Nursing Bridge LPN, A.S.N.

Program Overview

The Associate in Science in Nursing Bridge Program at Santa Fe College is a 14-month program (3.5 semesters, not including the time necessary to complete prerequisite courses). A.S.N. Bridge coursework is completed mainly in the classroom, laboratory and clinical settings; however, some content is delivered online. Upon completion of the program, students are prepared to sit for the Florida Licensure Examination according to Florida Statutes, Chapter 464. Upon successful completion of the exam, the graduate may be licensed as a Registered Nurse. Santa Fe College placement data indicate program graduates are employed in a field related to their degree. Graduates consistently score at or above national and state licensure exams. The Bridge Program takes up to 10 students per application cycle. Individuals may also apply to the generic A.S. RN Nursing Program.

Licensure statement

For the A.S.N. and PN program, completion of program requirements may make you eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) RN or NCLEX-PN in Florida or one of the other 27 nursing compact states if you apply for a multi-state license under the enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC). A list of current compact states can be located on the National Council of State Boards of Nursing website. If you are a student who resides outside of Florida or one of the compact states, Santa Fe College cannot confirm whether this degree program meets educational requirements for professional licensure in your state. If you wish to take the NCLEX exam in a non-compact state, please contact the board of nursing in the state to determine whether this degree or certificate program will meet their licensure requirements.

Accreditation

The Associate in Science in Nursing Program and the Associate in Science in Nursing Bridge Program are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3343 Peachtree Rd. NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, GA, 30326.

The Associate in Science in Nursing (A.S.N.B) Bridge Program is approved by the Florida Board of Nursing (FBON), and meets the requirements of the Statewide Career Ladder Articulated Programs as outlined in the Statewide Articulation Manual.

Florida Board of Nursing 4052 Bald Cypress Way Bin C-02 Tallahassee, FL 32399-3252 850-488-0595 or 850-617-6457 fax floridasnursing.gov/the-board/.

Program prerequisite coursework is subject to change. It is the applicant's responsibility to check this page for up-to-date requirements and information. Please contact the Health Sciences Advising Office with questions.

  1. Possess a 2.50 or higher overall college GPA.
  2. Send your LPN program certificate of completion and LPN license number before the application deadline. License must be current with no restrictions.
  3. Complete the following coursework with a grade of 'C' or higher.
    • ENC1101 English Composition (3 credit hours)
    • MAC1105 College Algebra or STA 2023 Statistics (3 credit hours)
    • PSY2012 General Psychology (3 credit hours)
    • BSC2085/L Anatomy & Physiology I with lab (4 credit hours)
    • BSC2086/L Anatomy & Physiology II with lab (4 credit hour)
    • MCB2010/L or MCB2000/L Microbiology with lab (4 credit hours)
    • HUN1201 Human Nutrition (3 credit hours)
    • NOTE: One of the following Humanities courses (3 credit hours) must be completed prior to graduation (not required for application):
      • ARH1000 Art Appreciation
      • HUM2020 Intro to Humanities
      • LIT1000 Literature Appreciation
      • MUL1010 Music Appreciation
      • PHI2010 Intro to Philosophy
      • THE1000 Intro to Theater
    • NOTE: Choose one of the following Social/Behavioral Sciences courses (3 credit hours) must be completed prior to graduation (not required for application):
      • AMH2020 US History Since 1877
      • POS2041 American National Government

All transcripts and coursework must be evaluated and accepted by Santa Fe College prior to the application date to qualify for application.

To help protect patients and students, upon acceptance to a Health Science Program, all students must undergo state and federal background checks and show proof of certain immunizations and negative drug screenings as required by clinical affiliates. Students will be provided instructions to complete these tasks at the appropriate time. For more information, please visit the "Before You Apply" webpage.

See Application Dates and Deadlines and closely review other requirements Before You Apply.

All tuition and fees are estimated costs and subject to change without notice.

Program Costs Breakdown

Tuition for62 Credit Hours

  • $6,619.74 Florida Residents
  • $23,739.80 Non-Florida Residents

Lab Fees: $1,098.00

Additional Expenses

  • $225.00 Uniform, Shoes, A.S.N. Program Patch
  • $1,450.00 Books/software
  • $450.00 Health Physical and Required Immunizations up to
  • $55.00 American Heart Association BLS/CPR card (2 person infant/child) health care provider course and card required; on line CPR training not accepted.
  • $216.50 Level 2 and Expanded National Background Screening; drug test
  • $450.00 IV Therapy Certification Course for LPNs (30 contact hours)
  • $400.00 Laptop computer (recommended; not required)
  • Miscellaneous clinical expenses while in program (flu immunizations, additional screenings and $200.00 related costs)

Program Cost Totals

  • $11,159.24 Florida Residents
  • $28,270.30 Non-Florida Residents

Scholarships

There are many scholarships available for Santa Fe College students to apply to. Please visit the Scholarships webpage for more information and how to apply.

Financial Aid

There are many options to finance your education. You may be eligible for Federal Grants, Work Study, State Grants, Federal Loans, and Institutional Scholarships. Please visit the Financial Aid page for more information and how to apply.

Selection criteria is subject to change. It is the applicant's responsibility to check this page for up-to-date requirements and information. Please contact the Health Sciences Advising Office with questions.

Prerequisite Coursework GPA (Maximum Points = 30)

  • 3.75 - 4.00 (30 PTS)
  • 3.50 - 3.74 (25 PTS)
  • 3.25 – 3.49 (20 PTS)
  • 3.00 – 3.24 (15 PTS)
  • 2.50 – 2.99 (10 PTS)

Overall College GPA (Maximum Points = 15)

  • 3.50 - 4.00 (15 PTS)
  • 3.00 - 3.49 (10 PTS)
  • 2.50 - 2.99 (5 PTS)

Prior Degree (Maximum Points = 5)

  • A.A. degree or higher and must meet SF standards 5 points

Grades in Coursework (Maximum Points = 10)

  • B grade or higher required for points. Retakes will earn less points.
  • The below points will be allotted to both DEP2004 Dev Psych and HUN1201 Human Nutrition
    • 1st Attempt grade of "A" = 5 points
    • 1st Attempt grade of "B+" = 4 points
    • 1st Attempt grade of "B" = 3 points
    • 2nd Attempt grade of "A" = 3 points
    • 2nd Attempt grade of "B+" = 2 points
    • 2nd Attempt grade of "B" = 1 point
    • 3rd Attempt Any Grade = 0 points

Practical Nurse Experience (Maximum Points = 10)

  • 12 months or more in LPN clinical setting 10 points

Work experience may be documented using the Work Experience Form found on the How to Apply webpage. Part-time work experience will be converted to full-time hours based upon a 40-hour work week. Documentation must include dates, hours worked, part-time or full-time status and duration of employment. Falsifying documents is grounds for revoking application to program.

Military Service (5 points)

Five points will be awarded to US Armed Forces active duty and honorably discharged veterans. Includes recent Reservist and National Guard combat deployments. DD-214 is required. Part-time Reservist or National Guard service must equal 365 active duty days (i.e., weekend service, annual 2-week assignment and deployment). Service dates may be combined. Minimum one year active duty service required. Veterans who receive a general discharge must be classified without misconduct.

The Associate in Science in Nursing Bridge Program (A.S.N.B.) at Santa Fe College is a 3.5 semester program, not including the time necessary to complete prerequisites. A.S.N. Bridge coursework is completed mainly in the classroom, laboratory and clinical settings; however, some content is delivered online.

Fall Entry

  • Term 1 – Fall (6 credit hours)
    • NUR1280C Older Adults (3 credit hours)
    • NUR2140C Pharmacology (3 credit hours)
  • Term 2 – Spring (8 credit hours)
    • NUR2037C Medical Surgical 1 (2 credit hours)
    • NUR2212C Medical Surgical 2 (6 credit hours)
  • Term 3 – Summer (6 credit hours)
    • NUR2310C Pediatric (3 credit hours)
    • NUR2420C Maternal/Infant (3 credit hours)
  • Term 4 – Fall (12 credit hours)
    • NUR2265C Medical Surgical 3 (6 credit hours)
    • NUR2520C Psychiatric (3 credit hours)
    • NUR2943C Transition Practicum (3 credit hours)

Spring Entry

  • Term 1 – Spring (6 credit hours)
    • NUR1280C Older Adults (3 credit hours)
    • NUR2140C Pharmacology (3 credit hours)
  • Term 2 – Summer (2 credit hours)
    • NUR2037C Medical Surgical 1 (2 credit hours)
  • Term 3 – Fall (12 credit hours)
    • NUR2212C Medical Surgical 2 (6 credit hours)
    • NUR2310C Pediatric (3 credit hours)
    • NUR2420C Maternal/Infant (3 credit hours)
  • Term 4 – Spring (12 credit hours)
    • NUR2265C Medical Surgical 3 (6 credit hours)
    • NUR2520C Psychiatric (3 credit hours)
    • NUR2943C Transition Practicum (3 credit hours)

The Nursing Programs of Santa Fe College provide quality nursing education that is student-oriented and accessible to a diverse student population, in response to the current healthcare needs of our community. We add value to the lives of our students and enrich our community through excellence in teaching and learning, innovative educational programs, student services, community leadership and service in healthcare.

The Registered Nursing Bridge Program (A.S.N.B.) is a practice discipline with cognitive, sensory, affective and psychomotor performance requirements. Based on these requirements, the following list of Program Performance Standards has been developed. Each standard has an example of activities which a student will be required to perform, with or without an accommodation, while enrolled in the A.S.N.B. program. The Program Performance Standards should be used as a guide to assist applicants in determining whether or not accommodations or modifications are necessary in order to meet program participation requirements. Applicants who identify potential difficulties with meeting the Program Performance Standards should communicate their concerns to the Academic Chair for Nursing Programs. If the concern is related to a documented disability, applicants are responsible for contacting the Disabilities Resource Center. Determination of reasonable and appropriate accommodation will be made on an individual basis in consultation with the Disabilities Resource Center. Additionally, applicants should assess their aptitude and ability to perform professional duties by reviewing the Program Performance Standards below and discussing them with their healthcare provider.

Critical Thinking

Standard: Critical thinking sufficient for clinical judgment.
Examples: Competent assessment of patient in timely manner; correct interpretation of assessment; readily respond with appropriate interventions and treatment plans; ability to work alone and to make correct independent decisions as needed.

Interpersonal

Standard: Interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with individuals, families and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds.
Examples: Life and death situations; working with families stressed by the condition of a loved one; working with other healthcare providers in stressful situations.

Communication

Standard: Communication abilities sufficient for interaction with others in verbal and written form.
Examples: Ability to follow verbal and/or written instructions. Must communicate patient response to therapy with others; document therapeutic procedures performed on patient; consult with other healthcare providers in a professional manner.

Mobility

Standard: Physical abilities sufficient to move from room to room and walk in hallways; maneuver in small spaces; Includes the strength necessary to lift patients as needed.
Examples: Walking to and from departments to patient rooms; walking room to room to take care of all patients on a team; assisting in patient transport.

Tactile and Motor Skills

Standard: Gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to safely and effectively perform nursing care. Tactile ability sufficient for physical assessment and to provide nursing intervention.
Examples: Perform vital signs, CPR, transporting patients, physical assessment, manipulating equipment. Perform palpation; give injections; intravenous initiation; provide sterile and non-sterile dressing changes; urinary catheterization; assist patient with daily activities.

Hearing

Standard: Auditory ability sufficient to monitor and assess health needs.
Examples: Auscultation of BP, breath sounds, heart sounds, bowel sounds; hearing alarms in units, call bells, telephones, and conversing with patients, family, and staff.

Visual

Standard: Visual ability sufficient for observation and assessment.
Examples: Reading patient charts/flow sheet/monitors; drawing up and administering medications; assessing patient skin color; reading thermometers.

Performance on Licensure Examination

Expected Level of Achievement: Annual licensure examination pass rate will be at least 80% for all first-time test takers during the same 12-month period.

Licensure Examination Pass Rates

  • 2020- 93.5%
  • 2019- 92.9%
  • 2018 - 87.4%

Program Completion

Expected Level of Achievement: Seventy-five percent or greater of the A.S.N. students admitted will successfully complete the A.S.N. program within 150% of program length.

Program Completion Rate

  • 2020 - 79.7%
  • 2019 - 82.3%
  • 2018 - 88.7%

Job Placement Rates

Expected Level of Achievement: 85% of responding A.S.N. graduates will be employed in nursing 6 months after graduation.

Job Placement Rate

  • 2020 - 98.8%
  • 2019 - 94.9%
  • 2018 - 97.9%

Disclosure

The Cost of Attendance (COA) is not the bill that you will receive from Santa Fe College. It is an estimate of what it costs the typical student to attend Santa Fe College for one academic year including tuition, books, course materials, living expenses, transportation, and miscellaneous personal expenses.

Tuition and fees in the cost of attendance below are calculated for credit hour programs, assuming enrollment in 12 credit hours in the Fall and Spring semesters. Actual tuition and fees may vary by program. For a better understanding of your chosen program’s tuition and fees, see program costs above.

Undergraduate Lower Division Courses (A.A./A.S. Degree Courses)
  Off-Campus* Off-Campus with Parent**

Tuition and Fees

In-State: $106.77 per credit
Out-Of-State: $382.90 per credit

In-State: $2,563

Out-Of-State: $9,190

In-State: $2,563

Out-Of-State: $9,190

Books, Course Materials,
Supplies, and Equipment

$783 $783
Living Expenses
(Food & Housing)
$10,367 $3,654
Miscellaneous
Personal Expenses
$2,394 $2,394
Transportation $1,197 $3,942
Total

In-State: $17,304

Out-Of-State: $23,931

In-State: $13,336

Out-Of-State: $19,963

Undergraduate Upper Division Courses (Bachelor's Degree Courses)
  Off-Campus* Off-Campus with Parent**

Tuition and Fees

In-State: $126.33 per credit
Out-Of-State: $428.83 per credit

In-State: $3,032

Out-Of-State: $10,292

In-State: $3,032

Out-Of-State: $10,292

Books, Course Materials,
Supplies, and Equipment
$783 $783
Living Expenses
(Food & Housing)
$10,367 $3,654
Miscellaneous
Personal Expenses
$2,394 $2,394
Transportation $1,197 $3,942
Total

In-State: $17,773

Out-Of-State: $25,033

In-State: $13,805

Out-Of-State: $21,065

*Off-Campus: you intend to live off-campus but not with your parent(s).

**Off-Campus with Parent: you intend to live with your parent(s) or other relatives.

Note: All costs and rates are subject to change for the upcoming year.

For more detailed information, visit SF's Cost of Attendance page.

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