Associate in Science degree in Nursing. Penn State Altoona

Transcription

1 Associate in Science degree in Nursing Penn State Altoona

2 PENN STATE ALTOONA Associate in Science degree in Nursing Table of contents Program Overview Page 2 Required high school courses, or equivalent Page 2 Preferred 2NURS Consideration Page 2 Candidate Selection Page 3 Clinical Rotation Page 3 Identify Your Category of 2NURS Candidate: Freshman Applicant never attended college or attempted less than 18 college credits, and is applying for admission directly into 2NURS. Eligibility for 2NURS admission is based upon an evaluation of high school grades and SAT scores as determined by the Undergraduate Admissions Office and the School of Nursing. Page 4 Advanced Standing (transfer) Applicant has attempted 18 or more college credits at a college or university other than Penn State, and is applying for admission directly into 2NURS based on the existing college academic record. Page 5 Current Penn State degree student is currently enrolled for one or more credits as an associate or baccalaureate degree student Page 7 Current Penn State Provisional student is currently enrolled for one or more credits pursuing coursework to request associate or baccalaureate degree status Page 8 Re-enrollment of former Penn State students former students whose University record indicates that s/he was enrolled in associate or baccalaureate degree status and had registered for courses for at least one semester (includes withdrawal). Page 10 Frequently Asked Questions Page 12 Successful 2NURS candidates selected for entrance into 2NURS Clinical Preparation Requirements Page 15 LPN Credit by Portfolio Page 17 Timeline Page 18 1

3 PENN STATE ALTOONA Associate in Science degree in Nursing Program Overview Penn State Altoona offers all coursework for the Associate in Science degree in Nursing (2NURS) on behalf of the College of Health and Human Development at University Park. Graduates earn a Penn State associate s degree in science in Nursing from the College of Health and Human Development, and are qualified to sit for the RN licensure exam. Penn State Altoona has fifty spaces available for each fall s entering 2NURS class. These spaces are allocated to the candidates who demonstrate the strongest academic records from a pool group. The pool group is comprised of freshman, Penn State provisional-to-degree applicants, advanced standing (transfer) applicants, current Penn State students who submit a change of major form, and former Penn State students requesting re-enrollment directly into 2NURS. No predetermined number of spaces is reserved for any particular type of candidate in a pool group. However, for nonfreshmean applicants, preference is given to candidates with a Penn State academic record. There is no minimum grade point average that guarantees admission into 2NURS. Each candidate competes for a 2NURS space against all other candidates in the same pool group. The candidates with the strongest academic records are admitted into 2NURS, so the mix of successful candidates changes from year to year depending on the number of candidates from each type of applicant group. The minimum grade point average of successful candidates, as determined by Altoona s nursing department, will also change from year to year depending on the strength of the candidates academic records. High School Course Requirements All candidates must have completed high school algebra, biology with a lab, and chemistry with a lab, or an appropriate substitution. Documentation of appropriate post-secondary substitutions must be received by Altoona s Nursing department prior to the official review of the next fall s pool group. No exceptions will be made to the receipt of documented completion of the high school course requirements or their equivalents. PREFERRED 2NURS CONSIDERATION All 2NURS candidates whose complete appropriate credentials are received no later than November 30 receive preferred consideration for the next fall s 2NURS class. Individuals whose complete appropriate credentials are received after November 30 will be considered on a spaceavailable basis. Candidates who meet the November 30 application deadline, but are not selected in the first review in the last week of January, will automatically be moved to the second review with applicants whose complete credentials are received after November 30. This second combined review group will be collectively ranked by grade point average for consideration on a space available basis. CANDIDATE SELECTION Complete appropriate credentials received no later than November 30 are reviewed approximately the last week in January to select the successful 2NURS candidates for the next fall s 2NURS class. Altoona s nursing department forwards the names of selected candidates to the School of Nursing at University Park, which typically notifies candidates of their decisions by the third week in March. Successful candidates will be required to verify their intention to 2

4 enroll in the 2NURS major. Failure to respond within the identified time period may result in cancellation of the offer for entrance into 2NURS. CLINICAL ROTATION FOR SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES If admitted into 2NURS, the scheduling of clinical rotation is based upon clinical site availability. In any given semester, site availability may require an evening or weekend clinical rotation assignment. Students are expected to attend the complete, scheduled weekly clinical class time and will not be excused to leave early for work, etc. Students who plan to work during their 2NURS enrollment period should ensure that they have flexible work hours that can be changed to accommodate the clinical meeting times. Each student is responsible for her/his own transportation to the assigned clinical site. Students admitted to the 2NURS program will be required to have all clinical paperwork on file in the nursing office prior to the start of classes. In addition to the scheduled classroom and on-site clinical instruction, students may be required to spend additional time each week at the clinical site preparing for the clinical experience. 3

5 2NURS CANDIDATES - Which type of candidate applies to you? Applying for Admission Directly into 2NURS Freshman Applicant: A freshmen applicant is one who never attended college or has attempted less than 18 college credits, and who is applying for admission directly into 2NURS. A freshman applicant must have completed high school algebra, biology with a lab, and chemistry with a lab for consideration, and the standardized SAT exam. For a freshman applicant, the appropriate credentials include the admissions application and application fee, an official high school transcript, and electronically-reported SAT or ACT scores. The high school transcript must document completion of algebra, biology with a lab, and chemistry with a lab. The web-based application at is preferred but the paper application is considered on an equal basis. Please enter the major code as 2NURS, and the campus code as Altoona. All required documents must be received in the Undergraduate Admissions Office at the University Park campus no later than November 30 for 2NURS consideration for the fall semester of the next academic year. Do not send the documents to Penn State Altoona. Please direct questions to the Penn State Altoona Admissions Office at or The Undergraduate Admissions Office and the School of Nursing at University Park review freshman applicants credentials for consideration. Freshman applicants are notified by the Undergraduate Admissions Office with their decision. What if I haven t completed all of the required high school courses for 2NURS consideration? The required high school courses, or appropriate substitutions, cannot be waived. There are a number of ways to complete missing high school course requirements. Depending on when you are seeking entrance into 2NURS, it may be appropriate to enroll in another major as a holding pattern. You can complete college level math and biology that substitutes for the missing high school courses. Depending on which math course is completed, it may also meet a 2NURS course requirement. College level anatomy or physiology are appropriate high school biology substitutes and will meet a 2NURS course requirement. One of the required 2NURS social science courses must be completed along with another course for a total of 13 graded credits minimum, to request 2NURS consideration as a Change of Major. Completing a college-level chemistry course with a lab is also an acceptable substitute. It is important to know if there are other prerequisites, such as college algebra, prior to scheduling a college chemistry course. Some students complete a local high school adult education chemistry course as a substitute, or pursue an on-line equivalent. Remember, completing missing high school course requirements through college credit courses and six additional college credits does not guarantee entrance into 2NURS as a Change of Major. Please discuss your options with an academic advisor or an admissions counselor. ****************************************************************************** 4

6 Advanced Standing (transfer) Applicant: An advanced standing applicant is one who has attempted 18 or more college credits at another college or university, and who is applying for admission directly into 2NURS. For an advanced standing (transfer) applicant applying for admission directly into 2NURS, the appropriate documents include the online admissions application and application fee, and official transcripts from high school and all post-secondary schools attended. This includes official transcripts from trade or technical schools. An advanced standing applicant is expected to apply for admission using the web-based application at Please enter the major code as 2NURS, and the campus code as Altoona. An advanced standing applicant should forward official high school and all post-secondary transcripts together in their original, sealed envelopes unless the institution(s) will not send the official transcript(s) to you. All documents must be received in the Undergraduate Admissions Office at the University Park campus no later than November 30 for 2NURS consideration for the fall semester of the next academic year. Do not send the documents to Penn State Altoona. Please direct questions to the Penn State Altoona Admissions Office at or In addition to the required high school courses, an advanced standing (transfer) applicant must have completed the equivalent of all the following as transferable college coursework for preferred 2NURS consideration: 1. BIOL 129 Mammalian Anatomy (4 cr) or BIOL 141 Physiology (3 cr) and preferably BIOL 142 Physiology Lab or MICRB 106 Elementary Microbiology (3 cr) and preferably MICRB 107 Elementary Microbiology Laboratory (1 cr) with a C or better grade. NOTE: Alternative technical science courses with a lab such as BIOL 110 Biology: Basic Concepts and Biodiversity or CHEM 110 Chemical Principles with a C or better grade may be accepted for consideration for entrance into 2NURS. However, successful 2NURS candidates cannot substitute any technical science courses for BIOL 129, BIOL 141/142 or MICRB 106/107, all of which are required courses in the 2nurs major. 2. One of the required 2NURS social science courses from the following choices: PSYCH 100 Introductory Psychology (3 cr); HDFS 129 Introduction to Human Development and Family Studies (3 cr) or PSYCH 212 Introduction to Developmental Psychology (3 cr); SOC 001 Introduction to Sociology (3 cr) or SOC 005 Social Problems (3 cr). A grade of C or better is required. 3. At least 6 additional credits which may include social science courses that do not fulfill #2 above. If choosing to include a second social science course, please refer to the 2NURS checksheet to ensure that you are making an appropriate selection. Advanced standing applicants for admission consideration directly into 2NURS must have the required high school courses (or appropriate substitutions) and the required college-level courses completed by the end of the fall semester prior to the next fall s entering 2NURS class. In addition to having the required college courses, advanced standing applicants applying directly into 2NURS believe that their existing cumulative grade point average is competitive for 2NURS consideration. 5

7 What if I completed 18+ college level credits but have not completed the required high school courses or the specific college-level courses required for 2NURS consideration? Advanced standing applicants who do not meet the college credit course requirements noted above can complete these courses at Penn State or another college/university. All college course requirements, as well as any high school course substitutions, must be completed by the end of the fall semester prior to January s review of 2NURS candidates for the next fall s class. Please discuss your enrollment options with an admissions counselor. What if I do not believe that my cumulative gpa is competitive for consideration directly into 2NURS as an advanced standing (transfer) applicant? Former college students who have not enrolled in any college courses for a period of four or more calendar years since the end of their last semester of enrollment (includes a semester of enrollment if you withdrew) may be eligible for academic renewal. Those who have not been out of the college classroom for at least four years may need to consider different strategies for consideration. Please consult with an admissions counselor about your options. ****************************************************************************** 6

8 Current Penn State Students Students who are currently enrolled at any Penn State campus must follow different procedures for 2NURS consideration depending on their enrollment classification. All required documentation must be received no later than November 30 for priority consideration for the next fall s 2NURS class. Current Penn State students in degree status: This student is identified in University records as being enrolled in associate or baccalaureate degree status. A student enrolled in any Penn State major who has completed the minimum coursework noted below, will be equally considered for 2NURS as a Change of Major candidate. In addition to the required high school courses, a Change of Major candidate must have completed all of the following as college coursework for preferred 2NURS consideration: 1. BIOL 129 Mammalian Anatomy (4 cr) or BIOL 141 Physiology (3 cr) and preferably BIOL 142 Physiology Lab or MICRB 106 Elementary Microbiology (3 cr) and preferably MICRB 107 Elementary Microbiology Laboratory (1 cr) with a C or better grade. NOTE: Alternative technical science courses such as BIOL 110 Biology: Basic Concepts and Biodiversity or CHEM 110 Chemical Principles with a C or better grade may be accepted for consideration for entrance into 2NURS. However, successful 2NURS candidates cannot substitute any technical science courses for BIOL 129, BIOL 141/142 or MICRB 106/107, all of which are required courses in the 2NURS major. 2. One of the required 2NURS social science courses from the following choices: PSYCH 100 Introductory Psychology (3 cr); HDFS 129 Introduction to Human Development and Family Studies (3 cr) or PSYCH 212 Introduction to Developmental Psychology (3 cr); SOC 001 Introduction to Sociology (3 cr) or SOC 005 Social Problems (3 cr). A grade of C or better is required. 3. At least 6 additional credits which may include social science courses that do not fulfill #2 above. If choosing to include a second social science course, please refer to the 2NURS checksheet to ensure that you are making an appropriate selection. Current Penn State students in degree status must submit a Change of Major form, available in the Registrar s Office at the Penn State campus where they are enrolled or on-line at Please use the following codes for the major you wish to enter: o College: HHD (for the College of Health and Human Development which has administrative responsibility for the major.) o Major: 2NURS (Associate in Science degree in Nursing abbreviation) o Campus: AA (Altoona Campus is providing the required coursework) The completed Change of Major form must be submitted to Suzanne Kuhn, Coordinator of Nursing, Penn State Altoona, Sheetz Family Health Center, 3000 Ivyside Park, Altoona, PA The form must be received in her office no later than November 30 for preferred consideration for the next fall s 2NURS class. If received after November 30, the candidate will be considered on a space available basis with other late applicants. Penn State Altoona s 7

9 nursing department will secure your high school transcript from the admissions records to verify required high school course completion (or appropriate substitutions) and your Penn State transcript with your fall courses recorded. NOTE: Completion of the required college courses for 2NURS consideration does not guarantee entrance into the 2NURS major. Change of majors candidates are competing for a space with all other candidates in the same pool group seeking entrance into 2NURS. ****************************************************************************** Current Penn State Provisional Students: These students are currently identified in University records as provisional associate or baccalaureate candidates. In addition to having completed the required high school courses (or appropriate substitutions), Provisional students must also have completed the following: 1. BIOL 129 Mammalian Anatomy (4 cr) or BIOL 141 Physiology (3 cr) and preferably BIOL 142 Physiology Lab or MICRB 106 Elementary Microbiology (3 cr) and preferably MICRB 107 Elementary Microbiology Laboratory (1 cr) with a C or better grade. NOTE: Alternative technical science courses such as BIOL 110 Biology: Basic Concepts and Biodiversity or CHEM 110 Chemical Principles with a C or better grade may be accepted for consideration for entrance into 2NURS. However, successful 2NURS candidates cannot substitute these technical science courses for BIOL 129, B IOL 141/142, or MICRB 106/107, all of which are required courses in the 2NURS major. 2. One of the required 2NURS social science courses from the following choices: PSYCH 100 Introductory Psychology (3 cr); HDFS 129 Introduction to Human Development and Family Studies (3 cr) or PSYCH 212 Introduction to Developmental Psychology (3 cr); SOC 001 Introduction to Sociology (3 cr) or SOC 005 Social Problems (3 cr). A grade of C or better is required. 3. At least 6 additional credits which may include social science courses that do not fulfill #2 above. If choosing to include a second social science course, please refer to the 2NURS checksheet to ensure that you are making an appropriate selection. Current Penn State provisional students must use the web-based admissions application at and select the Provisional to degree admission category. DO NOT IDENTIFY YOURSELF AS A NEW APPLICANT on the application. Your high school transcript will already be on file as part of your original provisional application. Please enter the following codes on the web application: o College: HHD (for the College of Health and Human Development which has administrative responsibility for the major.) o Major: 2NURS (Associate in Science degree in Nursing abbreviation) o Campus: AA (Altoona Campus is providing the required coursework) The on-line application for degree status must be completed no later than November 30 for priority 2NURS consideration for the next fall s 2NURS class. Provisional students who are in the process of completing a non-college credit high school course substitution may submit documentation of completion of the substitution after November 30. However, the official 8

10 documentation must be received in Suzanne Kuhn s office by mid-january for inclusion in the 2NURS document review. If the Provisional to degree application is completed after November 30, the candidate will be considered on a space available basis along with other late applicants. Penn State Altoona s nursing department will secure a copy of your high school transcript from the Undergraduate Admissions Office, and your Penn State transcript with the fall semester courses recorded. Please contact the Advising Center in C112 Smith Building with any questions. 9

11 Former Penn State Degree Students Requesting Re-enrollment Directly into 2NURS Former Penn State Degree Students: These are former students whose University record indicates that they were enrolled in associate or baccalaureate degree status and had registered for courses for at least one semester. Former Penn State students who believe that their cumulative gpa is competitive for 2NURS consideration may elect to request re-enrollment directly into 2NURS for the next fall s 2NURS class. All candidates must have completed high school algebra, biology with a lab, and chemistry with a lab or an appropriate substitution. Documentation of appropriate postsecondary substitutions must be received by Altoona s Nursing department prior to the official review of the next fall s pool group in mid-january. In addition to the high school course requirements, the following college-level courses are required for re-enrollment consideration directly into 2NURS: 1. BIOL 129 Mammalian Anatomy (4 cr) or BIOL 141 Physiology (3 cr) and preferably BIOL 142 Physiology Lab or MICRB 106 Elementary Microbiology (3 cr) and preferably MICRB 107 Elementary Microbiology Laboratory (1 cr) with a C or better grade. NOTE: Alternative technical science courses such as BIOL 110 Biology: Basic Concepts and Biodiversity or CHEM 110 Chemical Principles with a C or better grade may be accepted for consideration for entrance into 2NURS. However, successful 2NURS candidates cannot substitute any technical science courses for BIOL 129, BIOL 141/142 or MICRB 106/107, all of which are required courses in the 2NURS major. 2. One of the required 2NURS social science courses from the following choices: PSYCH 100 Introductory Psychology (3 cr); HDFS 129 Introduction to Human Development and Family Studies (3 cr) or PSYCH 212 Introduction to Developmental Psychology (3 cr); SOC 001 Introduction to Sociology (3 cr) or SOC 005 Social Problems (3 cr). A grade of C or better is required. 3. At least 6 additional credits which may include social science courses that do not fulfill #2 above. If choosing to include a second social science course, please refer to the 2NURS checksheet to ensure that you are making an appropriate selection. NOTE: Completion of the above courses does not guarantee entrance into the 2NURS major. Candidates are competing for a space with other candidates in the same pool group, and the strength of a candidate s academic record is of primary importance. Request for Re-enrollment Form Former Penn State students who were enrolled in degree status must complete a Request for Reenrollment form available through the Registrar s Office of any Penn State campus or on-line at Re-enrollment requests will be considered for former Penn State students previously enrolled in any major. Please use the following codes to identify the major for which you wish to be considered: o College: HHD (for the College of Health and Human Development which has administrative responsibility for the major.) 10

12 o Major: 2NURS (Associate in Science degree in Nursing abbreviation) o Campus: AA (Altoona Campus is providing the required coursework.) The completed re-enrollment form must be received by the Registrar s Office, Penn State Altoona, 3000 Ivyside Park, Altoona, PA no later than November 30 for priority consideration for the next fall s 2NURS class. Do not return the completed re-enrollment form to the Registrar s Office at any other Penn State campus! Your Penn State transcript will be secured by Penn State Altoona s nursing department, as well as your high school transcript from the Undergraduate Admissions Office. What if I m missing some of the 2NURS requirements for re-enrollment consideration directly into 2NURS? Some former Penn State students do not have the required college-level coursework, or do not believe that their previous cumulative gpa is competitive, for re-enrolment consideration directly into 2NURS. These former Penn State students should contact the Adult Center at to make an appointment to meet with a counselor to discuss opinions for future 2NURS consideration. A former Penn State student who has completed all of the required 2NURS science and nonscience courses should discuss their course choices with Suzanne Kuhn, Coordinator of Nursing, Penn State Altoona, Sheetz Family Health Center, 3000 Ivyside Park, Altoona, PA 16601, or skk6@psu.edu. What if my cumulative grade point average from previous enrollment isn t competitive? Former Penn State students who have not enrolled in any Penn State courses for a period of four or more calendar years since the end of their last semester of enrollment may be eligible for academic renewal. Those who have been away from Penn State for less than four years may need to consider another strategy. Adult learners who are interested in re-enrollment should contact the Adult Center, C112 Smith Building or at with any questions. Traditional-aged students should contact the Advising Center in C112 Smith Building with re-enrollment questions. 11

13 Frequently Asked Questions Can the high school course requirements be waived? No. High school algebra, biology with a lab and chemistry with a lab are required for 2NURS consideration for all candidates. Documentation of appropriate post-secondary substitutions is acceptable. Can I be considered if I have a GED? GED recipients are not automatically eliminated but they must meet all requirements for 2NURS consideration like all other candidates. Therefore, GED recipients almost always need to enroll in another major to complete the appropriate high school substitute courses and college-level courses for consideration. If I enroll in college-level credit courses to complete the requirements for 2NURS consider as a change of major candidate later, am I required to enroll fulltime? No. Many students have job or family responsibilities that prevent them from enrolling on a fulltime basis. As long as the minimum required college courses are completed for 2NURS consideration, it doesn t matter whether the courses are completed on a fulltime or part-time basis. Can I complete the required courses for consideration through evening enrollment? Usually, some of the required college courses for 2NURS consideration are available via evening, or Saturday, enrollment. However, course offerings can change so you need to check the upcoming semester to identify which appropriate courses are available in the evening or Saturday. It does not matter when the college-level course are completed in any given semester. If selected for the 2NURS major, can I complete all of the required courses through evening or weekend enrollment? No. While some 2NURS courses, especially a clinical course, may be offered in the evening or weekend during any given semester, this is the exception rather than the rule. Successful 2NURS candidates should plan to schedule 2NURS courses during the day to complete the degree requirements. If I complete all of the non-clinical 2NURS course requirements, will I automatically be approved for entrance into the 2NURS major? No. All 2NURS candidates compete for a space based upon the strength of their academic record, including cumulative grade point average. Which major should I select as a holding pattern if I want to take classes and request a Change of Major later? A student in any major can request a Change of Major into 2NURS. However, we suggest that students enrolling at Altoona select the associate or baccalaureate major in letters, arts, and sciences as a holding pattern. Specific advisors in these majors who advise 2NURS candidates are familiar with the course requirements for 2NURS consideration. If I have some of the non-clinical courses completed and am accepted into the major, can I complete the clinical requirements and then finish the non-clinical courses? No. All 2NURS requirements must be completed by the end of the semester in which the final clinical course is completed. 12

14 If I complete the minimum college courses required for consideration, am I guaranteed a space in 2NURS? No. Selection for entrance into the 2NURS major is very competitive. Candidates are competing for a space with everyone else in their pool group seeking entrance into next fall s 2NURS class. The requirements for successful candidacy into 2NURS may change annually for each fall pool group. This includes, but is not limited to, freshman, advanced standing (transfer), Provisional-to-degree, change of major, and re-enrollment applicants. Candidates are responsible for checking with Penn State Altoona s Office of Admissions, Adult Center, or Nursing department to determine whether the requirements have changed for their fall pool group. If I complete the minimum number of college credits for 2NURS consideration, is there any advantage to completing additional courses? Candidates who complete the minimum number of specific required college courses for 2NURS consideration are considered equally with candidates who completed additional courses. If I am not selected for a fall 2NURS class, can I be considered for the next fall s class? What do I need to do to be reconsidered? A student who is not selected from a specific fall pool group has a number of options. One is to not schedule any additional classes, and rely on your earned cum gpa already in place to represent you in the next pool group. Another option is to take additional courses to try to increase your cumulative gpa. All attempted courses are considered in establishing the cum gpa for consideration. You must re-submit the required documents for consideration in the next pool group. If I am a successful 2NURS candidate but cannot enroll for the fall semester when the clinical courses begin, will my space automatically be reserved for me for the next fall 2NURS class? No. Students selected for 2NURS are expected to enroll with their nursing class. If unable to enroll, a student may submit the appropriate paperwork for consideration in the next fall s 2NURS class. The student is then competing for a space with a new pool group of candidates. Are LPNs given special consideration for entrance into 2NURS? No. All candidates must meet the same requirements for consideration into the fall 2NURS class. However, LPNs who are successful 2NURS candidates may complete the portfolio review process to receive credit for NURS 111 and NURS 112. LPNs selected for 2NURS may submit documentation to receive credit for the first semester clinical requirement. Are LPNs permitted to sit in on the lecture part of the fall semester clinical to brush up on the content? Yes, LPNs are welcome to sit in on fall semester nursing lectures after consultation with the course faculty. If I am a successful 2NURS candidate and have completed some of the non-clinical courses prior to beginning the fall clinical courses, can I schedule courses that apply to the baccalaureate degree in nursing? Yes. A student who enters the 2NURS program as a change of major, re-enrollment or advanced standing (transfer) applicant has already completed some of the required non-clinical courses. This student may elect to schedule courses that are not required for 2NURS but meet the RN to BS completion program requirements if a baccalaureate degree is the final goal. The student is 13

15 banking credits on the transcript to apply to the baccalaureate major after graduating from 2NURS and passing the RN licensure exam. I plan to complete some of the non-clinical courses prior to requesting entrance into 2NURS. If I am a successful 2NURS candidate, and elect to pursue the RN to BS completion program, how long will it take to complete the remaining BS courses after I graduate from the 2NURS program and pass the RN licensure exam? Each student s situation is different. The amount of time it will take to complete the baccalaureate degree requirements will depend on the number of remaining credits, whether a student plans to enroll full or part-time to complete the requirements, etc. Suzanne Kuhn in Altoona s nursing department can provide more details based upon your specific circumstances. Are candidates who have identified the RN to BS completion program as their goal given special consideration for entrance into 2NURS? No. Do I have to figure this all out by myself? No. Admissions counselors and academic advisors are available to help guide you through the process for 2NURS consideration. 14

16 CLINICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR CANDIDATES ACCEPTED INTO THE ASSOCIATE DEGREE IN NURSING MAJOR TO BE COMPLETED BEFORE BEGINNING THE FIRST CLINICAL CLASS Requirements for the Nursing Program include the following: Pre-Entrance Health Examination Form: All students enrolled in the Associate Nursing Program at Penn State Altoona will be required to complete a pre-entrance and annual health exam. No student will be permitted to attend clinical experiences without the form completed and on file in the nursing office. Liability Insurance: Liability insurance in the amount of $1,000, $6,000, is required for all students enrolled in the Associate Degree Nursing Program Health Insurance: Students are required to have proof of health insurance coverage while enrolled in the nursing program. CPR Certification: Nursing students are required to have CPR certification. Only Health Care Provider through the American Heart Association, or CPR for Professional Rescuers through the American Red Cross will be accepted. Act 151 and Act 34 Clearances: Students in the Associate Degree (AD), and the Bachelor of Science (BS) programs are required to have both the Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance (Act 151) and Pennsylvania Criminal History Clearance (Act 54) prior to beginning clinical nursing courses, and then annually, while the student is enrolled in clinical nursing courses. The student is responsible for all fees associated with the clearance checks and for providing the School of Nursing with documentation that the clearance checks were completed. Out of state students also must obtain criminal and child abuse clearance from both their state of residence and Pennsylvania. Appropriate documentation must be kept on file in the School of Nursing Records office. All program decisions related to child abuse and criminal clearance are consistent with the recommendations of the National League of Nursing, The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of State, Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs, and State Board of Nursing. All clinical facilities have the right and/or responsibility to preclude students who have a history of criminal activity or child abuse from access to the facility. If experience in such a facility is required to achieve the clinical objectives, the student will not be able to complete the required course. Even if there are multiple course sections and the student is able to have clinical experience for the course at another agency and thus completes the program, the student should know that the State Board of Nursing may deny licensure based on the applicant's criminal or child abuse history. Students also should know that if the student does become licensed, various laws may preclude the individual from employment in a wide variety of settings. To determine whether an applicant with a criminal record will be permitted to take the examination, the State Board of Nursing will review the facts of the applicant's case including the type of convictions(s), the length of time that has elapsed since the conviction(s), whether or not drugs were involved, whether the crime could be classified as one involving moral turpitude, etc. Generally, the less egregious the crime, the greater the amount of time that has elapsed since the offense, the more persuasive the evidence that an individual can practice nursing with reasonable skill and safety and that there is a low likelihood of recidivism, the greater the chance 15

17 of receiving approval to take the licensure examination. In the past the State Board of Nursing has concluded that an indicated report of child abuse is evidence that an applicant is not of good moral character. Questions regarding Act 151 and Act 54 clearance should be directed to Suzanne Kuhn, Coordinator of Nursing, Penn State Altoona, Sheetz Family Health Center, 3000 Ivyside Park, Altoona, PA 16601, or **Clinical Requirements for successful candidates admitted into the nursing major are subject to change. 16

18 Associate in Science in Nursing (2NURS) Procedure for Credit by Portfolio for LPNs The School of Nursing of The Pennsylvania State University will award 8 credits for NURS111 (Nursing Roles, 4 credits) and NURS 112 (Health Patterns, 4 credits) to the licensed practical nurse (LPN) applicant who is deemed eligible for admission into the 2-year associate degree in nursing program and who meets the following additional requirements: 1. Graduated from an approved program of practical nursing within the past three calendar years. OR 2. Can document 1,000 hours of practice as a licensed practical nurse within the last 3 years as verified in writing by the employer (s). Licensed Practical Nurses adhere to the same admission requirements and procedures as all other applicants described in the 2NURS Admissions Procedures noted above. Those individuals with a current LPN license who are applying for 2NURS admission should identify themselves to Suzanne Kuhn prior to November 30 th of the preceding admission year. All LPN s who are successful 2NURS candidates for admission are required to have the fall semester general education courses completed prior to entering NURS 113 and /or 114 during the spring semester. The following actions will occur once an LPN has been selected for admission into the 2NURS program. 1. LPN s are responsible for notifying the Nursing Program Coordinator in writing of their intent to apply for the Credit by Portfolio for NURS 111 and Obtain the Credit by Portfolio form from the Program Coordinator. 3. Submit a copy of your practical nurse program transcript to the Program Coordinator. 4. Submit a copy of valid LPN license to the Nursing Program Coordinator. 5. If necessary, have your employer complete the Employer Form Letter documenting 1000 hours of practice as an LPN in the last three years and return it to the campus Nursing Program Coordinator. Licensed Practical Nurses admitted to the 2 NURS Program are also eligible to earn credit by examination for NURS 113 (OB) and NURS 114 (Pediatrics). If you are a Licensed Practical Nurse and are interested in taking the NLN Mobility Profile Challenge exam you will need to contact Suzanne Kuhn immediately to review the Credit by Exam process. There is a fee for each exam and payment is required at the time of testing. Students should only consider testing for NURS 113 and/or NURS 114 if they have had recent clinical experience in Obstetrics and/ or Pediatrics. 17

19 TIMELINE The following identifies the sequence of activity when applying for entrance into the 2NURS major for a specific fall 2NURS class. Individuals who must complete substitutions for missing high school requirements, or who are completing college courses in a holding pattern major for 2NURS change of major consideration later, should review their timeline with an advisor for this enrollment period. Targeted 2NURS class November 30, 200 December 200 January 200 Fall Semester 200 Deadline for the receipt of all required documentation for 2NURS consideration for the next fall s 2NURS class based on the type of candidate. freshman application materials advanced standing (transfer) application materials provisional to degree application request for re-enrollment directly into 2NURS change of major form college credit transcript (if completed at Penn State, the nursing department will secure your transcript) Deadline to submit documentation of completion of missing high school course requirements prior to the review committee meeting high school course completion transcript college transcript Campus committee reviews all applications (except freshman applications which are reviewed by the University Park Undergraduate Admissions Office and the School of Nursing) March 200 April 200 Undergraduate Admissions Office and the School of Nursing notifies candidates of the decision. Altoona s Nursing department notifies non-freshman. Non-freshmen 2NURS students meet with Altoona s nursing department to order uniforms and receive information about other 2NURS requirements that must be completed before fall classes. LPNs contact Suzanne Kuhn regarding the documentation to request credit by portfolio review for the first semester clinical. May 200 August 200 2nursall2.doc Revised 10/2/07 plj3 Freshmen admitted through the Undergraduate Admissions Office and School of Nursing review visit the campus as a group to complete the First Year Testing and Counseling Program, order uniforms, etc. Begin 2NURS clinical courses as well as non-clinical course requirements that have not been completed. 18