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

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

Program Outcomes

1. The program demonstrates evidence of students’ achievement of each end-of-program student learning outcome.
2. The program demonstrates evidence of graduates’ achievement on the licensure examination. At least 80% of graduates will pass the NCLEX-RN on the first attempt.
3. The program demonstrates evidence of students’ achievement in completing the nursing program. At least 65% of the students will graduate within 100% of time from entry into program.
4. The program demonstrates evidence of graduates’ achievement in job placement. At least 90% of graduates will report employment as a RN within 6-12 months of graduation.

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. Students will submit an application to the nursing program, before the May deadline, once program admission requirements have been met.
• Please be aware that some clinical sites mandate the COVID-19 vaccination in accordance with CMS guidelines.
• Submit a completed application & application fee;
• Be at least 18 years of age (at the time the student begins the program (RNSG courses);
• 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 with at least a “C” before the student can begin RNSG courses; failure to do so will result in the student forfeiting their seat. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure they are registered for COLL 1040 and ALMA 1000 prior to the beginning of Summer semester.
• 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. If a cohort is not full, additional readmission students may be accepted.
• Deadline for admission of Fall cohorts is the 1st Thursday of each May. Transfer students should reach out to the Admissions office to ensure that all documentation is received by the deadline. Late submissions will not be accepted. Transfer students should also ensure they are registered for COLL 1040 and ALMA 1000 prior to the start of Summer semester.

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) to practice 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 an LPN or Paramedic in the last five (5) years - Proof of Employment form found on www.southeasterntech.edu.
• 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 23, 2022. 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:
6/14/2023 at 9 AM
6/14/2023 at 2 PM
6/21/2023 at 9 AM

If a student is not successful on the first attempt, the student may sign up for a second attempt scheduled on 6/28/2023 at 9 AM. 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. If a student is unsuccessful on both attempts, the student may opt for admission into the Fall Traditional Pathway cohort as long as seats available and the student met the deadline requirements.

Program Progression and Readmission

Progression

In order to continue in the nursing Program, the student must: 1.) Maintain a grade of C or better in all RNSG courses; 2.) Achieve a passing score (100%) on the required drug calculation exams (may take the drug calculation exam a maximum of three (3) attempts); 3.) Be accepted by clinical agencies for clinical experiences; 4.) Demonstrate safe practice in care of clients and exercise appropriate judgment as beginning-level practitioners; and 5.) Maintain ability to meet essential core performance standards.

A student who has an unsuccessful attempt in an ASN course (W, D, or F) cannot progress until the course is completed successfully. The student must repeat the didactic and clinical component of the course and will have to wait until the next cohort before retaking the course. Course repetition may be based on guidelines outlined in the readmission procedure. Withdrawal and/or a D or F in one or more nursing courses is considered one unsuccessful attempt.

Readmission to the Nursing Program

Based on space availability, readmission may be considered for the following: 1.) Students who withdraw, 2.) Students who fail to complete a course with a grade of C or better, 3.) Students can only be readmitted ONCE.

Any student requesting readmission must reapply to the Office of Admissions by the deadline noted on the website. The student must submit the program’s required documents to verify proof of a current AHA Healthcare Provider CPR certification, immunizations, criminal background check, and drug screen. If there has been a break in enrollment, students will be required to repeat criminal background check and drug screen.

Students applying for re-entry beyond the first semester of RNSG courses must take: Course challenge exam(s) on all course content prior to the course of readmission, Drug calculation exam, and Clinical competency evaluation. Students applying beyond the first semester must request reinstatement within one year from the term of withdrawal or failure. Students must score 80 or better on the challenge exams and score 100 on the drug calculation exam. Students must successfully complete a clinical competency evaluation at the same level of competency expected for the proposed course.

Readmission to the nursing program is not guaranteed. Selection for reinstatement is based on the student’s GPA at the current institution and space availability. Reinstatement may be denied due to, but not limited to, any of the following circumstances:

• Grade point average is less than 2.0 from RNSG courses completed at the current institution,
• Refusal by clinical agencies to accept the student for clinical experiences,
• Twelve months have elapsed since the student was enrolled in a nursing course, and
• Students dismissed from the previous program for disciplinary reasons and/or unsafe/unsatisfactory client care in the clinical area will not be allowed readmission to the nursing program.

In the event more than one student meets the requirements for re-admission beyond the first semester of RNSG courses, the following criteria will be utilized to determine the best candidate for re-admission:

• TEAS test scores will count 20%
• Course challenge exams(s) scores will be averaged and count 45%, and
• Health Care Management Degree core course GPA will count 35%.

A student who earns a D or F in any two nursing semesters will be dismissed from the ASN Program and will not be eligible for readmission.

Transfer

The ASN Program defines a transfer student as a student who has been enrolled in a nursing program at the ASN or BSN level for at least one semester at another college or university. Students must meet the admission requirements for STC and the ASN Program in order to be considered for admission as a transfer nursing student. Any student requesting transfer must apply to the Office of Admissions deadline noted on the website. Based on space availability, transfer may be considered for students meeting the following criteria. Students must: 1.) Meet admission standards for the nursing program and 2.) Be a student in good standing and eligible to return to the previous nursing program.

Students must submit required documents for proof of current AHA Healthcare Provider CPR certification, immunizations and will be required to undergo a criminal background check and drug screen.

Students applying for transfer beyond the first semester must take:

• Course challenge exam(s) on all course content prior to the course of transfer
• Drug calculation exam, and
• Clinical competency evaluation.

Students must score 80 or better on the challenge exams and score 100 on the drug calculation exam. Students must successfully complete a clinical competency evaluation at the same level of competency expected for the proposed course. Any student who has had two unsuccessful attempts in any nursing semesters will not be considered for transfer. Students must complete 25% of the ASN Program hours required for graduation at STC. Readmission to the ASN Program will not be allowed if a transfer student withdraws or fails a nursing course at STC. Meeting minimal standards does not guarantee acceptance due to limited space availability.

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 the 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.

Click here to view: ASN Student Handbook