Level II: LPN/Paramedic to RN Option

Program Description:

This program is intended to enable the LPN who holds a current license to transition to the Registered Nurse role within a minimum period of time without duplication of course content and credits. Graduates are eligible to apply and take the National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

Application Procedures and Deadline

Classes are admitted once a year in May. Class size is limited, and all applicants are not accepted for admission.

All applicants will have an equal opportunity for program acceptance regardless of race, age, disability, sex, creed, religion, or nationality.

Applicants with special needs due to disability must make this fact known prior to admission so necessary accommodations can be made. Because of the nature of the profession, it may not always be possible to accommodate students with severe disabilities. Please refer to functional ability requirements.

Application Deadline: 2nd Friday in January

Acceptance Procedure

Applicants that are selected for admission must notify the nursing division of intent to register by picking up an acceptance packet within the allotted time. It is the student’s responsibility to submit all documents required for acceptance to the Nursing Department. Upon acceptance into the program students must submit evidence of the following in order to begin classes:

1. Signed Functional Ability Acknowledgement Form.
2. Hepatitis B Series or Signature on SEARK Vaccination Waiver Claim Form.
3. P.P.D. Skin Test or Chest X-Ray.
4. Drug Screen.
5. Criminal Background check.

All students accepted must have a criminal background check.  The Drug Screen & Background check will be required through a Clinical Credentialing Agency. Students are responsible for any fees associated with the background check.

Students enrolled in Allied Health programs with a clinical component will be assessed a fee for malpractice insurance.

NOTE: Random drug screening may be requested for cause at any time during the course of the program at the students’ expense.

Advising

Advisors are available to aid students in course selection and future planning.

Admission Requirements

1. Complete all SEARK College Admission Requirements.
2. Graduate from a State Board approved Practical Nursing or Paramedic program.
3. Hold a current unencumbered Arkansas LPN or  Paramedic license.
4. Current American Heart Association (AHA) CPR Certification
5. Provide one or all of the following test scores:
   • Accuplacer Reading score of  at least 75
   • Next Generation Accuplacer Reading score of at least 250
   • ACT Reading score of at least 19
   • COMPASS Reading score of at least 83 OR
   • Completion of a course in developmental reading with a letter grade of C or better.Completion of all pre-admission requirement courses. 
6. Possess a 2.5 Grade Point Average.
7. Provide transcripts from all colleges and/or schools attended. 
8. Transfer students must present a letter of good standing from previous nursing program director.
9. Complete a Division of Nursing & Allied Health Application form and submit to the Division of Nursing & Allied Health prior to the application deadline date.
10. Completion of the required nursing program entrance exam (TEAS) exam with a composite score of at least 55.
11. Provide evidence of recent satisfactory work experience.

The above information must be submitted to:

Southeast Arkansas College
Nursing & Allied Health Division
Attn: Registered Nursing-LPN/Paramedic to RN
1900 Hazel Street Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71603

Financial Aid

For students who qualify, financial aid consists of funds made available from federal, state, and local sources. Scholarships, grants, loans, and Veteran's benefits are all available to qualified students.

Accreditation

Southeast Arkansas College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The Registered Nurse Program - LPN/Paramedic to RN Option has Continuing Accreditation for Good Cause, by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (ACEN), 3390 Peach Tree Rd. NE. Ste. 1400: Atlanta GA, 30326: (404) 975-5000: www.acen.org

Approval

The Nursing program has conditional approval by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing; 1123 S. University Ave. Ste. #800, Little Rock, AR 72204; (501) 686-2786.

For More Information, Contact:

Nursing & Allied Health Division
Southeast Arkansas College
1900 Hazel St Pine Bluff, AR 71603
Phone: (870) 543-5917

Program Brochure (pdf)
Application Packet
Expense Sheet (pdf)
Student Handbook (pdf)
Program Outcomes and Assessment (PDF)
Criminal background checks 
Licensing restrictions based on criminal records