Program Options

The purpose of the Nursing Transition Program is to offer an accelerated curriculum track for LPN’s and licensed paramedics who wish to pursue the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing and RN licensure for upgrading of both degree and professional skills. The transition programs are an adaptation of the associate degree nursing curriculum that recognizes the knowledge and skills of the licensed practical nurse or paramedic. Following completion of a transition course, LPN’s and paramedics are awarded credit for the first year nursing courses and enter the second year. The LPN to RN transition course is five credit hours and is offered each summer; the transition course for the paramedic is seven credit hours and is offered every other year (summer of even years).

The nursing curriculum at Chattanooga State is offered in day and night programs. The day program provides for full- or part-time study with the majority of the classes taken during the day. Following completion of the transition course, LPNs and paramedics are able to enter second year nursing courses in the fall of each year.

The night program is designed to offer a program of study that can be completed on a part- time basis during the evening. Because the night program enrolls a new class every two years, following completion of the transition course LPNs and paramedics may transition into the night program every other year (summer of even years). They must then complete the last three courses in the night program sequence of nursing courses.

Upon completion of the nursing program, an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing will be conferred. Graduates are able to write the NCLEX-RN state licensing examination.

To be eligible for enrollment into the transition program:

• LPNs must be currently licensed
• Paramedics must be currently licensed in the State of Tennessee or provide proof of current national registry.
• LPNs and paramedics must provide documentation of at least 400 hours of employment as an LPN or paramedic within the past two years.
• In addition, the student must have completed the following prerequisites prior to enrollment in the first nursing course:
  • All Learning Support courses based on college placement testing must be completed successfully.
  • Anatomy and Physiology 1 (BIOL 2010), Anatomy and Physiology 2 (BIOL 2020) or equivalent
  • Introduction to Psychology (PSYC 1030) or equivalent
  • Lifespan Development (PSYC 2130) or equivalent
  • Microbiology (BIOL 2230) or equivalent

If some of the prerequisites have not been completed at the time of class selection decisions following the application deadline, a conditional acceptance will be made. All prerequisites must be completed prior to enrollment in the first nursing course.

Academic Advising Information

As a pre-nursing student scheduling classes, take the following into consideration:

• Because of the demanding nature of the nursing curriculum, students are encouraged to complete general education courses prior to entering the sequence of nursing courses. This will lighten the credit hour load while in nursing.
• Since all nursing program prerequisites must be met prior to enrollment in the first nursing courses, complete the prerequisites first.
• A minimum grade of “C” is required for all general education and nursing curriculum courses to graduate.

*Anatomy and Physiology as well as Microbiology must have been taken within five years of enrollment in the first nursing course.

• PSYC 1030 (General Psychology) must be completed prior to PSYC 2130 (Lifespan Psychology).

Transfer Students

Applicants seeking to transfer from an accredited nursing program should be aware that such requests are considered on an individual, space-available basis. Contact the nursing program office for more information.

Additional Requirements and Expectations

Nursing Course Schedule

The nursing transition courses are scheduled in the summer term, with classes meeting two days each week. Students transitioning into the day program can expect to have nursing class/clinicals scheduled three days each week for the remaining two semesters. Night program students enroll for a seven or eight credit hour course for the final three semesters. Night program class/clinical schedules are two or three evenings each week.

Computer Requirement

Because of the integration of computers in education, nursing students must have access to a computer with Internet service to meet program requirements. Students must access the eLearn course Web page at least 3-4 times each week for course updates, submit written assignments and monitor examination and other course grades Night Program: Since laptop computers are used as a part of the instructional methodology, all night students must have a laptop computer for use in class.

CPR Certification Requirement

Following acceptance into a nursing program, students must provide proof of current American Heart Association CPR certification for health professionals. Certification must be maintained throughout enrollment in the nursing program. American Red Cross courses or the AHA basic lifesaver or community CPR courses do not meet program requirements.

Health Verification

Prior to entering the nursing program, students must provide evidence through a health verification form and all required tests, including a drug screen, that they are in good health and free from communicable diseases. The Hepatitis B vaccination series is required for all health career students. Seasonal flu shots are required by many affiliating agencies.

Criminal Background Check and Drug Screen

Criminal Background checks and drug screenings are required for clinical practice by institutions used by the nursing program for clinical experiences associated with all nursing courses. Following acceptance into the nursing program, each student must undergo a criminal background check and drug screen in order to comply with policies of affiliating clinical practice agencies. It is the student’s responsibility to comply with instructions provided upon acceptance and provide the results from a designated vendor by a designated date. The background check and drug screen will be at the expense of the student. Students who do not meet this requirement in a timely manner or whose results do not meet agency standards will not be able to complete the clinical requirements of nursing courses. Additionally, a criminal background may preclude licensure or employment. Individuals with a question concerning this should schedule an appointment with the nursing program director.

General Expectations

Because the College seeks to provide, inasmuch as possible, a reasonably safe environment for its students and clients in the clinical practice setting, students may be required during the course of the program to demonstrate their physical and/or emotional fitness to meet the essential requirements of the program. Such requirements may include freedom from communicable diseases, the ability to perform certain physical tasks and suitable emotional fitness.