Associate in Science

Nursing R.N. (Bridge Option for Licensed Practical Nurses) (2261)

THIS IS A LIMITED ACCESS PROGRAM. The registered nurse is a member of the health care team who offers direct patient care, supervision of other members of the team, and teaching in collaboration with other members of the team. Successful completion of this program allows the individual to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to qualify for licensure as a registered nurse.

THE PROGRAM: The program is a combination of general education and professional courses including lecture, laboratory and clinical education components. Graduates of the program are prepared to function as entry-level practitioners and are qualified to take the NCLEX to become licensed as a registered nurse (RN). Admission to the program is limited and is based on academic performance and other criteria.

This track is limited to employed practical nurses with a current Florida license who have worked the equivalent of at least six months within the last two years (960 hours) as an LPN. The deadline to apply to the nursing program is: June 1 for an August start, October 1 for a January start, and February 1 for a May start. Classes are offered both during the day and at night.

Expected Job Growth: High. By 2020, Florida will need 61,000 more nurses than what is projected to be available.

Salary: The national average is $49,000.

Certification and Licensing:
Graduates will be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to become licensed as a Registered Nurse.

Accreditation:
The program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), 61 Broadway, New York, New York, 10006, 212.363.5555.

Application Procedure:

Prerequisites: The following ten courses must be completed before submitting an application:

• One year of high school chemistry or any college CHM
• BSC 2085C Human Anatomy and Physiology I
• BSC 2086C Human Anatomy and Physiology II
• MCB 2010C Microbiology
• MAC 1105 College Algebra (or higher)
• ENC 1101 English Composition I
• PSY 1012 General Psychology
• DEP 2004 Human Growth and Development
• SYG 2000 Introductory Sociology
• Humanities (any HUM course listed in the A.S. general education requirements)

A grade point average of at least 2.0 must be maintained.

It is recommended that students have a conference with a counselor or the nursing advisor prior to applying to the nursing program. A physical examination will be required upon acceptance to the program. To be considered as a qualified applicant, individuals must:

1. Be accepted for admission to Florida Community College, be currently enrolled or a former student.
2. Be at least 17 years of age and have earned a high school diploma or equivalency degree.
3. Have completed, by the application deadline, a college or high school course in chemistry with a grade of C or better (When using high school chemistry, an official high school transcript must be submitted with application).
4. Have completed all required general education courses except sociolog or humanities prior to the application deadline.
5. Have submitted current Psychological Services Bureau Revised Nursing Aptitude Exam (PSB-NAT) scores by the application deadline.
6. Provide evidence of current CPR certification - adult, child and infant - that includes hands-on simulated experiences. Certification must be earned through an American Heart Association-approved Basic Life Support (BLS) Course for Health Care Providers.
7. Provide evidence of licensure in the state of Florida as a Licensed Practical Nurse who has worked the equivalent of six months within the last two years as an LPN.

Curriculum:

General Education Courses
**BSC 2085C Human Anatomy and Physiology I (4)
ENC 1101 English Composition I (3)
PSY 1012 General Psychology (3)
***MAC 1105 College Algebra (3)
*Humanities (3)

Credit hours: 16

Professional Courses
**BSC 2086C Human Anatomy and Physiology II (4)
**MCB 2010C Microbiology (4)
SYG 2000 Introductory Sociology (3)
DEP 2004 Human Growth and Development (3)

Nursing Courses (Students may only enroll after being admitted to the program)
College Credit Earned by Examination (12)
NUR 1008C Transitional Nursing for Nursing Bridge Option (5)
NUR 1060C Health Assessment Across the Lifespan (2)
NUR 2401C Nursing Care of Women and Infants for Nursing Bridge Option (3)
NUR 2304C Nursing Care of Children for Nursing Bridge Option (4)
NUR 1524C Leadership in Nursing (1)
NUR 1524C Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing (4)
NUR 2710C Adult Health Nursing II (8)
NUR 2810C Role Transformation (3)

Credit hours: 56

Total Credit Hours: 72

*Refer to A.S. degree General Education Requirements.
**A minimum grade of "C" required in science courses.
***Students who qualify may substitute a higher-level mathematics course.

 

Notes:

RECORD OF CONVICTION OF A CRIME: The Florida State Board of Nursing, in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Nurse Practice Act, will determine a Nursing program graduate's eligibility for licensure when there is an arrest/conviction record. Convicted felons who have not had their civil rights restored are not eligible to take the National Council Licensure examination. Students should contact the nursing department for information regarding Florida State Board of Nursing regulations.

Clinical agencies may require students to undergo drug screening and criminal background checks prior to placement in the agencies for clinical experiences. Students whose drug screening and criminal background checks are unsatisfactory may be denied access to clinical experiences by the clinical agencies. Withdrawal from the program may be necessary if students cannot be placed for clinical experiences.

This associate in science degree program allows students to complete an associate's degree and become employed or pursue a bachelor's degree. See your advisor for details on university transfer requirements.

Cost:
Estimated cost of tuition*, books, materials and fees is $6,100 (*tuition rated for Florida residents, as of 7/04)