Programs of Study

LPN/LPTN/Paramedic** to RN

LPN/LPTN/Paramedic** to RN

Registered nurses provide and direct others in the provision of nursing care to patients in acute care settings and a variety of other healthcare agencies.

The Accelerated Track is an option for Paramedics and LPN/LPTNs who wish to become a registered nurse. The Accelerated track is one year in length and begin in January of each year.

Fast Facts:
  • 2 semesters in length
  • Classes begin in January each year
  • Application Deadline: December 3rd

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS:
  • Official high school transcript reflecting graduation or GED or GED required
  • Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended,
  • ACT composite score 19 or above preferred or SAT of 910 or above,
  • Nurse Entrance Test (NET) reflecting a minimum composite score of 50% on both the math and reading portions is required,
  • Current unrestricted Arkansas LPN or LPTN license; If out of state, license must be from a compact state with Arkansas or apply to Arkansas State Board of Nursing for endorsement,
  • Personal interview as requested,
  • Completion of Employer Validation of Basic Nursing Skills form.
  • Paramedic to RN additional requirements:
  • Arkansas Paramedic certification required
  • Achieve score of "C" or above on Excelsior Fundamentals of Nursing Examination.
  • Eligible to take the national Council for Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) upon successful completion.
  • For applicants applying for classes that begin January 2009 and after, the following additional requirements are in effect:
  • Documented completion of a minimum of two (2) of the eight (8) required general education courses with official transcript reflecting final grade of "C" or greater.

    Remaining general education courses are taken as co requisites with the nursing curriculum and may be completed during Spring, Summer I, Summer II, and Fall semesters through Pulaski Technical College (PTC)*evening or online classes as offered.

    Spring
    Chemistry 4 credit hours
    Comp I 3 credit hours
    Psychology 3 credit hours
    Summer I
    Anatomy & Physiology I 4 credit hours
    Summer II
    Anatomy & Physiology II 4 credit hours
    Fall
    Nutrition 3 credit hours
    Microbiology 4 credit hours
    Sociology 3 credit hours

    * Transfer credits are accepted as identified in the Catalog, applicants are referred to the schools Transfer Credit Guide available online here.

View application information


FAQs

How much does the RN Accelerated Option cost?
The cost of the BAPTIST HEALTH School of Registered Nursing- Accelerated Option varies depending on the individual student. Please download the cost sheets (Fall 08 only [92 KB PDF] and Spring 09 - Fall 09 [95 KB PDF]) for estimated costs.

What if I don’t make a 19 or above on the ACT?
The BAPTIST HEALTH School of Registered Nursing- Accelerated Option prefers an ACT Score of 19 or above for admission. If you do not score a 19 or above, we recommend that you re-test. Generally, students are able to increase their score each time they take the ACT. We also recommend that you use a study guide or preparatory course that is specifically designed for the ACT.

May I enter into the RN Accelerated Option if I am not an LPN or Paramedic?
You MUST be an LPN, LPTN or Paramedic to apply for the RN Accelerated Option. If you are not an LPN, LPTN or Paramedic, you may still apply for the RN Traditional Option.

How many days a week will I be in class?
As a student in the BAPTIST HEALTH School of Registered Nursing- Accelerated Option, you may be in class, skills lab and/or clinical up to 5 days per week.

Do you offer night or online classes?
At this time, the BAPTIST HEALTH School of Registered Nursing- Accelerated Option does not offer classes at night or online. General Education classes may be offered in the evening or online, and are scheduled by Pulaski Technical College.

How much do Registered Nurses make?
Earnings for Registered Nurses vary greatly and have many different factors. Please visit the US Department of Labor website to find out earning information about Registered Nurses.

(The cost sheet requires that Adobe Acrobat Reader be installed on your PC. If you don't have this free software, click here to download.)