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LPN to RN

If you are a Licensed Practical Nurse, our program helps you transition to becoming a Registered Nurse. The need for registered nurses continues to grow. With a nursing associate’s degree from Southwest Virginia Community College, you can get full preparation to enter the nursing profession.

This program is designed to be completed in just 12 months! Get a great education plus training to pass the registered nurse licensing exam, and compete for top nursing jobs.

A QUALITY EDUCATION

This program is designed to recognize the common abilities of nurses and to bridge the difference between the LPN and RN knowledge base and allow these students to finish the Associate of Applied Science program within a 12-month period of 1 summer session and 2 semesters.

The need for registered nurses continues to grow. With a nursing associate’s degree from Southwest Virginia Community College, you can get full preparation to become a registered nurse.

If you’re a licensed practical nurse (LPN) seeking to achieve RN status, our accredited nursing program provides you with superior classroom instruction, hands-on training, and supportive mentoring.

Our nursing associate degree program allows you to:

  • Learn from seasoned nursing faculty who have many years of professional experience.
  • Build supportive relationships with fellow students and mentors who can guide you through the nursing program’s challenges.
  • Gain direct, hands-on nursing experience in clinical settings.
  • Work with the most current nursing technology, including computer applications and medical devices.

LPN to RN Transition (AAS)

CIP 51.3801
Degree: Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
Program Code: 156-02
Program Length: See Curriculum
Minimum Credits: 56

Program Advisor
Neyia Beavers
276.964.7659
Russell Hall Room 204

Students who are LPNs are required to complete at least 22 hours of the general education courses before beginning the LPN to RN nursing classes. The length of this track depends on the amount of time needed to complete the general education classes. The nursing classes can be completed in one year.

The Nursing Program's advance placement or "Transition Program," is designed to grant advanced placement to LPNs who have been admitted to the Nursing Program's Associate Degree program and meet pre-requisite requirements.

If there is sufficient enrollment in the Nursing Program, students who meet the eligibility requirements for the advanced placement will take "Transition Courses" in the summer term and then be eligible to take the sophomore level courses and graduate within one (1) academic year with an AAS Degree in Nursing.

This program is designed to recognize the common abilities of nurses and to bridge the difference between the LPN and RN knowledge base and to allow these students to finish the AAS program within a 12-month period of 1 summer session and 2 semesters.

Admission Requirements:

Admissions requirements for the LPN to RN nursing program are the same as the regular program with the following exceptions:

  1. Applicants must have a current LPN license. PN students are allowed to apply to the nursing program prior to successful completion of the NCLEX PN but must show proof of application for NCLEX PN with the state and Pearson VUE. Students who are unable to test or are unsuccessful with the NCLEX PN may not progress into the NSG 115 course.
  2. Applicants must have graduated from an LPN program within the last 3 years or provide documentation of 1 year (2000 hours) of full-time LPN work experience in direct patient care during the past three years with written verification from employer at the time of application. 

  3. Applicants must complete all prerequisite courses (SDV 101, PSY 230, ENG 111, BIO 141, BIO 142, BIO 150 and MTH 133) prior to beginning the NSG courses. These must be completed with a C or better and with a 2.5 GPA by May 15th or students may not progress into the NSG 115 course.  Additional required general education courses can be completed after enrolling in the program.

Priority consideration for the nursing program shall be given to all qualified applicants who are residents of the political subdivisions (Buchanan, Dickenson (partial), Russell, or Tazewell counties), supporting the College and to Virginia residents not having access to a given program at their local community college, provided such students apply for admission to the program prior to the February 15th deadline. In addition, residents of localities with which the College has clinical site or other agreements may receive equal consideration for admission. 

 

Pre-Nursing Courses

Semester Total

  • Lecture Hours: 19
  • Lab Hours: 9
  • Course Credits: 22

Summer Semester - Year 1

Semester Total

  • Lecture Hours: 6
  • Lab Hours: 6
  • Course Credits: 8

Fall Semester - Year 1

Semester Total

  • Lecture Hours: 7
  • Lab Hours: 18
  • Course Credits: 13

Spring Semester - Year 1

Semester Total

  • Lecture Hours: 9
  • Lab Hours: 12
  • Course Credits: 13

Total Minimum Credits: 56

Footnote:

1 Upon completion of

 credit will be awarded for , , , ,  (16 credits).  These credits will appear on the student's official transcript.
2Approved Humanities electives include: ; ;  ; ;  

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In addition to the college application, a separate LPN to RN program application with supporting documentation is required.

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Career Options

NURSING PROGRAM VIDEO

A HIGH STANDARD

A nursing associate’s degree from Southwest Virginia Community College meets the highest academic and professional standards. The associate degree nursing program at Southwest Virginia Community College located in Cedar Bluff, Virginia, is approved by the Virginia State Board of Nursing and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326; (404) 975-5000. The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the associate degree nursing program at SWCC is Continuing Accreditation. View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at http://www.acenursing.us/accreditedprograms/programSearch.htm 

You’ll enjoy a wide range of job opportunities after completing the nursing program and passing the National Council Licensure Examination. Registered nurses can find excellent jobs with strong pay in many settings, including:

  • Hospitals
  • Nursing homes
  • Medical clinics
  • Doctors’ offices
  • Schools and child care centers
  • Public health agencies
  • In-home healthcare services

PAYING FOR COLLEGE

Southwest Virginia Community College has options to help you pay for a degree or certificate. A high percentage of students receive assistance through financial aid.

Learn about paying for college and current tuition-free programs here.

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All Southwest locations are closed on Wednesday, February 12, due to inclement weather.
Day & Evening Classes are canceled.