Bridge candidates are eligible to take NURS 203 once all the prerequisites are met. Bridge students are admitted on a space available basis using the same student selection process as basic students. Availability of clinical space will also impact the entry decision.

• Graduate of a state-approved PN Program
• Send PN Program transcripts to Richland
• Submit verification of LPN license or evidence of eligibility for licensure
• Complete prerequisite and general education requirements

• Complete placement testing: eligible for ENGL 101, and placement in MATH 098 or completion of MATH 091 and MATH 106.
• Nelson Denny Reading Examination: placement at 12th grade in all sections.
• Successful completion of two years of high school Biology and 1 year of high school Chemistry within the last three years with a “B” or better for each course or BIOL 101 with a "C" or better
• Successful completion of the following courses with a “C” or better:
  • ENGL 101
  • BIOL 201, 202, 220
  • PSYCH 110, 145
  • NURS 154 (May be taken concurrently with NURS 203)
• A minimum 2.5 Preadmission Program GPA. The Preadmission Program GPA is calculated using the grades in any program general education course (including HLTH 197 and NURS 154) completed prior to admission to the Bridge program. A list of courses applicable courses include the following:
  • BIOL 201, 202, 220*
  • HLTH 197*
  • PSYCH 110, 145
  • NURS 154**
  • ENGL 101
  • Fine Arts elective*
  • and/or SOCIO 110*

* Course can be completed in program. Please refer to the semester-by-semester outline.
** Course can be completed concurrently with NURS 203

• Students are strongly encouraged to complete all general eduation courses prior to admission to the Bridge program.

• Students are responsible for LPN skills outlined in the Occupational Illinois Skills Competency Standards. Students should identify areas of weakness or areas for improvement and refine those skills in the open lab.

Students must meet the minimal admission criteria in order to apply. Once the criteria have been met, students are scored on a rubric and the highest scores are accepted first in rank order. The following components are the basis of ranking:

1. Preadmission Program G.P.A. (minimum 2.5)
2. Biology G.P.A. (minimum 2.0)
3. Number of general education courses completed
4. Nelson Denny reading level
5. Number of biology courses withdrawn (W) or repeated within the last 5 years
6. Priority is given to the most qualified and in-district applicants

Shortly after the deadline, the ADN Program Admission Committee will meet to review the admission rubrics, rank students, and determine who will be admitted to the program. The rubrics are not attached to any indentifying student characteristics besides the student ID number. This allows the Committee to review the rubrics using non-discriminatory practices.

The top ranked students will be offered conditional admission to the Bridge Program. All applicants are notified in writing of their admission status within four weeks after the Admission Committee’s meeting.

After the top ranked students are extended conditional acceptance, an alternate list of other qualified students is developed in the event that someone should cancel or not meet the conditional admission criteria. Up to the day prior to the first nursing course, the alternates may be notified. However, this alternate list does not roll over to the next semester. If you were not admitted, you should work with a counselor to determine what steps should be taken to improve your rubric score and ranking.

Admission is conditional. This means that students must meet certain criteria before registering for the first Nursing course. The criteria are as follows:

• Students must have a “C” or better in all prerequisites and program courses and a 2.5 minimum program GPA. All courses and the program GPA will be reassessed at the end of the semester in which the student applied to determine if the student is still eligible for the Bridge Program
• Students must submit their acceptance letter by the deadline
• Students must have a physician complete the Health and Immunization Record Form, updated immunizations and proof of CPR certification. The completed form should be submitted by the deadline
• Negative drug screen by the deadline

Background Checks

Richland’s clinical sites require students to submit to a background check prior to entering their institutions. Students enrolled in the LPN Bridge Program, as active Licensed Practical Nurses with no disciplinary action cited by the State, will not be required to submit to another background check.

Professional Integrity and Code of Ethics

Conduct standards for nursing are higher than those of the ordinary student or citizen because of the inherent responsibilities assumed by the nursing role and the trust the public places on the nursing profession to do no harm. Therefore, honesty is considered essential for the practice of nursing and Richland nursing students will be held to the higher standard.

Richland’s ADN Program holds its students to a high standard. The American Nurse Associate (ANA) Code of Ethics will serve as the basis of Richland’s Professional Integrity Policy and Code of Ethics.

Affiliation agreements with our clinical partners require students submit documentation of health and safety requirements. Failure to comply for any reason may result in withdrawal of offer of admission or dismissal from the program.

Under no circumstances are students to attend clinical without current immunizations, initial Mantoux TB or current CPR. TB and CPR must be current from the first day of the semester through the last day of classes in the semester. Drug screens are required. The student must provide documentation to the Health Profession’s Division that immunization requirements are met.

Ongoing Program Responsibilities

While in the program, the student is responsible for the following ongoing responsibilities:

1. Documentation of the annual Tuberculin test current from the first day of the semester through the last day of classes.
2. A copy of a current Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Provider Card.
3. Notification of health problems while in the program. A student whose health status changes during the program must inform the clinical instructor so appropriate precautions can be taken and must submit written documentation of any limitations from physician.

Drug and Alcohol Testing

Any of the clinical sites or faculty may require Richland Community College Nursing students to submit to random drug tests for cause. Any student refusing to comply or who test positive will not be allowed to participate in clinical experiences. Students who refuse to comply with testing will be dismissed from the program. If the test results are positive, action will be determined by the faculty committee. The student is responsible for any costs incurred by the clinical affiliate for drug testing.

Health Insurance

Students are encouraged to obtain their own health insurance coverage. None is provided through the College.

• A “C” or better in all prerequisites and program courses
• A minimum program G.P.A of 2.5
• Successful completion of all nursing psychomotor competencies with 76% of the designated skills performed in the clinical setting
• A score of 850 or greater on the HESI Exit Exam
• Meets the ANA Code of Ethics and the Ethical Standard Requirements