With an additional one year of study, licensed practical nurses can change their personal and professional outlook. LVN to RN bridge programs provide the additional training you need to take a more active role on the health care team. Like the LVN program, it will include theoretical concepts in the classroom as well as intentional activities in the skills lab and at clinical partners in the community. Unlike the LVN program, it will foster the development of advanced skills that will enable you to develop, modify, and evaluate patient care plans under the supervision of a registered nurse or physician. Moreover, you will be eligible to take the NCLEX to carry the new credential of Registered Nurse, almost double your salary, and be further motivated to continue your studies to climb the limitless nursing career ladder.
El Paso Community College
El Paso Community College offers an LVN to RN Transition option for licensed vocational nurses to prepare for the NCLEX-RN. The program leads to an Associate in Applied Science degree. Vocational nurses will receive credit for the first two semesters of the program and will start the degree plan by enrolling in Health Assessment and Concepts of Clinical Decision-Making, Transition to Professional Nursing, and Clinical-Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. Students must have an maintain active licensure as a vocational nurse throughout the program. Graduates will be able to provide professional nursing care, patient teaching effective communication, and management of patient care.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 60 (including transfer credits)
Duration: 1 years (2 semesters)
Method of instruction: Traditional
Course titles:
Prerequisite courses – Anatomy and Physiology I (Lecture & Lab), Anatomy and Physiology II (Lecture & Lab), Lifespan Growth and Development, Pharmacology, College Algebra or Mathematics for Business, Composition I,
Core courses – Dosage Calculations for Nursing, Clinical-Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, Foundations for Nursing Practice, Clinical-Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse II, Foundations for Nursing Practice, Common Concepts of Adult Health, Mental Health Nursing, Clinical-Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse III, Humanities or Fine Arts Elective, Health Assessment, Clinical-Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse IV, Transition to Professional Nursing, Clinical-Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse V, Concepts of Clinical Decision-Making I, Complex Concepts of Adult Health, Professional Nursing Review and License Preparation, Clinical-Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse VI, Professional Nursing: Leadership and Management, Clinical-Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse VII, Open Elective
Admission criteria:
- Must have proof of current Vocational or Practical Nurse license
- Obtain acceptance to EPCC as an academic degree-seeking student
- Take and pass the ATI TEAS with a minimum composite score of 57% -scores are valid for two years
- Take and pass the ATI PN Comprehensive Predictor Exam with a score of 90% or above
- Complete all academic and specialized courses listed on the degree plan with a grade C or better
- Complete all mandatory prior to advanced placement – Anatomy and Physiology I & II, Health Assessment, Lifespan Growth and Development, Pharmacology, Mathematics for Business and Social Sciences
- Must have current CPR certification – American Heart Association Healthcare Provider
- Complete immunization and titers – Hepatitis B series, MMR, Tdap, Varicella, Influenza, Meningitis
- Must complete first aid certification – National Safety Council Course or American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeon
- Complete a physical exam at the licensed physician, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant – valid for 6 months
- Must be currently employed as a LVN and have a minimum of 6 months full-time work experience or one year part-time work experience as an LVN
- Submit a letter from current employer documenting work experience
- Submit the completed Physical Technical Standard form
- Complete two background checks and substance abuse screening
- Provide proof of personal medical insurance
- Attend a program orientation – in person or virtually
Program Cost:
Tuition costs $136 per credit including general use fees for resident students. The cost per semester for full-time residents is $2,040 (15 credits). Nursing students can expect to incur additional costs for books, uniforms, equipment, background check, drug screen, and physical exam.
Website: https://www.epcc.edu/
Address: 919 Hunter, El Paso, TX 79915
Phone: (915) 831-3722
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 94.49%
Southwest University
Licensed vocational nurses may enroll in the Associate Degree of Nursing program offered by Southwest University and apply for advanced placement based on prior education and experience. The program is delivered in blended – residential and online – format. Nursing skills are divided into two courses and are taught before simulation or clinical entry. The curriculum is designed with emphasis on the roles of a nurse as expressed by the Texas Board of Nursing: Provider of Patient-Centered Care, Member of the Health Care Team, Member of the Profession, and Patient Safety Advocate. Coursework will cover the major concepts of disease prevention, health promotion, and disease management. Graduates will be prepared to take the NCLEX-RN for licensure as a Registered Nurse. They may then bridge to the BSN through online study and complete the degree in just 14 months.
Program Outline
Quarter credits: 128
Duration: 104 weeks
Method of instruction: Traditional
Course titles:
Courses – Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab, Medical Terminology, Algebra I, Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab, English I, Microbiology, Pathophysiology, Psychology, Nursing Skills I, Lifespan Growth and Development, Pharmacology, Nursing Skills II, Health Assessment, Health Assessment Lab, Pharmacology II, Foundation of Nursing Practice I, Foundations of Nursing Clinical I, Foundations of Nursing Practice II, Foundations of Nursing Clinical II, Common Concepts of Adult Health I, Common Concepts of Adult Clinical I, Common Concepts of Adult Health II, Common Concepts of Adult Clinical II, Mental Health Nursing, Mental Health Nursing Clinical, Care of Children and Families, Care of Children and Families Clinical, Maternal Newborn Nursing and Women’s Health, Maternal Newborn Nursing and Women’s Health Clinical, Complex Concepts of Adult Health I, Complex Concepts of Adult Health Clinical, Complex Concepts of Adult Health II, Complex Concepts of Adult Health Clinical II, Professional Nursing Leadership and Management, Jurisprudence, Professional Nursing Review
Admission criteria:
- A high school diploma or equivalent
- Unencumbered LVN license with at least 2 years’ work experience
- Complete a successful interview with an intake counselor
- Take and pass the nursing entrance exam. HESI score must be above 75% for admission
- Complete a successful background check and drug test
- Provide proof of citizenship
- Attend an interview with the Nursing Panel
- Submit a written essay
- Submit two letters of recommendation (1 personal and 1 professional)
Program Cost:
The total program price is $37,350. It includes tuition, books, technology fee, practice exam fee, and electronic reader.
Website: https://southwestuniversity.edu/
Address: 1414 Geronimo Dr, El Paso, TX 79925
Phone: (915) 778-4001
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 80.77%
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.