MAJOR CODE: 2012
The Associate of Applied Science degree in Nursing (ADN) program in the Carolyn McKelvey School of Nursing is a part of the College of Health, Education, and Human Sciences (CHEHS). The ADN program is approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN). Students desiring admission to the ADN program need to be aware of and understand the following information related to admission, progression, and graduation. The LPN-RN transition requires an active, unencumbered LPN license.
Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission to the ADN program, students must meet the following criteria:
- Complete university admission requirements to include submission of official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.
- Have a minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA for all college coursework (including transfer work and excluding developmental courses) and be in good academic standing.
- Score a minimum of 60 percent on the ATI TEAS exam.
- LPNs must provide proof of an active, unencumbered LPN license to practice in Arkansas to be eligible for the LPN-ADN track.
Note: Science courses taken more than five (5) years prior to entering the program will be evaluated on an individual basis by the Program Director. See the CHEHS Nursing Advising Coordinator for more information and to request a science course evaluation.
Note: The Arkansas State Board of Nursing requires criminal background checks in accordance with the Nurse Practice Act to be performed for students in nursing programs. The ADN program has a third-party vendor to conduct the background checks. The student will be responsible for all fees associated with any components of the background check process. Each clinical agency will independently determine if an adverse or negative outcome on the criminal background check will prohibit a student’s practice in their agency. Students unable to practice in any of the clinical agencies because of an adverse or negative background check will be unable to complete program objectives, halting continued progression in the student’s program of study. Failure to complete the background check process prior to the deadline noted on the admission letter will result in the student’s inability to complete the program objectives and will therefore, halt progression in the student’s program of study.
Application
Admission to the ADN program is competitive. Students who meet the minimum criteria identified above are eligible to submit an application for admission. Further application information is below.
- Application deadline is July 8 for fall entry; October 29 for spring entry.
- Eligible students must submit an application for admission on the UAFS ADN program webpage prior to the application deadline.
- Students must complete the TEAS exam prior to the application deadline. The TEAS deadline is July 5 for fall entry.
- Students will be required to submit an application essay, recommendation letter, or letter of standing depending on status at time of application.
Applicants with an unencumbered LPN license must provide must provide two (2) sources for letters of recommendation. Applicants may select from any of the options listed or any combination of the following:
- Current employer/supervisor
- LPN program director
- LPN program faculty member
Selection
Selection is based on successful completion of the admission criteria. Due to program size limitations, selection is a highly competitive process. Those with a higher GPA and higher TEAS score may rank higher in selection. Only the strongest candidates will be selected for admission to the program.
Note: Meeting the minimum criteria for admission or taking courses on the degree plan does not guarantee admission into the program.
Students not admitted must reapply to be considered for another semester. Students identified as alternates are not guaranteed a position in the next class.
Students admitted into the ADN program must submit the following additional documentation prior to fall or spring entry:
- CHEHS Student Health Statement/Medical Release Form
- Proof of immunizations
- CPR Certification: American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers (BLS)
- Criminal background check
- Drug screen
Once admitted into the ADN program, all nursing courses (with NURS prefix) on the program’s degree plan must be completed in residence.
Progression
The ADN program is competency-based in skills and theory. A student must demonstrate satisfactory clinical performance, 100-percent mastery on all Competency Performance Evaluations (CPE), and maintain a minimum average cumulative score of 75 percent on Competency Performance Assessments (CPA) including the final CPA for each course.
A grade of C or better is required in ALL courses applicable to the ADN degree.
Students are allowed up to two (2) attempts on all nursing-specific courses on the degree plan (NURS prefix). A course withdrawal or failure will count as an attempt. For example, if a student withdraws from a NURS course and then fails the next attempt, the student will be ineligible to progress in the program.
Students may not attempt any math or science course on the degree plan more than twice and still be eligible to progress in the ADN nursing program.
Graduation
To earn an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing degree, a student must earn a grade of C or better on all required courses applicable to the ADN program; earn a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA in all coursework required for the major; and earn a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA on all work attempted at the university.
The CHEHS Nursing advising coordinator will meet with all students to complete the graduation application during the third semester of the program.
After being granted the ADN, the student is eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Exam for a Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN).
Note: RN licensure requires a state and federal criminal background check. Students who have been convicted of a crime, including those that are sealed or expunged, must seek permission from the ASBN to take the licensure exam to become a registered nurse.
