Associate Degree Registered Nurse (ADRN) | Programs | Health Professions Mission

Program Profile: Associate Degree Registered Nurse (ADRN)

Program Description

Name of program: Associate Degree Registered Nurse (ADRN)

Program Overview: Idaho State University (ISU) has developed an Associate Degree Registered Nurse program. The program is unique because its intent is to reach out to Idaho healthcare facilities and their Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and to offer required coursework through distance-based delivery methods. This new alternative delivery option helps students earn an associate of science degree while, for much of their education, remaining in their home communities. Thus, LPNs in Idaho have access to a quality, professional nursing education. The program provides classroom, laboratory, and clinical instruction which prepares graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. Successfully passing this examination provides eligibility for the candidate to be licensed to practice as a Registered Nurse in Idaho and to be eligible to make application for licensure in other states. Articulation into baccalaureate and master's nursing programs is available to the graduate. The basic prerequisite for entry to the program is that candidates have a current license to practice as an LPN in Idaho. They also need proof of current CPR training, immunizations and health screenings, and IV Therapy instruction. Persons who are interested may begin preparing for the program by taking required general education and prerequisite coursework.

Accreditation

The Associate Degree Registered Nurse program is fully approved by the Idaho State Board of Nursing. This nursing education program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accredidating Commission (NLNAC). The NLNAC contact information is:

NLNAC
3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 500
Atlanta, Georgia 30326
nlnac.org

Program Highlights

Program graduates, now working as registered professional nurses in Idaho, consistently report that they would never have been able to earn their nursing degree without this innovative one-of-a-kind program
ISU Associate Degree Registered Nurse program has over 30 clinical affiliation sites which provide students with learning opportunities in a variety of healthcare settings including public health departments, health centers, critical access hospitals, clinics, and home health.
Graduates have consistently scored above the national average on the NCLEX-RN licensure examination.
100% of graduates reporting are employed as professional nurses
80% of the ADRN students were supported (tuition reimbursement, scholarships, flex time, etc.) by their employer while enrolled in the ADRN program.
Professors in the ADRN program have advanced degrees and nursing clinical specializations at the masters� and doctoral levels. They provide the highest quality education based on scholarship, clinical practice, and educational achievement.

About the Profession

This is an exciting time to be a nurse! Because of increasing population census, a growing number of elders, expanded technology, health care reform, and emerging nursing roles, many new nursing jobs in Idaho will surface. These new professional positions will require well-educated, dedicated, competent, caring decision-makers. Nationally, the healthcare system will require more than 1.2 million new nurses over the next decade. That means that the second largest number of new jobs among all occupations will be for RNs. RNs work to promote health, prevent disease, and help patients and families cope with illness and disability. They are advocates and health educators for patients, families, and communities. RNs develop and manage patient treatment plans; instruct patients and families in proper care; and help individuals and groups take steps to improve or maintain health and quality of life. Though there will always be a need for hospital nurses, in the future, a growing number of nurses will be employed in home health, long-term care, hospice, parish nursing, prison care, community care, surgical centers, and ambulatory clinics.

Faculty

Three full-time, five affiliate faculty, and over 30 clinical sites.

Class Size

Fixed Seats: Yes

Number of students in entering class: approximately 30

Total number of students enrolled in program: 31

Length of Program

Number of academic years needed to complete the program: 3-4½ semesters. A minimum of 68 credits are required for an Associate of Science Degree - Nursing. (Total number of credits includes academic, prerequisite, and nursing-specific courses.) Once pre-requisite coursework is complete, the ADRN program is two semesters and one summer term (11 months). Thus, students begin the program fall term and graduate at the completion of summer term, the following year.

Locations

Locations offered: Idaho

Program offered fully online? The Program is distance-based with online support and on-campus intensives.

Program delivered through distance presentation? Yes, accepted students in the ADRN will come to campus and complete two all day information sessions (one in June and a second in July), prior to the start of courses in the fall term. Once courses begin, ADRN students must attend on-campus (Pocatello) all day sessions called "intensives." These intensives take place approximately once or twice per month and are designed to help students learn important course concepts and program information, meet and connect with peers and faculty, demonstrate nursing skills and insights, and take nationally normed examinations.

Prerequisites

Required: Current license to practice as LPN in Idaho, BCLS (Basic Cardiac Life Support), CPR certification (American Heart Association or American Red Cross Healthcare Provider), IV Therapy certificate of completion.

Other Prerequisites: Prerequisite courses, or equivalents, must be complete or in progress with anticipated end date no later than August 1st of the admission year. All prerequisite courses must be complete with a "C" or better. Prerequisites include the following: BIOL 221/221L, 301/301L, 302/302L; COM 101; MATH (any goal 3, MATH 253 preferred); ENGL 101, 102; NTD 239 OR 340 (340 preferred); PSYC 101. A cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5 is also required in all post-secondary coursework. All non-nursing courses must be completed PRIOR to the final semester of the program.

Costs

Tuition: Annual tuition set by University for residents or non-residents.

Professional fees:

Equipment: $2,392 (includes a computer)

Books: $1,007

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Scholarship Deadline: February 15

Financial Aid Deadline: Contact the Office of Financial Aid for more information.

How to Apply

Application Deadline:

Program Start Date: Fall semester

Other Information: A complete description of the application process is available at our web site or from Student Services or by calling 208-282-2622.