Bethesda School of Nursing
The LPN to RN track is a program for licensed experienced LPNs. Graduates of the LPN to RN Nursing Program have found that they have many more career opportunities available to them in various health care settings. For the student’s convenience most courses are scheduled in the late afternoon or evening. Because of the LPN’s experience, advanced standing credit is granted for 19 credit hours of nursing courses.
Starting Salaries
New graduates earn approximately $20.00 per hour. Shift differential is added to this. Most acute care facilities also give partial credit for years of LPN experience when hiring new NURP graduates.
About the Program
This program prepares graduates who are eligible to take the national standardized nursing examination (NCLEX-RN)* and, upon passing, work as registered nurses (RNs). Graduates are members of the health team prepared to provide nursing care to clients with common health problems in a variety of settings. Settings may include hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics. Graduates care for mothers and babies, the elderly, children, and adults.
The program is approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing and is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission**
*When applying for state licensure exam, the candidate will be required to indicate whether he or she has ever been convicted of a felony or other crimes. The Ohio Board of Nursing may decide that a candidate may not take this exam based upon the answer given (Ohio Revised Code 4723.28).
**61 Broadway- 33rd Floor, New York, NY 10006, phone 800-669-1656
Please be aware that course offerings and descriptions, admission and graduation requirements, policies, and tuition and fees are subject to change without notice or obligation.
Admission to the Program
You may enroll in the program if you are a graduate of an accredited high school or have evidence of high school equivalency by GED scores and are a currently licensed LPN with no restrictions on your license.
In addition to meeting the requirements for admission to the college, you must meet the criteria for admission to the program. These are listed below.
Class List
You may begin taking courses during any term. When you have completed the admission criteria you are placed on the class list. As of 2006, the approximate waiting time is one year. You will be admitted to the technical nursing courses according to your place on the class list. Technical courses begin twice a year: September and February. Information about the current class list is available from the Program Chair. You are strongly encouraged to work closely with the appropriate advisor to plan your courses each term. Advisors are listed at the end of this document. Many students will work on nursing course co- requisites and the coursework for the BSN while on the class list. Information about articulation to local BSN programs is available in the Health and Public Safety office and at the end of this document.
Students are notified by mail when it is their turn to begin the technical sequence. If a student is unable to begin the technical nursing courses when the opportunity is offered, the student will be removed from the current class list. The student will be given one opportunity to enter with the next class.
Nursing Transfer Credit
Students desiring to transfer nursing credit from another nursing program need to contact the Program Chair for specific information after being admitted to both the college and program.
Estimated Costs
Fees and tuition for the program total approximately $11,000.00 for Ohio residents. Tuition is doubled for out-of-state students except those in Northern Kentucky (see catalogue for more information). These costs do not reflect pre-requisite work.
Tuition and fees are subject to change at the discretion of the college.
Working While in the Technical Nursing Courses
The program is intensive. You are strongly encouraged to work no more than 24 hours/week while in the technical nursing courses.
Prerequisites
· High school chemistry course lasting one year and with an earned grade of “C” or better. The chemistry course must include a lab. The course must be completed 7 years or less from the date of admission to the program. If you do not have this prerequisite, equivalent courses may be taken at the college: CHEM 2202 & 2203. Course prerequisites are listed in the college catalogue.
· COMPASS scores indicating no need for developmental work, or completion of identified courses.
· A copy of the applicant’s current LPN license.
· Proof of a minimum of 1000 hours of recent direct patient care experience as an LPN. This must be completed by the time the student starts the technical sequence of the program. (The nursing manager or supervisor must document satisfactory performance evaluation at the clinical site). Completion of the College Success Strategies course CAR 9002. This course must be completed within the first 18 credit hours taken at Cincinnati State. This is a college-wide requirement.
Prior to Admission to the Technical Sequence
· Cincinnati State cumulative grade point average (GPA) and a specific GPA of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale are required prior to entering the technical nursing sequence. The specific GPA is based upon all courses in the first two terms of the curriculum (Level One). Students are placed on the class waiting list when all prerequisites and Level One courses are completed.
· Certification in health care provider level cardiopulmonary resusitation (CPR) including infant, child and adult. This certification must remain current throughout the time in the nursing program.
· A physical exam and immunizations. All students must show proof of immunity to rubeola, rubella, mumps, varicella, and hepatitis B. A two-step PPD tuberculosis test must also be completed and then updated yearly.
Note: the college catalogue lists all courses, prerequisites and other college information. Please consult it for further information. Catalogues are available in the college Admissions Office.
Nursing Program Policies
You will receive a handbook that includes all the nursing and health division policies during orientation just before you start the technical nursing courses which includes all program policies. A few of the policies are mentioned here. All policies are available at the college web site.
Student Handbook 2006-2007 WI
Core Performance Standards
The nursing program has a set of standards that reflect essential functions of nursing. All students must be able to meet these standards. See student handbook.
Continuation in the Technical Sequence
A minimum grade of “C” or “Satisfactory” is required in all curriculum courses. Support courses must be taken in the sequence listed in the curriculum or earlier. Students must meet all requirements of the program, receive a minimum grade of “C” or “Satisfactory” in all courses, attain satisfactory clinical evaluations, and maintain a minimum overall GPA of 2.75 to remain in, progress through, and complete the program.
Note: you must earn a 2.75 GPA to enter the technical sequence as outlined on the previous page.
Drug Screening and Background Check
Students who are admitted to the program who have been convicted of felonies and/or misdemeanors are required to contact the Program Chair/Director to discuss their situations before entering the first nursing course. Students who are convicted of possession and/or distribution of controlled substances or have positive drug screens for non-prescribed controlled substances while enrolled in the program will be automatically dismissed.
Some clinical facilities require background checks. Based upon the results, students may not be eligible for clinical placement at those facilities. This may result in inability to continue in the program.
Achievement Tests
Students are required to take one or more achievement tests during the program, including one during the final term of the curriculum. An acceptable score on this exam must be earned to pass the final clinical nursing course.
State Board of Ohio Licensure Rules and Regulations
All graduates will be required to submit their fingerprints to the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigations. More information about Ohio Law is available at the Board’s web site at http://www.nursing.ohio.gov/links.htm
Program Advisors
You can make an appointment with any advisor by calling 513-569-1670 Monday – Friday 8 AM – 5 PM.
Dr. Athealia Bell and Dr. Effie Rosa: advise those of you who have questions about the program before admission to the college, or for students who are working on developmental courses.
Dr. Bell: Email is athealia.bell@cincinnatistate.edu
Phone number: 569-1682
Dr. Rosa: Email is effie.rosa@cincinnatistate.edu
Phone number: 569-5771