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  5. Transitions in Nursing (ASN Bridge), Degree

Transitions in Nursing (ASN Bridge), Degree (LT13)  Degree

Campus Locations: Valdosta

Purpose: To prepare the licensed healthcare professional to work as a safe and competent Registered Nurse and successfully complete the NCLEX-RN Exam.

Curriculum: The healthcare professional completes a 60 credit hour program including class, lab, and clinical to allow the student to merge into the role as a professional registered nurse.

Careers: Registered Nurse

Candidates must have an unencumbered and unrestricted LPN or Paramedic License to apply to the competitive program. Program graduates receive an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree and are then eligible to apply and take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Upon successful completion of the NCLEX-RN and licensure by the Georgia Board of Nursing, graduates may obtain employment as professional registered nurses.

Requirements:

  • Submit a completed application and application fee
  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Submit official high school transcript or High School Equivalency transcript or college transcripts showing successful completion of 60+ semester credits or 72+ quarter credits
  • Submit official college transcripts, if applicable
  • Present acceptable ACCUPLACER, ACT, ASSET, COMPASS, PSAT, or SAT scores or GED score of 145 or higher or have one of the following: an associate degree or higher or have a HOPE GPA of 2.6 after the completion of 10th grade. Documentation on a college transcript of successful completion of appropriate courses from a regionally accredited college or university may be accepted in lieu of test scores.

Additional Program Requirements:

  • Transitions in Nursing (ASN Bridge) is a highly competitive program and admission to the college does not guarantee admission to the Bridge program.
  • Students seeking admission to the Bridge program must be fully accepted to the college. To take pre-requisite courses, students should enroll in the Occupational Studies Degree.
  • The Bridge program has a competitive admissions process. The selection criteria consist of pre-requisite courses and HESI A2 scores. The online competitive admissions application, official transcripts, HESI A2 scores, and any other required information must be on file with the College by the deadline listed on the program application.
  • Applications can be submitted prior to completion of the pre-requisite classes; however, priority selection will be given to applicants who are pre-requisite complete by the application deadline.
  • Applicants must meet with their One-Stop advisor before making application to the competitive program.

Competitive Admission Rank Order:

  • Applicants will be ranked based on the following formula: Pre-Requisite Courses GPA (40%) + HESI Critical Thinking Conversion Score (20%) + HESI Cumulative Score (40%)
    • Applicants must have a 2.75 or better GPA in the required Pre-Requisite Courses (ENGL 1101, Area II, MATH 1111, Area IV, Elective, BIOL 2113, BIOL 2113L, BIOL 2114, BIOL 2114L, BIOL 2117, and BIOL 2117L).
    • Applicants must have a 75.0 or better on the cumulative HESI A2 Exam.
  • Additionally, an unencumbered and unrestricted LPN or Paramedic License is required to make application to the competitive Transitions in Nursing (ASN Bridge) Degree Program. A copy of the license will need to be uploaded by the applicant into the online application.
  • If class capacity remains unfilled for a program, the deadlines and/or other requirements for that program can be extended/modified with the Dean of Health Sciences approval.
  • All of the competitive admissions criteria are current as we know them. They may be modified with curriculum revisions. Please see the One-Stop Enrollment and Success Center for the most current criteria.

HESI A2 Information

  • The HESI A2 exam must be taken at Wiregrass. Scores from other institutions will not be accepted. Both the cumulative and critical thinking portion of the exam must be completed. HESI scores are valid for 2 years and must be valid at the application deadline date. Applicants have 3 attempts per 2 years to complete the HESI A2 exam.

Program Information

  • Applicants must be in "good academic standing" with Wiregrass. Applicants on academic warning, probation or suspension cannot be accepted into the program.
  • Clinical experience is required to complete the Bridge program, and students must meet all clinical requirements defined by the clinical facility. No student will be denied admissions to a program due to these requirements; however, the clinical partner requirement may prevent a student from completing the program. Clinical requirements may include, but not limited to, some or all of the following: American Heart Association Provider CPR certification, physical examination or proof of ability to perform required duties, Tuberculin skin test, up-to-date immunizations, mandatory vaccinations, and/or titers. A criminal background check and drug screen are required prior to performing the clinical rotation. Students unable to meet clinical requirements may not be able to graduate from the program. Alternate clinical locations may not be offered or available if a student is unable to meet clinical requirements. See the Program Advising Packet for more information.

Valdosta Campus – Fall 2020 Entry

  • GPA: 3.38 average (low – 2.85)
  • HESI Cumulative: 86.13 average (low – 75.6)
  • HESI Critical Thinking: 92 average (low – 84)
  • A total of 20 students were selected. There were 27 students core complete by the application deadline who were ranked for priority acceptance. There was a grand total of 45 applicants.

Valdosta Campus – Fall 2021 Entry

  • GPA: 3.51 average (low – 2.96)
  • HESI Cumulative: 85.7 average (low – 78.0)
  • HESI Critical Thinking: 89.5 average (low – 77)
  • A total of 20 students were selected. There were 28 students core complete by the application deadline who were ranked for priority acceptance. There was a grand total of 47 applicants.

Valdosta Campus – Fall 2022 Entry

  • GPA: 3.33 average (low – 2.96)
  • HESI Cumulative: 83.6 average (low – 75.2)
  • HESI Critical Thinking: 89 average (low – 77)
  • A total of 20 students were selected. There were 18 students core complete by the application deadline who were ranked for priority acceptance. An additional 2 students were tentatively accepted. There was a grand total of 30 applicants.

Valdosta Campus – Fall 2023 Entry

  • GPA: 3.22 average (low – 2.75)
  • HESI Cumulative: 85.0 average (low – 76.0)
  • HESI Critical Thinking: 88.2 average (low – 83)
  • A total of 30 students were selected. There were 3 students who were ranked for priority acceptance. There was a grand total of 40 applicants.

Start Terms:

  • Valdosta: each Fall Semester
    • The application deadline for Fall 2023 is May 1, 2023; the application is will open February 1, 2023. The program accepts up to 30 students each fall
Curriculum Outline (60 hours)
General Core Courses 15
Area I - Language Arts/Communication 3
ENGL 1101

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Degree Level Reading and Writing Scores Co-requisite(s): None Explores the analysis of literature and articles about issues in the humanities and in society. Students practice various modes of writing, ranging from exposition to argumentation and persuasion. The course includes a review of standard grammatical and stylistic usage in proofreading and editing. An introduction to library resources lays the foundation for research. Topics include writing analysis and practice, revision, and research. Students write a research paper using library resources and using a formatting and documentation style appropriate to the purpose and audience.

3
Area II - Social/Behavior Science - Complete 3 Hours 3
Area III - Natural Sciences/Mathematics - Complete 3 Hours 3
MATH 1111

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Degree Level Math Scores Co-requisite(s): None Emphasizes techniques of problem solving using algebraic concepts. Topics include fundamental concepts of algebra, equations and inequalities, functions and graphs, and systems of equations; optional topics include sequences, series, and probability or analytic geometry.

3
Area IV - Humanities/Fine Arts - Complete 3 Hours 3
General Education Core Elective - Complete 3 Hours 3
Occupational Courses 45
BIOL 2113

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): BIOL 2113L, ENGL 1101 Introduces the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Emphasis is placed on the development of a systemic perspective of anatomical structures and physiological processes. Topics include body organization, cell structure and functions, tissue classifications, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, and nervous and sensory systems.

3
BIOL 2113L

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 0 Lab 2 - 0 Lab - 3 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): BIOL 2113, ENGL 1101 Selected laboratory exercises paralleling the topics in BIOL 2113. The laboratory exercises for this course include body organization, cell structure and functions, tissue classifications, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, and nervous sensory systems.

1
BIOL 2114

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): BIOL 2113, BIOL 2113L w/ a “C” or better Co-requisite(s): BIOL 2114L Continues the study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Topics include the endocrine system, cardiovascular system, blood and lymphatic system, immune system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system,and reproductive system.

3
BIOL 2114L

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 0 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 3 Pre-requisite(s): BIOL 2113, BIOL 2113L w/ a “C” or better Co-requisite(s): BIOL 2114 Selected laboratory exercises paralleling the topics in BIOL 2114. The laboratory exercises for this course include the endocrine system, cardiovascular system, blood and lymphatic system, immune system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system, and reproductive system.

1
BIOL 2117

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): (BIOL 2113 and BIOL 2113L) OR (BIOL 1111 and BIOL 1111L) w/ a “C” or better Co-requisite(s): BIOL 2117L Provides students with a foundation in basic microbiology with emphasis on infectious disease. Topics include microbial diversity, microbial cell biology, microbial genetics, interactions and impact of microorganisms and humans, microorganisms and human disease.

3
BIOL 2117L

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 0 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 3 Pre-requisite(s): (BIOL 2113 and BIOL 2113L) OR (BIOL 1111 and BIOL 1111L) w/ a “C” or better Co-requisite(s): BIOL 2117 Selected laboratory exercises paralleling the topics in BIOL 2117. The laboratory exercises for this course include microbial diversity, microbial cell biology, microbial genetics, interactions and impact of microorganisms and humans, and microorganisms and human disease.

1
RNSG 1352

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 6 Lab 2 - 2 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): None Co-requisite(s): RNSG 1355, 1365 The transition course allows a student who has successfully obtained an unrestricted Georgia practical nursing or paramedic license to continue education in nursing by achieving an Associate of Science in Nursing Degree. This course is designed to provide the student with a comprehensive knowledge of professional nursing, the nursing process, health promotion, illness prevention practices, basic care of the adult and older adult population, and the responsibilities and challenges of the role of associate degree nursing. The focus of this course is on collaboration, communication, critical thinking, cultural diversity, documentation, ethics and values, health assessment, mental health promotion and restoration, the nursing process, and patient teaching, and safety. The student nurse learns correct technique with nursing skills. This course includes classroom and skills lab. Students are required to complete a head-to-toe physical assessment and demonstrate skill competencies. This course must be successfully completed with a minimum grade of 70 percent.

7
RNSG 1355

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-Requisites: ENGL 1101, MATH 1111, BIOL 2113, BIOL 2113L Co-Requisite: BIOL 2114, BIOL 2114L, RNSG 1350, RNSG 1360 This course is designed to prepare the student with the necessary skills essential to perform accurate medication calculations. The student will learn how to competently prepare and administer medications including intradermal, intramuscular, intravenous, oral, and subcutaneous injections. Students learn conversions between systems and reconstitution of solutions. Emphasis is placed on knowledge and precision necessary for accuracy in drug calculations. The student will learn medication classifications, action, adverse reactions, peak, route of administration, side effects, and medication safety. This course must be successfully completed with a minimum theory grade of 70 percent.

3
RNSG 1365

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 4 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 3 Pre-Requisites: RNSG 1350, RNSG 1355, RNSG 1360 Co-Requisite: BIOL 2117, BIOL 2117L, RNSG 2350 This initial medical-surgical course is designed to introduce and prepare the student to care for patients with selected medical disorders and surgical conditions. This course includes classroom, simulation and a clinical rotation which builds on concepts and skills taught in the Fundamentals of Nursing Care course. The role of the nurse as provider of care will be utilized to include patient care, basic clinical decision making, patient teaching, coordination of care, clinical reasoning, and collaboration of care with other disciplines. Specific medications related to health care conditions will be taught. The application of the nursing process in caring for patients experiencing alterations in cardiovascular, endocrine, gastrointestinal, hematologic, musculoskeletal, neurologic, respiratory, and renal systems are included. Infusion therapy is introduced. The student will learn about the perioperative patient. Emphasis is placed on diversity and in care of the elderly considering developmental, cultural and spiritual needs of each patient. This course must be successfully completed with a minimum grade of 70 percent in the theory component and 70 percent in the clinical component.

5
RNSG 2015

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 4 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 3 Pre-requisite(s): RNSG 1365, RNSG 2350 Co-requisite(s): RNSG 2355 This course prepares the student to provide competent, compassionate evidenced-based nursing care for the childbearing patient, family, and the pediatric patient. Concepts will be introduced which include normal pregnancy and childbirth, complications in pregnancy and childbirth, care of the newborn, assessment, planning, and intervention as well as nutritional care, patient education, health promotion strategies and illness prevention practices for the childbearing family. Emphasis is placed on disease processes and management, interventions and critical knowledge skills with care of the child. Pharmacologic principles are incorporated as applies to the obstetrical and pediatric patient. Students learn to provide safe and culturally competent care for obstetrical and pediatric patients and their families. The student will learn concepts and theories related to developmental stages. This course requires supervised clinical rotations in clinical environments to enhance the educational opportunities and meet course objectives. This course requires a minimum grade of 70 percent in theory and a minimum of 70 percent in the clinical rotation.

5
RNSG 2355

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 6 Pre-Requisites: RNSG 1365, RNSG 2015 Co-Requisite: RNSG 2350 This course prepares the student to care for patients with complex medical and multisystem disorders. This course includes classroom and a clinical rotation and builds on concepts and skills taught in the Medical-Surgical Nursing I course. Specific medications related to health care conditions will be strengthened. The student will continue applying the nursing process in caring for patients experiencing disorders including arthritis and connective tissue disorders, cancer, cardiovascular alterations, endocrine, gastrointestinal, inflammation and immune response, infections, neurologic, musculoskeletal trauma, renal, and respiratory diseases and disorders. Emphasis is placed on maintenance and restoration of health. Clinical inpatient experiences will provide the student with opportunities to meet course outcomes. This course requires a minimum grade of 70 percent in theory and a minimum of 70 percent in the clinical rotation.

5
RNSG 2360

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 9 Pre-Requisites: RNSG 2015, RNSG 2355 Co-Requisite: RNSG 2365 This course is the final medical-surgical nursing course. This class builds on previous content and includes classroom and a clinical rotation. The student will gain knowledge and understanding about patients with complex and multisystem disorders. This course prepares the student to acquire knowledge and skills for the application of the nursing process. Students learn to care for patients with emergency, life threatening, or multi-system disorders. This course requires a minimum grade of 70 percent in theory and 70 percent in the clinical rotation.

6
RNSG 2365

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 2 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-Requisites: RNSG 2015, RNSG 2355 Co-Requisite: RNSG 2360 This course is designed to prepare the graduate nurse to function as a role of a leader with management and leadership skills necessary to promote growth and development in the profession of nursing. This course requires a minimum theory grade of 70%.

2
Faculty
Pam Jankowski
Advisor

Associate of Science Nursing Instructor
Valdosta Campus

(229) 333-2100 ext. 3066 | pam.jankowski@wiregrass.edu
Georgianne Bauer
Advisor

Director of ASN Programs
Valdosta Campus

(229) 333-2100 ext. 3053 | georgianne.bauer@wiregrass.edu
Mark Hall
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Programs of Study