Division of Nursing

The Louisiana Tech University Division of Nursing prepares graduates for licensure as registered nurses. The Associate of Science in Nursing provides the solid foundation required for many career opportunities, including RN positions in acute care/critical care, emergency/trauma, medical-surgical units, pediatrics/neonatal units, and home health. Nursing is a high technology area, but it also requires individuals who are detail oriented and who have people skills and self-confidence. Nursing is one of the fastest growing occupations in the US. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (2015) projected employment of registered nurses to grow 16% (much faster than everage) between 2014-2024.

Accreditation

The Associate of Science degree in nursing has full approval from the Louisiana State Board of Nursing, 17373 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70810; telephone number 225-755-7500; www.lsbn.state.la.us. The program is also accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (ACEN), 3343 Peachtree Road, NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, GA, 30326; telephone 404-975-5000; fax 404-975-5020; www.acenursing.org

Enrollment in Clinical Nursing Courses

Admission to the University does not guarantee enrollment in clinical nursing courses. Admission is competitive and based on the following criteria:

GPA (minimum of 2.6 on a 4.0 scale)
ACT composite score
Essay
Application
Three letters of recommendation

A student must be accepted into the clinical nursing program prior to enrolling in NURS courses. Permission to enroll in clinical nursing courses must be granted by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN) prior to enrolling in a clinical nursing course. Approval includes a criminal background check. Applicants for licensure or the right to practice as a student nurse shall be denied approval if the applicant has pled guilty, nolo contendere, or “best interest of” or the equivalent to, or has been convicted of committing, attempting to commit, or conspiring to commit: a crime of violence, a crime involving the production, manufacturing, distribution or dispensing of a controlled dangerous substance, a crime designated as a sex offense, or misappropriation crimes (unauthorized use of access card, credit card fraud, theft of assets of an aged person or disabled person, fraudulent acquisition of a credit card, unauthorized use of food stamps, Medicaid fraud, access devise fraud, bank fraud), or an equivalent crime in any jurisdiction.

Criteria for Retention and Progression

A minimum grade of “C” is required for all courses in the nursing curriculum. A student is allowed to repeat only one nursing course (for grade below “C” or withdrawal) in the nursing curriculum. Requirements for re-enrollment are published in the Nursing Student Handbook. A second grade below “C” or withdrawal in any clinical nursing course constitutes dismissal from the program. Applicants for readmission must meet the admission and progression criteria in place at the time of reapplication. If more than three quarters have elapsed since the student was enrolled in a clinical nursing course, an application to be readmitted to the first quarter of clinical nursing courses must be approved by the Admissions Committee.

Additional Requirements

An initial physical examination is required upon admission. A criminal background check, 10-panel drug screen, and a TB skin test (PPD) are required annually. Students are subject to random drug/alcohol screening while enrolled in clinical nursing courses. Current immunizations for hepatitis B, seasonal influenza, and tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis (or medical exemption) are required. All nursing students must have current professional liability insurance, health insurance, and AHA healthcare provider CPR prior to and throughout any clinical nursing course. Specific requirements are subject to change, based on requirements of participating clinical agencies. Nursing students must be able to meet the Division of Nursing published Core Performance Standards (available on Division of Nursing web site).

In addition to regular University tuition and fees, expenses for uniforms, supplies, equipment, books, and fees related to application for licensure, NCLEX-RN examination, criminal background check and requirements listed above, as well as graduation fees are required for the nursing program.

Transfer

Transfer students are evaluated on an individual basis and must submit a letter of good standing from any previous nursing programs. Students may transfer credit earned for the general academic courses from other accredited universities. Students must meet admission and progression criteria at the time of application, as well as transfer admission requirements to Louisiana Tech University. A minimum grade of “C” is required for acceptance of transfer courses.

Transfer students must provide a syllabus and course description for all nursing courses for which transfer credit is possible, and must pass the credit exams for each exam taken. Students must also submit a letter of good standing from the school of nursing previously attended. Credit will not be granted for courses in nursing taken more than 3 quarters prior to admission. This policy also applies to credit granted by examination.

Upon successful completion of all course requirements, the student is eligible for graduation with an Associate of Science Degree in Nursing. Louisiana Tech University supports the 2+2 mechanism for RN to BSN completion in conjunction with other institutions such as NSU, ULM, and OLHCC.

Programs

Associate of Science in Nursing

Nursing (ASN)