Catalog 2017-2018

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Nursing

The Bridge Program

Licensed practical nurses (LPNs), licensed  GA paramedics, and Military 29W personnel may be eligible to enroll in a newly developed bridge program that requires a minimum of three semesters to complete the nursing (RNSG) courses. Qualified students may apply for the generic nursing program as described in the 

Nursing section, or they may apply for the bridge program, which allows them to enter the second year of the nursing curriculum on a space-available basis. Interested students should contact the Admissions Office and request information on the bridge program in addition to the regular admission packet. Bridge program students are admitted each summer semester on a space-available basis. Prospective students may gain admission to the college initially as Healthcare Science program students/applicants to the Nursing Bridge Program in order to complete any learning support classes and required general education courses.

The application deadline for the bridge program is February 1 of the year the applicant is seeking admission to the program. Applicants must submit the following items to the Admissions Office by the application deadline for the year they seek admission to the program:

  • Completed and signed application for admission and a $25 nonrefundable application fee.
  • Official high school or GED transcripts and/or official college transcripts from all colleges attended in the past (see General Admission Requirements).
  • Valid ACCUPLACER, COMPASS, ASSET, SAT, or ACT test scores (see ACCUPLACER Placement Examination).
  •  NLN Pre-admission RN exam of no less than 70th percentile that is less than five years old as of the February 1st deadline. The NLN pre-admission test may be taken every six months. (see Selective Admission Examinations).
  • Proof of legal presence in the United States.
  • Documentation of an unencumbered LPN license or paramedic license, or Military 29W documentation equivalent to the Paramedic license valid in the State of Georgia.
  • Documentation showing two years of work experience (minimum of 1,000 hours) as a licensed practical nurse or paramedic.
  • Completed and signed Intent form. Blank forms are available on the college website.
  • Attend a pre-admission orientation session if invited.

Applicants to the bridge program must complete English (ENGL 1101), mathematics (MATH 1101 or MATH 1111), human anatomy and physiology I and II (BIOL 2113, BIOL 2113L, BIOL 2114, and BIOL 2114L), introductory microbiology (BIOL 2117 and BIOL 2117L), and introductory psychology (PSYC 1101) or equivalent courses with grades of C or higher by January 1 of the year in which admission is sought. Applicants must also possess an overall GPA of 2.75 or higher on the five core courses listed above. Applicants transferring from other colleges must confirm the transferability of credit for these courses with the college's director of registration and records by the February 1 admission application deadline. Although applicants must have a minimum grade of C in these courses, it should be noted that the prerequisite course grade point average is one of the main criteria for selection in health and life sciences programs, so grade of C are typically not competitive.

Students must complete PSYC 2103 prior to the starting the bridge program. After gaining admission to the bridge program and prior to enrolling in the first nursing (RNSG) course, students must have the following current official documents on file in the Nursing Office:

  • Certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers.
  • Verification of health and malpractice insurance (see Malpractice Insurance).
  • Record of physical exam that is less than six months old and a physician statement that the student is in satisfactory health.
  • Results of two-step tuberculin skin test and/or chest x-ray.
  • Evidence of immunity or proof of immunization to rubella, rubeola, mumps, varicella, and Hepatitis B.
  • Documentation of current TDAP (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) immunization.
  • Proof of a flu vaccine.
  • A signed document acknowledging that the commission of a felony before or during their enrollment in this program may prevent or impede graduates from obtaining licensure as registered nurses. They are required to complete drug testing and/or background checks at their own expense prior to participating in internships, practicums, or clinical activities at certain host sites for these activities (see Drug Testing/Background Checks). Blank documents are available from the program chair and on the college website.