Nursing Program
LPN-RN Advancement Option

The LPN-RN Advancement Option is designed for the Licensed Practical Nurse who wishes to advance to a Registered Nurse with an Associate Degree in Science. This program provides the opportunity, through additional education, to apply for Registered Nurse Licensure upon successful completion. All nursing courses must be completed within four years of the date of entry in the first nursing course. Students will be readmitted to the nursing program only once during the four years. Applicants must meet the admission requirements and receive a satisfactory score on the NLN Acceleration Challenge Exam I-Book I exam which is offered periodically throughout the year (see admission requirements below). Information regarding the admission test may be obtained from the Admissions Office at 603-271-7134.

Admission to the nursing program is very competitive. Selection is determined by a cumulative point system that is based on high school level prerequisite courses and grades, applicable college courses and grades and the Challenge Exam score. References are considered critical to the admission process and are evaluated.

*Transfer credit will be evaluated on an individual basis and may result in six(6) nursing credits being awarded. In addition, the LPN must complete the following curriculum:

Specific Admission Requirements
Preference will be given to students whose applications are complete and received by the NHTI Admissions Office no later than July 24, 2009 for Fall 2009 admission.

1. High school or college biology with lab AND chemistry with lab, both with grades of “C” or higher;
2. College preparatory algebra I with a grade of “C” or higher or NHTI's MT 103 and MT 104 both with grades of “C” or higher;
3. Preference will be given to students who hold an active, unrestricted New Hampshire Practical Nursing license and are in good standing with the Board of Nursing; applicants must submit a copy of their license with their application for admission;
4. Submit, on NHTI nursing reference forms (PDF or contact Admissions at (603) 271-7134.), two references from professionals, supervisors or teachers.
5. “Decision Score” of 70 or better on the National League for Nursing Acceleration Challenge Exam I - Book I.(PDF or or contact Admissions at (603) 271-7134.). Information regarding this test is available from the Admissions Office at 603-271-7134 or 1-800-247-0179.

Health, Character and Technical Requirements
Technical standards have been established as a guidance tool for use in realistically informing the student of minimum standards needed to satisfactorily function in the program and ultimately in the profession. Applicants who feel they may not be able to meet one or more of the technical standards listed below should contact the program officials to discuss individual cases. The program officials will seriously consider all academically qualified candidates providing that the technical standards can be met with reasonable accommodations.

The college must ensure that patients/clients are not placed in jeopardy by students during learning experiences. Therefore, students in practica, service learning and clinical experiences must demonstrate sufficient emotional stability to withstand the stresses, uncertainties, and changing circumstances that characterize patient/client care responsibilities. Furthermore, the student is expected to have the emotional stability required to exercise sound judgment, accept direction and guidance from a supervisor or faculty member and establish rapport and maintain sensitive interpersonal relationships with employees, customers and/or patients/clients and their families.

Applicants must be in good physical and mental health in order to qualify for RN or PN licensure. In addition, State Boards of Nursing may have specific requirements regarding prior convictions of offenses and licensure. Please contact the Board of Nursing in the state in which practice is planned regarding licensure requirements. Satisfactory completion of program does not guarantee RN or PN licensure.

Standards have been established to provide guidance to students as to skills and abilities required to function successfully in the program and ultimately in the profession of nursing. Applicants who think they may not be able to meet one or more of the technical standards should contact department head or faculty to discuss individual cases.

1. Sufficient hearing to assess patient needs and to understand instructions, emergency signals and telephone conversation.
2. Sufficient visual acuity to observe patients, manipulate equipment, and interpret data; visual acuity sufficient to ensure a safe environment, identify color changes, read fine print/writing and calculate fine calibrations.
3. Sufficient verbal ability to express and exchange information and ideas and to interact with patients, family members, physicians, peers and other ancillary medical personnel.
4. Ability to work with frequent interruptions, to respond appropriately in emergencies or unexpected situations and to cope with extreme variations in workload and stress levels.
5. Sufficient strength and motor coordination to perform the following physical activities: manual dexterity in handling and lifting equipment; frequently moving, lifting, and transferring patients; and performing CPR.

Program Comments
Applicants must be in good physical and mental health in order to qualify for RN or PN licensure. In addition, State Boards of Nursing may have specific requirements regarding prior convictions of offenses and licensure. Please contact the Board of Nursing in the state in which practice is planned regarding licensure requirements. Satisfactory completion of program does not guarantee RN or PN licensure.

Standards have been established to provide guidance to students as to skills and abilities required to function successfully in the program and ultimately in the profession of nursing. Applicants who think they may not be able to meet one or more of the technical standards should contact department head or faculty to discuss individual cases.

1. Applicants are strongly encouraged to attend a group information session; please call the Admissions Office at 603-271-7134 for details.
2. Prior to the start of the clinical nursing courses, students are required to have on file in the Health Services Office (603-271-7153) documentation of: current medical insurance; a complete physical examination; current immunizations; current CPR certification for one and two person adult, infant and child. Professional liability malpractice insurance is arranged by the College and will automatically be charged to the student's account.
3. All students enrolled in a clinical nursing course will be charged a $350/semester Nursing Clinical Surcharge. The following courses carry this charge: NU 115, NU 116, NU 117 and NU 215.
4. College level science and technical courses (i.e., Anatomy & Physiology, etc.) taken more than five years prior to desired entry into nursing program must be either repeated or challenged; final decisions will rest with the Department Head of Nursing.
5. All nursing courses integrate theory and clinical experience. Failure to receive a satisfactory grade in either theory OR the clinical experience portion of the course will result in a failing grade. All nursing major field courses must be passed before proceeding to the next level. A grade of “C” or higher is required in BI 195, BI 196 and BI 202 and math elective to enter or progress in the nursing courses.
6. All students may be required to do an alternate clinical rotation depending on clinical/faculty availability, i.e., students may be asked to do an evening rotation.

Licensed Practical Nursing Program Clinical Sites
Catholic Medical Center, Manchester, NH
Elliot Hospital, Manchester, NH
Greenbriar Terrace Healthcare, Nashua, NH
Hanover Hill Healthcare Center, Manchester, NH
HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital, Concord, NH
Lakes Region General Hospital, Laconia, NH
New Hampshire Veterans Home, Tilton, NH
Pleasant View Center, Concord, NH

Information about transferring to other institutions

# Indicates major field courses
* Any course with a prefix of MT except MT 103-120; students will be advised regarding appropriate course selection.

Revised July 23, 2008
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