Nursing Degree-LPN Bridge Option (NUP) (selective)

MWCC offers currently licensed LPNs a bridge program to complete requirements for the Associate Degree in Nursing. Credit is given for the first semester (NUR111) of the associate degree program allowing applicants to enter second semester nursing courses. Interested candidates must meet minimum requirements for consideration and apply by the deadline. The program is approved by the Massachusetts Board of Nursing and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission: NLNAC; Peachtree Lane, Atlanta, GA; 800-669-1656, ext. 153 or website www.nlnac.org. Applicants must hold current licensure as an LPN in good standing with the Board of Nursing, with one year work experience. Students selected for the LPN to ADN Bridge Program will be given an ATI exam on Maternity and Pediatrics. Those not meeting the required level will be required to take NUR115 in May/June.

Campus/format: A majority of this program is selective and can be completed at the Devens Campus. This is a hybrid program which includes both in class and online coursework.

Application deadline: The application deadline for May enrollment is December 15. This selective enrollment program requires additional application components. The selection process is competitive and space is limited (see page 21 of the college catalog).

Requirements for consideration: Applicants must meet certain academic standards. See page 21 of the college catalog for specific details or refer to the program application available on our website or through the admissions office.

Helpful hints: Because of an extensive classroom/clinical commitment, students are encouraged to complete most of the general education requirements prior to beginning nursing courses.

Transfer options: Students should obtain information on the program they wish to transfer in to determine if MWCC courses will be accepted as transfer credit. For a complete list of transfer agreement options visit MWCC’s transfer services website: http://transfer.mwcc.edu and www.mwcc.edu/3plusone.

Special requirements: Applicants must meet all requirements for consideration before entering the program. Students must meet technical standards and additional requirements including immunizations, CPR certification, liability insurance, and a Criminal/Sexual Offender Records Information (CORI/SORI) check (see page 22). Some clinical facilities may require drug testing.

PLEASE NOTE: All BIO, MAT (prerequisite), and NUR courses require a grade of C+ to be eligible for promotion to the next level. Also, BIO199, 204, 205 credits cannot be more than five years old.

Career options: RNs in hospitals, sub acute units, extended care facilities, medical offices, rehabilitation centers, and home care.

Earning potential: $47,710 to $69,850.

*These courses must be taken concurrent with or prior to the nursing courses specified for that particular semester.

Program Competencies for NU, NUE, and NUP

Upon graduation from this program students shall have demonstrated the ability to:

• Provide nursing care through independent and collaborative application of the nursing process.
• Use caring interventions when providing nursing care to a diverse population across the lifespan.
• Manage the delivery of nursing care to groups of clients.
• Communicate accurately and effectively by oral, written, and/or electronic means.
• Use therapeutic skill in all aspects of nursing practice.
• Implement a teaching plan based on the learning needs of the client and/or significant others.
• Advocate for the rights of clients.
• Assume responsibility for lifelong learning.
• Function within the ethical and legal framework of the Associate Degree in Nursing.

Technical Standards* for NU, NUE, NUP, and PN

*For general information about technical standards and accommodation, see page 66.

Students entering these programs must be able to demonstrate the ability to:

• Comprehend textbook material at the 11th grade level.
• Communicate and assimilate information verbally or in a printed format.
• Gather, analyze, and draw conclusions from data.
• Stand for a minimum of two hours.
• Walk for a minimum of six hours, not necessarily consecutively.
• Stoop, bend, and twist for a minimum of 30 minutes at a time and be able to repeat this activity at frequent intervals.
• Lift a 40-pound person or assist with a larger person and transfer the person from one location to another.
• Determine by touch: hotness/coldness, wetness/dryness, and hardness/softness.
• Use the small muscle dexterity necessary to do such tasks as gloving, gowning, and operating controls on machinery.
• Respond to spoken words, monitor signals, call bells, and vital sign assessment equipment.
• Identify behaviors that would endanger a person’s life or safety and intervene quickly, with an appropriate solution, in a crisis situation.
• Remain calm, rational, decisive, and in control at all times, especially during emergency situations.
• Exhibit social skills appropriate to professional interactions.
• Maintain cleanliness and personal grooming consistent with close personal contact.
• Function without causing harm to self or others if under the influence of prescription or over-the-counter medications.