Program Profile: Associate Degree Registered Nurse (ADRN)
Program Description |
Accreditation |
Program Highlights
About the Profession |
Faculty |
Class Size
Length of Program |
Locations |
Prerequisites
Costs |
Scholarships and Financial Aid |
How to Apply
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 student nurse practicum 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 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. In order to speak to the specific needs of Idaho healthcare facilities, the program is designed to provide an academic nursing education for LPNs so that they may sit for the NCLEX-RN Exam. Therefore, 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 a candidate for accreditation by the National League for Nursing Accredidating Commission.
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 affiliate 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.
- 98% of graduates reporting are employed as professional nurses in Idaho
- 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 and client advocates. 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: 30
Total number of students enrolled in program: 31
Length of Program
Number of academic years needed to complete the program: 3-5 semesters. A minimum of 65* 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 sessions, 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 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 (Healthcare Provider), IV Therapy.
Other Prerequisites: Prerequisite courses, or equivalents, must be complete or in progress with anticipated end date no later than August 5th of the admission year. All prerequisite courses must be complete with a "C" (75%) or better and a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5. 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. 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: $1,235 (includes a computer)
Books: $950
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.