RN PROGRAM INFORMATION SESSIONS The RN Program offers Information Sessions for prospective RN Program students. Prospective students are required to attend an Information Session to learn about the program prior to submission of the application. Students who successfully complete the Information Session Assessment will receive a Certificate of Completion. The certificate must be included in the Admission Packet. The dates and times of the Information Sessions will be posted in the Nursing Office in Building SS and on the webpage. Information Sessions for RN Program prospective students are offered at the Nursing Building on the TSTC Harlingen campus. Information Sessions are scheduled for one (1) hour and students are recommended to be present promptly at 4:00 PM on the scheduled day. FLOWCHART OF LVN TO RN APPLICATION/ADMISSION PROCESS STEP 1: REQUIREMENTS PRIOR TO APPLYING TO THE LVN-RN PROGRAM Enroll in TSTC as a student. Apply for general admission to TSTC Harlingen. TSTC maintains an open admissions policy. Admission to the college does not guarantee admission to all programs. Admissions to some TSTC programs have specific requirements. Complete an application for admission on line. May require official copy of high school transcript. Transfer transcripts from other colleges or Evidence of capability to do collegelevel work" Attend New Student Orientation and set up email. Get Student ID# and pick up ID Card and Parking Permit-Campus Police-Monday-Friday 8-5 PM Apply for Financial Aid if applicable STEP 2: COMPLETE PRE-PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS Complete the vocational Nursing Program and obtain a current LVN License. The Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) to Registered Nurse (RN) Track is designed for individuals who hold a current LVN License and seek to pursue the Registered Nurse Licensure. A current LVN License is required to apply under this particular track. Upon completion of the Associate of Applied Science in Associate Degree Nursing, the graduate will be able to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX- RN). Complete ALL pre-requisites with a C or better ALL SCIENCES MUST BE COMPLETED WITHIN THE PAST 5 YEARS. Attend a Prospective Student Advisory Session and have a Certificate of Completion in the Admission Packet 1
STEP 3: APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS Applicant must Attend LVN-RN Information Session and complete all ADN program prerequisites Applicant must take the HESI LPN-ADN. (Admissions Assessment) Exam and meet the required scores of at least 850. Testing Dates: Applicant must meet the required TSTC cumulative GPA of 2.7 3/5/18 3/22/18 4/3/18 4/16/18 5/3/18 5/14/18 Applicant must complete Fingerprint and L1 criminal background check for the Texas Board of Nursing. Complete all Health Requirements- Immunizations*, 10 panel Drug Screen after enrollment. Complete American Heart Association CPR-BLS Complete and Submit Admission Application in 9 X 12 Sealed envelope Application Period 3/01/18-5/18/18 by Noon CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS Registered Nurse License Eligibility is determined through a DPS/FBI criminal history background check completed through the Texas Board of Nursing. Information relating to the criminal history and declaratory order (DO) process is available on the Texas Board of Nursing website: http://www.bon.texas.gov/licensure_eligibility.asp It is highly recommended to initiate the DO process at the time of your application if there is anything in your background that may show up as a criminal matter in the background check, even if adjudicated or expunged, and it happened many years ago! DRUG SCREENS Drug Screening is arranged through the Nursing Department. The program does initial, random and for cause drug screening. Cost for drug screening will be the responsibility of the student. Additional Criminal Background Checks and Fees will accrue with hosting clinical sites. More information will be relayed to students at orientation. The LVN to RN selection process is based on a Competitive Point System evaluation. The selection criteria are used to assess the applicant s score. Points are given for the following selection criteria: LVN-RN Program Pre-requisite Courses Cumulative GPA, HESI Exam Scores, and other Additional Points as listed in the Application Packet. Once all admission criteria are met for entrance to the program, students with completed applications will be selected by scoring. Students with the highest points will be accepted into the program based upon the number of available spots in the co-hort. Decisions are ultimately made by the LVN-RN Department Admission Committee and confirmed by the Program Director and may not be appealed. Students not admitted are free to reapply the following application enrollment period. Qualified applicants are ranked from highest to lowest points and admission is solely based on this ranking. Applicant must officially accept admission to the program on or before the Mandatory Orientation. Alternates: Should any of the admitted applicants decline admission, an alternate will be offered admissions to the program. 2
PRE-REQUISITE COURSES-MUST BE COMPLETED PRIOR TO ENROLLMENT INTO THE LVN-RN PROGRAM ALL SCIENCES MUST BE COMPLETED WITHIN THE PAST 5 YEARS. BIOL 2401 BIOL 2301 BIOL 2101 BIOL 2120 Anatomy & Physiology I OR Anatomy & Physiology I AND Anatomy & Physiology I ENGL 1301 Composition I* PSYC 2314 Lifespan Growth and Development ACGM X3XX Humanities or Fine Arts Elective* BIOL 2402 Anatomy & Physiology II OR BIOL 2302 Anatomy & Physiology II AND BIOL 2102 Anatomy & Physiology II PSYC 2301 General Psychology BIOL 2420 Microbiology for Non-Science Majors OR BIOL 2320 Microbiology for Non-Science Majors AND Microbiology for Non-Science Majors LVN-RN TRANSITION PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS CHECKLIST a. Meet all college and program requirements. b. Submit a complete application packet with supportive documentation to: Tanya Villarreal, Nursing Division Administrative Assistant-Bldg. SS-100 Texas State Technical College 1902 N Loop 499 Harlingen, TX 78550 *By date/time deadline 3
PACKET CONTENTS PAY ATTENTION TO EACH INSTRUCTION. IF IT SAYS PRINT, THEN PRINT. IF IT SAYS SEALED IT MUST BE SEALED. If it says 9 X 12 inch envelope, do not use an 8 X 10. **Incomplete requirement packets will not be accepted** Submit in a 9x12 inch envelope and include the following items in order: 1. Documentation of TSI compliance on a transcript, testing score sheet, etc. 2. Documentation of HESI compliance on a transcript, testing score sheet, etc.-score of at least 850. 3. Documentation of all required immunizations MMR(x2) Hepatitis B(x3) Tetanus Varicella Bacterial Meningitis (if under the age of 30) TB results (Must be less than a year old throughout program) Evidence of Bacterial Meningococcal vaccination if under age 30, ONLY Titer testing will be accepted for MMR, HEP B, and Varicella. 4. Documentation of current seasonal influenza vaccination is also required. (August- September) 5. Photocopy of high school transcript, high school diploma, or GED certificate. 6. Copy of current driver s license or state issued identification card as proof of Texas residency. 7. Official transcript from school where the applicant completed their Vocational Nursing program 8. Official transcripts from each college previously attended other than TSTC (where there is proof of completion for prerequisite courses) a. Admissions must also have possession of all official transcripts in order for your application to the program to be accepted. b. If a course is in progress, it is the responsibility of the applicant to have a new official transcript sent to TSTC Harlingen. MUST BE COMPLETED PRIOR TO FIRST DAY OF CLASS. c. If course numbers of non-nursing courses do not match those required on the curriculum plan, the student must submit a photocopy of the course description for each course not matching to the LVN-RN Program Chair. Decisions to accept these classes will be made on a case by case basis. 9. If you have been employed in a nursing field, an employment verification letter indicating employment status, length of employment, and type of clinical experience. 10. Copy of current American Heart Association Healthcare Provider BLS-CPR card is required. (Only AHA will be accepted) 11. A print out of the online LVN license verification from the Texas Board of Nursing website. 12. Three (3) letters of recommendation from non-family members. (Email reference letters will not be accepted, these should be professional in nature) 13. Signed Eligibility Form for TSTC Nursing Programs (Appendix F) 14. Copy of Certificate of Completion of the Information Session 4
STEP 4 NOTIFICATION OF APPLICATION STATUS Notification of Application Status Students with the highest points will be accepted into the program based upon the number of available spots in the co-hort. Qualified applicants with highest total points will be admitted. Applicants with lower points will be denied.. Alternates: Should any of the admitted applicants decline admission, an alternate will be offered admissions to the program. Alternates are selected from next highest scores in the co-hort. ADMITTED Applicant must officially accept admission to the program on or before the Mandatory Orientation Date listed in the Letter. Admitted Applicant attends Mandatory Orientation. Applicant must officially accept admission to the program on or before the Mandatory Orientation Date listed in the Letter. Alternate Applicants attend Mandatory Orientation. DENIED Applicants with lower points will be denied. Denied applicants are encouraged to meet with the LVN-RN Program Advisor to discuss alternative options such as: Re-applying for the next application period and/or improving score on the application Upon the denied applicant s request, further consultation can be held, to meet with the Program Division Director, should the student choose. Alternate Status Applicants: Should any of the admitted applicants decline admission, an alternate will be offered admissions to the program. Admitted Applicant must meet Clinical Requirements CPR certified from the American Heart Association for HC Providers Pass an Alcohol & 10-Panel drug screen Proof of required immunizations Proof of current health insurance or student accidental insurance Purchase and Receive Uniform Package and Supply Bag 5
ESTIMATED EXPENSES FOR TSTC HARLINGEN LVN-RN PROGRAM LVN-RN Transition TSTC Instructional Program Cost Sheet Sem Total Technical Technical Tuition@$137 per Credit Hour (Tier 1) Academic Academic Tuition@$93 per Credit Hour (Tier 3) Designated Tuition@$46 per Credit Hour Semester Total 1 13 0 0.00 13 1,209.00 598.00 1,807.00 2 11 0 0.00 11 1,023.00 506.00 1,529.00 3 12 12 1,644.00 0 0.00 552.00 2,196.00 4 12 12 1,644.00 0 0.00 552.00 2,196.00 5 12 12 1,644.00 0 0.00 552.00 2,196.00 Totals 60 36 4,932.00 24 2,232.00 2,760.00 9,924.00 Out of State Tuition per credit hour: $290.00 Texas Resident Tuition per Technical credit hour (Tier 1): $137.00 Texas Resident Tuition per Academic credit hour (Tier 3): $93.00 Designated Tuition per credit hour: $46.00 Costs Effective As Of: Fall 2016 NOTE: This cost estimate sheet does not include textbooks, supplies, tools or equipment estimates. It also does not include meal plan expenses, room and board costs or housing deposit. Student Progression Guidelines To progress and successfully complete the LVN-RN transition program at TSTC, all courses must be passed with an 80% or better. Students must satisfactorily pass all clinical courses in order to proceed to the next level. (Clinical Level 1 must be passed successfully before a student can take Clinical Level 2, etc.). Any classes below an 80% will lead to failure of the program and would prompt the need to re-apply for readmission into the program in order to successfully obtain an associate s degree in nursing from TSTC. Readmission Guidelines Students may apply for readmission if they withdrew from the program due to: 1) An extenuating circumstance, 2) Failed one nursing course (didactic or clinical) or 3) Received incompletes in course(s) (academic or nursing related) listed in the plan of study. Students will be denied readmission if course failure or withdrawal was related to unsafe practice, dishonesty, and/or unethical behavior. Failure of two or more nursing courses due to grades will result in ineligibility for readmission to TSTC Harlingen LVN-RN transition program. Students are allowed one readmission only. Re-admission into the program is never guaranteed. Any student wishing to be readmitted must first submit a letter to the Program Director requesting re-entry and a completed application packet by the application deadline. The Program Director and/or an Admissions Committee will evaluate all applications for readmission. Students may petition the Allied Health Division Director if extenuating circumstance are the reason for requesting readmission after a non-admit decision has been made by the Program director. For failed coursework or for any reasons except extenuating circumstances, the Program Director has the final say. 6
FALL Prefix RNSG 1210 CALENDAR of LVN-RN Transition Program of Study, Progression TSTC HARLINGEN LVN-RN COURSE SEQUENCING CALENDAR Weekly Weekly Course Course Lecture Lab No. Course Name Type Contact Introduction to Community-Based Nursing Academic 2 0 32 2 RNSG 1227 Transition to Professional Nursing Academic 1 3 64 2 RNSG 1261 Clinical-Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse Academic 0 CL-8 128 2 RNSG 1300 Health Assessment Across the Lifespan Academic 2 2 64 3 RNSG 1301 Pharmacology Academic 2 2 64 3 Credit SPRING Prefix Course No. RNSG 1343 RNSG 2162 RNSG 2262 RNSG 1412 Totals 7 7 CL-8 352 12 Course Type Weekly Lecture Weekly Lab Contact Course Name Complex Concepts of Adult Health Academic 2 2 64 3 Clinical-Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse Academic 0 0-CL6 96 1 Clinical-Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse Academic 0 0-CL9 144 2 Nursing Care of the Childbearing and Childrearing Family Academic 3 2 80 4 Credit RNSG 2213 Mental Health Nursing Academic 1 3 64 2 SUMMER Prefix Course No. RNSG 1463 RNSG 2221 RNSG 2230 Totals 6 7-Cl-15 448 12 Weekly Lecture Weekly Lab Course Name Course Type Contact Clinical-Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse Academic 0 0-CL12 192 4 Professional Nursing-Leadership and Management Academic 2 0 32 2 Professional Nursing and Licensure Preparation Academic 1 2 48 2 Credit RNSG 1207 OR Nursing Jurisprudence Academic RNSG 2432 Enhanced Concepts of Adult Health Academic 3 2 80 4 Totals 6 4-CL12 352 12 LAB 18 GRAND TOTAL FOR PROGRAM 19 CL 35 1152 36 7
SCORING GUIDELINES 1. Forms Submission Certificate of Completion TSTC ID Number I have completed all prerequisite courses with a B Or Better 1 point 1 point 1 point POINTS 2.5 = 3 Points 3.0 = 4 Points 3.5 = 5 Points 4.0 = 6 Points 2. Academic Course work completed; A. GPA B. Prerequisites must be completed with a C or better. All sciences must be completed within the last 5 years (Example: 2013 courses expire at the end of 2018 3. Entrance Test A. HESI LVN to RN Entrance Exam offered on campus; as evidenced by copy of entrance test results submitted with application. Test may only be taken once. NO RETESTS. TOTAL POINTS POINTS *Overall GPA will be averaged out from required prerequisites. Per TSTC, there is no cumulative GPA provided for transfer courses, only active TSTC GPA will be provided. A= 2 points B = 1 points C= 0 points Total Possible Points = 20 850-855 = 15 ; 856-860 = 20 ; 861-870 = 30 ; 871 and above = 40 Minimum Acceptable Score is 850 APPENDIX B Incomplete applications will not be scored. 8
*THIS WILL BE SIGNED/COMPLETED UPON SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION KEY PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS Pre-Application Requirement Must be 18 years old + admitted into TSTC Harlingen & TSI Complete (non-probationary for grades); Completion of all prerequisite courses: BIOL 2401 Anatomy & Physiology I OR BIOL 2301 and BIOL 2101 ENGL 1301 Composition I* PSYC 2314 Lifespan Growth and Development ACGM X3XX Humanities or Fine Arts Elective* BIOL 2402 Anatomy & Physiology II OR BIOL 2302 and BIOL 2102 PSYC 2301 General Psychology BIOL 2420 Microbiology for Non-Science Majors OR BIOL 2320 and BIOL 2120 Meet all college and program requirements. Submit a complete application packet with supportive documentation to: Must be TSI complete with documentation on transcript: Must complete all remedial courses. Must be licensed as an LVN (Licensed Vocational Nurse) in U.S. in good standing prior to Fall entrance Must have a GPA of at least 2.7 on all prerequisite courses COMPLETE APPLICATION PACKET-submit in 9 x 12 inch envelope in the following order: Documentation of TSI compliance on a transcript, testing score sheet, etc. Documentation of HESI LVN to RN Exam Scores; indicating at least the Minimum Overall Proficiency Level score of 850 Documentation of all required immunizations: DOCUMENTATION MUST BE SIGNED BY A PHYSICIAN OR THEIR ASSOCIATE. (MMR(x2) Hepatitis B(x3) Tetanus Varicella Bacterial Meningitis TB results (Must be less than a year old throughout program) Evidence of Bacterial Meningococcal vaccination if under age 30; Titer testing will be accepted for MMR, HEP B, and Varicella Documentation of current seasonal influenza vaccination Photocopy of high school transcript, high school diploma, or GED certificate Copy of current driver s license or state issued identification card as proof of Texas residency Social Security Card; (names must match and all must be current / non-expired) Official transcript from school where the applicant completed their Vocational Nursing program (Official transcripts from each college previously attended other than TSTC) **Admissions must have possession of all official transcripts in order for your application to the program to be accepted **If a course is in progress, it is the responsibility of the applicant to have a new official transcript sent to TSTC Harlingen **If course numbers of non-nursing courses do not match those required on the curriculum plan, the student must submit a photocopy of the course description for each course not matching to the LVN-RN Program Director. Decisions to accept these classes will be made on a case by case basis. If you have been employed in a nursing field, an employment verification letter indicating employment status, length of employment, and type of clinical experience. Verification will be confirmed. Must get a physical by a physician/licensed healthcare provider using the TSTC LVN-RN Program form; Three (3) letters of recommendation from non-family members. (Email reference letters will not be accepted, these should be professional in nature) A print out of the online LVN license from the Texas Board of Nursing Website Copy of current American Heart Association Healthcare Provider BLS-CPR card is required. (Only AHA will be accepted) Must pass criminal background check after acceptance & meet Board of Nursing licensure eligibility rules Should limit outside employment to no more than 12 hours a week while in the program. Must have reliable transportation to and from clinical sites & family/employer support; Must attend a mandatory ORIENTATION session after you receive a letter of acceptance into the program 9
APPLICATION SUBMISSION ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM The student will complete an Acknowledgement form certifying that they have met the requirements for application to the LVN-RN Transition Program. This will be jointly completed by the applicant and the Program Chair/Advisor. The student will also certify their information is accurate and understand the requirements of the Associate Degree in Nursing (AND) program. Acknowledgement by Applicant: (Applicant will initial the following statements during the meeting with the LVN-RN program Chair/Advisor) I understand and have completed the application process for the LVN-RN Program. I understand the selection criteria for the LVN-RN Program I understand that due to the limited student intake, some applicants may not be accepted into the LVN-RN program, though they met all requirements. I understand that if my application is denied for the attempted application period, I may reapply to be considered for the next application period (previous submissions will not be kept for future review). I understand that upon acceptance (if selected) to the LVN-RN Program and before I can start class, I must have the following: CPR Certification Complete an Alcohol and drug Screen (must be negative) Have proof of required immunizations on (TSTC form, signed by physician) Have proof of current health insurance or accidental insurance Complete required orientations (both campus/hospital facilities) Any other clinical requirements noted by TSTC I certify that the information provided within this application is true and understand that reporting false information will result in my disqualification from the applicant pool and program. I further understand that I will not be eligible to reapply. Applicant s signature ID Number Date: 10
Eligibility Form for TSTC Nursing Programs Please read the following questions. After you have read the questions, please sign your name below indicating your knowledge of the questions. For any criminal offense, including those pending appeal, have you: a. Been convicted of a misdemeanor? b. Been convicted of a felony? c. Pled nolo contendere, no contest, or guilty? d. Received deferred adjudication? e. Been placed on community supervision or court-ordered probation, whether or not adjudicated guilty? f. Been sentenced to serve jail or prison time? Court-ordered confinement? g. Been granted pre-trial diversion? h. Been arrested or have any pending criminal charges? i. Been cited or charged with any violation of the law? j. Been subject of a court-martial; Article 15 violation; or received any form of military judgment, punishment or action? (You may only exclude Class C misdemeanor traffic violations.) NOTE: Expunged and Sealed Offenses: While expunged or sealed offenses, arrests, tickets, or citations need not be disclosed, it is your responsibility to ensure the offense, arrest, ticket or citation has, in fact, been expunged or sealed. It is recommended that you submit a copy of the Court Order expunging or sealing the record in question to our office with your application. Failure to reveal an offense, arrest, ticket, or citation that is not in fact expunged or sealed, will at a minimum, subject your license to a disciplinary fine. Non-disclosure of relevant offenses raises questions related to truthfulness and character. NOTE: Orders of Non-Disclosure: Pursuant to Tex. Gov t Code 552.142(b), if you have criminal matters that are the subject of an order of non-disclosure you are not required to reveal those criminal matters on this form. However, a criminal matter that is the subject of an order of non-disclosure may become a character and fitness issue. Pursuant to other sections of the Gov t Code chapter 411, the Texas Nursing Board is entitled to access criminal history record information that is the subject of an order of non-disclosure. If the Board discovers a criminal matter that is the subject of an order of non-disclosure, even if you properly did not reveal that matter, the Board may require you to provide information about any conduct that raises issues of character. Are you currently the target or subject of a grand jury or governmental agency investigation? Has any licensing authority refused to issue you a license or ever revoked, annulled, cancelled, accepted surrender of, suspended, placed on probation, refused to renew a license, certificate or multi-state privilege held by you now or previously, or ever fined, censured, reprimanded or otherwise disciplined you? Within the past five (5) years have you been addicted to and/or treated for the use of alcohol or any other drug? Within the past five (5) years have you been diagnosed with, treated, or hospitalized for schizophrenia and/or psychotic disorders, bipolar disorder, paranoid personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder, or borderline personality disorder? If your response is yes to any of the questions listed above, there is a POSSIBILITY YOU MAY BE DENIED the opportunity to take the licensure examination. You are strongly encouraged to submit a petition for Declaratory Order to the Texas Board of Nursing prior to enrollment in the TSTC Associate Degree Nursing program. For information or guidance in this process to determine eligibility for licensure by examination, contact the Texas Board of Nursing at 512-305-7400 or go to the website www.bon.state.tx.us. The Declaratory Order form can be accessed at http://www.bon.state.tx.us/olv/pdfs/doapp.pdf. Should you have questions regarding this notice, do not hesitate to contact the Division Director/ LVN-RN Program Director at 956-364-4983 I have read and understand the above statements. Signature: Date: 11
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