Prerequisite requirements for application to the ONLINE LPN to AASN degree program include:

• Cumulative GPA of 2.50 including all college credits
• Acceptance to A-State
• Must be an Arkansas resident
• A current unencumbered LPN license to practice in Arkansas is required for application to the AASN degree program.
• Proof of employment in an acute or long term care facility. See below Validation of Work Experience
• Completion of required courses with a "C" or higher

The required courses can be found in the most current Undergraduate Bulletin.

All required courses must be completed with a minimum "C" in each course.

ALL prerequisite courses MUST be completed by July 1.

Admission Criteria:

• Overall 2.5 GPA
• LPN currently employed at an acute or long term care facility
• Must reside in the state of Arkansas. Submit proof of residency (Arkansas Driver's License or other recent government issued document containing address emailed to Robin Thompson at rkthompson@astate.edu 
• Must hold unencumbered PN license from the Arkansas State Board of Nursing

To apply, submit the following by April 15^th:

1. Apply for admission to A-State.
2. Apply for admission to the Online LPN-AASN program. The application is available February 15 - April 15, 2019. 
3. Official transcripts of ALL college work must be submitted to the Registrar’s office.
4. Validation of work experience (The applicant must provide proof of work experience reflecting a minimum of 1,000 hours of nursing employment during the past 12-24 months.  (Acute or long-term care experience desired, i.e., hospital or nursing home)
5. Take the required admission Assessments: 

• The HESI LPN-ADN Entrance Exam is a 75-item comprehensive exam designed to be used for currently Licensed Practical/Vocational nurses seeking entrance into an Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program. The exam measures competencies across the PN/VN content areas including: fundamentals, pediatric nursing, maternity, professional issues, medical-surgical and psychiatric/mental illness issues.  Click HERE for admission testing information.  For additional information, email Brenda Goodwin.  Payment for the LPN-ADN  Entrance Exam is non-refundable.
• Smarter Measure Online Readiness Assessment: This online readiness tool helps indicate the degree to which distance learning and/or learning in a technology rich environment will be a good fit for the student.  This assessment requires students to answer questions and complete a few activities.  It takes about 35 minutes to complete.  Competencies measured are:  reading rate and recall, technical competency, technical knowledge, typing speed and accuracy.    Username:  LPN-AASN  Password:  online

6.  Documentation of English proficiency, if applicable

7.  Spanish Proficiency:  Spanish proficiency is not required for application but may enhance the applicant’s overall score. Students must  prove their proficiency by taking the ACTFL – OPI (Oral Proficiency Interview). Students must forward the results to the School of                      Nursing prior to February 1^st.  

8.  Students are required to have three academic or professional references to complete the Student Recommendation Form. 

9.  If you have previously attended a RN nursing program you did not complete, you MUST have the program Dean/Director send a letter stating your standing when you left the program. This letter must be in the nursing office by the application deadline.

10. Applications will be ranked for admission by prerequisite GPA, LPN-ADN Entrance, Online Learning Readiness assessment, recommendations (Student Recommendation Forms), skills validation, and interview, with special consideration for those with Spanish proficiency.

11. Interview dates are Friday, April 19, 2019 or Monday, April 22, 2019. Top ranking applicants should be plan to attend on one of these dates.

12. Skills validation will be held on Friday, April 26, 2019 or  Monday, April 29, 2019.  Top ranking interview applicants should plan to attend one of these dates.

Deadline

All application materials must be received by April 15th. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. Applications are reviewed after the application deadline and preference is not given for early submission.  

Application checklist

Applicants will be contacted regarding interview scheduling after the application deadline

Limited Availability

Class size is limited and all applicants may not be accepted into the program. Interested individuals are encouraged to seek an advisor early to ensure that all prerequisite courses are completed in a timely manner.

Student selection will be based on prerequisite GPA, LPN-ADN Entrance Exam, Online Learning Readiness assessment, recommendations (Student Recommendation Forms), and interview, with special consideration for those with Spanish Proficiency. 

Additional Documentation

Students admitted will be required to supply additional documentation, including current CPR certification, Hepatitis B   immunizations, TB skin test or chest x-ray, tetanus and MMR and proof of professional liability insurance (minimum $1,000,000/$6,000,000).

Based on recent legislation in Arkansas, students admitted to professional programs that lead to licensure upon graduation are required to have a successful background check to complete formal admission. 

RN LICENSURE

Upon completion of this program, the student is eligible to apply for licensure as a Registered Nurse.

A first-time applicant for any license by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing will have a state and national criminal background check. Any offenses identified in section §17-87-312 of the Nurse Practice Act may prohibit a graduate from obtaining a license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of Arkansas.  Although an appeal may be possible there are offenses that permanently disqualify an applicant from licensure.

The Nurse Practice Act may be viewed on the Arkansas State Board of Nursing website (www.arsbn.org)