LNV to Registered Nursing Associate Degree of Science

The study of nursing is the application of knowledge from the arts and sciences. The purpose of the Bakersfield College LVN to Registered Nursing Associate Degree of Science Program is to provide the foundation for students to become competent registered nurses. The LVN to Registered Nursing Associate Degree of Science Program respects the individuality of students and recognizes that each student has different educational, experiential, cultural, spiritual, economic and social backgrounds and a unique support system. The aim of the program is to provide a positive, innovative learning model that fosters the development of critical thinking and problem solving skills so that the graduate nurse is equipped to deliver care to a culturally diverse population in a variety of healthcare settings. The mission of the Bakersfield College LVN to Registered Nursing Associate Degree of Science Program is to prepare entry-level registered nurses as providers and managers of care across the health/illness continuum and as members within the profession. Graduate nurses will collaborate with members of the health care team, be effective communicators, be politically aware, and demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning. Requirements for the LVN to Registered Nursing Associate Degree of Science Program:

• One year experience working as an LVN. 

• Possession of current California Vocational Nurse License 

• American Heart Association BLS - Healthcare Provider card - current within one year.

(MEDS B52 fulfills this requirement). 

• Graduation from high school or an equivalent education.

Conditional Enrollment: As a condition of enrollment in any Nursing/Allied Health Program, students are required to submit to and pass a designated drug and alcohol screening, a background screening, and physical examination clearance (at the student’s expense). Please note the following: 

• A history of felony conviction(s) or any bar, exclusion or other ineligibility for federal program participation could render student ineligible for clinical placement, as determined by the clinical agencies. 

• If a student cannot obtain background clearance from the clinical agencies, it will not be possible to place the student in the clinical areas, which is a required component of the program. In the event that a student cannot obtain a background clearance, the space will be forfeited. Students who are found to be ineligible for clinical placement by the clinical agency after admission to the program shall be subject to dismissal from the program, as they will be unable to complete mandatory clinical rotations. 

• A physical examination completed by a physician of the student’s choice is required after acceptance to the Program to demonstrate that a student meets the technical standards necessary to meet the Program objectives. 

• Appropriate immunizations and/or vaccinations and mask fit testing are also required and are performed at the student’s expense. • Proof of IV Certification is required.

Students may meet this requirement by taking MEDS B66 prior to entering the LVN-Registered Nursing Associate Degree of Science Program. Pre-Requisites: All pre-requisites must be completed at the time the application is submitted, and applicants must have earned a “C” grade or higher at BC, or an equivalent course at another accredited college. (*Please note that there is a minimum of 2.5 combined GPA required, and no less than a “C” in any course for the Biological Sciences) 

• ENGL B1A or ENGL B1AL (Expository Composition) three units at Bakersfield College or an equivalent course at another accredited college. • BIOL B16 (General Microbiology) five units at Bakersfield College or an equivalent course at another accredited college. 

• BIOL B32 (Anatomy & Physiology I) four units at Bakersfield College or an equivalent course at another accredited college. 

• BIOL B33 Anatomy & Physiology II four units at Bakersfield College or an equivalent course at another accredited college. Anatomy and Physiology requirement can also be met with Human Anatomy (min. of 4 units) AND Human Physiology (min. of 4 units) of equivalent courses from another accredited college.) 

General Education Coursework: General education courses are required to graduate from BC with an ADN. Students are encouraged to follow the CSU General Education pattern if there is a desire to pursue their Bachelor’s in Nursing (BSN). It is strongly suggested that most of these courses be completed prior to beginning the Nursing Program: 

A. Communication in the English Language and Critical Thinking (6units) A.1 Oral Communication (3 units) 

• COMM B1*-Public Speaking (“C” grade or higher) (COMM B2* see advisor for approval status) 

A.2 Written Communication (3 units) 

• ENGL B1A*-Expository Composition (“C” grade or higher) –prerequisite course 

B. Physical Universe and Life Forms (6 units) 

B.1 Natural Sciences (3 units) 

•BIOL B32*-Anatomy & Physiology I, B33*-Anatomy & Physiology II and B16*-Microbiology –prerequisite courses 

B.2 Mathematics and Logic (3 units) 

• Math B75 (previously MATH B70)-Intermediate Algebra, its equivalent, or higher level (Math B22 or • PSYC B5 preferred) (“C” grade or higher) 

C. Arts, Literature, Philosophy, and Foreign Language (3units) 

C.1 / C.2 

• PHIL B12-Ethics of Living and Dying recommended, or any course as listed in area C of the General Education Pattern in the BC Catalog 

D. Social, Political, Legal and Economic Institution and Behavior, Historical Background (9 units for AA; 6 units for AS) 

D.1 ADN Students are not required to take a course from this area 

D.2 

• ANTH B2*-Cultural Anthropology or SOC B1*-Intro to Sociology- (“C” grade or higher) (3 units) D.3 American (U.S. Institutions) (3 units) 

• Any course listed in area D.3 of the General Education Pattern in the BC Catalog E. Lifelong Understanding and Self-Development (4 units total) • PSYC B1A*-General Psychology (“C” grade or higher) (3 units) 

• Physical Education 1 unit required from PHED courses as listed in the BC Catalog: PHED B2-B29 or B32-B33 (1 unit) 

• HLED Health Education (three units) is waived for LVN to Registered Nursing Associate Degree of Science students *Board of Registered Nursing requirement 

Please Note: Applicants are STRONGLY encouraged to complete an Educational Planning Course to meet matriculation and graduation requirements and receive priority registration. Courses meeting this requirement include: 

• NURS B99 - Strategies for Success in a Nursing Program OR 

• STDV B1 - Educational Planning – or any STDV course listed in the BC Catalog. These courses are recommended to be taken during the first semester at BC. More information can be found on the Registered Nursing website at www.bakersfieldcollege.edu/nursing/lvn-rn or in the Bakersfield College Allied Health Office, MS 178. 

Estimated Program Costs: The estimated cost for the entire program is approximately

$3919.05 (this includes tuition for nursing courses only). For information on estimated program costs, please visit our website at https://www.bakersfieldcollege.edu/nursing/lvn-rn Career

Opportunities: Employment in a variety of healthcare facilities and settings Pursuant to SB 1393, a student of a registered nursing program with a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution is not required to complete any coursework other than that which is unique and exclusively required to earn a nursing degree from that institution. All course work must meet the graduation requirements and licensure eligibility requirements as set forth by the Board of Registered Nursing. To Achieve the Associate of Science Degree: Upon completion of graduation requirements and the required degree courses with at least a ‘C’ grade in each course, the student will be awarded a LVN to Registered Nursing Associate Degree of Science Degree.

The program outcomes are:

1. Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be able to utilize the nursing process and evidence-based practice to facilitate optimal client outcomes for diverse cultures across the lifespan and in a variety of settings.

2. Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be able to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required of the professional nurse as defined by the California Nursing Practice Act, standards of nursing practice, considering legal. moral, and ethical principles.

3. Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be able to communicate and collaborate effectively in both oral and written formats, employing patient care technologies and information systems with individuals, families, population, communities, and the interdisciplinary team across the health care continuum.

4. Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be able to collaborate with healthcare professionals to enhance quality improvement and safety initiatives at individual and systems levels of care.

5. Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be able to assume the roles of provider of care, manager of care, and member of the profession as an entry-level nurse.

Program Requirements – Include the course requirements and sequencing that reflect Program goals.

Required courses-Must have completed prerequisites.

NURSB44 - Nursing Care of the Psychiatric-Mental Health Client

NURSB45 - Transition to Registered Nursing

NURSB46 - Nursing Care of the Medical Surgical Patient 3

NURSB49 - Nursing Care of the Medical Surgical Patient 4

NURSB80C - Nursing Learning Lab 3

NURSB80D - Nursing Learning Lab 4

To Achieve the Associate of Science Degree:

Upon completion of graduation requirements and the required degree courses with at least a ‘C’ grade in each course, the student will be awarded a LVN to Registered Nursing Associate Degree of Science Degree.

The Program currently accepts 10 students each Fall. We have been approved, by the California Board of Registered Nursing, to increase enrollment to a maximum of 40 students per year. We currently have an on-time completion rate of 60% for this Program. We plan to graduate 20 to 30 students per year with an Associate Degree of Science.

The goal of the LVN to Registered Nursing Associate Degree of Science Program is to prepare entry-level registered nurses as providers and managers of care across the health/illness continuum and as members within the profession. Graduate nurses will collaborate with members of the health care team, be effective communicators, be politically aware, and demonstrate a commitment to life-long learning. Upon completion of the program, graduate RN’s will meet the standards of competency as required by the California Board of Registered Nursing (CCR, Title 16, Division14, Article 4, Section 1443.5).

Required courses-Must have completed prerequisites.

NURSB44 - Nursing Care of the Psychiatric-Mental Health Client

NURSB45 - Transition to Registered Nursing

NURSB46 - Nursing Care of the Medical Surgical Patient 3

NURSB49 - Nursing Care of the Medical Surgical Patient 4

NURSB80C - Nursing Learning Lab 3

NURSB80D - Nursing Learning Lab 4

To Achieve the Associate of Science Degree: Upon completion of graduation requirements and the required degree courses with at least a ‘C’ grade in each course, the student will be awarded a LVN to Registered Nursing Associate Degree of Science Degree.