Nursing, AAS: Advanced Placement Option for Licensed Practical Nurses

Program Description/Purpose: The Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AAS): Advanced Placement Option (APO) for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) is designed to prepare students with a current, unrestricted LPN license in the Commonwealth of Virginia to master entry-level registered nurse knowledge while recognizing their education and skill level as a current LPN. Students will integrate the art of nursing skills with the science of health education to provide holistic client care.

Occupational Outcomes: Upon satisfactory completion of this program, the student will be eligible to take the National Council of State Boards of Nursing examination (NCLEX-RN), for licensure as a registered nurse (RN). Opportunities for the entry-level RN include employment in a myriad of healthcare settings.

Accreditation Status:

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850
Atlanta, Georgia 30326
and approved by:

Virginia State Board of Nursing
Perimeter Center, 9960 Maryland Drive, Suite 300
Richmond, VA 23233-1463
(804) 367-4515

Admission Requirements: 

Acceptance into the AAS APO program is selective and competitive. Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance into the AAS program. Applicants not selected for the program must complete and resubmit a new application packet each year. Applicants for the AAS program are selected once per academic year.

1. Students considering the AAS APO program are required to successfully complete the prerequisites earning a “C” or better in all required prerequisite coursework. Students may be enrolled in any or all prerequisite coursework during the semester in which applications are due. Students who qualify for admission will be accepted with the contingency that they complete the prerequisites by the end of the semester with a C or better, and have a minimum GPA as described below.
2. Graduation from high school or satisfactory completion of the certificate of general education development (GED or equivalent); unofficial copy required.
3. Application to Laurel Ridge Community College and the nursing program.
4. Laurel Ridge Community College placement test (if required) and completion of any developmental work that may be identified by the placement test. Must show proficiency in MDE 10  or eligibility for MTH 154 .
5. Curricular GPA of 2.5 or higher based on the specified prerequisite courses (ENG 111 , PSY 230 , SDV 101 , BIO 141 , BIO 142 ).
6. Meet certain computer competencies prior to entering the nursing program. Applicants are required to review and sign the “Essential Computer Competency Checklist”. Students without the required skill set are encouraged to enroll in ITE 152 , CSC 110 , or equivalent.
7. Completion of the required HESI admission assessment exam scoring at or above the 45th percentile in each required component which includes reading comprehension, anatomy and physiology, math, and the composite score.  A minimum score of 800 on the HESI critical thinking exam is also included as part of the required HESI admission exam. Two attempts on the HESI admission exam are permitted per application cycle. Students must wait a period of one week between attempts on the HESI admission exam.  HESI admission exams are good for two application cycles only. NOTE: Needed entrance exam scores (at or above the 45th percentile) change on a yearly basis; therefore, scores from a previous year must meet or exceed the benchmark for the current year. Testing costs are the responsibility of the student.
8. HESI Laurel Ridge LPN-RN Entrance Exam with a 750 or higher on the Composite score. Students who are successful on their HESI A2 exam, but not on their Laurel Ridge LPN-RN Entrance Exam, may be considered for acceptance into the traditional program, provided their application is received by the specified date for consideration. Testing costs are the responsibility of the student.
9. Current Virginia LPN nursing license to be submitted with application. 
10. LPNs are strongly encouraged to attend a nursing information session. Dates, times, and locations are posted on the Laurel Ridge Community College Nursing website at https://laurelridge.edu/nursing/nursing-information-session/.

Upon acceptance to the AAS APO program, the student will be given instructions with regard to the following:

1. Submit a completed medical history and physical examination, including immunizations.
2. Provide proof of Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers by the American Heart Association.
3. Complete a criminal background check and drug screening.  The cost of the background check and the drug screen are the responsibility of the student.
4. Comply with all rules and guidelines of the Laurel Ridge Community College and Nursing Student Handbook.
5. Sign an agreement that releases all clinical agencies and their employees, Laurel Ridge Community College, The Virginia Community College System, and the Commonwealth of Virginia from any liability for any injury or death to the student or damage to his/her property arising out of the agreement of use of facilities associated with the nursing program.
6. Nursing students enrolled in NSG courses are required to purchase health and liability insurance from an independent provider.
7. Failure to meet the above requirements will be cause for administrative withdrawal of the student from the nursing program.
8. Successful completion of the required 67 credits with a minimum grade of “C” in all general education and nursing courses is required for the AAS.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

1. Students will provide client-centered care promoting therapeutic relationships, caring behaviors, and self-determination across the lifespan for diverse populations.
2. Students will practice safe nursing care that minimizes the risk of harm across systems and client populations.
3. Students will demonstrate nursing judgment through the use of clinical reasoning, the nursing process, and evidence-based practice in the provision of safe, quality care.
4. Students will practice professional behaviors that encompass the legal/ethical framework while incorporating self-reflection, leadership, and a commitment to recognize the value of life-long learning.
5. Students will manage client care through quality improvement processes, information technology, and fiscal responsibility to meet client needs and support organizational outcomes.
6. Students will demonstrate principles of collaborative practice within the nursing and healthcare teams fostering mutual respect and shared decision-making to achieve stated outcomes of care.

General education courses may be taken at any time prior to admission in the AAS program; however, general education courses must be completed no later than the semester in which they are outlined in the curriculum below.

Courses are displayed under the semester in which they are regularly offered and are recommended to be taken in this sequence to ensure timely graduation. It is possible that a course shown in a particular semester may not be offered due to low enrollment or other factors.