Associate in Applied Science in Nursing: LPN Articulation Option

Division of Nursing & Allied Health — Curriculum Code 2104

Will Earn Upon Program Completion: Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree

(Also see General Science A.S. Degree Program)

Why major in Nursing: LPN Articulation Option?

The LPN Articulation Option of the Nursing program provides an opportunity for Licensed Practical Nurses to gain credit for previous LPN education and licensure toward completion of the Nursing A.A.S. degree program. The nursing program prepares the student for entry-level positions in hospitals and other health care facilities. Upon completion of the program, the student is eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam to qualify for licensure.

Are there any requirements I must satisfy before I start taking courses in my major?

The student must possess a current LPN/LVN license and a high school diploma or GED and have the official transcript of the state-approved or NLN-accredited Practical Nursing Program sent to the ECC Nursing Department. Applicants should enter the College as General Science (curriculum code: 0603) students with a major in nursing. The following are the minimum standards for admission:

• Be at college level in reading, English, and mathematics, which may require the completion of developmental courses (e.g., RDG 096, ENG 096, and/or MTH 092) based on placement test scores.
• Have a GPA of 2.5 or higher.
• Complete the following program prerequisite courses with a grade of “C” or better in each: CHM 101 (or CHM 103), BIO 121, BIO 122, ENG 101, ENG 102, and PSY 101. Note that BIO 121 and BIO 122 must both be completed within 5 years of admission and any science course can be repeated, if necessary, only once.
• Achieve a satisfactory score on the Nursing admission exam.
• Possess a current LPN/LVN license.

How does this option benefit the LPN?

The LPN can test out of NRS 107 Nursing I and segments of NRS 108 Nursing II. Upon successful completion of two courses, NRS 106 LPN Mobility I and NRS 111 LPN Mobility II, students enter Nursing III and can complete the Nursing Program by successfully completing NRS 233 Nursing III, NRS 234 Nursing IV, and NRS 235 Nursing Seminar (Nursing V) in the generic track. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are awarded the Associate in Applied Science Degree with a major in Nursing and are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. Upon successful completion of NRS 106 and NRS 111, the LPN is awarded 6 credits toward the Nursing degree for their LPN education (NRS 999).

How long will it take me to complete this degree?

The Nursing: LPN Articulation Option can be completed in three semesters (after the program prerequisite courses are completed) if you register for an average of 15 credits each semester.

Where should I direct specific questions about this program?

Call the Division at (973) 877-1868/1865.

Upon completion of this program, graduates will be able to:

• Assess clients utilizing Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and Erikson’s developmental theory as a framework to contribute to the database;
• Use critical thinking when applying the nursing process;
• Formulate nursing diagnoses when potential and/or actual unmet needs cause health alterations;
• Develop a plan of care for clients in collaboration with other members of the health care team that incorporates clinical decision making, short- and long-term client-centered goals, and appropriate nursing interventions that are based on scientific rationale;
• Implement caring interventions, complex nursing skills, and current technology in a safe and competent manner;
• Evaluate the effectiveness of nursing care based upon established outcome criteria and revised the care plan as needed;
• Implement nursing care responsive to clients’ cultural diversity and advocacy needs;
• Employ appropriate communication skills with clients, peers, and members of the health care team in the health care setting;
• Implement teaching plans to promote health in clients and their families;
• Practice nursing within the legal and ethical framework of the nursing profession;
• Demonstrate a commitment to one’s own professional and personal growth; and
• Manage nursing care for groups of clients within the score of ADN nursing practice.

NOTES:
(1) The two General Education Integrated Course Goals, Ethical Reasoning & Action and Information Literacy, are both addressed by the required curriculum described above, regardless of specific choices made by the individual student.
(2) This plan assumes the completion of all required developmental courses in reading, writing, and mathematics as well as other pre- and co-requisites for some of the courses, as listed in the Course Descriptions section.