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Nursing, B.S.

(66 credits)

The LPN-to-BSN program at Albertus Magnus College enables licensed/vocational nurses to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing while considering prior work experience, education, and training. With a critical shortage in caregivers, this program is the first program of its kind in the state of Connecticut.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing, under the department of Nursing, is designed to provide learners with the foundations of nursing practice and leadership with emphasis on problem-solving and clinical judgment.

Our Bachelor of Science in Nursing consists of 126 credit hours, which includes general education classes, nursing classes and clinical experience.

Upon completing the program of study in Nursing, students will:

Integrate nursing knowledge with the liberal arts educational foundation to care for clients across the human lifespan.
Responsibly apply scientific knowledge to reduce risk and limit disease in individuals and communities.
Utilize patient care technologies in the healthcare environment by embracing the need to be a lifelong learner.
Communicate effectively and respectfully with clients, families, and other healthcare providers in a complex healthcare environment.
Demonstrate nursing leadership skills that exemplify the Dominican Order identity through the four pillars; study, prayer, community, and service.

Admission Requirements

New nursing cohorts begin twice per year in the fall and spring.

To be eligible for admission into the LPN-to-BSN program, students must meet the following criteria:

Current CT LPN License: Applicants must hold a current Connecticut LPN license in good standing.
Graduation from an Accredited LPN Program: Applicants must have graduated from an accredited LPN program with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) greater than or equal to 2.75 on a semester hour scale or a 77 on a quarter hour scale*. For more information, review Albertus Magnus College’s definition of a credit hour policy.
Successful Completion of NACE Exams: Applicants must successfully complete four specified National League for Nursing Nursing Accelerated Challenge Exams (NACE) PN-RN with the following minimum scores:
- Foundation of Nursing: 71% or higher**
- Nursing Care of Childbearing: 62% or higher**
- Nursing Care of Childrearing: 62% or higher**
The NACE exams may not be taken twice in the same semester but can be taken twice over a two-year period. NACE scores will be valid for two years.
Cumulative GPA Requirement for College Credits: Applicants with college credits from other colleges or universities must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and a cumulative science GPA of 3.0.

*Applicants who received their practical nurse training through the U.S. Armed Forces are exempt from the GPA requirement provided that training is documented on an official Joint-Services Transcript (JST). The JST must be submitted at the time of application for review.

**The National League of Nursing (NLN) sets the minimum scores for the NACE exams. The NLN reserves the right to change the minimum scores at any time.

Transfer Credits

Refer to the Transfer Credits section for specific information on Albertus Magnus College's transfer credit policy. For students entering the Nursing program, courses will be reviewed for transferability to meet general education requirements.

Acceptance of transfer and substitute credits in nursing to meet prerequisite coursework and requirements of the curriculum will be determined by the Director of Nursing. Applicable transfer and substitute credits expire after 5 years. A student who transfers into the nursing program at Albertus Magnus College will be required to repeat any nursing or other required courses which are not considered comparable to the Albertus Magnus College Nursing Program curriculum or in which the grade earned does not meet the minimum requirement. No advanced standing into nursing will be granted. Transfer students must meet the same standards as other students in the program. Questions should be submitted to nursing@albertus.edu.

Accreditation

Albertus Magnus College is fully accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

Program Format

Courses are offered in a blended format which enables students to complete their studies through a combination of 16-week in-person evening courses and 8-week online courses. Practical lab sessions will take place in the nursing skills lab and high fidelity simulation scenarios will take place in the simulation lab. Hands-on clinical experience will take place in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinical, nursing homes, and community health centers.

The anticipated time for students to complete the program is 36 months.

Good Standing

To remain a nursing student in good academic standing, all students must earn a grade 77 or above in all required nursing courses and meet the College's Good Standing policy. Nursing students cannot pass/fail any nursing courses. The Registrar notifies the Director of the Nursing Program of the students who earned less than a 77 or who received a grade such as a WA, W, WP, WF, UF or I in any required nursing course. This notification occurs within 24 hours of receipt of the official grade being submitted by faculty.

A nursing student must repeat, at the next available opportunity, any nursing courses with a final failing grade of 76 or less. Nursing students are allowed no more than 2 attempts for any nursing course and a maximum of 2 failing grades in nursing courses. Failure to meet these requirements will lead to dismissal from the nursing program.

Good Professional and Clinical Standing

Clinical hours are reported to our accrediting body and are required of all students. Each nursing clinical course has a prescribed number of contact hours. It is expected that students will complete all nursing clinical course hours. Certification to the Connecticut Department of Public Health for taking the NCLEX requires the verification that students have met the prescribed clinical hours.

PROGRAM OF STUDY

The College will recognize credit for prior learning (CPL) via the award of 22 college credits after the LPN successfully passes the NLN Nursing Acceptance Challenging Exams (NACE). The awarded credit will account for the following courses: