Nursing, AAS: Advanced Placement Option for Licensed Practical Nurses

This is a G3-eligible program.  Click here to learn more.

Program Description/Purpose: The Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AAS): Advanced Placement Option (APO) for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) at Laurel Ridge Community College is designed to prepare students to master entry-level registered nurse knowledge. Students will integrate the art of nursing skills with the science of health education to provide holistic client care. 

Occupational Outcome:  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.

Transfer Guidelines: Transfer opportunities for an associate of applied science degrees, if existing, are very specific in nature. Students enrolling in an applied science degree with plans to transfer should explore opportunities with an advisor.

Accreditation Status: 

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN),
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, Georgia 30326

Approved by:

Virginia State Board of Nursing

Perimeter Center, 9960 Maryland Drive, Suite 300

Richmond, VA 23233

Admission Requirements:

Acceptance into the AAS APO program is selective and competitive. Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance into the 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.  Students considering the AAS 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 spring 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.

1. Current Virginia LPN nursing license (to be submitted with application or by the end of the semester in which they are applying).
2. Graduation from high school or satisfactory completion of the certificate of general education development (GED or equivalent); Official copy of transcripts is required and, if applicable, must be translated to English by an approved translation service.
3. Application to Laurel Ridge Community College (if not a student) and the nursing program.
4. Documented proficiency in MDE 10  or eligibility for MTH 154 .
5. A grade of “C” or better in each prerequisite course.
6. Curricular GPA of 2.5 or higher, based on specified prerequisite courses.
7. Signed affirmation of computer competencies described in the “Essential Computer Competency Checklist.”  Students without the required skill set are encouraged to enroll in ITE 152 , CSC 110 , or an equivalent. 
8. Testing Requirements:
   • Test # 1 (HESI A2 Exam): 
     1. Completion of the required HESI Admission Assessment (A2) exam, scoring at or above the 45th percentile on the following test components:
        1. Reading Comprehension
        2. Anatomy and Physiology
        3. Math
        4. Composite score 
     2. Achievement of a minimum score of 800 on the Critical Thinking component of the HESI A2 Exam.
     3. Students must wait a period of one week between attempts on the HESI A2 exam. 
     4. HESI A2 exams are considered individually and as a complete test.  Applicants may submit their best total attempt for consideration but must meet minimum levels in all categories in a single attempt.
     5. Two attempts on the HESI A2 Exam are permitted per application cycle.
     6. HESI A2 exams are good for two application cycles only. Note: Needed HESI A2 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.
   • Test # 2 (Laurel Ridge LPN-RN Entrance Exam): 
     1. Completion of Laurel Ridge LPN-RN Entrance Exam with a composite score of 750 or higher.
     2. One attempt of the LPN-RN Entrance Exam is permitted per cycle.
     3. LPN-RN Entrance exams are good for two application cycles only.
     4. Students are highly encouraged to successfully complete the HESI A2 Exam prior to attempting the LPN-RN Entrance Exam.
     5. Students who meet all benchmarks on the HESI A2 Exam, but not on the Laurel Ridge LPN-RN Exam, may be considered for acceptance into the traditional program.
   • Testing costs are the responsibility of the student.
9. Applicants are strongly encouraged to attend a nursing information session.  Dates, times, and locations are posted on the Laurel Ridge Community College Nursing website here.

Upon Acceptance to the AAS Nursing Program, the Student will be Given Instructions Regarding the Following:

1. Students will be advised on the details and timeline for the following requirements:
   1. Submission of a completed medical history and physical, including immunization records and medical confirmation that the student meets all required functional abilities to safely participate in the program.  (Note: If the student’s health status changes during the program, the student may be asked for medical clearance to return to the clinical setting).
   2. Proof of Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers by the American Heart Association.
   3. Completion of a criminal background check and drug screening.  The cost of the background check and drug screen are the responsibility of the student.
2. Students enrolled in NSG courses are required to:
   1. Comply with all rules and guidelines of Laurel Ridge Community College and Nursing Student Handbook.
   2. 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 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.
   3. Purchase and maintain health and liability insurance from an independent provider.
3. Nursing students and graduates incur additional expenses including curriculum/supply/equipment fees, access to clinical hour tracking system, uniform fees, standardized testing and NCLEX testing preparation fees, and licensure fees.  A full estimate of fees can be reviewed on the Laurel Ridge AAS Nursing website here.
4. Failure to meet the above requirements will be cause for administrative withdrawal of the student from the nursing program.
5. 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 integrate clinical judgement when collaborating with the healthcare team in the management of care for complex clients.
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 manage the appropriateness, accuracy, and client response to pharmacology principles for clients with complex conditions.

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.