Academic Career Mobility Program - (RN)

Description

The Academic/Career Mobility Program provides a seamless educational option in nursing with two exit points allowing students to choose a career as an LPN or RN.  The curriculum is structured around a clearly defined organizing framework and provides the foundation for a competency-based approach to nursing education through the utilization of interactive and student-focused learning strategies.  Content and performance-based outcomes for the nursing courses are selected, developed, and leveled from simple to complex.  Students who successfully complete the first year will receive a diploma qualifying them to apply for licensure as practical nurses.  Following successful completion of the second year, students will receive the Associate in Applied Science Degree in Nursing qualifying them to apply for licensure as registered nurses.

Proof of active status on the Kentucky Medicaid Nurse Aide Registry or successful completion of an equivalent nursing course is required prior to enrolling in the first nursing course.  CPR certificate for Health Care Providers must be obtained prior to enrolling in the first nursing course and certification must be kept current throughout the program. 

Nursing Program Admission Procedure

In order to be considered for admission to the Nursing Program, each applicant must:

• Complete application for admission to the college.
• Meet with a faculty advisor.
• Submit official high school transcript indicating that the applicant has or will complete a high school course of study or a passing GED official score report.
• Submit official transcripts of postsecondary work completed at all institutions.
• Submit results of ACT or equivalent.
• Be in active status on the Kentucky Medicaid Nurse Aide Registry.
• Take the TEAS exam for pre-admission (Test of Essential Academic Skills)

Preference may be given to:

• Applicants who demonstrate above average standing in high school or on the General Education Development Examination (GED).
• Applicants with an ACT composite score of 20 or its equivalent.
• Applicants who have completed 12 or more credit hours in the approved curriculum with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better from any regionally accredited college.
• Applicants with high TEAS Exam scores.

Advance Standing

Licensed practical nurses that have practiced at least one full year within the past three years and hold a current unrestricted license for practical nursing may be admitted to the second year of the program after meeting current admission guidelines, prerequisite general education courses and the LPN-ADN Transition course (NRS 200).

Readmission

• In order to be considered for readmission by the Nursing Admissions Committee, the applicant must meet current admission guidelines; submit a written request to the Nursing Coordinator, and request in writing two letters of recommendation from nursing faculty.  (One letter must be from a clinical instructor.)
• A student may be readmitted to each level (PN and ADN) of the Academic/Career Mobility Program in Nursing one time.  The Nursing Admissions Committee may recommend readmission a second time, if a student furnished sufficient evidence of remedial study, additional preparation or resolution of factors contributing to unsuccessful course completion.
• Licensed Practical Nurses who graduated more than three (3) years prior to readmission at the Associate Degree level shall provide verification of current employment.  Current employment shall be defined as one (1) year full-time employment as an LPN within the last three years.  The employment in nursing shall be defined as patient/client contact and shall be verified by the employing agency/agencies using the standardized verification of employment form.
• Licensed Practical Nurses who graduated more than three years prior to readmission at the Associate Degree level, but were not employed as an LPN for at least one (1) full year within the past three years must repeat all nursing courses unless the applicant has demonstrated current competency by passing exams equivalent to comprehensive course final examinations (both written exams and clinical skills).

An applicant for readmission who is not licensed as an LPN, and more than three years have elapsed since initial enrollment in the first nursing course of any nursing program, must repeat all nursing courses unless the applicant has demonstrated current competency by passing exams equivalent to comprehensive course final examinations (both written exams and clinical skills)

Criminal Conviction Record/Drug Testing

In order to comply with clinical requirements of affiliating health care agencies, students who are admitted to the program must obtain a criminal background check and a drug screening test.  Affiliating agencies may deny the student with a criminal background and students who fail the drug screening test the right to participate in clinical learning experiences at their facilities.

The Kentucky Board of Nursing requires that all criminal convictions (misdemeanors and felonies) be reported at the time of application for licensure.  The Board has the power to deny a nursing graduate the right to take the licensure exam to an individual with a criminal history that involves acts bearing directly on the practice of nursing

Progression in Program

Progression in the nursing program is contingent upon achievement of a grade “C” or better in each biological, nursing and mathematics course and maintenance of a cumulative 2.0 grade point average or better (on a 4.0 scale)

Expenses and Financial Assistance

In addition to tuition, students are responsible for transportation to and from the various clinical sites, purchasing liability insurance, books, uniforms, and other supplies.  Any student seeking financial aid should contact the Financial Aid Office at (270) 901-1004.

Miscellaneous Cost List

*Estimated Cost

Technical Standards

Nursing at the technical level involves the provision of direct care for individuals and is characterized by the application of verified knowledge in the skillful performance of nursing functions.  All students should posses:

• sufficient visual acuity, such as is needed in preparation and administration of medications, and for the observation necessary for patient assessment and nursing care;
• sufficient auditory perception to receive verbal communication from patients and members of the health team and to assess health needs of people through the use of monitoring devices such as cardiac monitors, stethoscopes, IV infusion pumps, Doptones, fire alarms, etc.;
• sufficient gross and fine motor coordination to respond promptly and to implement the skills, including the manipulation of equipment required in meeting health needs
• sufficient communication skills (speech, reading, writing) to interact with individuals and to communicate their needs promptly and effectively, as may be necessary in the individual’s interest; and sufficient intellectual and emotional functions to plan and implement care for individuals.

Curriculum

Prerequsites:

First Semester:                               

Second Semester:

Students have the option to exit at this point with a diploma in practical nursing or continue with the following courses required for the Associate in Applied Science Degree

Third Semester:

Fourth Semester:

Campus Director/Division Chair
Jimmy Isenberg, PhD, RN
270-901-1201
jimmy.isenberg@kctcs.edu

Associate Professor
Angie Harlan, MSN, RN
270-901-1211
angela.harlan@kctcs.edu

Assistant Professor
Tony Hogan, MSN, ARNP
270-901-1206
tony.hogan@kctcs.edu

Assistant Professor
Jennifer Shoemake, MSN, RN
270-901-1212
jennifer.shoemake@kctcs.edu