opportunities.	
10.01	Identify online job posts relevant to his or her career aspirations.	
10.02	Compare and contrast the job posts’ required qualifications, job duties, compensation, benefits and employers. 	
10.03	Define what information, documentation and writing prompts are required for the positions.	
11.0	Communicate personal competence, character and fit for a job opportunity.	
11.01	Develop a resume.	
11.02	Write a cover letter.	
11.03	Curate a professional portfolio that includes work products.	
11.04	Prepare for and experience a mock job interview.	
12.0	Cultivate and leverage relationships to professionally advance.	
12.01	Request a signed reference letter, letter of recommendation and/or an online skill/professionalism endorsement. 	
12.02	Develop a plan to cultivate a professional digital footprint.	
12.03	Develop a networking plan for a specific industry of interest.	

Standards

After successfully completing this program, the student will be able to perform the following:

01.0	Demonstrate knowledge of the health care delivery system and health occupations.
02.0	Apply fundamental integrated processes to the practice of professional nursing. 
03.0	Follow safety and security protocols for the environment, clients, and healthcare workers.
04.0	Recognize and respond to emergency situations.
05.0	Recognize and practice infection control procedures, including bloodborne diseases and HIV/AIDS.
06.0	Demonstrate employability skills.
07.0	Demonstrate core professional behavior competencies of a professional nurse.
08.0	Demonstrate core communication competencies of a professional nurse.
09.0	Demonstrate core assessment competencies of a professional nurse.
10.0	Demonstrate core clinical decision-making competencies of a professional nurse.
11.0	Demonstrate core caring intervention competencies of a professional nurse.
12.0	Demonstrate core teaching and learning competencies of a professional nurse.
13.0	Demonstrate core collaboration competencies of a professional nurse.
14.0	Demonstrate core managing care competencies of a professional nurse.
15.0	Demonstrate core leadership and delegation competencies of a professional nurse.

Florida Department of Education
Student Performance Standards

Program Title: 	Nursing R.N.
CIP Number: 		1351380100 
Program Length: 	72 credit hours 	

At the completion of this program, the student will be able to:	
Associate Degree Nursing: Inherent within the intended outcomes of the Associate Degree Nursing is the utilization and application of the nursing process (assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation) across the lifespan and in diverse settings within the health continuum.	
01.0	Demonstrate knowledge of the health care delivery system and health occupations. The student will be able to:	
01.01	Identify the basic components of the healthcare delivery system, including public, private, government, and non-profit.	
01.02	Identify common methods of payment for healthcare services.	
01.03	Describe the various types of healthcare providers and the range of services available, including resources to victims of domestic violence. 	
01.04	Describe the composition and functions of a healthcare team. 	
01.05	Identify the general roles and responsibilities of the individual members of the healthcare team. 	
01.06	Identify the roles and responsibilities of the consumer within the healthcare delivery system. 	
01.07	Identify characteristics of effective teams. 	
01.08	Recognize methods for building positive team relationships.	
01.09	Discuss attributes and attitudes of an effective leader. 	
01.10	Recognize factors and situations that may lead to conflict.	
01.11	Recognize effective techniques for managing team conflict. 	
01.12	Describe factors that influence the current delivery system of healthcare.	
01.13	Explain the impact of emerging issues, including technology, epidemiology, bioethics, and socioeconomics, on healthcare delivery systems. 	
02.0	Apply fundamental integrated processes to the practice of professional nursing. The student will be able to:	
02.01	Promote an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust with clients by providing encouragement, hope, support, and compassion to help achieve therapeutic outcomes.	
02.02	Utilize the six clinical judgement functions (recognizing cues, analyzing cues, prioritizing and hypothesizing, generating solutions, taking action, and evaluating outcomes) to assess presenting situations, prioritizing client concerns, and presenting the best evidence-based solutions in delivering safe client care.	
02.03	Employ a scientific clinical reasoning approach to client care that includes assessment, analysis, planning, implementation, and evaluation.	
02.04	Maintain accurate written and/or electronic records of the events and activities associated with client care (including verbal and nonverbal communication with the client, caregivers, and members of the healthcare team), adhering to the standards of practice and provision of care.	
02.05	Recognize individual, self-reported, and unique client preferences within the applicable and legal standard of care. 	
02.06	Facilitate the acquisition of healthcare knowledge, skills, and abilities that promote positive behavioral changes. 	
02.07	Demonstrate professionalism, respect, and civility towards clients in all educational and practice settings.	
02.08	Demonstrate appropriate nursing care in clinical experiences, skills labs, and/or simulations.	
03.0	Follow safety and security protocols for the environment, clients, and healthcare workers. The student will be able to:	
03.01	Recognize safe and unsafe working conditions and report safety hazards. 	
03.02	Explain why understanding how to safely use medical equipment is important. 	
03.03	Explain and apply the theory of root-cause analysis.  	
03.04	Identify and describe methods in medical error reduction and prevention in the various healthcare settings. 	
03.05	Identify and practice security procedures for medical supplies and equipment. 	
03.06	Explain personal safety procedures based on Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) regulations, including standard precautions. 	
03.07	Recognize Safety Data Sheets and comply with safety signs, symbols, and labels. 	
03.08	Explain proper body mechanics and ergonomics. 	
03.09	Explain the procedure for properly identifying patients. 	
03.10	Explain the procedures for safe transport and transfer of patients. 	
03.11	Recognize fire, safety, disaster, and evacuation procedures. 	
03.12	Discuss the Joint Commission patient safety goals (www.jointcommission.org) and any other applicable accrediting/regulatory agency guidelines.	
04.0	Recognize and respond to emergency situations. The student will be able to:	
04.01	Record and monitor vital signs accurately. 	
04.02	Describe legal parameters relating to the administration of emergency care. 	
04.03	Obtain and maintain training for certification on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), automated external defibrillator (AED), foreign body airway obstruction (FBAO), and first aid. 	
04.04	Recognize adverse drug-related emergencies and take appropriate first aid action. 	
05.0	Recognize and practice infection control procedures, including bloodborne diseases and HIV/AIDS. The student will be able to:	
05.01	Apply principles of infection control, including standard and transmission-based precautions.	
05.02	Demonstrate medical and surgical asepsis such as handwashing, isolation, and sterile technique.	
05.03	Describe how to correctly dispose of biohazardous materials according to appropriate government guidelines, such as OSHA.	
05.04	Recognize emerging diseases and disorders.	
05.05	Distinguish between fact and fallacy regarding the transmission and treatment of diseases caused by bloodborne pathogens.	
05.06	Identify community resources and services available to clients with diseases caused by bloodborne pathogens.	
05.07	Identify “at-risk” behaviors that promote the spread of diseases caused by bloodborne pathogens and discuss the public education necessary to combat the spread of these diseases.	
05.08	Explain infection control techniques designed to prevent the spread of diseases caused by bloodborne pathogens, following CDC guidelines. 	
05.09	Explain the legal aspects of client care related to HIV/AIDS, including testing.	
06.0	Demonstrate employability skills. The student will be able to:	
06.01	Identify personal traits or attitudes desirable in a member of the healthcare team. 	
06.02	Exemplify basic professional standards of healthcare workers as they apply to hygiene, dress, language, confidentiality, and behavior (i.e., telephone etiquette, courtesy, and self-introductions). 	
06.03	Identify documents that may be required when applying for a job. 	
06.04	Write an appropriate resume. 	
06.05	Conduct a job search. 	
06.06	Complete a job application form correctly.	
06.07	Examine levels of education, credentialing requirements, including licensure and certification, employment opportunities, workplace environments, and career growth potential. 	
06.08	Identify acceptable work habits. 	
06.09	Recognize appropriate affective/professional behavior. 	
06.10	Compare careers within the health science career pathways (diagnostic services, therapeutic services, health informatics, support services, and biotechnology research and development). 	
07.0	Demonstrate core professional behavior competencies of a professional nurse. The student will be able to:	
07.01	Practice within the ethical, legal, and regulatory frameworks of nursing and standards of professional nursing practice.	
07.02	Report unsafe practices of healthcare providers using appropriate channels of communication.	
07.03	Demonstrate accountability for nursing care given by self and or delegated to others.	
07.04	Act as an advocate for clients, ensuring that their voices are heard and respected in the healthcare decision-making process.	
07.05	Maintain organizational and client confidentiality.	
07.06	Demonstrate behaviors of the professional nursing role in accordance with the American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics.	
07.07	Understand the role of professional organizations.	
07.08	Serve as a professional role model within healthcare settings and the community at large.	
07.09	Recognize the impact of political, social, and demographic forces on the delivery of health care.	
07.10	Participate in lifelong learning.	
07.11	Implement a plan to meet self-learning needs by engaging in reflective practice, evaluating clinical performance, and identifying areas for improvement to enhance personal and professional growth.	
07.12	Delineate and maintain appropriate professional boundaries in the nurse-client relationship.	
08.0	Demonstrate core communication competencies of a professional nurse.  The student will be able to:	
08.01	Utilize therapeutic communication skills when interacting with clients, caregivers, and the healthcare team.	
08.02	Communicate relevant, accurate, and complete information in a concise, clear, and timely manner to the client and caregiver(s) as well as interprofessional team members.​​	
08.03	Document relevant, accurate, and complete information regarding assessments, interventions, and progress toward client outcomes.	
08.04	Utilize healthcare technologies, including the use of electronic health records and telehealth, to effectively and ethically communicate patient information. 	
08.05	Utilize appropriate channels of communication to achieve positive client outcomes.	
08.06	Effectively communicate the needs of all clients and/or caregivers based on the individual’s health literacy level.	
09.0	Demonstrate core assessment competencies of a professional nurse. The student will be able to:	
09.01	Assess the interaction patterns of the individual client or significant caregiver(s).	
09.02	Assess the developmental, emotional, cultural, religious, and spiritual influences on the client's health status.	
09.03	Assess the client's health status by completing a health history and performing a physical, cognitive, psychosocial, and functional assessment.	
09.04	Assess client and significant caregiver(s) for learning strengths, capabilities, barriers, and educational needs.	
09.05	Assess the client's adaptation to health and behavior issues.  	
09.06	Evaluate client responses to nursing interventions.	
09.07	Assess the client's knowledge and ability to access available resources to meet health needs.	
09.08	Assess the client’s environment for risk factors that may impact the healthcare status.	
10.0	Demonstrate core clinical decision-making competencies of a professional nurse.  The student will be able to:	
10.01	Make clinical judgments and management decisions to ensure accurate and safe care.	
10.02	Analyze client data to develop a plan of care.	
10.03	Evaluate the effectiveness of care provided in meeting client outcomes. 	
10.04	Modify client care as indicated by the evaluation of outcomes.	
10.05	Participate in problem identification and data collection for research, quality control, or improvement processes to meet client outcomes. 	
10.06	Use research and evidence-based data to plan client care and support clinical decision-making.	
11.0	Demonstrate core caring intervention competencies of a professional nurse.  The student will be able to:	
11.01	Promote the client's dignity. 	
11.02	Provide client-centered nursing care based on emotional, cultural, religious, and spiritual influences on the client in diverse settings.	
11.03	Demonstrate caring behavior towards the client, caregiver(s), and interprofessional team members.	
11.04	Implement the plan of care for client management across the lifespan within the legal, ethical, and regulatory framework of nursing practice.	
11.05	Perform nursing interventions competently according to the current standards of professional nursing practice. 	
11.06	Provide a safe physical and psychosocial environment for client and caregiver(s) across the lifespan.	
11.07	Assist the client and caregiver(s) to cope with and adapt to stressful events and changes in health status, including healthcare and end-of-life decision-making.	
11.08	Assist the client and caregiver(s) to achieve optimum well-being. 	
11.09	Prepare the client and caregiver(s) for independent care management. 	
11.10	Implement appropriate procedures to meet regulatory and accreditation agency client safety guidelines. 	
12.0	Demonstrate core teaching and learning competencies of a professional nurse. The student will be able to:	
12.01	Develop an individualized teaching plan of care based on client needs.	
12.02	Provide the client and caregiver(s) with the information to make choices regarding health in a manner that enables understanding.	
12.03	Teach the client and caregiver(s) the resources and skills needed to achieve the desired learning outcomes.	
12.04	Evaluate the progress of the client and caregiver(s) toward achievement of the identified learning outcomes.	
12.05	Modify the teaching plan based on evaluation of progress toward meeting the learning outcomes.	
12.06	Provide assistive personnel with relevant instruction to support the achievement of client outcomes.	
13.0	Demonstrate core collaboration competencies of a professional nurse. The student will be able to:	
13.01	Create interdisciplinary solutions by analyzing client issues to achieve the best possible outcomes.  	
13.02	Identify and utilize resources across disciplines to achieve optimum client outcomes.	
13.03	Work collaboratively with client, caregiver(s), and interprofessional team members to assess progress and refine strategies for achieving desired outcomes.	
14.0	Demonstrate core managing care competencies of a professional nurse. The student will be able to:	
14.01	Prioritize client care by applying the nursing clinical judgement model. 	
14.02	Coordinate and implement personalized care plans for clients and caregiver(s).	
14.03	Ensure continuity of care across various healthcare settings.	
14.04	Adjust client care to align with evolving healthcare environments and management systems.	
14.05	Support client and caregiver(s) in accessing appropriate resources and services.	
14.06	Demonstrate proficiency in using current healthcare technologies and information systems.	
14.07	   Manage client care efficiently by applying cost-effective nursing practices, quality improvement methods, and evidence-based practice.	
15.0	Demonstrate core leadership and delegation competencies of a professional nurse.  The student will be able to:	
15.01	Identify the components of leadership.	
15.02	Differentiate between leadership and management.	
15.03	Outline the traits of an effective leader.	
15.04	Identify the skills required for leading an interdisciplinary team.	
15.05	Foster relationships and teamwork through evidence-based practice.	
15.06	Delegate client care tasks appropriately that are within the interprofessional team’s scope of practice. 	
15.07	Evaluate the delegated client care tasks.  	
15.08	Communicate effectively with all members of the interprofessional team.	
15.09	Lead teams using a collaborative approach.	
15.10	Facilitate shared decision-making client, caregiver(s), and interprofessional team members.	
15.11	Apply nursing decision-making that promotes efficient, cost-effective care.	
15.12	Use research to inform evidence-based practice that drives positive client outcomes.	
15.13	Explain how effective leadership supports unit culture, client outcomes, and organization goals.	
15.14	Define the leader’s role in quality measures, performance improvement, and meeting accreditation and regulatory requirements. 	
15.15	Use conflict resolution techniques to maintain a positive and healthy work environment.	

Additional Information

Laboratory Activities

Laboratory investigations that include scientific inquiry, research, measurement, problem solving, emerging technologies, tools, and equipment, as well as experimental, quality, and safety procedures, are an integral part of this career and technical program/course. Laboratory investigations benefit all students by developing an understanding of the complexity and ambiguity of empirical work, as well as the skills required to manage, operate, calibrate, and troubleshoot equipment/tools used to make observations. Students understand measurement error and have the skills to aggregate, interpret, and present the resulting data. Equipment and supplies should be provided to enhance hands-on experiences for students.

Special Notes

This program meets the Department of Health’s education requirements for HIV/AIDS, Domestic Violence, and Prevention of Medical Errors.  Although not a requirement for initial licensure, it is a requirement for renewal, therefore, the instructor may provide a certificate for renewal purposes to the student, verifying these requirements have been met.

If students in this program are seeking a licensure, certificate, or registration through the Department of Health, please refer to 456.0635, F.S., for more information on disqualification for a license, certificate, or registration through the Department of Health. 

Outcomes 01-11 are referred to as the Health Careers Core and do not have to be completed if the student has previously completed the Core in another health science program.  The COR should be taken first in the program. Following the successful completion of the core, the student is eligible to take the National Health Care Foundation Skill Standards Assessment with instructor approval and the completion of a portfolio.

Reinforcement of basic skills in English, mathematics, and sciences appropriate for the job preparatory programs occurs through didactic instruction and applied laboratory procedures or practice.

The location of the ADN program within the community college setting provides an appropriate academic environment for instruction in the biological, physical, social, and behavioral sciences.  The community college setting further provides instruction in the communication skills basic to the successful performance of the ADN graduate in the work setting.  This body of knowledge supports concepts specific to the practice of nursing.

This program focuses on broad, transferable skills and stresses understanding and demonstration of the following elements of the health care industry: planning, management, community issues, and health, safety, and environmental issues.

General Education Course Requirements for AS and AAS Degrees

State Board of Education Rule 6A-14.030(4), F.A.C., identifies 15 credit hours as the minimum amount of general education coursework required in the Associate of Science (AS) degree and the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree.  In addition, Rule 6A-14.0303, F.A.C., implements s. 1007.25, F.S., and requires students entering a technical education degree program in the 2022-2023 academic year, and thereafter, to complete at least one identified core course in each subject area as part of the general education course requirements (15 credit hours total) before a degree is awarded. The core subject areas include: 
•	Communication. 
•	Humanities.
•	Mathematics. 
•	Natural Sciences.
•	Social Sciences.

Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO)

CTSOs are co-curricular career and technical student organizations providing leadership training and reinforcing specific career and technical skills. Career and Technical Student Organizations provide activities for students as an integral part of the instruction offered. Other CTSOs not listed in this curriculum framework or recognized by the Florida Department of Education are permissible provided they support student mastery over the standards and benchmarks of this curriculum framework.

Accommodations

Federal and state legislation requires the provision of accommodations for students with disabilities to meet individual needs and ensure equal access. Postsecondary students with disabilities must self-identify, present documentation, request accommodations if needed, and develop a plan with their counselor and/or instructors. Accommodations received in postsecondary education may differ from those received in secondary education. Accommodations change the way the student is instructed. Students with disabilities may need accommodations in such areas as instructional methods and materials, assignments and assessments, time demands and schedules, learning environment, assistive technology, and special communication systems. Documentation of the accommodations requested and provided should be maintained in a confidential file.