Mar 28, 2024  
2019-2020 Academic Catalog 
    
2019-2020 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

RN Bridge


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RN Bridge prepares licensed practical nurses and paramedics to become registered nurses. The program begins each January. Graduates of this program are eligible to apply to write the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses.

The AAS Nursing Degree Programs are approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing, University Tower Building, Suite 800, 1123 South University, Little Rock, AR, 72204-1619. Phone: 501-686-2700 or www.arsbn.org.

The AAS Nursing Degree Programs are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing: ACEN, 3334 Peachtree Road, NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, GA 30326. Phone: 404-975-5000, Fax: 404-975-5020 or contact by web: www.acenursing.org.

The curriculum in nursing is a full-time program, requiring a full-time commitment from its students. The faculty of the Department of Nursing strongly discourages its students from full-time or part-time employment. Students with financial difficulties should discuss alternatives to employment with the Financial Aid Office. Students in the RN Bridge program need a flexible schedule because clinical experience is held at area facilities during assigned hours which may be days or evenings. Because of this, transportation, child care and any employment should be considered prior to entry into the nursing program.

Program Learning Outcomes

  • Graduates of the North Arkansas College RN or RN Bridge program should be able to:
  • Utilize therapeutic communication and serve as patient advocate to promote patient-centered care. (Human Flourishing)
  • Apply principles of critical reasoning using collaboration and teamwork to promote safe quality care.  (Nursing Judgment)
  • Seek out learning opportunities using technology to integrate best current evidence with clinical expertise for delivery of optimal health care.  (Spirit of Inquiry)
  • Demonstrate professional behavior that reflects accountability and ethical nursing practice.  (Professional Identity)

Program Application Required: Yes (RN Bridge Application)

Required AGS Courses:16 Credits


  • Students begin in the Associate of General Studies Degree. Required courses from the Associate of General Studies and the ADHE Core curriculum that are to be completed prior to program entry include:

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  • Credits: 4
  • NOTE: Absolute pre-req to NURS 2158. BIOL 2214 requires Fundamentals of Chemistry (or HS Chemistry with a B or better in both semesters) or General Biology for majors, or Fundamentals of A&P.

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  • Credits: 3
  • NOTE: Absolute Prereq to NURS 2158

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  • Credits: 3
  • 3 Hours of Math Required Math is a pre-req to Chemistry unless Chemistry taken in HS with B or better 2 semesters. ET 1134 (previously MAT 1134) Applied Algebra & Trigonometry will not be accepted as an option for the MAT requirement for this program.

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  • Credits: 3
  • Absolute pre-req to NURS 2158; pre-req to PSYC 2103 Developmental Psychology

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  • Credits: 3
  • NOTE: Not an absolute pre-req, but desirable for success in competitive application to the program.

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  • Program Application:  Once pre-requisites are completed, an application may be submitted to the RN Program.  A current un-encumbered LPN license or parpmedic certification is required. Students who apply should have taken the sciences courses no longer than 5 years before application. Applicants who have taken or enrolled in a science course more than two times and have not earned a grade of C or better will be advised to consider application to other programs. Withdrawals are counted as an enrollment. The RN Director may review applicant’s grades for special admission consideration. Immunizations and CPR training are not required before acceptance into the program. 

    Program Acceptance:  Upon written program acceptance, the following courses are taken. NURS courses in the RN Bridge program must be taken in sequence. Failure of any NURS course prevents progression in the program.  After acceptance into the program, proof of immunizations, CPR Certification are required.  A criminal background check and drug screen will be arranged by the Program Director prior to being assigned to a clinical site.

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First Semester: 22 Credits


Second Semester (Summer): 7 Credits


Third Semester: 18 Credits


Grand Total: 63 Credits


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