Nursing, LVN/Paramedic to RN Transition Nursing, Associate of Applied Science

Program Information

Are you already working as a Licensed Paramedic or Licensed Vocational Nurse in Texas? Are you ready to expand your practice to the associate degree nursing level at an accelerated pace?

If so, the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) transition program may be just right for you!

The San Jacinto College Associate of Applied Science degree in Nursing (ADN):

  • Qualifies students to apply for the National Council Licensure Exam-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) required of all registered nursing candidates. A license to practice as a registered nurse (RN) is granted by the state to those graduates who pass this examination;
  • Educates nurses on the College campus where they share learning opportunities with other experienced, professional college students in the health care industry. Student learning is also conducted in local hospitals, community agencies, and the San Jacinto College South campus state-of-the-art simulation lab;
  • Provides student clinical experiences concurrently with theory courses in general and specialty professional nursing education, taught by faculty who instruct and supervise; and
  • Focuses on helping students develop as individuals and responsible citizens who become competent practitioners in professional nursing.

Program Accreditation

The LVN/Paramedic to RN Transition Nursing program is accredited by

The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, Georgia 30326
(404) 975-5000

Career Opportunities

As a nurse, the job opportunities are endless. Upon successful completion of the curriculum and passing of the NCLEX-RN, graduates are entering a field of infinite professional opportunities and challenges. The registered nurse is seen as a vital member of the health care team and is responsible for being the integral part of coordinating the majority of the care related to the patient. As the first point of contact between the patient and health care providers, the role of professional nurse encompasses all levels of health and well-being.

The registered nurse can secure employment in:

  • Hospitals and clinics,
  • Home health and community health settings,
  • Education, and
  • Research and computer/technology arenas.

Admission Information

Applications for entry into the program are accepted each year in the fall and spring. For dates, students may see the LVN webpage on the San Jacinto College website. 

Earning Potential

Registered Nurse: $83,738 per year1

1

Source: texaswages.com, median salary Gulf Coast region, 2021

For more information, students may contact the following: 281-998-6350 x3315 or adn.transition@sjcd.edu

Campus

South Campus

Transition Program Offered at South Campus effective Fall 2015.

The Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Transition program is a career transition opportunity designed for Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVN) and paramedics who desire to continue their education while maintaining employment. It is a program specifically designed to meet the unique learning needs of the LVN and paramedic. The nursing program can be completed in four (4) terms. The ADN transition program is approved by the:

Texas Board of Nursing

1801 Congress Ave

Suite 10-200

Austin, TX 78701

(512) 305-7400

(512) 305-7401 (Fax)

Applicants for the program must meet the requirements for general admission to the College and must also meet program-specific requirements. For detailed information concerning admission requirements and deadlines for submitting applications and related documents, students may contact the Nursing department.

Contact Information:
Email: adn.transition@sjcd.edu
Phone: 281-998-6150, x3315
Website: San Jacinto College Nursing

Students enrolling into San Jacinto College programs with external learning experiences (i.e., clinical, practicum, externship, cooperative, etc.) will be required to comply with the immunization requirements and policies of the clinical/external learning sites to engage in all clinical/external learning experiences. Vaccination requirements at clinical/external learning sites are implemented pursuant to the independent authority of such facilities and are not mandated by San Jacinto College. Failure to meet the immunization requirements mandated by clinical/external learning sites may limit a student’s ability to complete the program and/or may delay the student’s graduation date. San Jacinto College does not process exemptions, and students should address potential vaccination exemptions directly with the clinical/external learning site. 

Admission

Associate Degree Nursing Program South Campus

The Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Transition program is a career transition opportunity for licensed vocational nurses (LVN) and paramedics who desire to continue their education. It is a program designed to meet the unique learning needs of the LVN and paramedic. It can be completed in four terms. Successful completion of the ADN program by these students will qualify graduates to apply for the National Counsel Licensure Examination for Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN).

In accordance with Texas House Bill 1508, the College informs all students in this program who may have a criminal background that a criminal history could keep graduates from being licensed by the state of Texas. Students with any questions about their background and licensure may speak with the Department Chair. Students enrolling into San Jacinto College programs with external learning experiences (i.e., clinical, practicum, externship, cooperative, etc.) will be required to comply with the immunization requirements and policies of the clinical/external learning sites to engage in all clinical/external learning experiences. Vaccination requirements at clinical/external learning sites are implemented pursuant to the independent authority of such facilities and are not mandated by San Jacinto College. Failure to meet the immunization requirements mandated by clinical/external learning sites may limit a student’s ability to complete the program and/or may delay the student’s graduation date. San Jacinto College does not process exemptions, and students should address potential vaccination exemptions directly with the clinical/external learning site.

Students applying for admission to the ADN Transition program must submit the following items:

1. A recent application for San Jacinto College via the website at How to Apply.

2. Application for the Associate Degree Nursing Transition Program (provided online) during the application period.

3. Application Periods.
The ADN Transition program accepts applicants twice a year (spring and fall). Students may obtain the admission application and specific application periods on the ADN webpage.

Students are strongly encouraged to contact a Program Advisor at the Advising, Career and Transfer office to assist in the San Jacinto College and ADN Admissions process. Students may contact 281-998-6150, or Academic Support to schedule an appointment.

4. Selection criteria.
Students should submit all required documents in one packet prior to the last day of the application period. Students who apply for admissions to the ADN Transition program will be selected on the basis of the highest score on the admissions rubric. The rubric components can be found on the ADN website. Meeting minimum admissions requirements does not guarantee program admission.

5. Code of Conduct.
All students admitted to the ADN Transition program are expected to maintain the highest personal and professional standards of conduct in class and clinicals in accordance with the College Student Handbook, the Nursing Department Student Handbook, and clinical facility policies and procedures, which are used as extended campus sites. Any information indicating that such standards are not adhered to is subject to review by the Department Chair, and/or members of the nursing department faculty, and may result in a recommendation to the College for dismissal from the program.

6. Official Transcripts must be submitted with the application packet.

a. Applicants must submit current official transcripts from all colleges previously attended. Transcripts should be sent electronically to Admissions. Transcripts should be requested as soon as possible. Applicants are encouraged to begin accessing their transcripts early in the application process to ensure that all required documents are available for review. All course work taken outside of San Jacinto College is required to be evaluated for transfer of credits towards the ADN Transition AAS degree.
b. The College requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. 
c. Students must submit copies of all official transcripts from other colleges. San Jacinto College students must include a copy of an unofficial transcript from SOS.

7. ATI TEAS Admissions Test.
Applicants seeking admission must take an official Nursing Admission Assessment Exam (ATI TEAS). TEAS exam will cover reading, math, science, English and language usage. The ATI TEAS exam may only be taken twice (test and a retake (per application period. The waiting period between the test and retake is recommended to be 30 days. Students should request official test scores as soon as possible. After placing an order for an official TEAS transcript, transcripts are sent to the school administrator. The first transcript ordered is free. Additional transcripts will cost $15.00 each. Students may visit the LVN/Paramedic to RN transition Nursing, Associate of Applied Science Admission information webpage for further information and testing dates available on the South campus.

8. Criminal Background Check through the Texas Board of Nursing.
All applicants are required to complete a criminal background check (CBC) as part of the application/admissions process. According to the Texas Board of Nursing (BON) effective Jan. 1, 1996, a person who has been convicted of a felony that relates to the duties and responsibilities of a licensed registered nurse may be disqualified from obtaining licensure as a licensed registered nurse (213.28 Board of Nurse Examiners for the State of Texas, Rules and Regulations, Sept. 2004). For further inquiry, the applicant should directly contact the Texas BON. Applicants will provide permission and complete the Texas Board of Nursing's CBC upon acceptance into the program. Applicants will be required to submit a blue card or decision letter to confirm admission and progression into the program.

9.Completion of Background Check and Drug Screen in CastleBranch.

Upon acceptance into the program, applicants will be required to purchase a package with CastleBranch, a document tracker used for clinical compliance. The procedure for completing the criminal background check and drug screen requirements can be found on the ADN Transition webpage.

10.Clinical Requirements.

Evidence of completing the American Heart Association (AHA) CPR and Immunization requirements must be uploaded to the CastleBranch website. Students may see the ADN webpage for additional information regarding the required process. Requirements with time frames that need recertification or renewal must be kept current until the last day of each semester.

Students are responsible for maintaining the following:

a. CPR - from the American Heart Association Health Care Provider (online courses are not accepted); Copy of CPR Card to be uploaded to CastleBranch;

b. Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) with proof of a positive titer;

c. Varicella Immunization with proof of a positive titer;

d. Hepatitis B with proof of a positive titer;

e. Hepatitis C with proof of a negative antibody test;

f. Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis) within the last 10 years;

g. Seasonal Flu vaccination, due annually each August;

h. TB Skin Test (within 12 months); Chest X-Ray, (within two years)

The Texas Administrative Code Rule 97.64 states that enrolled students may not participate in course work activities, including direct patient contact, until full vaccination series have been completed. Titers for MMR, Varicella, and Hepatitis B are required to be on file in the student’s record prior to clinical rotations. Clinical Affiliates may request additional components. Applicants must pass the drug screen and background check to be considered for progression into the program.

11. Physical Examination is required.

Evidence of physical and emotional fitness upon admission and throughout the program is expected and is subject to review by the ADN Transition department and medical opinions or policy of hospital/agencies that are used as extended campus sites for assigned educational experiences.

After the College selects and accepts a student into the program, the student must pass a physical examination prior to entry into the ADN Transition program. Students may schedule physical exams with a healthcare provider with forms issued by the ADN Transition program. The physical examination must demonstrate that the student is physically and emotionally fit to meet all requirements of direct patient care without any limitations and is free from all communicable diseases.

Nursing - Associate Degree Nursing Transition Program

Application Requirements: 

•Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) or Paramedic License

•Current Active CPR BLS/ACLS from the American Heart Association

•Official transcripts from all institutions

•Unofficial San Jacinto transcript

•GPS Report after transcript evaluation is complete

•HESI A2 Exam Report (required sections must have a minimum score of 75)

•Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher

•Successful completion of pre-requisite courses (minimum grade of C):
 

ENGL 1301Composition I3
ENGL 1302Composition II3
or ENGL 2311 Technical and Business Writing
MATH 0314Algebraic Foundations3
or MATH 1342 Elementary Statistical Methods (Statistics)
PSYC 2301General Psychology3
PSYC 2314Lifespan Growth and Development3
BIOL 2301Anatomy and Physiology I (Lecture)3
BIOL 2101Anatomy and Physiology I (Lab)1
BIOL 2302Anatomy and Physiology II (Lecture)3
BIOL 2102Anatomy and Physiology II (Lab)1
BIOL 2320Microbiology for Health Science Majors (lecture)3
BIOL 2120Microbiology for Health Science Majors (lab)1
Creative Arts (Fine Arts)3

Additional Links

All required documents for application to the program must be submitted as a complete packet. Draft submissions will not be processed. Complete applications must be submitted prior to the end of the application period. Late applications will not be accepted. All complete applicants will be notified of admissions status by email used on application. Acceptance by application to the program is not guaranteed.

Please note: Information Sessions are offered throughout each application period. Attendance is highly encouraged, though not mandatory. Registration for the virtual session is required, as links are provided via email.

The Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)/Paramedic to Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Transition Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree is a technical program designed to advance skills, earn academic credit, and gain eligibility to sit for the NCLEX-RN.

Requirements are subject to change in accordance with the policies and procedures of San Jacinto College District, and in meeting the state licensing standards set by the Texas Board of Nursing and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.

Contact Information: If an applicant has questions, please allow 24-48 hours for a reply.

Phone: 281-998-6150, x3315

Email: adn.transition@sjcd.edu

San Jacinto College South Campus

Nursing

We highly recommend students interested in a nursing career visit the Texas Board of Nursing website. It is an excellent source of information for students looking to obtain a current license in the state of Texas. You may find this information at: http://www.bon.texas.gov/

Student Achievement Data

•Report Year: 2021, compiled from completion during the 2019 –2020 academic year.

•First Time Pass Rate on National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN ®): 90.59%

•Students completing the program within 150% of program length: 68%

•Graduate job placement: 90%

Plan of Study

3NUR-LNTRN and 3NUR-PMTRN

Plan of Study Grid
PrerequisitesCredits
ENGL 1301 Composition I 3
ENGL 1302
Composition II
or Technical and Business Writing
3
MATH 1342
Elementary Statistical Methods (Statistics) 1
or College Algebra
3
BIOL 2301
BIOL 2101
Anatomy and Physiology I (Lecture)
and Anatomy and Physiology I (Lab)
4
BIOL 2302
BIOL 2102
Anatomy and Physiology II (Lecture)
and Anatomy and Physiology II (Lab)
4
Choose one of the following: 4
Microbiology for Health Science Majors (lecture)
and Microbiology for Health Science Majors (lab)
Microbiology for Science Majors (lecture)
and Microbiology for Science Majors (lab)
PSYC 2301 General Psychology 3
PSYC 2314 Lifespan Growth and Development 3
Creative Arts (Fine Arts) 3
 Credits30
First Term
RNSG 1215 Health Assessment 2
RNSG 1327 Transition to Professional Nursing 3
RNSG 1341 Common Concepts of Adult Health 3
RNSG 1261 Clinical Nursing Common Concepts for Adult Health 2
RNSG 1301 Pharmacology 3
 Credits13
Second Term
RNSG 2208 Maternal Newborn Nursing and Women 's Health 2
RNSG 2260 Clinical Registered Nursing 2
RNSG 2201 Care of Children and Families 2
RNSG 2262 Clinical Nursing Care of Children and Families 2
 Credits8
Third Term
RNSG 2213 Mental Health Nursing 2
RNSG 2261 Clinical Mental Health Nursing 2
 Credits4
Fourth Term
RNSG 2371 Concepts of Advanced Nursing Practice and Management 3
RNSG 2163 Clinical: Concepts of Advanced Nursing Practice and Management 1
RNSG 2130 Professional Nursing Review and Licensure Preparation 1
 Credits5
 Total Credits60
1

Students may take MATH 1342 Elementary Statistical Methods (Statistics) or MATH 1314 College Algebra. Students who plan to pursue a bachelor's degree should take MATH 1342 Elementary Statistical Methods (Statistics).

 Capstone Experience: RNSG 2130 Professional Nursing Review and Licensure Preparation

Students must earn a C or better in all Nursing (RNSG) and all science courses; the student will not be permitted to continue or to graduate from the program until that course has been repeated and a grade of C or above has been earned.