Nursing Transition Pathway

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Contact: Dr. Laura Polk, Dean, School of Science and Health

Sara Cano, Chair, Nursing

The Nursing Transition Pathway prepares students to enter the AS in Nursing degree program with advanced standing. This program is designed as a part time sequence for the working adult. Students have the option to accelerate their program completion, but must discuss their success plan with the Health Sciences Advisor, meet additional criteria, and receive approval of the Chair of Nursing. A total of 70 credits is required to earn the degree.

The Associate of Science in Nursing Degree (ADN) prepares students to work as nursing professionals prioritizing and managing care for clients with complex health issues. Students learn the principles and practices of nursing to promote achievement of optimal health outcomes. Instructional methods include independent and Web-enhanced study, lectures, demonstrations, skills practice and simulation. Students participate in clinical practica off campus in a variety of healthcare settings under the supervision of nursing instructors. ADN graduates participate in collaborative decision-making using the nursing process and clinical judgment to render care in acute care hospitals, long term/transitional care facilities and community-based settings. Graduates of the program are prepared to test for the registered nursing (RN) license through the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX); and are provided an educational foundation to articulate for further study at the baccalaureate level.

The Practical Nursing and Associate Degree in Nursing programs have the approval of the Maryland Board of Nursing and are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Accreditation information regarding the nursing programs may be obtained from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing: 3390 Peachtree Road, NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30326, 404-975-5000 www.acenursing.org.

Licensed Practical Nurses:

Consistent with the Maryland Board of Nursing articulation model, Practical Nurses with an active unencumbered Maryland or compact LPN license are awarded a maximum of one year of nursing courses when articulating to the associate degree level, following successful completion of the program’s transition courses.

LPN to Nursing Transition Admission Criteria:

Be an LPN with an active unencumbered Maryland or compact state LPN license
Have a minimum weighted GPA of 2.0 in high school or in college (with 12 or more college credits from an accredited college or university)
Complete ENG 1010, MTH 1120, BIO 2170, BIO 2180, BIO 2010/L, PSY 1010, PSY 2050 with a minimum grade of “C” or better
ATI TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) score of 59 or above. TEAS scores are considered current for 3 years.

Military Medic/Corpsman:

The Military Medic/Corpsman to Nursing Transition Pathway prepares students to enter the AS in Nursing degree program with advanced standing. Students are awarded a maximum of one year of nursing courses based on a review of military transcript when articulating to the associate degree level, following successful completion of the program’s transition courses.

Military Medic/Corpsman to AS in Nursing Admission Criteria:

Documentation of past or present status of a Navy Corpsman (HM3 course completed, NER-HM-004), Army 68 C, or USAF4NO skill identifier
High school diploma or GED
One year of experience in direct patient care within the past five years
Have a minimum weighted GPA of 2.0 in high school or in college (with 12 or more college credits from an accredited college or university)
Complete: ENG 1010, MTH 1120, BIO 2170, BIO 2180, BIO 2010/L, PSY 1010, PSY 2050 with a minimum grade of “C” or better. Some coursework previously completed in military education may transfer - American Council on Education (ACE) approved courses; please see advisor for specific information. Courses completed via other educational institutions or entities may also transfer (ACE approved).
ATI TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) score of 59 or above. TEAS scores are considered current for 3 years.

This is a competitive admission program. First consideration will be given to residents of CSM’s service area (Calvert, Charles, St Mary’s counties). All petitioners who have met the admission criteria are ranked and admitted according to their residency status and cumulative GPA. The cumulative GPA will be calculated for all colleges in which transfer work has been applied to the program.

Admission and progression in this program requires that a grade of “C” or better be earned in all coursework. The minimum grade of “C” is 75% for nursing courses that have letter grades.

Applicants may obtain the Nursing Programs’ Admission Information booklet online at the college’s web site. After reviewing the program requirements and procedures, applicants are advised to attend a transition information session before meeting with the health sciences advisor.

NOTE: Students are required to provide proof of immunization status, a completed health form, a criminal background check and drug screen at the students’ expense. Students are also required to provide proof of health insurance and CPR certification. The American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers OR the American Red Cross CPR for Professional Rescuers and Health Care Providers are the only accepted CPR courses.

The college will not be responsible for any tuition, fees or other costs that may be charged or paid or lost due to incomplete, untimely or unsatisfactory health records, CPR certification, background check or drug screen. The college is not responsible for the conduct of background checks and drug screenings, or decisions made by other entities as a result of the background check, drug screening and health requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Synthesize components of clinical reasoning to formulate clinical judgment decisions to deliver safe, patient-centered care.
Collaborate inter-professionally with the health care team to manage care across the healthcare continuum.
Integrate the nursing process to achieve patient health outcomes.
Integrate professional core values congruent with the practice of registered nursing.