LPN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing Bridge Program, B.S.

The baccalaureate degree in nursing at Fitchburg State is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) http://www.ccneaccreditation.org.

Program Description

The LPN to BS in Nursing Bridge Program is designed to transition the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to the role of a baccalaureate prepared Registered Nurse.  Graduates of this program are prepared to meet societal healthcare needs in a variety of settings.  Legal, ethical and professional standards guide the student in the art and science of nursing. Respect for diversity, social responsibility, and a commitment to excellence in holistic nursing care are emphasized.

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, the graduate will:

• Synthesize knowledge from the liberal arts, sciences, and nursing as a foundation for safe, client-centered care.
• Incorporate basic organizational and systems leadership to provide quality care and patient safety.
• Integrate evidence-based practice including current research and critical thinking in the management of client care.
• Analyze information using information technology to improve patient outcomes.
• Examine the impact of health care policy, finance, and regulatory environments on nursing practice.
• Integrate principles of communication in professional practice.
• Synthesize knowledge of health promotion and disease/injury prevention in designing population focused care.
• Integrate professional standards of moral, ethical and legal conduct into nursing practice.

Admissions Requirements

•    Current LPN license in good standing.
•    Graduate of an accredited LPN Program with Cumulative Grade Point Average of ≥ 77/GPA ≥ 2.5.
•    Successful completion of three specified National League for Nursing-Nursing Acceleration Challenge Exams (NACE)I  PN-RN at determined decision scores.  Information regarding NLN Testing is available on the Department of Nursing LPN to BS in Nursing Webpage. 
•    Two letters of recommendation; one from a current employer and one from LPN program faculty on professional letterhead.
•    Math Readiness Requirement: 

1. Achieve a passing score on the math placement test appropriate for your major.
2. Receive university level transfer credit for Calculus I or higher.
3. Pass Basic Math II at Fitchburg State University.
4. For transfer students who enter Fitchburg State University in Fall 2017 or later, it suffices to have passed the Elementary Algebra Accuplacer placement test or a course equivalent to Basic Math II at a regionally accredited institution of higher education. 
5. For transfer students who enter Fitchburg State in Fall 2017 or later, it suffices to have transferred in a college level mathematics course taken at a regionally accredited institution of higher education.

https://www.fitchburgstate.edu/student-support/academic-support/academic-coaching-and-tutoring-center/placement-testing/mathematics-readiness-standard

•    Applicants must also complete all Fitchburg State University Admission Criteria – view the Transfer Application Checklist (PDF) for details.