Associate of Science in Nursing Bridge Pathway Option (AF13)  Degree


Campus Locations: Swainsboro

The Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program is designed to produce technically-advanced, competent, and caring individuals who are prepared to practice professional nursing in a variety of healthcare settings. The curriculum will provide the student with the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes to practice competently and safely as an entry-level nurse in acute, long-term, and community healthcare settings.

The ASN Program consists of courses in humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences as preparation for the nursing program. The curriculum combines general and nursing education courses to provide the student with a foundation for scientific knowledge, interpersonal skills, cultural competence, critical thinking training, and ethical nursing care. Upon entrance into the program, the student will receive didactic and clinical components necessary for successful completion of the Program. Clinical experiences are selected to provide the student with a broad range of learning opportunities. The program graduate will receive an Associate of Science Degree in Nursing.

After completion of all core classes and the competitive admission process, students will be eligible to begin the Nursing (RNSG) courses. One class will be accepted into the ASN Bridge Option each year, beginning Fall semester. The Bridge Option is offered on the Swainsboro campus. The Bridge Option courses consist of 34 credit hours and will span over three semesters. Fundamental nursing concepts and skills will be taught before moving into more advanced classes. Students will receive classroom instruction and coordinated clinical experiences in the nursing care of clients at local hospitals and community agencies under the supervision and guidance of the nursing faculty. Prior to program completion, students will successfully complete a practicum experience and must pass an end-of-program comprehensive nursing exit examination.

The ASN Bridge Pathway option allows qualified individuals who possess current, Georgia unrestricted licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Paramedic (EMT-P) to bridge his or her education and training into the Associate of Science in Nursing Degree (ASN). The traditional option course work (RNSG courses) is completed within four (4) semesters. The ASN Bridge Pathway option allows qualified applicants to complete nursing program course work (RNSG-B courses) within three (3) semesters. Students meeting the Bridge Pathway option admission requirements and successfully completing the RNSG-B 1019B: Transition to Professional Nursing course will receive credit for the Traditional option courses RNSG 1005: Foundations of Nursing and RNSG 1020: Medical Surgical Nursing I. Students will attend class/clinical one (1) to two (2) days per week. Class meetings will be held on Tuesdays and/or Thursdays. Clinical assignments will vary depending upon the assigned clinical sites.

*For more detailed program information, please refer to the Catalog & Handbook at https://catalog.southeasterntech.edu/.

Entrance Requirements

  • Prospective students seeking admission into the Associate of Science in Nursing Program will initially enroll in the Healthcare Management (HCM) Degree or Healthcare Professional Certificate - Associate of Science in Nursing option.
  • Submit a completed application & application fee;
  • Be at least 18 years of age;
  • Submit an official copy of your high school transcript or high school equivalent scores;
  • Submit official college transcripts, if applicable;
  • Meet Placement Testing requirements found at: www.southeasterntech.edu/admissions/placement-testing/
  • All prerequisite courses (courses without an RNSG prefix) must be successfully completed with a grade of “C” or better.
  • The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) score is utilized in the nursing entry process. An adjusted individual total score of 66% or greater on the TEAS is required to be considered for admission into the ASN Program.
  • The student will be allowed three (3) attempts to score the required adjusted individual score of 66% or greater on the TEAS exam. The student is responsible for securing appropriate TEAS exam study resources. It is recommended the student wait a minimum of 30 days between each attempt.
  • The attempts and scores will apply to the admission criteria of both the practical nursing diploma and associate degree nursing programs. Therefore, the student is allowed three (3) total exam attempts regardless of program choice.
  • TEAS scores will be valid for three (3) calendar years and must not be expired by the deadline for admission for Fall cohorts.
  • The student’s grade point average (GPA) will be calculated based on the grade earned in all pre-requisite courses required for the nursing curriculum; this will include transfer and repeated classes (taken within the last five (5) years/60 months). COLL 1040 and ALMA 1000 are not used in the calculation for competitive admission; however, these courses must be completed before the student can begin RNSG courses.
  • The higher a student’s GPA, the higher the student will rank in the competitive portion of the admission process. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required to qualify.
  • BIOL 2113/2113L, BIOL 2114/2114L should be completed within the last five (5) years.
  • An ASN Program cohort is accepted each Fall semester. Up to 10% of the total admission cohort may include readmit applicants.
  • Deadline for admission of Fall cohorts is the 1st Thursday of each May.

Additional Requirements for the ASN Program Bridge Pathway Option:

  • Throughout the duration of the ASN Bridge Pathway option, students must submit and maintain proof of unencumbered licensure as a Practical Nurse (LPN) or a Paramedic (EMT-P) in the State of Georgia.
  • Complete a minimum of 1,000 employer verified practice-based hours within the past 12 months and/or have at least three (3) years of full-time experience as a LPN or Paramedic in the last five (5) years - Proof of Employment Form.
  • Students will be eligible for admission into the program after achieving an admission score of 70% or higher on the ASN Bridge Pathway Competency Exam and prior to enrollment in program (RNSG-B) courses.
  • Students are required to attend the scheduled educational session(s) prior to sitting for the ASN Bridge Pathway Competency Exam.
  • During each application cycle, students are allowed two attempts to achieve an admission score of 70% or higher on the ASN Bridge Pathway Competency Exam.
  • If an alternate is not selected for admission, he or she must reapply and compete for future admission. ASN Bridge Pathway Competency Exam scores are valid for two admission cycles.
  • Students are allowed four attempts, within two years, to achieve an admission score of 70% or higher on the ASN Bridge Pathway Competency Exam. Students will be eligible to reapply for admission after five (5) years from the first attempt on the ASN Bridge Pathway Competency Exam.

Important Dates

Admissions will notify students who are selected for the program by May 24, 2021. Students will receive further instructions at that time regarding the Competency Review Class Session.

The first attempt dates for the competency exam are scheduled for:
06/17/2021 at 9 a.m.
06/17/2021 at 2 p.m.
06/24/2021 at 9 a.m.


If a student is not successful on the first attempt, the student may sign up for a second attempt scheduled on 7/1/2021 at 9 a.m. At this time, the plan is to administer the competency exam face-to-face; however, due to the uncertainty of the pandemic, students should have available the technology requirements listed on the website in case virtual administration is needed. Students will receive information regarding competency exam study materials after competitive admission GPA calculation.

Program Costs

The Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) requires all colleges to notify students and prospective students of all program costs for which they will be responsible. Students will be responsible for the following expenses. Most of these requirements must be completed prior to the beginning of clinical or laboratory activities.

The cost ranges are estimates and are subject to change.

  • Bridge – Tuition/Fees: $7,000 (tuition $100 per credit hour; fees $319 each semester)
  • Textbooks: Approximately $1,000 for entire program
  • Assessment Technology Institute Fee: Ranges between $550-$700 per semester
  • Graduation Application Fee: $40 (if student participates); Print diploma fee: $10
  • Uniform Costs: Up to $300
  • myClinicalExchange: $40 annually
  • Background Check & Drug Screen with Alcohol: Approximately $110 paid to PreCheck (varies based on clinical site requirements)
  • AHA BLS (CPR): $30 (credential must remain current throughout the program.)
  • CPR Mask: $9
  • Respiratory N95 Mask: $20
  • Liability Insurance: $12 per year
  • Immunizations/Laboratory Tests
    • MMR Vaccination: $64
    • Measles Titer: $20
    • Mumps Titer: $20
    • Rubella Titer: $20
    • Varicella Titer: $20
    • Hepatitis B Titer: $20
    • Varicella Vaccination: $117
    • Tuberculin Skin Test (TST)/PPD-Two-step $25 per step OR Interferon gamma release assay (IGRA) Laboratory Test $85.
    • Tdap: $40
    • Tetanus Vaccination: $20
    • Hepatitis B Series: $264
    • Hepatitis A & B: $163 for 3-shot series (this option may be chosen instead of the Hepatitis B series)
    • Seasonal Influenza Vaccine: $25

Special Note: A single charge may apply to more than one titer being drawn at the same time.

Laptops will be required. Suggested specifications include:

  • Processor i5 or i7
  • Memory 8GB or higher
  • Hard drive 250GB or larger
  • DVD Drive either internal or external
  • Webcam with microphone required.

*Reliable internet connection required. Mobile Hotspots are not allowed.

Please note expenses related to program courses will NOT be refunded if the student is unable, unwilling, or ineligible to complete the clinical component of any course. Fees are due as noted on syllabus. Failure to pay the fees by the deadline may result in the student not being allowed to return to class. ATI fees are due by 5 p.m. on the first day of class each semester.

Some clinical sites require a physical exam and proof of health insurance. Failure to supply all required (unexpired) documentation may prohibit the student from attending clinical. A student who cannot complete program clinical requirements may not continue in the nursing program.

Southeastern Technical College Associate of Science in Nursing has been granted full approval by the:

Georgia Board of Nursing
237 Coliseum Drive Macon
Georgia 31217-2858
(478) 207-1640
http://sos.state.ga.us/plb/rn

The Associate of Science in Nursing program was granted full approval through December 31, 2021 by the The Georgia Board of Nursing (GBON), 237 Coliseum Drive, Macon, Georgia 31217, (478) 207-2440.

The associate nursing program at Southeastern Technical College at the Vidalia and Swainsboro campus located in Vidalia and Swainsboro, Georgia is accredited by the:

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000
www.acenursing.org

The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the associate nursing program is Initial Accreditation.
View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at http://www.acenursing.us/accreditedprograms/programSearch.htm.

ACEN Accredited

Program Effectiveness Data

Curriculum Outline (60 hours)
General Core (18 hours) 18
COLL 1040

(Prerequisite: None) This course is designed to provide tools to assist students to acquire skills necessary to achieve academic and professional success in their chosen occupational/technical program of study. Topics include: Computer Applications/Technology Skills, Getting off to a Good Start, Learning and Personality Styles, Time and Money Management, Study and Test Taking Skills, Stress Management and Wellness, Communication Skills, and Career Exploration.

3
ALMA 1000

(Prerequisites: MATH 1012) (Co-requisites: MATH 1111) Prepares students in understanding the application of mathematics in their health science program courses. The topics included are basic mathematics, medical terminology, mathematical conversions, weight and measurement applications used in health science programs. Additionally, problem solving strategies, basic principles of medication administration, and research in health science will be incorporated into the course competencies.

0
ENGL 1101

(Prerequisite: Appropriate English Placement Test Score AND Appropriate Reading Placement Test Score) Explores the analysis of literature and articles about issues in the humanities and in society. Students practice various modes of writing, ranging from exposition to argumentation and persuasion. The course includes a review of standard grammatical and stylistic usage in proofreading and editing. An introduction to library resources lays the foundation for research. Topics include writing analysis and practice, revision, and research. Students write a research paper using library resources and using a formatting and documentation style appropriate to the purpose and audience.

3
ENGL 2130

(Prerequisite: ENGL 1101) Emphasizes American literature as a reflection of culture and ideas. A survey of important works in American literature. Includes a variety of literary genres: short stories, poetry, drama, nonfiction, and novels. Topics include literature and culture, essential themes and ideas, literature and history, and research skills.

3
PSYC 1101

(Prerequisite: Appropriate Degree Level Writing (English) and Reading Placement Test Scores) Introduces the major fields of contemporary psychology. Emphasis is on critical thinking and fundamental principles of psychology as a science. Topics include research design, the organization and operation of the nervous system, sensation and perception, learning and memory, motivation and emotion, thinking and intelligence, lifespan development, personality, psychological disorders and treatment, stress and health, and social psychology.

3
GEN 003General Education Elective (3 hours) 3
Choose One (3 Credit Hours) 3
MATH 1101

(Prerequisites:  Appropriate algebra placement test score)  Emphasizes functions using real-world applications as models.  Topics include fundamental concepts of algebra; functions and graphs; linear, quadratic, polynomial, exponential, and logarithmic functions and models; systems of equations; and optional topics in algebra.

3
MATH 1111

(Prerequisites: Appropriate algebra placement test score) Emphasizes techniques of problem solving using algebraic concepts. Topics include fundamental concepts of algebra, equations and inequalities, functions and graphs, and systems of equations; optional topics include sequences, series, and probability or analytic geometry.

3
Occupational Courses (8 hours) 8
BIOL 2113

(Prerequisite: Regular Admission) (Co-Requisites: BIOL 2113L, ENGL 1101) Introduces the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Emphasis is placed on the development of a systemic perspective of anatomical structures and physiological processes. Topics include body organization, cell structure and functions, tissue classifications, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, and nervous and sensory systems.

3
BIOL 2113 L

(Prerequisite: Regular Admission) (Co-Requisites: BIOL 2113, ENGL 1101) Selected laboratory exercises paralleling the topics in BIOL 2113. The laboratory exercises for this course include body organization, cell structure and functions, tissue classifications, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, and nervous sensory systems.

1
BIOL 2114

(Prerequisite: BIOL 2113, BIOL 2113L) (Co-Requisites: BIOL 2114L) Continues the study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Topics include the endocrine system, cardiovascular system, blood and lymphatic system, immune system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system, and reproductive system.

3
BIOL 2114 L

(Prerequisite: BIOL 2113, BIOL 2113L) (Co-Requisites: BIOL 2114) Selected laboratory exercises paralleling the topics in BIOL 2114. The laboratory exercises for this course include the endocrine system, cardiovascular system, blood and lymphatic system, immune system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system, and reproductive system.

1
Occupational Curriculum (34 hours) 34
RNSG 1019B

(Prerequisites: Program Admission)(Co-requisites: RNSG 1018B)This course is designed to facilitate successful entry of the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and the Licensed Paramedic (EMT-P) into the second year of the Associate of Science in Nursing Program (ASN) by awarding credit for previously learned knowledge and skills. Previous knowledge and skills will be reinforced and new concepts will be introduced. The course provides an introduction to nursing and roles of the nurse, as well as professional related and client care concepts. The theoretical foundation for basic assessment and skills will be built upon and the student will be given an opportunity to demonstrate these skills in the laboratory and clinical settings. The student will use the nursing process as a decision-making framework to assist the student in developing effective clinical judgment skills. In addition, the course will include the care of adult clients with health alterations that require medical and/or surgical intervention. Emphasis is placed on the care of clients with alterations within selected body systems and will enhance previous health care experience. The role of the nurse as a provider will include: client-centered care; teamwork and collaboration; evidence-based practice; quality improvement; safety; informatics; professionalism; and leadership. The clinical experience will provide the student an opportunity to apply theoretical concepts and implement safe client care to adults in a variety of healthcare settings.

7
RNSG 1018B

(Prerequisites: Program Admission)(Co-requisites: RNSG 1019B) This course provides an introduction to the principles of pharmacology, including: pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, medication interactions and potential adverse medication reactions. This course also enhances the basic mathematical concepts utilized in calculating medication dosages for safe administration to clients throughout the lifespan. Emphasis is placed on drug classifications and nursing care related to the safe administration of medications.

4
RNSG 1030B

(Prerequisites: Program Admission, RNSG 1018B, RNSG 1019B)(Co-requisites: none)This course provides an integrative, family-centered approach to the care of women, newborns, and children. Emphasis is placed on normal and high-risk pregnancies, normal growth and development, family dynamics, common pediatric disorders and the promotion of healthy behaviors in clients. Management and planning of the nursing process will include concepts from a variety of culturally diverse settings and nursing in the community and acute care setting. The role of the nurse as a provider will include: client-centered care; teamwork and collaboration; evidence-based practice; quality improvement; safety; informatics; professionalism; and leadership. Clinical experiences provide the student an opportunity to apply theoretical concepts and implement safe client care to women, newborns, and children in selected settings.

6
RNSG 2000B

(Prerequisites: Program Admission, RNSG 1019B, RNSG 1018B, RNSG 1030B)(Co-requisites: RNSG 2005B) This course focuses on the care of adult clients with complex, multisystem health alterations that require medical and/or surgical intervention. Emphasis is placed on the care of clients with complex, multisystem alterations within selected body systems and will enhance concepts taught in previous nursing courses. The role of the nurse as a provider will include: client-centered care; teamwork and collaboration; evidence-based practice; quality improvement; safety; informatics; professionalism; and leadership. The clinical experience will provide the student an opportunity to apply theoretical concepts and implement safe client care to adults in a variety of healthcare settings.

4
RNSG 2005B

(Prerequisites: RNSG 1019B, RNSG 1018B, RNSG 1030B)(Co-requisites: RNSG 2000B) This course focuses on the care of clients experiencing mental disorders. Emphasis is placed on management of clients facing emotional and psychological stressors, as well as promoting and maintaining the mental health of individuals and families. Concepts of crisis intervention, therapeutic communication, and coping skills are integrated throughout the course. The community as a site for care and support services is addressed. The role of the nurse as a provider will include: client-centered care; teamwork and collaboration; evidence-based practice; quality improvement; safety; informatics; professionalism; and leadership. Clinical experiences provide the student an opportunity to apply theoretical concepts and implement safe client care to clients experiencing mental disorders.

3
RNSG 2020B

(Prerequisites: Program Admission, RNSG 1019B, RNSG 1018B, RNSG 1030B, RNSG 2000B, RNSG 2005B)(Co-requisites: RNSG 2030B) This course focuses on complex concepts of nursing care as they relate to clients with complex, multisystem alterations in health requiring medical and/or surgical intervention Emphasis is placed on the care of clients with complex, multisystem alterations within selected body systems and will enhance concepts taught in previous nursing courses. Complex clinical skills, as well client-centered care; teamwork and collaboration; evidence-based practice; quality improvement; safety; informatics; professionalism; and leadership are integrated throughout the course. A clinical experience, the practicum, provides the student an opportunity to apply theoretical concepts and implement safe care to clients and selected groups in a variety of settings as a transition into professional nursing practice.

8
RNSG 2030B

(Prerequisites: Program Admission, RNSG 1019B, RNSG 1018B, RNSG 1030B, RNSG 2000B, RNSG 2005B)(Co-requisites: RNSG 2020B) This non-clinical course facilitates the transition of the student to the role of a professional nurse in the microsystem of a work unit. Emphasis is placed on contemporary issues, work ethics, and management concepts, as well as developing the skills of delegation, conflict management, and leadership. Legal and ethical issues are discussed with a focus on personal accountability and responsibility. Standards of practice and the significance of functioning according to state regulations and statutes are analyzed.

2
Faculty
Advisor

Associate of Science in Nursing Instructor
Vidalia Campus - Gillis Building, Office 732

Advisor

Director, Associate of Science in Nursing & Practical Nursing
Vidalia Campus - Gillis Building, Office 724

Advisor

Associate of Science in Nursing Instructor
Swainsboro Campus - Building 8, Office 8119

Advisor

Associate of Science in Nursing Bridge Instructor
Swainsboro Campus - Building 8, Office 8121

Advisor

Associate of Science in Nursing Instructor
Vidalia Campus - Gillis Building, Office 707

Advisor

Associate of Science in Nursing Instructor
Vidalia Campus - Gillis Building, Office 819

Advisor

Associate of Science in Nursing Bridge Instructor
Swainsboro Campus - Building 8

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