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Advanced Placement Policy For Licensed Vocational Nurses
LVN’s who are licensed in California may be eligible to be considered for direct transfer of course credit and/or credit by examination. The principle objective is for the Advanced Placement student to graduate with knowledge and skills equivalent to the generic graduate of the nursing program, without unnecessary repetition of courses or course work. Students who desire advanced placement will receive individual counseling to determine eligibility and to facilitate their progress. The LVN-to-BSN program will take 2.5 years to complete.
Criteria for Admission
- California LVN License.
- Minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 in all college coursework.
- Completion of all prerequisite courses (for entry into the program) with minimum grade of “C” (2.00).
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Evidence of good health. Physical exam must be completed within six months prior to entering clinical nursing courses. Form is available in the Nursing Office upon acceptance to the program.
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One (1) year recent experience in acute care setting.
Throughout the curriculum (whether Pre-Nursing or Nursing) students may repeat only one prerequisite or one Nursing course or one prerequisite to a specific nursing course. With the need for a second repeat of any pre-requisite of Nursing course or prerequisite to a specific nursing course, the student will be dismissed from the nursing program. If there are two repeats of prerequisite courses in Pre-Nursing, the student will not be eligible for application to the nursing major.
Completion of prerequisite courses needed prior to entering subsequent nursing courses (as designated on the curriculum outline) with a minimum grade of “C” (2.00).
Application Procedures
- Apply to PLNU for admission.
- Complete separate application process for School of Nursing, including letter of reference.
- Complete ATI RN Fundamentals, Form B - Level 3 Exam. This will be given by appointment in the School of Nursing.
Credit-by-Evaluation
Theory
- Eight units of theory credit will be granted for NSG 250/251 and NSG 260/261, through the successful completion of the ATI RN Fundamentals, Form B – Level 3 Exam.
- A minimum score of 76% must be achieved. You may take the exam only 1 time.
- Exam administered by appointment through School of Nursing. When all prerequisites are complete, contact the School of Nursing Program Coordinator.
Clinical
Evaluation of clinical performance may be required from Supervisor of applicant.
Applicant must have at least 1 year recent experience in acute care setting.
Other Requirements
Advanced Placements Students must:
- Meet PLNU residence requirements by:
- Completing a minimum of 21 upper division units in nursing at PLNU.
- Taking at least 36 units of degree at PLNU
- Complete the same pre-requisite and general education courses required of the BSN generic students.
LVN 30 Unit Option
The nursing program has an LVN 30 Unit Option. This option will take four consecutive semesters to complete. This non-degree track is separate from the Bachelor of Science Degree program, but does allow the LVN to complete the option courses and take the California State RN license examination. Information is available upon request from the School of Nursing.
Admission is on a space-available basis.
Per agreement with the San Diego Nursing Service Education Consortium and affiliated hospitals, a background check and drug screen will be required prior to your first clinical experience. If a flag occurs from either your background check or drug screening, it will result in immediate dismissal from the Point Loma Nazarene University BSN program. You will be given further information and directions to complete upon acceptance to the BSN program.
Health Status
Once accepted into the BSN program, students must provide evidence that they are physically and emotionally able to perform the duties required. A physical examination by a healthcare provider with information completed on a form provided by the SON is necessary. The examination includes current immunizations and tests as required by the SON.
CPR
Once accepted into the BSN program, students must provide evidence of a current American Heart Association "BLS for Healthcare Providers" card. Cards from the Red Cross are not acceptable.
Professional Licensure or Certification
PLNU cannot confirm whether or not specific programs meet out-of-state requirements for Professional Licensure or Certification.
For more information on State Authorization and Program Licensure, please refer to our disclosures page.
