2024-2025 Catalog

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Nursing Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree

Transfer Options

  • Arkansas State University-Jonesboro
    • BAS Organizational Supervision
  • Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology
    • Bachelor of Technology Applied Technical Leadership

Program Goal

Prepare graduates to practice at entry-level RN positions in a variety of settings.

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

PLO 1. Use safe and effective nursing interventions that promote, maintains, and restore the health of culturally and ethnically diverse individuals, families, and families in communities throughout the lifespan as evidenced by scores of >76% on written examinations and meeting clinical objectives.
PLO 2.
 Use therapeutic nursing interventions that provide and direct nursing care of the client that will incorporate the knowledge of expected growth and development principles; the prevention and/or early detection of health problems, and strategies to provide the education required to achieve optimal health for clients throughout the lifespan as evidenced by scores of >76% on written examinations and meeting clinical objectives.
PLO 3
 Provide and direct nursing care that promotes and supports the emotional, mental and social well-being of the client experiencing stressful events as well as clients with acute or chronic mental illness as evidenced by scores of >76% on written examinations and meeting clinical objectives.
PLO 4.
 Be able to educate individuals, families and families in communities on physical health and wellness by reducing client risk potential and managing health alterations as evidenced by scores of >76% on written examinations and meeting clinical objectives.
PLO 5.
 Be able to communicate and collaborate with members of the health care team to provide and improve delivery of health care as evidenced by scores of >76% on clinical evaluations and written exams.
PLO 6.
 The ability to critically think using a problem-solving process that is both goals directed and ethically based on standards of nursing practice as evidenced by scores of >76% on written examinations and meeting clinical objectives.

Program Description

Southern Arkansas University Tech’s Nursing Programs are fully approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing. Our LPN/Paramedic to RN Program offers an accelerated path for LPNs and paramedics to use their education and experience to further their degrees. This degree program prepares graduates to apply for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and to function as a registered nurse. This is a 9-month program that incorporates classroom instruction, online education along with clinical experiences which prepare graduates to practice at entry level RN positions in a variety of settings ranging from inpatient, outpatient, long term, or community- based nursing. 

General Information

  • Developmental coursework may be required in addition to the courses required for this degree.

General Requirements

  • This degree requires successful completion of 67 credit hours.
  • A minimum 2.00 cumulative grade point average is required for graduation.
  • Satisfaction of all financial obligations due to the college is required for graduation.

Residency Requirement

The student is required to complete a minimum of 15 semester hours in residence at SAU Tech for associate degrees and technical certificates and half of the credit hours required for certificates of proficiency as well as complete all other graduation requirements.  Students who wish to pursue additional degrees must complete a minimum of 15 credit hours of difference between the degrees.

ACTS Course Numbers

The Arkansas Course Transfer System (ACTS) contains information about the transferability of courses within Arkansas public colleges and universities. Students are guaranteed the transfer of applicable credits and equitable treatment in the application of credits for admissions and degree requirements.

Degree Plan

Program Prerequisites (31 hours)

BI 2234Microbiology

4
BIOL 2404Anatomy & Physiology I

4
BIOL 2414Anatomy & Physiology II

4
CHEM 1114General Chemistry I

4
CPSC 1003Introduction to Computers

3
ENGL 1113Composition I

3
ENGL 1123Composition II

3
MATH 1073Math for Healthcare Professionals

3
PSYC 2003General Psychology

3

Fall Semester (12 hours)

RN 1003Nursing of Mothers, Infants and Children

3
RN 1013RN Practicum 1

3
RN 1046Medical/Surgical Nursing 1

6

Spring Semester (12 hours)

RN 1015RN Practicum 2

5
RN 1023Mental Health

3
RN 1054Medical/Surgical Nursing 2

4

Summer I Extended Semester (12 hours)

RN 2002Leadership/NCLEX Prep

2
RN 2005Critical Care

5
RN 2015RN Practicum 3

5

Total Credit Hours: 67

Admission Requirements

Prior to the application deadline of the first Monday in June each year, the candidate must:

  1. Provide proof of graduation from a state board approved practical nursing program.
  2. Provide proof of a valid, unencumbered Arkansas LPN/LVN license or mutual state licensure recognized by the Arkansas State Board Nurse Licensure Compact.
  3. Paramedics must hold certification and provide proof from the Arkansas Department of Health as a paramedic and current registration as a paramedic with the National Registry of EMTs.
  4. A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
  5. Students who have completed coursework at SAU Tech must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
  6. Applied to SAU Tech and complied with all admission requirements (in order to be eligible for selection).
    1. The college’s application for admission can be found here: https://www.sautech.edu/Application/admapp.aspx
    2. The admissions checklist and more information can be found here: http://www.sautech.edu/studentResources/admissions.aspx
    3. Call the Admissions department at 870-574-4558 if any questions.
  7. Taken the Nursing Accelerated Challenge Exam (NACE) I: Foundations of Nursing PN to RN and score a minimum of 76%.
    1. NACE Exam is limited to twice per application year with a minimum of 1 weeks separating each exam.
    2. NACE Exam scores are valid for one application year only.
    3. Cost of the exam is $65.
    4. Register online at https://ondemand.questionmark.com/400030/ext/nlntesting/
    5. Select Southern Arkansas University Tech College and select the day to test
  8. Submitted all transcripts to the LPN TO RN program. *Applicants must submit official or nonofficial transcripts to the nursing dept. with his/her LPN TO RN program application separately from what the admissions department requires.
  9. Submitted the completed and signed nursing program application to the address below by the deadline. a. The LPN TO RN Program application and other information can be found here: http://www.sautech.edu/academics/alliedHealth.aspx
  10. If the applicant has been in another LPN/Paramedic to RN program, a ‘Letter of Recommendation & Good Standing’ from his/her previous nursing program DIRECTOR is required. The letter must come directly to the SAU Tech Nursing Program from that program director. Letters submitted by students are not acceptable.
    1. The letter should be mailed to the address below or it may be e-mailed to syoung@sautech.edu:
      Southern Arkansas University Tech
      Attn: Allied Health Coordinator
      P. O. Box 3499
      Camden, AR 71711

Instructions:

  1. Apply to SAU Tech and comply with all admission requirements.
  2. Register for and take the NACE.
  3. Print legibly throughout the application (below) and fill in ALL sections COMPLETELY. An incomplete application may result in the applicant not being considered for admission.
  4. Submit* the completed and signed application and all required documents (see below) prior to the deadline for application, which is March 1st of the applicable year prior to 4:30 p.m., to the Nursing Program Office located on the SAU Tech campus, Business Building, Room 120, or mail to:
    Southern Arkansas University Tech
    Attn: LPN to RN Nursing Program
    P. O. Box 3499 Camden, AR 71711

*If mailing would cause application to be received after the deadline, the application and required documents may be faxed to 870-574-4474 but the originals must still be submitted in person or by mail.

Applicants Selected Admission into the Practical Nursing Program

  1. Student selection for the LPN/Paramedic to RN Program is based on a point system utilizing the following criteria:
    1. NACE Exam
    2. Cumulative college GPA
    3. Must provide transcript proof of pre-requisites courses and must have earned a grade of ‘C’ or higher in each course.
  2. Applicants accepted for admission into the LPN/Paramedic to RN Program will receive an acceptance letter, which will provide further instructions for admission requirements, which includes, but is not limited to the following: submission of immunization record showing certain specific immunization requirements, a criminal background check and a drug screen. It is important to note that persons who have been convicted of certain crimes may not be eligible to take the nursing licensure exam so are, therefore, not eligible for entry into the LPN/Paramedic to RN program. (See ‘Required Reading for Admission’ section).

Post Admission Information

  • This program requires many hours of study beyond the classroom/clinical setting so the student should make arrangements to have the time for this.
  • A dependable means of transportation and childcare (if applicable) is paramount to success in the program so the student should make arrangements for this.
  • Due to the difficulty level of the program, the course demands, strict attendance requirements, and the importance of full attention and comprehension of program content, employment during this course of training is not recommended. Working a number of hours while in the nursing program has been found to be a primary contributor to the lack of success in nursing school. If the student intends to work while in the nursing program, it is highly recommended that the number of hours be minimal.
  • Excellent attendance and punctuality are required throughout the program. The attendance policy will be discussed during orientation.
  • Students in the program may be required to attend an occasional workshop or seminar out of town.