Nursing - Bridge Program (Pathway)

Program Start Date: Fall term
Minimum Program Length: 58 academic weeks; 4 consecutive terms, evening and weekends; 49 credits
Program ID: AAS.ADN-B
Curriculum Code: 35208

Program Description

This course is designed to facilitate the transition of Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) into the role of the Registered Nurse (ADN). It introduces students to the professional expectations, expanded scope of practice, critical thinking, leadership, and the theoretical frameworks underpinning the role of the ADN-prepared nurse. Emphasis is placed on role differentiation, evidence-based practice, communication, patient-centered care, and professional accountability.

Practical Experience

Students gain interpersonal, comprehensive critical thinking and technical skills through clinical rotations in affiliated hospitals, clinics, physicians’ offices, health care facilities, and lab simulations.

Professional Opportunities

Registered nurses practice in hospitals, clinics, physicians’ offices, long term care facilities and community agencies.

Unique Aspects

Weighted admission criteria are used in the selection of students for entry into the LPN to RN Bridge program. Students must be able to independently lift 25 lbs. Students must maintain 80% or higher in all nursing courses to progress through the program. Students will be required to demonstrate continuous competency and passing competency exams associated with certain courses within the curriculum prior to being allowed to progress to the next curriculum courses or to graduate from the program. Students who are unsuccessful at passing competency exams after a pre-determined number of attempts will not be allowed to continue in or graduate from the program regardless of previous course grades.

A criminal background investigation (CBI) and drug testing are required at student expense for each Health and Human Services student who has been accepted into a Spartanburg Community College curriculum program of study. For more information, please visit the Criminal Background Investigations and Drug Testing information section of the SCC webpage.

Graduates of the LPN to RN Bridge program may apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Additionally, the ADN program has a written articulation agreement with USC-Upstate for the purpose of seamless transfer into the Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN) program.

Important Information for Incoming Students

Students must have an unexpired, unencumbered, active LPN license and proof of graduation from an LPN program.

Biology courses may only be attempted twice within a seven (7) year period for students pursuing the ADN degree. A withdrawal is considered an attempt. An attempt in a biology course beyond the second attempt will NOT be awarded points on the selective ranking sheet. There is a seven (7) year limit on the biology courses within the curriculum and BIO 210, BIO 211, and BIO 225, must be completed by the time the student enters the program.

EEDA Career Cluster:

Health Science

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrating proficiency in psychomotor nursing interventions.
2. Utilizing the conceptual framework of the nursing process to provide client-oriented care.
3. Integrating critical thinking skills into client care.
4. Demonstrating the use of effective communication skills.
5. Demonstrating professional and ethical self-accountability.
6. Integrating evidence-based nursing knowledge and clinical judgment to provide holistic, patient-centered care across the lifespan in a variety of healthcare settings.