Associate Degree Registered Nurse

Program Description

The prerequisite for entry into the Associate Degree Registered Nurse (ADRN) program is that the student be a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). It is designed as a bridge for LPN's to earn their Associate of Science degree and sit for the RN licensure examination (NCLEX).

Students in the ADRN program receive classroom, laboratory, and clinical practicum instruction that provide eligibility for them, as graduates, to write the NCLEX—RN licensure examination. Successfully passing this examination creates eligibility for the graduate to be licensed to practice as an RN in Idaho and other states as allowed by law. Graduates are prepared to render competent nursing care in a variety of health care settings including hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, medical offices, home health agencies, and health centers. Program graduation and Passing NCLEX-RN are not a guarantee for state licensure.

Degree Options

• Associate of Science degree: Registered Nurse (2 years)

• • Course Sequence Associate of Science Degree: Nursing
  • Program Costs
• Bachelor of Science in Health Science (4+ years)
• Articulation into baccalaureate and master's nursing programs (4+ years)

Program Overview

• Program accepts applications August through early October
• Two additional semesters of prerequisite courses are required
• Coursework is offered through mandatory on-campus intensives, in-person clinicals as well as a variety of web-based learning methods.
• Must be a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to apply
• Program has a competitive application process
• Program is located in Roy F. Christensen Complex (RFC), Building #48, 777 Memorial Dr

ADRN Admission Process

Program Requirements for Associate Degree Registered Nurse Program

The following criteria must be complete or nearly complete prior to application for admission (Due in October) into the Associate Degree Registered Nurse program:

1. All students must first be admitted to the university. For information on university admissions, contact the College of Technology Student Services office at (208) 282-2622.
2. Completion of the following prerequisite courses, or equivalents, with a grade of "C" or better: ENGL 1101, 1102; PSYC 1101; LLIB 1115; NTD 2239; BIOL 2227/2227L and BIOL 2228/2228L OR BIOL 3301/3301L and BIOL 3302/3302L; MATH (any goal 3, MATH 1153 preferred); COMM 1101
3. A cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5 is required. This includes all post- secondary course work.
4. Active unrestricted licensure to practice as an LPN in the state of Idaho.
5. Current CPR certification (Healthcare provider) from the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross.
6. Current immunization and good health status (per program policy), upon conditional acceptance into the program.
7. Background check and drug screening per department policy, upon acceptance into the program.
8. IV Therapy certification of completion.

Upon completion, or near completion of the above criteria, submit an application to the College of Technology Student Services Office (208) 282-2622. Once application is submitted and complete, and eligibility verified, the candidate will take a nationally normed admission test that determines the students overall academic readiness to perform effectively in a nursing program. This test includes reading, math, writing and science. These scores are combined with cumulative GPA earned (includes all post secondary coursework), years of work experience as a LPN as documented from previous or current employer to rank-order applicants for each admission class.

Former College of Technology students who have been out of school one semester or more must complete the necessary forms in the Student Services office before returning to the program. Re-entering students must meet requirements as outlined in the catalog effective at the date of their re-enrollment. 

Students may choose any subsequent catalog to meet graduation requirements as long as they have continuous enrollment.

Career Opportunities

• Medical and occupational clinics
• Hospitals and emergency settings
• Nursing and hospice care facilities
• Home health care agencies
• Outpatient surgery centers
• Military