PN / Paramedic to RN (ADN) - Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission into the program, students must meet the following criteria:

• Complete university admission requirements to include submission of official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
• Meet minimum skill levels in reading and math according to the following criteria:

  • Course work indicating completion of MATH 1403 or higher

  • ACT or COMPASS English scores (taken within the last four years) or course work indicating placement into ENGL 1203 Freshman English I or higher

  • ACT or COMPASS reading scores (taken within the last four years) or course work indicating no reading required

• Have a minimum 2.50 cumulative grade point average (GPA) for all college course work (including transfer work and excluding developmental courses)
• Students may not register for any course more than twice and be eligible for admission into the nursing program (effective June 1, 2012).
• Complete required prerequisite courses for the ADN Transition Program with a minimum grade of "C" or higher in each course prior to summer entry
• Earn (paramedics only) a minimum overall score of 105 (composite percentile score at the 60th percentile) on the NLN Pre-Admission Exam (PAX-RN) prior to the application deadline
  *For more information about testing, go to the Testing Center website

NOTE: The application process for the ADN Transition Program requires a criminal background check. Clinical facilities require a criminal background check on CHS students and have the authority to deny clinical training in their facility. Students unable to practice in clinical agencies because of an adverse or negative background check will be unable to complete the program objectives, halting continued progression in the student's program of study. RN licensure requires a state and federal criminal background check. Students who have been convicted of a crime, including those that are sealed or expunged, must seek permission from the Arkansas State Board of Nursing to write the licensure exam to become a registered nurse. The criminal background check information and frequently asked questions are located on the ARSBN website at www.arsbn.org; click on Licensing tab.

In addition to the above mentioned Admission Criteria, students desiring admission must meet the following requirements:

 Licensed Practical Nurses

Licensure and employment/education requirements:

• Hold a current, valid, unencumbered license which must be maintained throughout the completion of the ADN Transition program 
• Graduation from an LPN program within the past twelve months OR documentation of 1000 hours of nursing experience within the past two calendar years from the date of program application

There are two methods by which LPNs may gain admission into the ADN Transition Program:

1. Credit by examination: college credit for ADN 1508 Nursing Fundamentals is given to LPNs who successfully pass the NLN Acceleration Challenge Exam I with a score of 75% or higher. Credit by examination enables the LPN to enter ADN 151A Adult Medical/Surgical I.
2. Transition course: enrollment in ADN 154A Nursing Technology Transition. Successful completion of ADN 154A Nursing Technology Transition qualifies the LPN to enter ADN 2719 Maternal, Child, & Mental Health.

 Paramedics

Licensure and employment requirements:

• Hold a current, valid, unencumbered certification or national registry as a paramedic which must be maintained throughout  the completion of the ADN Transition Program
• Document 6 months of satisfactory full-time employment as a field paramedic within the previous two years from the date pf program application 

There is one method by which Paramedics may gain admission into the ADN Transition Program:

• Transition course: enrollment in ADN 154A Nursing Technology Transition. Successful completion of ADN 154A Nursing Technology Transition qualifies the Paramedic to enter ADN 2719 Maternal, Child, & Mental Health.