With the goal of attaining accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), Glen Oaks Community College has revised its Associate of Applied Science in Nursing program to align with the requirements of the Michigan Board of Nursing.
“Although plans were moving along over the past year to work toward these changes, we were able to expedite the process as a result of the high demand for nurses due to COVID-19,” said Sara Birch, director of nursing at Glen Oaks.
Effective with the Fall 2020 semester, Glen Oaks will launch new nursing program requirements to prepare students to test for the NCLEX-RN exam, administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). Upon passing, one becomes certified as a registered nurse.
Previously, the college offered a laddered program where students completed a one-year program preparing them to test for the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) exam, and then a year later, test for the NCLEX-RN.
“We will eliminate the LPN program and instead students will enroll in the two-year, associate degree nursing program,” said Birch. “However, licensed practical nurses can still apply and enter the second year of the program in advanced standing by transferring in their practical nursing credentials to receive 30 credit hours toward the program requirements.”
“After reviewing the ACEN accreditation requirements for LPN and RN programs and comparing offerings with other community colleges in Michigan, and considering the significant effort required to maintain accreditation in both programs, the Department of Nursing found it more beneficial to put all of the effort into the two-year program,” said Birch.
“Most students who enter the nursing program intend on completing their associate degree,” said Birch.