Nursing

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

• Cumulative GPA of 2.00 including all college credits
• Completion of required courses

Prerequisites include the following courses:

• BIO 2203 AND 2201, Human Anatomy/Physiology I and Laboratory
• BIO 2223 AND 2221, Human Anatomy/Physiology II and Laboratory
• PSY 2013, Introduction to Psychology
• ENG 1003, Composition I
• MATH 1023, College Algebra (or MATH course that requires MATH 1023 as a prerequisite)
• NRS 2392, Health Assessment
• NRSP 2391, Health Assessment Practicum

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.

Limited Positions Available

Acceptance to the University does not guarantee admission to any nursing program.

How to Apply   

To apply, just follow these simple steps:

1. Apply for admission to A-State.
2. Apply for admission to the LPN-AASN program. The application will be available on the School of Nursing website on April 30th.

3. Take the required SPANS admission exam.  SPANS is a comprehensive assessment designed to measure readiness for the academic demand of health science programs. The exam consists of 150 questions that evaluate critical skills in reading comprehension/English, math, and scientific knowledge. The exam is completed remotely and should be completed prior to the deadline. Estimated cost is about $70 and the exam can be completed one time during the application cycle. Exam results are valid for 3 years. For those interested, there is a prep book available online for purchase through SPIN Learning. Instructions for SPANS:

   1. Visit https://www.spin-learning.com/

   2. Click SPANS Registration button at top of webpage

   3. Select SPANS SPIN-Learning

   4. Click “Buy SPANS Ticket”

   5. Choose Preferred Date

   6. Checkout

4. Smarter Measure Online Readiness Assessment: The 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 and measures reading rate and recall, technical competency, technical knowledge, and typing speed and accuracy. There is no cost for the Smarter Measures Assessment and it can be completed one time during the application cycle.  Exam results are valid for 3 years.

   Link to the assessment: Smarter Measures Assessment

   Username: Traditional AASN  Password: traditional

5. If you have previously attended a RN program and did not complete the program, you MUST submit a letter of good standing.  The letter must be sent from the previous RN program dean/director/chair/coordinator prior to the application deadline to the AASN Program Chair or designate.  The letter can be emailed to sdearing@astate.edu
6. Submit the following by the June 7th deadline:

• Completed LPN-AASN application
• Official (sealed) transcripts of ALL college work completed submitted to the Registrar's Office (PO Box 1570, State University, ARN 72467).
• Documentation of prerequisite coursework currently enrolled in at time of application.
• Letter of reference from the program director/chair of any previously attended, but not completed, nursing program (if applicable)
• Validation of work experience (if applicable)
• Documentation of English proficiency (if applicable)

Deadline

All application materials must be received by June 7th for the fall semester. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. Applications are reviewed after the application deadline and preference is not given for early submission.

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.

An unencumbered LPN license is to be maintained throughout the program.

All documentation required by the School of Nursing must be kept current al all times during the course of the program.

Recent Graduates

Applicants who complete their LPN program less than 12 months prior to application to the AASN program are not required to have work experience.

Practicing LPNS

If it is greater than 12 months since graduation, the applicant must provide proof of work experience reflecting a minimum of 1,000 hours of nursing employment during the past 12-24 months.

Click here for employer documentation of work experience.

For any questions concerning this information, applicants are encouraged to see the AASN advisor (nursinginfo@AState.edu)

RN Licensure

Upon completion on this program, the student 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) and also on the School of Nursing website.

For students seeking readmission to the LPN-AASN Nursing program:

Readmission Testing

Students seeking readmission to the LPN-AASN nursing programs are required to pass a standardized test created from the objectives of the courses successfully completed in previous semesters.

Criteria for readmission to the undergraduate nursing programs includes:

• Complete readmission packet;
• Recommendation of faculty;
• Passing score (75%) on the standardized assessment test(s) of courses previously passed;
• Cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0; and
• Space availability in the class

The cost of the readmission test will be the responsibility of the student

Please email NRStesting@AState.edu with any questions.

Program Application

Program applications for transfer and readmission will be available (Fall) April 30th - June 7th and (Spring) August 31st - October 15th.

AASN Pass Rates