Program Description

This associate degree in nursing bridge program prepares students who are already licensed practical nurses to take the National Council Licensing Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX). Students are provided a foundation of general education, including courses in the natural sciences, the social sciences, and mathematics, as well as the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to work in a healthcare environment. Theoretical instruction is complemented with clinical experience in a variety of healthcare settings in order to provide a broad, holistic, and reality-based understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a professional nurse. Students will participate in planned clinical and laboratory experiences that will complement classroom learning and stress health prevention and promotion as well as disease processes. 

Program Outcomes (Student Learning Outcomes)

Upon completion of this program, the student should be able to:

1. Demonstrate the ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team.
2. Provide accurate patient assessments.
3. Provide appropriate health care interventions as a member of a treatment team.
4. Function as a beginning-level staff nurse in a variety of healthcare facilities to include hospitals, long-term care agencies, physician’s offices, clinics, outpatient surgical facilities, and other community organizations.
5. Function as a safe practitioner and, through critical thinking and communication skills, act as a patient advocate and educator, including the family and community in the total care.
6. Understand and utilize nursing-related medical and technological equipment.
7. Demonstrate a full understanding and practice of accepted ethical and legal standards.
8. Exhibit leadership qualities in diverse healthcare settings.
9. Understand the unique needs of diverse populations in regard to socioeconomic, cultural, and lifespan issues.
10. Promote health and wellness in order to facilitate positive growth and development.
11. Think critically, both conceptually and by using mathematical analysis, write and speak effectively, use basic computer applications, and understand human behavior in the context of the greater society.

Special Admission Requirements

Please refer to the “Undergraduate Nursing Program Requirements ” policy in the Admissions Information section of this catalog for nursing program admission requirements.  Students must have an active/unrestricted LPN license from Alabama.  Students who have completed an LPN program will be awarded 10.00 semester credit hours toward this degree.

Potential Occupational Titles

Potential occupational titles for this program include, but are not limited to, registered nurse.

Program Content

A minimum of 72.00 credit hours is required for graduation, which includes 10 semester transfer credits for active/unrestricted LPN license.