Orlando – Associate of Science in Nursing (LPN-ASN)
Program Quick Facts
| Duration | 21 months (full-time) |
| Start Dates | January/April/June/October |
| Format | On-campus |
| Accreditation | Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
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Our Associate of Science in Nursing (LPN/ASN option) program in Orlando is designed to provide Licensed Practical Nurses with a strong academic and clinical foundation for becoming a nurse generalist. With classroom, lab, and hands-on clinical training from our experienced instructors, you’ll focus on how to serve as part of a healthcare team to provide collaborative, interdisciplinary care that improves patient outcomes.
The program pathway for the LPN/ASN option may be completed in 7 quarters (21 months). These courses require approximately 20 hours of in-class time per week, along with work outside the classroom, including reading and analysis. Nursing courses explore mental health, pediatric, adult health, maternal infant nursing care, and more. Prerequisite core courses include medical terminology, anatomy, and more. By the time you earn your ASN, you’ll have worked to gain the fundamental skills and competence needed for effective patient care and will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam.
Learn more about preparing for the TEAS Test, required for Admission to the program on Episode 31 of the LIVE From South College Podcast including Tips & Tricks to studying!
Find out “Where in Healthcare” you should be from Two different Chief Nursing Officer’s on “Tips to Getting Hired” on Episode 34 of the LIVE From South College Podcast!
Develop Essential Skills In
- Evidence-based, holistic patient care
- Critical thinking and clinical judgment
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Patient education and communication
- Cultural sensitivity and competence
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Need to Know More About the LPN-ASN Bridge Program? Here Are Frequently Asked Questions!
An LPN-ASN bridge program provides a streamlined pathway for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) to work toward earning an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree and becoming a Registered Nurse (RN). These programs build upon an LPN’s existing knowledge and experience, offering a more efficient route to RN licensure and eligibility to take the NCLEX-RN exam. They are faster than traditional nursing degree paths.
Key characteristics of LPN-ASN bridge programs:
- Streamlined education: The curriculum is designed to recognize and leverage the prior education and practical experience of LPNs, reducing or altering the time and credit hours needed to complete the degree.
- RN eligibility: The primary goal is to prepare graduates for entry-level Registered Nurse positions and to pass the NCLEX-RN examination.
- Expanded scope of practice: Earning an ASN degree allows a broader scope of practice, enabling RNs to conduct comprehensive patient assessments, develop care plans, and supervise other healthcare staff.
- Professional opportunity advancement: These programs often lead to higher earning potential, increased career opportunities, and the possibility of advancing into leadership roles within the healthcare system.
The Associate of Science in Nursing (LPN/ASN) program at South College is designed for completion in 21 months full-time (7 quarters).
Cohorts will begin depending upon enrollment and approvals from the associated state board of nursing. All students must meet the requirements for general admission to South College in order to pursue core/general education courses. General admission to South College does not guarantee admission to the nursing program. Application deadlines are available in the School of Nursing and the Admissions Department.
Admission decisions will be made based on a holistic review of academic qualifications, previous educational experiences, and standardized test scores. The School of Nursing reserves the right to update or modify admission criteria as deemed necessary.
Please see further down this page for more information.
Yes. The TEAS Assessment requirements and procedures:
- Applicants are required to take the ATI TEAS Assessment as part of the application process. The TEAS Assessment schedule and additional information is available in the Admissions Department, Student Services Department, and/or School of Nursing.
- Applicants have three attempts within 12 months to achieve the required score of BASIC or higher on the ATI TEAS Assessment or equivalent score on the HESI A2.
Readmission:
- For applicants seeking readmission, a retake of the entrance exam is not required.
Readmission eligibility will be assessed based on previous academic performance and adherence to the school’s policies.
Competitive Admissions and Ranking Criteria
Admission to the School of Nursing is competitive and dependent upon class size. Applicants will be ranked based on an approved ranking system that includes, but not limited to, GPA and TEAS score.
Yes – South College participates in a variety of financial aid programs including grants, loans, and scholarships. Scroll up on this page to see that information.
Program Outcomes and Student Learning Outcomes
The program outcomes for the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program in Orlando are to provide undergraduate students with the:
- Critical thinking, interpersonal, and technical skills of a nurse generalist.
- Academic foundation necessary to pursue post-licensure education.
Upon completion of the ASN program, the graduate will meet the following student learning outcomes:
- Incorporate the principles of ethics, professionalism, practice accountability, and integrity as the standard of care in ASN practice.
- Facilitate therapeutic communication effectively with diverse patients and members of the health care team to obtain the most favorable outcomes.
- Analyze and evaluate nursing interventions to promote optimal patient outcomes across the continuum.
- Utilize clinical judgment to support patient centered decision making and provide evidence-based nursing care.
- Collaborate with patients and members of the multidisciplinary healthcare team to develop and implement holistic care.
- Integrate evidenced-based practice and technology to teach individuals, families, and populations while providing holistic nursing care.
These End of Program Student Learning Outcomes are based on the ANA Code for Ethics for Nurses (ANA, 2015), National League for Nursing Core Values (NLN, 2021), Quality & Safety Education for Nurses competencies and essential concepts (QSEN, 2007).
Minimum Academic Requirements for Admission
Cohorts will begin depending upon enrollment and approvals from the associated state board of nursing. All students must meet the requirements for general admission to South College in order to pursue core/general education courses. General admission to South College Orlando does not guarantee admission to the nursing program. Application deadlines are available in the School of Nursing and the Admissions Department.
Admission decisions will be made based on a holistic review of academic qualifications, previous educational experiences, and standardized test scores. The School of Nursing reserves the right to update or modify admission criteria as deemed necessary.
Applicants must meet the following requirements to be admitted without stipulation*:
- Meet General Admission requirements to South College.
- Complete the following prerequisite courses with a grade of C or better:
- ENG 1201 English Composition
- MAT 1100 College Algebra
- SCC 1010 College Management
- SCC 1031 Computer and Information Literacy
- BIO 1110 Anatomy & Physiology I
- BIO 1120 Anatomy & Physiology I Lab
- BIO 1130 Anatomy & Physiology II
- BIO 1140 Anatomy & Physiology II Lab
- BIO 1160 Microbiology
- BIO 1170 Microbiology Lab
- PRN 1510 Nutrition and Diet Therapy
- PRN 1520 Pathophysiology
- Submit a School of Nursing application by the application deadline.
- Entrance Exam:
- Achieve a minimum ATI TEAS Assessment score at the academic preparedness level of BASIC or equivalent score on the HESI A2*.
- Scores below this threshold will not be considered for admission.
- After completion of all pre-requisite courses, students will be considered for admission into the nursing program if they meet the following criteria:
- Achieve a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.5 for science prerequisite courses (A& P I and II, Microbiology, and Pathophysiology).
- Achieve a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.5 for all required prerequisite courses.
- Achieve a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.5.
*HESI A2 Entrance Exam will be accepted at as an equivalent passing score.
Applicants who are not in good academic standing from a previous nursing or allied health program (e.g., Medical Assisting, Dental Assisting, EMT, etc.) or who have been dismissed from such a program must submit the required School of Nursing Mitigating Circumstances Form and provide supporting documentation of the mitigating circumstances to be considered eligible to apply to the South College School of Nursing. Admission is not guaranteed, and the School of Nursing may require a letter from the former program explaining the circumstances.
Applicants who are not in good academic standing from two previous nursing or allied health programs (e.g., Medical Assisting, Dental Assisting, EMT, etc.) or who have been dismissed from two such programs will not be considered for admission or readmission to the South College Nursing program.
TEAS Assessment
TEAS Assessment requirements and procedures:
- Applicants are required to take the ATI TEAS Assessment as part of the application process. The TEAS Assessment schedule and additional information is available in the Admissions Department, Student Services Department, and/or School of Nursing.
- Applicants have three attempts within 12 months to achieve the required score of BASIC or higher on the ATI TEAS entrance exam.
Readmission:
- For applicants seeking readmission, a retake of the entrance exam is not required.
Readmission eligibility will be assessed based on previous academic performance and adherence to the school’s policies.
Competitive Admissions and Ranking Criteria
Admission to the School of Nursing is competitive and dependent upon class size. Applicants will be ranked based on an approved ranking system that includes, but not limited to, GPA and TEAS score.
Requirements for Admission (Other Than Academic)
Prospective students must meet the following requirements to be admitted without stipulation. Stipulations must be met as described below or the offer of admission may be withdrawn:
- Take the required drug test by the application deadline*.
- Complete the background check application by the application deadline*.
- Attend the nursing orientation on the scheduled date in its entirety.
*Prospective students who fail either the drug test or background check will be canceled.
In addition, each prospective student must provide proof of ability to perform the skills needed to practice nursing effectively. Health care facilities must meet federal guidelines, and students must also meet these requirements in order to be allowed to gain clinical experience. All nursing students must comply with communicable diseases/blood-borne pathogen requirements that the clinical agencies require. Therefore, proof of the following are minimum requirements for the nursing applicant (additional requirements may apply depending on clinical agency requirements):
- Health history and physical exam certifying ability to function in the required capacity prior to admission to major courses.
- Common communicable disease immunization or immunity, including MMR (2 in series if born after 1957), TDaP (booster required every 10 years) and Varicella vaccine (2 in series). Some clinical facilities may require titers for MMR, HBV, and Varicella even though you have proof of previous immunization.
- Hepatitis B immunization (3 in series) or HEPLISAV-B (2 in a series one month apart.) or completed Declination Form for Hepatitis B Vaccination depending on the requirements of the clinical affiliate. The Declination Form must only be used for medical reasons and must be documented by student’s primary care provider. A vaccine titer test showing immunity is also acceptable.
- Annual Flu immunization or completed Declination Form for Influenza Vaccination depending on the requirements of the clinical affiliate. The Declination Form must only be used for medical reasons and must be documented by student’s primary care provider.
- Annual screening for tuberculosis.
- Acceptable drug screen.* Students may be required to obtain more than one acceptance drug screen per year depending on the requirements of the clinical affiliate. In any case where a drug screen is positive and no authorized prescription is produced to validate the presence of the drug in the individual’s system, continuation in the program will be denied. Upon notification of the drug screen results, the student will have 5 working days to provide prescription validation. Students are responsible for costs associated with any required testing.
- Acceptable criminal background check for a minimum of past 15 years. Students may be required to obtain more than one acceptance criminal background check per year depending on the requirements of the clinical affiliate. If the background check reveals previous criminal convictions, admittance into the program will be made on a case-by-case basis. Students who are denied clinical experiences due to past convictions may be unable to progress in the program which will result in failure to complete the required courses for the program.
- Proof of health insurance coverage throughout the entire nursing program.
- Annual training on blood-borne pathogens.
- Valid American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers** Course Completion Card or Certificate.
* Marijuana, or its metabolite, is not an accepted substance in drug screens and will result in a positive drug screen. Prospective students whose drug test results are positive for marijuana, or its metabolite, will be offered one additional opportunity to reapply for admission into the next admission cohort after the initial positive results. Prospective students whose repeat drug test results are positive for marijuana, or its metabolite, will be denied admission indefinitely.
**American Red Cross Course accepted on select campuses based on clinical affiliation guidelines; you can reach out to your Orlando clinical coordinator to make this determination.
Additional immunizations (such as COVID) and or Titers may be required per clinical facility. Students who choose not to meet the requirements of Orlando clinical sites will not be able to participate in clinical experiences as a student at those sites. This includes students who have received partial vaccinations but who are not fully immunized or students awaiting action on a clinical facility exemption request, if applicable. This may seriously impact the ability to progress, graduate on time, or graduate at all.
Prospective students or students who do not comply with all communicable disease/bloodborne pathogen requirements and accurately maintain their records in the institution’s clinical tracking portal will be canceled or withdrawn.
Functional Capacities (Technical Standards)
Prospective students must demonstrate the following functional capacities. Prospective students who believe that they will not be able to meet one or more of these requirements without accommodation or modification must notify the Dean/Associate Dean of the School of Nursing, and a determination will be made on a case-by-case basis whether reasonable accommodation may be made. In no instance will an accommodation be made which will compromise nursing care, or that will put patients or other students at risk. Accommodation granted when a student is generally admitted to South College are not guaranteed to apply to admission to the nursing program.
| Function | Requirement | Examples of Tasks For |
| Vision | Adequate to ensure safety of self and others in classroom and clinical settings. | Patient assessment; response to treatment; medication preparation and administration; reading of patient charts and physician orders. |
| Hearing | Adequate to allow effective communication with patients and others in person and by electronic means, and to ensure safety of self and patients. | Face-to-face communication with patients, families and the health care team; telephone consultations; heart tones; breath sounds; bowel sounds and other assessments. |
| Tactile Sensory | Adequate to allow effective evaluation and therapeutic intervention related to nursing care, and to ensure safety of self and others in providing care. | Palpation used in assessment; vital signs; medication administration, IV starts. |
| Gross motor strength and coordination | Adequate to ensure safety of self and others in class and lab sessions and clinical activities. | Patient positioning and transfer; walking, standing, bending, and/or stooping for extended periods involving patient care; moving of equipment/beds. |
| Fine motor strength and coordination | Adequate to allow mastery of activities requiring detailed movements. | Multiple skills in patient care; treatments; medication preparation and administration. |
| Critical thinking ability | Adequate to allow mastery of basic course content and to demonstrate sound judgment in simulated and real life nursing situations. | Effective use of nursing process; planning and implementation of the nursing care plan; identification of cause and effect relationship in order to modify nursing care plan; determination of unsafe situations; planning course of actions to meet needs of patient, family, community and nursing profession. |
| Interpersonal Skills | Adequate to allow establishment of effective working and/or therapeutic relationship with patients, families and professionals. | Establishing therapeutic relationship with patients and families; working with health care team; collaboration with other disciplines. |
| Communication | Adequate to allow completion of course work and effective verbal and written communication with patients, families, communities, peers, and others. | Class activities; therapeutic communication; writing/research at the bachelor’s level; documentation of patient care; education of patient/family/community. |
Additional Admission Requirements
Application for admission is open to nurses with LPN licensure who meet the admissions criteria above indicated for all ASN program options as well as the following:
- Proof of a current, unencumbered Licensed Practical Nurse license or in process of becoming licensed as an LPN.
- Proof of completion of other certification program for LPN license.
Accreditation
Programmatic Accreditation
The Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program at South College – Orlando Campus located in Orlando, FL is 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 of Science in Nursing (ASN) is initial accreditation. View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program on the ACEN website, www.acenursing.org.