LPN to RN Pathway Options

LPN/Paramedic to RN Transition Pathway

The LPN/Paramedic to RN Transition Pathway is a plan for the applicant already licensed as a practical nurse (LPN) or Paramedic in the state of Tennessee. Qualified LPNs and Paramedics may complete the Associate of Applied Science degree in Nursing requirements in three continuous semesters of study beginning in the Summer semester.

Admission Requirements 

In addition to the admission requirements for the Major in Nursing, licensed practical nurses and paramedics seeking admission through the LPN/Paramedic-to-RN Pathway option must meet the following admission requirements.*

1. Meet all College general requirements for admission as a degree-seeking student as stated in the catalog and be admitted to the College.
2. Complete prerequisite course requirements by the start of Summer transition course. Final pre-requisite courses may be in-progress at time of application. Documentation of enrollment required.
3. Earned a cumulative grade point average of 2.50 or above on a 4.0 scale for gen ed courses required for admission into the Nursing AAS program.
4. Have a “C” or better in required Math and Science prerequisite courses.

Admission Process

1. Apply to Columbia State and be accepted into the College.
2. Submit the following to the college Admissions office:

• • official college transcripts
  • high school transcripts or GED

3. Complete the online LPN/Paramedic-to-RN Nursing Pathway Program Application.

• Upload a copy of a valid driver’s license
• Upload a copy of valid Tennessee LPN or Paramedic license

Continuation Requirements
The same continuation requirements apply to all students in Nursing. These are stated under " Continuation Requirements". Prospective students are strongly encouraged to review the Nursing Program Student Handbook for an understanding of program policies and expectations.

Required Courses

Prerequisites – 15 credit hours

• COLS 101 - College Success (1 credit)
• BIOL 2010 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I (4 credits)**
• BIOL 2020 – Human Anatomy and Physiology II (4 credits)**
• MATH 1530 - Statistics (3 credits)***
• PSYC 1030 - Introduction to Psychology (3 credits)

Summer Transition Term:

• NRSG 1500 Transition to Professional Practice (5 credits)
• NRSG 1340 Mental Health Nursing (3 credits)
• NRSG 1120 Pharmacology I (1 credit)

After successful completion of NRSG 1500, NRSG 1340, and NRSG 1120 in the Summer semester, credit will be posted for NRSG 1710 (7 SCH) and NRSG 1620 (6 SCH).

Fall (Nursing 3) Semester - 17 credit hours

• BIOL 2230 – Microbiology (4 credits)**
• PSY 2130 - Lifespan Psychology (3 credits)
• NRSG 2130 – Pharmacology II (1 credit)
• NRSG 2630 - Medical-Surgical II (6 credits)
• NRSG 1320 - OB (3 credits)

Spring (Nursing 4) Semester - 18 credit hours

• Humanities/Fine Arts Elective (3 credits)
• ENGL 1010 - Composition I (3 credits)
• NRSG 2140 – Pharmacology III (1 credit)
• NRSG 2240 - Professional Practice (2 credits)
• NRSG 2640 - Medical-Surgical III (6 credits)
• NRSG 1330 - Pediatrics (3 credits)

Total Credit Hours: 67

**BIOL 2010 and BIOL 2020 must have been completed no more than five years prior to program entry. BIOL course currency exceptions may be considered based on documented workplace use of A&P content. Exception Request forms may be obtained by emailing nursing@clumbiastate.edu. Students must earn a grade of "C" or higher in all Biology courses.

***Students must earn a grade of "C" or higher in the MATH course.

LPN Challenge Examination Information:

*For specific date, see Academic Calendar.

Tennessee Board of Regents-Tennessee College of Applied Technology LPN-to-RN Articulation