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Associate in Science

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

Mission Statement
Creating competent, ethical, confident entry–level health care practitioners committed to professional development through life–long learning in a positive, non–discriminatory and supportive learning environment.

The Career
The nurse is the heart and soul of any medical team. You specialize in one-on-one patient relationships. You perform physical assessments and carry out treatments while dispensing education and encouragement in equal measure. You help patients and families cope and manage illness or injury. You also supervise other members of the team and teach in collaboration with other colleagues. Successful completion of this program allows the individual to apply to write the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to qualify for licensure as a registered nurse.

Nurses, like physicians, can choose from an A to Z list of specialties ranging from preventative medicine to emergency care. You can work in small or large medical groups, fly with trauma center helicopters, or travel with humanitarian or first-response teams. The Red Cross alone currently employs 30,000 full and part-time nurses and has a need for more.

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

FCCJ forged partnerships with Baptist, Brooks Rehabilitation, Flagler Shands, St. Luke’s and St. Vincent hospitals, as well as Mayo Clinic, to establish the most advanced medical training center in Northeast Florida. Our labs are state-of-the art. Master classes are taught on our campus by the area’s leading surgeons, physicians, scientists and allied health professionals.

Rotations
Clinical rotations scheduled in area hospitals and other medical centers are part of you so graduate with experience as well as education.

Prerequisites
All required general education courses except sociology or humanities must be completed before submitting an application to this program.

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 a least 2.0 must be maintained.

Career Opportunities, Rapid Placement
Registered nurses are highly sought after. By 2020, Florida projects a shortfall of 61,000 qualified nurses. Many employers are trying to attract candidates with signing bonuses, family-friendly flexible work schedules, child care and subsidized continuing educational benefits.

Annual Salaries
The national average yearly salary for Registered Nurses is $49,000, plus overtime, nights and weekend shifts.

Articulations
This program articulates into a four-year nursing program at the University of North Florida. Because our curriculum is accredited by the National League of Nursing and the Florida State Board of Nursing, graduates of this program can transfer into a four-year nursing program at any university. See more information on articulation.

Cost
Estimated cost of tuition is $4,781 (for Florida residents, as of 7/06). Contact program manager about additional costs (fees, materials, textbooks).

Application Procedure
To meet the minimum requirements for consideration for acceptance to the Nursing program, students must:

  1. Have completed a nursing application by the application deadline.
  2. Complete a college or high school course in chemistry with a grade of “C” or better. (When using high school chemistry, an official copy of the high school transcript must be submitted with the application.)
  3. Have completed all required general education courses except sociology or humanities prior to the application deadline.
  4. Have submitted current Psychological Services Bureau Revised Nursing Aptitude Exam (PSB–NAT) scores by the application deadline.
  5. Provide evidence of current CPR certification — adult, child and infant (achieved through an American Heart Association approved Basic Life Support (BLS) Course for Health Care Providers, that includes hands–on simulated experiences).
  6. 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.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Term deadline — June 1
  • Spring Term deadline — October 1
  • Summer Term deadline — February 1

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

Required 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
Students may not enroll in the following courses unless selected for continuance based on the selction 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.

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.

Note
Most clinical agencies require students to undergo drug screen and criminal background checks prior to placement in the agencies for clinical experiences. Student’s 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 students 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. A physical examination will be required upon acceptance to the program.

General Information
It is recommended that students have a conference with a counselor or the nursing advisor prior to applying to the nursing program.

This associate in science degree program allows students to complete an associate degree and become employed or pursue a bachelor’s degree. See more information on articulation.

 


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