Associate in Science

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

This is a limited access program.

The Career: 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 and Earnings
Registered nurses are highly sought after. By 2020, Florida will need 61,000 more nurses than what is projected to be available. The national average annual salary 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.

Cost
Estimated cost of tuition is $4,600 (for Florida residents, as of 7/05). Contact program manager about additional costs (fees, materials, textbooks).

Application Procedure
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 a high level of mathematics)
	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 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 sociology 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 2086C	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 - Science Courses
**BSC 2086C	Human Anatomy and Physiology II	4
**MCB 2010C	Microbiology	4
DEP 2004	Human Growth and Development	3
SYG 2000	Introductory Sociology	3
Nursing Courses
Nursing is a limited access program. Students may not enroll in the following courses unless selected for continuance based on the selection criteria and available seats.
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 1823	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.

Most clinical agencies require students to undergo drug screen and criminal background checks prior to placement in the agencies for clinical experiences. Students whose drug screening and criminal background checks are deemed unsatisfactory may be denied access to clinical experiences by the clinical agencies. Failure to qualify for and meet clinical requirements at clinical sites may prevent completion of the program. Withdrawal from the program may be necessary if students cannot be placed for clinical experiences.

The cost of the background check and drug screen is borne by the student. Additionally, it is the student’s responsibility to have all paperwork completed by the program’s published deadline.Students who are unable to complete the clinical requirements after acceptance into selective access programs are not eligible for refunds of tuition.

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.