Public Relations

NWACC to repeat LPN to RN Transition Track

            BENTONVILLE (Monday, February 18, 2008) – Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) for several years have had access for advanced placement in the nursing program at NorthWest Arkansas Community College.

            That opportunity will continue as applications for fall 2008 LPN to RN Transition Track will be available June 1st, said NWACC Director of Nursing Education Elaine Holloway.

            A pilot partnership between Northwest Technical Institute in Springdale and NWACC, was initiated in Fall 2007 whereby the Transition Track is now offered on the NTI campus, she said. The nursing curriculum is taught by veteran NWACC nursing instructors.

            LPNs complete most and may complete all of the required general education courses prior to entry into the Transition Track. If the LPN is accepted into track, the student advances through the nursing curriculum over the next 12 months, earning the Associate of Applied Science degree in nursing.

            The graduate is then eligible to take the NCLEX-RN and if successful, is a registered nurse, she said.

            “With the partnership, NWACC is able to afford more LPNs the opportunity for advancement, as a maximum of 20 students are selected for the class,” Holloway said.

            “Earning admission is a competitive process. A point system, whereby students accrue points for grades in required general education courses and on the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) is objectively used to determine who is selected.”

            The deadline for application submission is July 1. For more information, call 619-4151 or visit the NWACC Nursing Department online.

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