2023-2024 Course Catalog

LPN to ADN Bridge Program (Bridge Program)

The Bridge program facilitates educational advancement for LPNs who desire to become Registered Nurses. A graduate of a state-approved Practical Nursing Program who has a license or is eligible for LPN licensure in the State of Illinois may be eligible for this program. Upon successful completion of all program requirements, students receive an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing and are eligible to write the National Council Licensing Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Graduates who successfully complete the examination and meet all other state requirements are able to work as registered nurses. Some courses may not transfer to four-year institutions, but transfer opportunities exist for students wanting a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

Selective Admission Requirements

Admission into the LPN to ADN Bridge Program (Bridge Program) is selective and competitive. Admission into Richland Community College does not guarantee acceptance to the program. Students must meet the minimum admission criteria to be eligible to apply. Once the criteria have been met, students are scored on a rubric, and the students with the highest scores are offered conditional admission. 

The Bridge Program follows the Health Professions' selective admissions process. Students use the online Pre-Advisement Plan on myRichland to apply during the designated application period. For spring admissions, applications are accepted between August 1 to September 1. For fall admissions, applications are accepted between January 2 and February 1. Out-of-district applicants are considered for the program when space is available. 

Transferring from Another Institution

Students who have completed nursing  core courses at another institution may be eligible to transfer into the Bridge Program. To receive transfer credit for courses completed at another institution, official transcripts must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar. Transfer credit for nursing core courses is based upon successful completion of equivalent coursework, standardized tests for appropriate courses, and available space. Students are responsible for the costs of any standardized tests. All admission and graduation requirements must be met in order to graduate from the Bridge Program including a minimum of two semesters of core nursing courses completed at Richland. All required forms, transcripts, and supportive documentation must be received by September 1st to be considered for spring admission and by February 1 for fall admission. 

Prerequisites to Apply

  • Graduate of a State-approved Practical Nursing Program.
  • Current, unencumbered LPN license or eligibility to be licensed before the Bridge Program begins. 
  • Completion of (or be in progress to complete) BIOL 201 and PSYCH 110 with a 'C' or better. BIOL 201 and PSYCH 110 must be completed prior to start of semester for which student is applying. 
  • Completed all prerequisites and Bridge Program courses with a 'C' or better and a Program GPA or 2.5 or better. 

The Bridge Program GPA is calculated using grades and credits earned in any completed Bridge Program courses. Program courses that can be taken prior to admission include BIOL 201, BIOL 202, BIOL 220, ENGL 101, and PSYCH 110. Students who have completed BIOL 201, BIOL 202, or BIOL 220 must have completed one within the past 5 years. Transfer and Richland credits are used in calculating the Bridge Program GPA. 

Curriculum Requirements

Graduation Requirements

Total Credit Hours: 63 credit hours in courses numbered 100 or above. 

  • Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) 2.0 ('C') or better for all work applicable toward the degree. 
  • Residency: 15 credit hours or more at Richland Community College. 
  • Course Requirement: 'C' or better in all prerequisite and Program courses. 
  • Meet the standards of the ANA Code of Ethics, Richland Academic Integrity Policy, Richland Student Conduct Policy, and the Health Professions Standards of Conduct. 

Additional Program Considerations

All Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees include a required minimum of 15 general education credits. Students must earn a grade of 'C' or better in the Program prerequisites, core curriculum courses, and general education courses. 

Required Courses

BIOL 201Human Anatomy & Physiology 1

4.0

BIOL 202Human Anatomy & Physiology 2

4.0

BIOL 220Microbiology

4.0

ENGL 101Composition 1

3.0

PSYCH 110Introduction to Psychology

3.0

HLTH 290Health Internship

1.0-2.0

NURS 110Fundamentals of Nursing Practice

5.5

NURS 111Nursing Foundations

2.0

NURS 115Nursing Skills

2.0

NURS 154Pharmacological Principles for Nursing Practice

3.0

NURS 162Mental Health Nursing

5.5

NURS 165Medical-Surgical Nursing I

5.5

NURS 216Maternal-Child Nursing

5.5

NURS 230Nursing Leadership

2.0

NURS 240Medical-Surgical Nursing II

5.5

NURS 262Medical-Surgical Nursing III

5.5

NURS 280NCLEX Success

2.0

Suggested Course Sequence

First Semester

BIOL 202Human Anatomy & Physiology 2

4.0

NURS 111Nursing Foundations

2.0

NURS 115Nursing Skills

2.0

NURS 154Pharmacological Principles for Nursing Practice

3.0

NURS 162Mental Health Nursing

5.5

NURS 165Medical-Surgical Nursing I

5.5

Second Semester

ENGL 101Composition 1

3.0

NURS 216Maternal-Child Nursing

5.5

NURS 230Nursing Leadership

2.0

NURS 240Medical-Surgical Nursing II

5.5

Third Semester

BIOL 220Microbiology

4.0

HLTH 290Health Internship

1.0-2.0

NURS 262Medical-Surgical Nursing III

5.5

NURS 280NCLEX Success

2.0

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