Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) RN to BSN

Introduction

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)  RN-to-BSN Program at Laredo College(LC) can be completed in 3 semesters.. The program is acknowledged by the Texas Board of Nursing (Texas BON), accredited by Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) ,  and approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board , and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).  Upon graduation, students will be prepared to practice in progressive health care arenas, understand the importance of evidence-based practice (EBP) and lifelong learning, and/or apply to Masters of Nursing Programs as well as  advanced practice degree programs.

 

Applying for Admission into the Institution

1. If not presently enrolled at Laredo College submit the following forms to the office of the Registrar and Admissions at the Lerma Pena room 116 or South Campus Billy Hall Student Center, room A109. :
   1. LC Admissions Application and Information Form
   2. Official high school transcript or GED certificate
   3. Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities;
2. The Nursing Program application is available on the website: www.laredo.edu

Program Admission Criteria

All required forms must be completed and received by Laredo College by: last Friday in April - Summer II Admission The student seeking admission into the RN-to-BSN Program at Laredo College (LC) must meet the following requirements:

BSN program admission priority will occur as follows:

• First priority - Graduates of Laredo College Associate Degree Nursing Program
• Second priority - Nurses living and/or working in the Laredo College service area who are not Laredo College graduates.

GPA will determine rank within the priorities:

Conditional admission:  Students admitted under "conditional admission status" will be allowed to enroll in the 1st and 2nd semester BSN courses with no more than 6 hours of pre-requisite courses pending.

All pre-requisite courses must be completed successfully with a grade of "C" or better before continuing to the Spring semester (refer to Conditional Admission Agreement Form).

Admission Requirements:

1. The student must have graduated from an approved or accredited AAS nursing program.

2. The student must have an unencumbered registered nursing license.

3. Have a minimum of a C in all previous pre-requisite and core coursework and an overall GPA of 2.5 or better.

4. A student interview by faculty.

5. One letter of recommendation from a previous or current employer.

6. Applicants must meet the Technical Standards required by the program.

7. Current immunization record.

8. GPA's will be ranked by a sliding scale.

Application Review Process

1. The Nursing Admissions Committee will review all applications to assure that the application is complete.

2. Applicants who have met the required institutional and overall GPA and completed all core/pre-requisite courses with a "C" or better will be eligible for admission.

3. Applicants will be notified through LC's PASPort email address with admission notification.

The applicant who is not selected for admission must submit a new application during the next application period and complete all admission requirements as described in the Program Admission Criteria and Application Review Process.

The student accepted into the BSN Program must:

1. Submit evidence of a current American Heart Association BLS Health-Care Provider CPR Certification.

2. Purchase student liability insurance fee (premium rates applicable to the current academic year and paid through tuition and fees).

3. Purchase nursing lab coat and necessary accessories (rates applicable to the current academic year).

4. Pay any additional fees for computer programs (cost may vary).

5. Computer Access & Equipment: Students admitted to the program will be notified by letter on computer compatibility and specs requirement.

6. Negative (clear) criminal background check: Texas Department of Public Safety

7. Immunization: documentation submitted upon admission to the Nursing Program

• Complete series of Hepatitis B Vaccines: Serologic confirmation of immunity to the Hepatitis B virus acceptable.

• Tetanus-Diphtheria and Pertussis (Tdap): One dose required within the last ten years.

• Measles, Mumps Rubella (MMR): Students born on or after January 1, 1957 must show acceptable evidence of vaccination of two doses of measles containing vaccine administered since January 1, 1968.

• Two doses of Varicella (chickenpox). Also acceptable:

  • Student received first dose prior to 13 years of age

  • Laboratory report indicating Varicella immunity 

• RECOMMENDED: Hepatitis A

• Most current influenza Vaccine due annually in September

• TB skin test (annually) or a Negative Chest X-ray at the provider's discretion is acceptable.

• Bacterial Meningitis - Texas State Law Senate Bill 62 requires students who meet the criteria below, to provide proper documentation that they have received the bacterial meningitis vaccination within the last five years and at least 10 calendar days before the beginning of the semester.

  • All new or transfer students under age 22

  • All returning students under the age of 22, who have experienced a break in enrollment of at least one fall or spring term.

  • Students enrolled in online courses that physically attend classes or come to campus within the semester

Immunization Statement

Students enrolling into Laredo College programs with external learning experiences (i.e., clinical, practicum, externship, cooperative, etc.) will be required to comply with the immunization requirements and policies of the clinical/external learning sites pursuant to the independent authority of such facilities and are mandated by Laredo College. Failure to meet the immunization requirements mandated by clinical/external sites may limit a student's ability to complete the program an/or may delay the student's graduation date. The clinical facilities approve or deny the exemptions.

Legal Information for Prospective Nursing Students

The applicant who has been convicted of a felony, implicated in substance abuse, or involved in activities considered inappropriate by the Texas Board of Nursing (Texas BON) is not eligible to apply, enter, or complete the program. Students desiring admissions to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program require a current unencumbered registered nursing license.

The student is responsible for notifying the BSN Program Director should the status in the criminal background check change at any period during enrollment in the program. Refer to the Board's address and phone number listed below.

Texas Board of Nursing (Texas BON) 1801 Congress Avenue Suite 10-200 Austin, Texas 78701 Phone: [phone] www.bon.texas.gov

Progression

Student's progress through the nursing programs curriculum according to the BSN (RN-to-BSN) Degree Plan. For progression in the RN-to-BSN program, the student must meet all the following criteria:

1. Abide by the Rules, Regulations, and procedures outlined in the Student Handbook.

2. Complete all core/pre-requisite nursing courses in the required sequence as outlined in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program's degree plan with a grade of C=75% or better and meet all clinical objectives

3. The student must maintain an institutional and overall grade point average of 2.5 or greater to progress to the next nursing course.

4. Declare a major with the office of the Registrar and Admissions by completing the Declaration of Major Field of Study Form.

Withdrawal

A student considering withdrawal from a Nursing Course(s) should refer to the Student Handbook and make an appointment with the course instructor and/or the BSN Programs Director.

Continuation

A student requesting continuation in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program must have an overall grade point average of 2.5 or greater. The request must be in writing and follow the continuation procedure outlined in the Student Handbook.

Attendance

The BSN (RN-to-BSN) Program for lecture, lab, and clinical rotation courses requires specific attendance hours in order to be in compliance with the accrediting agencies. Students who do not meet the requirements will not complete the program. Nursing programs follow the LC attendance policy for campus/didactic courses. All clinical rotation courses require attendance in order to be in compliance with the accrediting agencies.

Contact

For additional information call: [phone] or visit the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Department in the

College of Health Sciences Building room A218.

Laredo College South Campus

5500 South Zapata Highway

Laredo, TX 78046

956.794.4000

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program is acknowledged by:

Texas Board of Nursing (Texas BON)

1801 Congress Avenue Suite 10-200

Austin, Texas 78701

Phone: [phone]

www.bon.texas.gov

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program is approved by:

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

1200 E. Anderson Lane

Austin, Texas 78752

Phone: [phone]

www.thecb.state.tx.us

This nursing education program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

3930 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400

Atlanta, GA 30326 404-975-5000

www.acenursing.org

NOTE: Information regarding the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program is current at the time of publication and is subject to change without notice.

Summer II Admission ONLY - Applications are accepted the beginning of February through the last Friday in April.

Nursing Program BSN (RN-to-BSN)

RN to BSN CURRICULUM

CORE Prerequisites:

ENGL 1301	Composition I CORE	3
ENGL 1302	Composition II CORE	3
ENGL X3XX	Language, Philosophy and Culture - CORE	3
MATH 1342	Elementary Statistical Methods - CORE	3
BIOL 2301	Anatomy and Physiology I CORE	3
BIOL 2302	Anatomy and Physiology II CORE	3
HIST 1301	United States History I CORE	3
HIST 1302	United States History II CORE	3
GOVT 2305	Federal Government (Federal constitution & topics) CORE	3
GOVT 2306	Texas Government (Texas constitution & topics) CORE	3
XXXX X3XX	Social/Behavioral Science CORE	3
XXXX X3XX	Creative Arts CORE	3
XXXX X3XX	Component Area Option CORE - (Suggested: SPCH or KINE 1304 Personal/Community Health CORE)	3
XXXX X3XX	Component Area Option CORE - (Suggested: SPCH or KINE 1304 Personal/Community Health CORE)	3
	Total Credit Hours:	42

Prerequisites:

BIOL 2101	Anatomy and Physiology I Laboratory	1
BIOL 2102	Anatomy and Physiology II Laboratory	1
BIOL 2320	Microbiology for Non-Science Majors	3
BIOL 2120	Microbiology for Non-Science Majors Laboratory	1
XXXX X3XX	Social/Behavioral Science CORE	3
	Total Credit Hours:	9

BSN COURSE WORK

First Semester

NURS 3315	Professional Role Development for the Bachelor's Prepared Nurse	3
NURS 3312	Holistic Health Assessment	3

Second Semester

NURS 3316	Nursing Research: Evidence -based Decision Making	3
NURS 3314	Legal and Ethical Principles of Nursing	3
NURS 3313	Gerontology	3
NURS 4433	Applied Nursing Research: Quality Health Care and Best Practices	4

Third Semester

NURS 4401	Community Nursing: Population and Culture (Capstone)	4
NURS 4260	Community Nursing Clinical (Capstone)	2
NURS 4431	Leadership & Management: Professional approach to Healthcare Issues	4
	Total Credit Hours:	33

Associates Degree in Nursing Credit 36

Total Credit Hours:

36

Total Credit Hours: 120

Students will not be required to take KINE 1304 or SPCH if 6 hours of Component Area Option are complete.

Language, Culture, Philosophy courses must be selected from ENGL 2322, ENGL 2323, ENGL 2326, ENGL 2327, ENGL 2328, ENGL 2332, ENGL 2333, ENGL 2351.

Creative Arts courses must be selected from ARTS 1301, ARTS 1303, ARTS 1304, DANC 2303, DRAM 1310, MUSI 1306, MUSI 1308, MUSI 1309, MUSI 1310