LPN to RN Bridge Options

LPN to RN Bridge Options

The LPN to RN Bridge option is a plan for the applicant already licensed as a practical nurse (LPN). Qualified LPNs may complete the Associate of Applied Science degree in Nursing requirements in three semesters of study. LPNs are admitted on a space available basis.

Admission Requirements 

In addition to the admission requirements for the Major in Nursing, licensed practical nurses seeking admission through the LPN-to-RN Bridge option must meet the following admission requirements.*

1. Meet all College general requirements for admission as a degree-seeking student as stated in the catalog.
2. Successfully pass the Foundations of Nursing challenge examination for nursing within three (3) years prior to the semester seeking entry.
3. Complete prerequisite course requirements prior to the semester requesting entry.
4. Earned a cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or above on a 4.0 scale for academic subjects.

*Some admission requirements may differ if formal college articulation agreements exist.

Admission Process

1. Apply to Columbia State.
2. Submit the following to the Admissions office:

• • official college transcripts
  • high school transcripts or GED

3. Complete the online LPN-to-RN Nursing Program Application.

• Upload a copy of driver’s license
• Upload a copy of Tennessee LPN license

4. Foundations of Nursing challenge examination: To be eligible for entry into the nursing program at Columbia State, the exam must be taken with Columbia State. The Nursing Program does notaccept exam results taken with other institutions. The challenge examination may be repeated once. Examination results are valid for a three-year period.

Note: This is a national exam developed by the National League of Nursing (NLN). Results of this can be used at nursing schools nationwide (contact specific schools for admission policies). Success on the Challenge Exam does not guarantee entrance into the nursing program. LPNs are admitted on a space available basis. 

Continuation Requirements
The same continuation requirements apply to all students in Nursing. These are stated under " Continuation Requirements". Prospective students are strongly encouraged to review the Nursing Program Student Handbook for an understanding of program policies and expectations.

Required Courses

Prerequisites - 11 credit hours

• COLS 101 - College Success (1 credit)
• BIOL 2010 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I (4 credits)**
• MATH 1530 - Statistics (3 credits)***
• PSYC 1030 - Introduction to Psychology (3 credits)

After successful completion of NRSG 1620, NRSG 1340, and NRSG 1360 in the first semester of the LPN-
to-RN Bridge option, students will receive 7 credit hours for NRSG 1710.

Second Semester - 16 credit hours

• BIOL 2020 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II (4 credits)**
• NRSG 1360 - Pharmacology (3 credits)
• NRSG 1620 - Medical-Surgical I (6 credits)
• NRSG 1340 - Mental Health Nursing (3 credits)

• BIOL 2230 – Microbiology (4 credits)**
• PSY 2130 - Lifespan Psychology (3 credits)  
• NRSG 2630 - Medical-Surgical II (6 credits)
• NRSG 1320 - OB (3 credits)

• Humanities/Fine Arts Elective (3 credits)
• ENGL 1010 - Composition I (3 credits)
• NRSG 2240 - Professional Practice (2 credits)
• NRSG 2640 - Medical-Surgical III (6 credits)
• NRSG 1330 - Pediatrics (3 credits)

Total Credit Hours: 67

**BIOL 2010 and BIOL 2020 must have been completed no more than five years prior to
program entry. Students must earn a grade of "C" or higher in all Biology courses.

***Students must earn a grade of "C" or higher in the Mathematics course.

LPN Challenge Examination Information:

*For specific date, see Academic Calendar.

Tennessee Board of Regents-Tennessee College of Applied Technology LPN-to-RN Articulation