Program Purpose
The Bridge program facilitates advancement in a career path for LPNs who desire to become Registered Nurses by the completion of an Associate Applied Science (AAS) degree. This makes graduates eligible to take the NCLEX- RN examination. A graduate of a state-approved Practical Nursing Program who has a license or is eligible for LPN licensure in the State of Illinois may be placed into the third semester of the AAS Nursing program by meeting admission requirements and course prerequisites and passing the Bridge course (NURS 203) with a grade of “C” or better.
Career and Technical Education Options
This is a career and technical education program. Some courses may not transfer to four-year institutions.
- LPN Bridge to Associate Applied Science Nursing
(72 Credit Hours) - Request an advisement plan for the LPN to RN Bridge Program - required if you want to apply to the program
Part Time or Full Time Bridge Option
- Part time option takes 5 semester to complete
- Full time option takes 3 semesters to complete
Admission Requirements for Bridge Program
- 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
Prerequisites for Admission to NURS 203 and the ADN Program
- 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
- Successful completion of the following courses with a “C” or better:
- ENGL 101
- BIOL 101, 201, 202, 220
- PSYCH 110, 145
- NURS 154
- SOCIO 110
- A 2.5 Program GPA in any of the following list of courses taken prior to admission to NURS 203:
- BIOL 101, 201, 202, 220
- PSYCH 110, 145
- NURS 154
- ENGL 101
- Fine Arts elective
- and/or SOCIO 110
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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.
Advanced Placement Program for LPNs
Bridge candidates are eligible to take NURS 203 once all the prerequisites are met. Upon completion of NURS 203 with a “C” or better, a “Request for Proficiency Credit by Advanced Course” form must be completed by the student and submitted to the Registrar with appropriate fees. When approved, advanced placement credit is awarded for NURS 112, NURS 152, and NURS 155. Bridge students are admitted on a space available basis using the same student selection process as basic students. Availability of faculty clinical space will also impact the entry decision.
