Associate Degree Nursing, LVN-RN Transition, AAS

The LVN-RN Transition program is a “closed” program and requires additional application and acceptance into the program. Admission to Panola College does not guarantee admission to specific courses or programs of study.

The LVN-RN Transition program allows LVNs to earn an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) through a non-traditional format with online didactic classes and face-to-face simulation, lab, and clinical experiences. This program is taught over 12 months, starting in a 10-week summer flex semester. It is offered with classes online and clinicals provided within a 70-mile radius of Carthage, Texas. Faculty attempt to schedule clinicals weekday evenings (3pm-11pm) and/or weekends (anytime between 6am on Friday to 11pm Sunday) but some clinicals throughout the program may be schedule on weekdays or weeknights in order for students to receive the most beneficial clinical experience to meet program learning outcomes. All clinicals are scheduled by the instructors. You will be required to be on campus for simulation and lab. This required attendance is included in the required clinical times. Applicants must have these times available until the schedule is finalized. 

Because the Transition program track requires students to be very self-directed and highly self-motivated, the admission criteria differ from those for the traditional ADN student.

BEFORE Applying to the LVN-RN Transition Program

1. You must apply and be admitted to Panola College.
2. Fulfill all Texas Success Initiative (TSI) requirements.
3. Complete seven prerequisite courses (see degree plan on previous page). You must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 in BIOL 2401, BIOL 2402, BIOL 2420, PSYC 2301 and earn a minimum of “C” in each course. RNSG courses transferred in must have been completed within last two years. All lab courses must have been taken in the same semester and at the same school as the lecture portion of the course.
4. Pass the HESI A2 with a minimum score of 80 on Reading Comprehension and Math sections and a minimum of 75 on Grammar section. This a $60 non-refundable fee and may only be taken twice within the past 5 years. Call (903) 693-2036 for an appointment. https://www.panola.edu/student-services/student-support/testing-services.

How to Apply to the LVN-RN Transition Program

1. 1. Call (903) 694-4019 to make an appointment to receive advisement/mentoring and an application. Bring with you:
   1. HESI A2 scores
   2. Transcript evaluation completed by Student Success office
   3. Proof of required Hepatitis B immunization series or positive antibody titers by the deadline.
   4. Unofficial transcript from Panola College, if applicable.
2. Verify official transcripts from each college or university attended were received by deadlines. Send official transcripts from all other colleges and universities attended to: Admissions/ Records Office, 1109 W. Panola St., Carthage, TX 75633.

Requirements of the LVN-RN Transition Program

• Must have a clear criminal background check (to be completed at time of application)
• Must have a clear drug screen (to be completed after admission to program)
• Must have all required immunizations or antibody titers
• Must have a current unencumbered LVN license

Deadline to Apply

• March 1st for summer admission

Important Information

• LVN-RN Transition program graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). This licensure is required to work as a Registered Nurse.
• Approximate expenses of the LVN-RN Transition program = $9,000.

Accreditation

The ADN program has full approval status by the

Texas Board of Nursing (BON)
333 Guadalupe, Suite 3-460
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 305-7400

The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Associate Degree Nursing Program is Continuing Accreditation.

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

For program-specific information and FAQs, please visit the Associate Degree Nursing link: https://www.panola.edu/academics/school-nursing-health-sciences/department-associate-degree-nursing.

Expenses of the Nursing Program (All Tracks)

In addition to tuition, fees & books (fees for RNSG labs and clinicals range from $150-$300)

1. Current immunization records: MMR and rubella titer, TDaP, varicella titer, hepatitis B vaccines and titer, flu shot, and TB screening. Smallpox vaccine may be required.
2. Admission Criminal Background Check ($45-$70).
3. A recent (within the last 6 months) physical examination record.
4. Uniforms, shoes, a watch with a second hand, stethoscope, scissors, uniform logo, and an ID badge.
5. Transportation to health care agencies. Driving distances will vary and may be as far as 70 miles OR GREATER from the main campus to clinical sites. Clinical rotations are assigned by nursing faculty.
6. BON Licensure Application and Criminal Background Check fees.
7. Graduation expenses such as school pin, photo, cap and gown, etc.
8. Fee for the NCLEX-RN exam after graduation ($200).

Note: Students are encouraged (required for LVN-RN Transition students) to have access to a computer with high speed Internet connectivity and Microsoft Word. Expenses may change without notice.

System of Grading

A student may not progress to the next level of RNSG classes without successfully completing all RNSG courses at the previous level.

The nursing program requires a grade of 75 to earn a “C” in any nursing course. A “C” must be maintained in each nursing course to continue in the program. If a student earns a grade of “F” (below 75 in a nursing course) or withdraws from classes, the student will be dropped from the program and must submit a letter and a form to the Chair to be considered for reentry. Readmission is considered on an individual basis. A student may be readmitted once, on a space available basis.

Achievement Examinations

Achievement examinations will be administered throughout the nursing program. In addition to fulfilling the academic requirements of Panola College, all students must successfully pass a comprehensive achievement examination in the final semester of the nursing program or complete remediation in order to be eligible to receive authorization to take the NCLEX-RN. A three-day review for the state board exam will be provided.

For more information, email adn@panola.edu or call 903-693-2038 for advising