If you began your nursing career as a licensed practical nurse, you may be considering completing the requirements to become a registered nurse. As an LPN, you work under the supervision of a registered nurse to provide direct care to patients. Some of your duties may overlap with that of a registered nurse but registered nurses have the training to complete more complex tasks such as developing patient care plans, administering medication, starting IVs, and coordinating the activities of the health care team. The LPN to RN transition program prepares licensed practical nurses for the role of a registered nurse in less time than it would take to complete a registered nursing program.
Central New Mexico Community College
Licensed practical nurses may apply to have credits transferred into the Associate of Applied Science in Nursing program offered by Central New Mexico Community College. The curriculum includes classroom theory and practical learning experiences to prepare LPNs and those new to the healthcare field for employment as a registered nurse. The curriculum will emphasize the concepts of clear communication, critical thinking, and compassion in the delivery of patient care. It follows the common New Mexico Nursing Education Consortium (NMNEC) curriculum. At the conclusion of the on-campus requirements, students will participate in a practical experience in real, workforce settings. Graduates will be qualified to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensing exam and find employment in any healthcare setting. The program is a “Coordinated Program Entry” program requiring a pre-registration screening process that is administered through the Coordinated Program Entry Office. New students are admitted in the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 68 (including transfer courses)
Duration: 6 terms
Method of instruction: Traditional
Course titles:
General Education Courses – AAS Mathematics Requirement, Microbiology, Microbiology Lab, English Composition I, Introduction to Psychology, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Pathophysiology I, Developmental Psychology, Human Anatomy and Physiology II, Pathophysiology II
Core Courses – Introduction to Nursing Concepts, Principles of Nursing Practice, Health and Illness Concepts, Health Care Participant, Nursing Pharmacology, Assessment and Health Promotion, Health and Illness Concepts II, Professional Nursing Concepts I, Care of Patients with Chronic Conditions, Health and Illness Concepts III, Clinical Intensive I, ADN Capstone
Admission criteria:
- Complete the Pre-Registration Screening Forms – available only during specific timeframes
- Complete the prerequisite courses with a minimum grade C and cumulative GPA of 2.75
- Take and pass the entrance exam – HESI with a minimum composite score of 75% and minimum subtest scores of 75% in Math, Reading, Grammar, Biology, Chemistry, and Vocabulary
- Apply for admission to CNM before applying for admission to the nursing program
- Submit official transcripts of high school and all post-secondary coursework
- LPN applicants must have a current, unencumbered practical nursing license
- Undergo the New Mexico Department of Health caregiver criminal history screening
- Complete a routine urine drug screen
- Must have up-to-date immunizations – records required
- Must have current Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support (CPR) certificate
- Must be in good physical and psychological health – documentation of recent physical exam is required
Program Cost:
Tuition costs $684 for New Mexico residents completing 12 to 18 credit hours per semester. The semester rate for full-time non-resident students is $3,612. Additional costs for books, uniforms, and supplies are not included. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
Website: https://www.cnm.edu/
Address: 900 University Blvd. SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106
Phone: (505) 224-3000
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 80.25%
Santa Fe Community College
Licensed practical nurses may apply for advanced placement in the A.A.S. Nursing degree program at Santa Fe Community College and place into the fourth semester. LPN applicants must have a valid and unencumbered practical nursing license and have completed the practical nursing program at an accredited institution. Acceptance into the program is available on a space available basis. Students will begin the fourth-semester nursing courses which must be completed in sequence. Graduates of the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited program will be eligible to take the NCLEX for Registered Nurses. They will also be eligible to transition to the BSN program offered at affiliate universities.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 72 (not including transfer credits)
Duration: 2 years
Method of instruction: Traditional
Course titles:
General Education Courses – English Composition I, English Composition II, College Algebra, Introduction to Statistics, Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Human Anatomy and Physiology I Lab, Human Anatomy and Physiology II, Human Anatomy and Physiology II Lab, Microbiology, Microbiology Lab, Introduction to Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Humanities (3 credits), Health and Wellness (1 credit)
Core Courses – Introduction to Nursing Concepts, Principles of Nursing Practice, Health and Illness Concepts I, Health Care Participant, Nursing Pharmacology, Assessment and Health Promotion, Health and Illness Concepts II, Professional Nursing Concepts I, Care of Patients with Chronic Conditions, Health and Illness Concepts III, Clinical Intensive I, ADN Capstone
Admission criteria:
- Must apply for admission to SFCC before applying for admission to the nursing program
- Must complete the prerequisite courses with a minimum GPA of 2.75
- Must have completed high school or GED
- Meet with a nursing advisor before submitting an application for admission Apply for admission to the nursing program by the published deadline
- Take and pass the HESI Admission test with a minimum score of 75
- Submit official college transcripts for evaluation
- Must have a current, unencumbered practical nursing license
- Must have and maintain current BLS/CPR certification from the American Heart Association
- All math and science prerequisites must have been completed within 5 years of enrolling in the nursing program
- Complete required fingerprinting for background check
- Submit to a urine drug screen
- Must have up-to-date immunizations
Program Cost:
Tuition costs $49 per credit hour for resident in-district students and $61 for resident out-of-district students. The cost for fees, books, supports, and materials are not included in the cost. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
Website: https://www.sfcc.edu/
Address: 6401 Richards Avenue, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87508
Phone: (505) 428-1000
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 84.62%
Carrington College
The LVN to ADN program at Carrington College enables practical nurses to advance their skills and knowledge to become registered nurses. Practical nursing students build on the credit received for coursework completed during the practical nursing program. They will receive an Associate of Science degree in nursing after completing all the theory and practical requirements outlined in the curriculum. Graduates will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam to become a registered nurse in New Mexico.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 96 (not including transfer credits)
Duration: 8 months
Method of instruction: Traditional
Course titles:
Prerequisite courses – English Writing and Composition, College Algebra, Introduction to Sociology, Introduction to Psychology, Chemistry for Health Care Professionals, Interpersonal Communication, Human Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab, Human Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab, Microbiology with Lab
Core Courses – Fundamentals and Medical-Surgical Nursing I, Pharmacology I, Pharmacology II, Community and Mental Health Nursing, Maternal Child Nursing, Medical Surgical Nursing III, Pediatric Nursing, Medical Surgical Nursing IV, NCLEX-RN Review, Manager of Care
Admission criteria:
- Must hold a current unencumbered LPN license
- Must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in the prerequisite courses – human anatomy with lab, general psychology, English writing, psychology, general microbiology, intermediate algebra, sociology
- Pass the ATI TEAS Admission Assessment with a combined score of 58%
- Pass a drug screen and criminal background check
- Provide negative TB test results – results more than 12 months old must be from a 2-step TB test
- Undergo a physical examination
- Provide documentation of MMR immunization x2 titer, the first dose of hepatitis B vaccination, varicella, Tdap, and yearly influenza
- Must have a current BLS/CPR certificate from the American Heart Association
Program Cost:
The program cost of $41,817 includes tuition, books, supplies, and fees. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
Website: https://carrington.edu/
Address: 1001 Menaul Blvd. N. E., Albuquerque, NM 87107
Phone: (505) 200-3745
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 87.50%
Northern New Mexico College
Licensed practical nurses may apply for entry to the Associate Degree in Nursing at Northern New Mexico College and enter in the third semester based on an evaluation of prior education and experience as a practical nurse. The school provides quality, community-based nursing education that prepares licensed practical nurses with the skills to work as registered nurse. The nursing curriculum is delivered over four semesters. Graduates will receive an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing and be eligible to take the NCLEX for Registered Nurses.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 68 (not including transfer credits)
Duration: 4 semesters
Method of instruction: Traditional
Course titles:
General Education Courses – English Composition I, Microbiology, General Psychology, Development Psychology, Humanities (3 credits), Human Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab, Human Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab
Core Courses – Pharmacology, Nursing Fundamentals, Nursing Fundamentals Lab, Health Assessment, Medical-Surgical Nursing I, Medical-Surgical Nursing II Clinical, Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing, Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Clinical, Maternal/Newborn Nursing, Maternal/Newborn Nursing Clinical, Pediatric Nursing, Pediatric Nursing Clinical, Medical-Surgical Nursing II, Medical-Surgical Nursing II Clinical, Medical-Surgical Nursing III, Medical-Surgical Nursing III Clinical, Role Transition/RN, Pathophysiology
Admission criteria:
- Must have graduated from high school or completed GED
- Must have a GPA of 2.75 or higher in the pre-requisite courses
- Take and pass the Kaplan Pre-Admission Exam with a minimum total individual score of 67%, an individual score of 73% in reading, and 55% in science
- Submit a completed nursing application packet by the stipulated deadline
- Complete the prerequisite coursework with a grade of C or better – English Composition, Psychology, and Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Must have basic computer skills including word processing and internet access
- Must have and maintain current American Heart Association Basic Life Support (CPR) certification
- Must have a current, unencumbered practical nursing license
- Must submit official college transcripts for evaluation
- Complete support courses before applying for entry
- Complete a satisfactory criminal background check and drug screen
Tuition costs $2,532.00 per semester for New Mexico residents completing 12 to 18 credits. Additional costs for books, uniforms, fees, and supplies must be covered by the student.
Website: https://nnmc.edu/
Address: 921 N. Paseo de Oñate, Española, NM 87532
Phone: (505) 747-2100
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 85.71%
Crystal is a certified Registered Nurse (RN) with a passion for writing about nursing education. Through her articles, Crystal shares insights and tips to help fellow nurses enhance their skills and stay updated with the latest developments in the field. With a focus on practical advice and relevant topics, Crystal's writing is a valuable resource for nursing professionals seeking to advance their careers.