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The mission of the Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥ School of Nursing is to educate undergraduate and graduate students to become qualified, competent, professional nurses who are prepared for practice.  The School provides quality nursing education relevant to a changing profession, society, and healthcare environment.  Collaboration between faculty and students promotes excellence in health care delivery to diverse populations.  A spirit of caring, continual inquiry, creativity and integrity is promoted through teaching, scholarship, leadership and service

The Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥ JoAnne Gay Dishman School of Nursing's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) degree program is fully approved by the Texas Board of Nursing. (The Texas Board of Nursing does not review Master's programs.)

The B.S.N. and Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) degree programs are fully accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), located at 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 500, Atlanta, GA 30326.

ACEN last visited Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥ in October 2017 to review the B.S.N. and M.S.N. degree programs for continuing accreditation.   Accreditation for both programs has been affirmed through 2025.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Undergraduate pre-licensure nursing students meet course requirements through didactic courses, laboratory and simulation activities, and clinical experience in healthcare facilities under the supervision of university faculty.  Licensed Registered Nurses (R.N.s) in the articulation tracks and graduate program meet course requirements through didactic courses, laboratory activities, practicum and projects.

Pre-licensure graduates must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses® (NCLEX-RN®) in order to receive licensure to practice professional nursing. Graduates will be required to meet criteria established by the Texas Board of Nursing (TBON) in order to take the NCLEX-RN® examination

Program Goals and Outcomes

1. Goal: Provide excellent learning opportunities to prepare graduates to meet national standards for entry into practice as competent, professional registered nurses.
   1. Outcome: 88% or more of the pre-licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) graduates will pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-R.N.) on the first attempt.
2. Goal: Provide relevant education and resources for students to graduate in a timely manner.
   1. Outcome: 70% or more of the students entering the B.S.N. program will earn the B.S.N. degree within 150% of the time of the published program length.
3. .Goal: Prepare graduates to function in role-related nursing employment.
   1. Outcome: 90% or more of B.S.N. graduates contacted report employment in nursing 9-12 months post-graduation.

B.S.N. End of Program Student Learning Outcomes

1. Practices safe and effective holistic patient-centered care to a variety of patients/clients in multiple settings from a global perspective by incorporating theories and evidence-based findings.
2. Supports patients/clients in preventing disease, maintaining wellness, promoting and restoring health and advocating for death with dignity.
3. Evaluates patient-centered care for patients/clients across the lifespan based on common and complex health needs and compromised multiple health states when considering multiple determinants of health.
4. Synthesizes clinical reasoning and judgment in nursing practice utilizing critical thinking, nursing process, research and evidence-based practice.
5. Employs safe, effective, patient-centered care using theories and evidence-based findings in collaboration with patients/clients and members of the interprofessional and intraprofessional healthcare team.
6. Differentiates multiple role dimensions and practices within ethical, legal and regulatory parameters when caring for patients/clients as a member of the interprofessional and intraprofessional healthcare team.
7. Demonstrates professional integrity, effective communication, active inquiry and service to community.

Students seeking admission to the pre-licensure baccalaureate (B.S.N.) nursing program must apply for admission to the nursing program. Admission to the nursing program is very competitive. Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 in pre-requisite courses and in required science courses, have met the THEA requirement, and be in good standing in the university with an overall career GPA of no less than 2.0.

Students not enrolled at Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥ must submit two separate applications: one for admission to Lamar (ApplyTexas), and one for admission to the nursing program (obtained from the Forms page of the JoAnne Gay Dishman School of Nursing website).

Applications for admission to the nursing programs must be received by February 15 for Fall semester admission and August 15 for Spring semester admission. The following items must accompany the application:

Receipt for payment of application fee (payment made online)
Official transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended
Official transcript evaluation by Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥
Pre-admission test scores (HESI™ A2)
 

Applicants are encouraged to follow application instructions carefully to ensure processing by the Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥ Committee. Students are responsible for assuring that their applications are complete, including the transcript evaluation. Admission is limited by available space. Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

All core and pre-requisite courses, with the exception of Political Science, must be completed prior to entering the B.S.N. program. 

An official transcript evaluation by Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥ is required for all transfer credits. Transfer credits that are not equivalent to Lamar credits must be evaluated on an individual basis by the appropriate department chair.  Technical credits will not transfer to Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥.

Applications for admission to the pre-licensure B.S.N. program are evaluated competitively. To be considered for admission to the B.S.N. program, the following is required:

1. Admission to the Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥ (See Undergraduate Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥ section of this catalog.)
2. Transcript evaluation of previous college work.
3. Completion of all pre-requisite courses and science courses with a minimum grade of "C".
4. Minimum 2.5 GPA in pre-requisite courses and a minimum science GPA of 2.5.
5. Overall academic career GPA of 2.0 or higher.
6. Three of the four prerequisite sciences must be completed prior to the semester in which the application is made.
7. Have a minimum grade of "C" in Nursing Pathophysiology from an accredited college or university that was earned no more than 3 years prior to admission. This course must be passed within a maximum of three attempts.  After three attempts, students must wait three years to retake the course.
8. Have a minimum grade of "C" in Theories of Nursing taken at Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥ no more than 3 years prior to admission. This course must be passed within a maximum of three attempts. After three attempts, students must wait three years to retake the course.
9. Pre-admission exam scores (HESI™ A2). A minimum score of 79 is required on the Reading Comprehension section of the admission exam (Contact Nursing Information Center for information).

As part of the admission process, students are required to complete a criminal background screening.  Students admitted to the nursing program are required to obtain cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification, submit proof of immunizations and other health essentials requirements, and obtain liability insurance.  Details about these additional requirements will be provided to students admitted to the nursing program.

Students accepting admission into the pre-licensure baccalaureate nursing program (B.S.N.) must meet Standards for Nursing Students. Students must also demonstrate emotional capability for completing the program's instructional and clinical practice. The Texas Board of Nursing (TBON) requires students to report significant mental diagnoses and treatment to TBON, as well as any involvement in criminal activities, including convictions.

Curriculum

For progression in the program, a minimum grade of "C" must be earned in all nursing courses, and an overall academic GPA of 2.0 must be maintained in all course work.

The grading scale for nursing didactic and lab courses is as follows:

A= 100-90  Excellent
B = 89-80  Good
C = 79-75  Satisfactory
D = 74-60  Failure
F = 59-0  Failure

The grading scale for nursing practicum courses is as follows:

S = Satisfactory (Pass)
U = Unsatisfactory (Fail)

Students are required to earn a passing grade in each nursing course, while following the sequence identified on the program of study. A B.S.N. student who fails a nursing course must apply for readmission to progress in the program.  Re-admission to the program is not guaranteed and is based on space availability and assessment of previous performance in the program. B.S.N. students requesting readmission must apply for readmission.

If re-admitted, the B.S.N. student must repeat all designated co-requisite courses. B.S.N. students may be readmitted only one time. Under no circumstances may a nursing course be repeated more than once.  Failing two nursing courses results in program failure and the student will be ineligible for readmission for four years.

See the Baccalaureate Nursing Student Handbook for specific policies. The handbook is available on the School of Nursing website.

Students seeking to transfer from another nursing program are admitted on a space-available basis. Students who have been unsuccessful ("D" or lower) in one or more nursing course(s) at another nursing program are not eligible for transfer.

Additional costs above tuition and fees are involved in nursing programs. Uniforms, equipment, instruments, liability insurance, health examinations, immunization costs, CPR certification, special testing fees, course packet fees, additional laboratory/clinical fees and transportation to clinical facilities are the student's responsibility. Financial aid is available for eligible students (see Financial Aid and Awards section of this catalog).

Liability insurance, CPR certification, health examinations and immunizations must be renewed each year of the nursing program. Students may be assigned to clinical experiences during day, evening, night or weekend hours. Clinical agencies may require additional health examinations, dress codes or conformity with other policies. Students will be informed in advance of such requirements.

Eligibility for Graduation:  In addition to the university graduation requirements and compliance with the written degree plan, pre-licensure students must pass a national standardized examination designated by the School of Nursing in order to graduate from the program. The courses of the final semester of the program constitutes the capstone experience. The School of Nursing requires that all other course requirements are completed prior to entry into the final capstone semester. Further explanation is provided in the Baccalaureate Nursing Student Handbook.

 

R.N. to B.S.N. applications are processed through Apply Texas.  Follow the instructions carefully so that the correct major is chosen. If the wrong major is selected, there can be a delay in the admission decision.

Admission to Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥ is required as well as admission to the R.N.–B.S.N. Articulation Track in the Dishman School of Nursing. Official transcripts from other colleges or universities must be evaluated by Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥.
 
To be considered for admission to the R.N.-B.S.N. Track, the student must:

1. Have an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing Degree (AASN or ADN) or Diploma in Nursing from an approved program.
2. Apply and be admitted to Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥.
3. Have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher.  Students with a cumulative GPA between 2.0 and 2.49 may be admitted on a conditional basis, allowing them to enroll in 6 hours of nursing courses and must earn a grade of "B" or better to progress in the R.N.-B.S.N. Track.
4. Must have a "C" or better in ENGL 1301, ENGL 1302, MATH 1314, MATH 1342, BIOL 2401, BIOL 2402, BIOL 2420, PSYC 2315, NUTR 1322, and all R.N.-B.S.N. core courses to be accepted and progress in the program.
   Have a current, unencumbered license to practice professional nursing (R.N.) in the U.S. or an approved U.S. territory.

The admission process is as follows:

1. The student should follow the instructions for Apply Texas, selecting the correct degree code and the semester in which the student wants to enroll.
2. Send official transcripts to the Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥ office at Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥ Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥ Office, P.O. Box 10009, Beaumont, Texas, 77710.
3. The Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥ Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥ Office will then determine the student's admission status, and what courses will transfer. Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥ will send an email with the decision regarding the student's acceptance to Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥.
4. After Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥ admits the student, the School of Nursing will be notified.
5. The School of Nursing will review the student’s file and transcripts to determine if the student meets the admission requirements for the R.N.-B.S.N. Track.
6. Accepted students will receive a packet by email from the School of Nursing providing them with details regarding their degree plan and the requirements necessary to progress in the track. Students will need to review the packet and their degree plan through their degree audit on Self-Service Banner.
7. After students have reviewed the acceptance packet, they must email their advisor confirming their acceptance and notify the advisor of the course(s) in which they would like to enroll.

Curriculum

Full-time students can complete the R.N.-B.S.N. track in 14 months (if all core courses are fulfilled prior to admission).  All nursing courses in the R.N.-B.S.N. track are 8 weeks long.  General education courses are either 8 weeks or 15 weeks long and may be completed concurrently with nursing courses. 

Students are required to take Nursing Theories and Online Education (NURS 4321) as their first nursing course.  NURS 4321 may be taken simultaneously with a Comprehensive Holistic Health Assessment (NURS 4316). NURS 4316 has 3 pre-requisites:  Anatomy and Physiology I and II (BIOL 2401 and BIOL 2402) and Microbiology (BIOL 2420).  Statistics (PSYC 2317 or MATH 1342) is a pre-requisite for Nursing Inquiry and Evidence-based Practice (NURS 4391).  Synthesis in Professional Nursing (NURS 4580) is a capstone course that requires all other nursing courses to be completed before enrolling.

Students are required to consult with an R.N.-B.S.N. Articulation Track Advisor (409-880-8872) before each semester to discuss the best option for their academic progress.  Students may enroll on a full time or part-time basis and financial aid is available for those who qualify.

Progression in the R.N. to B.S.N. Track

 

Students are required to earn a grade of “C” or better in each nursing course while following the sequence identified for the program of study. 

The grading scale for nursing courses in the R.N.-B.S.N. Track is as follows:

A= 100-90  Excellent
B = 89-80  Good
C = 79-75  Satisfactory
D = 74-60  Failure
F = 59-0  Failure

In order to progress in the R.N.-B.S.N. Track students are required to:

• Maintain a current unencumbered nursing license
• Complete a criminal background screening
• Obtain Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification
• Submit to a physical exam completed by their physician
• Provide documentation of current immunizations
• Obtain nursing liability insurance

These requirements are the responsibility of the student and are not included in Lamar’s tuition and fees. Students are required to renew immunizations, CPR certification, and liability insurance annually.

Escrow Courses for R.N.-B.S.N. Students:
R.N.-B.S.N. students will be awarded 30 hours of Nursing credits via escrow, which will be added to the student's transcript once the nursing capstone course, NURS 4580, has been completed.
Transfer Credits
Credit earned at other regionally accredited institutions will be considered for transfer to Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥ based on the policies outlined in the Transfer Credit Evaluation section of the Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥ Undergraduate Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥ Process and Requirement section of this catalog for more information. Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥ is unable to transfer credits for technical credit courses earned at another institution. Please speak with an advisor regarding questions about technical credit courses.

The JoAnne Gay Dishman School of Nursing offers two graduate tracks leading to the Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) degree and one dual track (administration track) in nursing and business. Persons seeking admission may pursue the degree on a full or part-time basis.

M.S.N. Program Goals and Outcomes

1. Goal: Program demonstrates evidence of students’ achievement in completing the nursing program.
   Outcome: 70% of students will graduate within 1 ½ times the length of the program

2. Goal: The program demonstrates evidence of graduates’ achievement in job placement
   Outcome: 80% of those seeking employment will be involved in role-related professional practice at 6-12 months post-graduation.

3. Goal: The program demonstrates evidence of students' achievement of each End of Program Student Learning Outcome/role-specific professional competency.
   Outcomes:

   1. Student Learning Outcome Indirect Method: 90% of M.S.N. graduates are expected to respond, “agree or “strongly agree” (4.0 or higher) to each end of program SLO.

   2. Student Learning Outcome Direct Method: All M.S.N. graduates are expected to achieve end of program SLOs by a combined score of 75% or higher on the culminating Synthesis Project using a standardized rubric.

   3. Professional Competency Indirect Method: 90% of M.S.N. graduates are expected to respond “agree” or “strongly agree” (4.0 or higher) to each end-of-program role-specific professional competency by graduation.

   4. Professional Competency Direct Method: Practicum courses

M.S.N. End-of-Program Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Nurse Educator or Nurse Administrator tracks of the M.S.N. program will demonstrate the following end of program student learning outcomes:

1. Analyze issues in the context of healthcare policy and finance, including political and organizational systems, to address the healthcare needs of a diverse society.
2. Analyze strategies to improve healthcare outcomes across the health continuum for various populations.
3. Utilize research methods to investigate problems, initiate changes, and improve nursing practice.
4. Synthesize theoretical frameworks from nursing and other disciplines to expand the knowledge base for advanced nursing practice.
5. Demonstrate advanced nursing practice roles from professional, organizational, and personal perspectives within an ethical and legal framework.

Graduate Admission

Applications are made through Apply Texas. Nurses seeking admission to the M.S.N. program at Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥, JoAnn Gay Dishman School of Nursing must meet the following requirements:

1. Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree from a nationally accredited undergraduate program (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)).
2. Current, unencumbered licensure as a Registered Nurse (must be maintained throughout the duration of the program without lapse).
3. GPA of 3.0 or higher for the last 60 hours of college course work.  This includes any graduate hours that may have been acquired.
4. College statistics course with a grade of “C” or better.  Conditional admission without a statistics course is allowed, but statistics must be completed PRIOR to enrollment in MSNC 5311 (Nursing Research). Students are strongly recommended to repeat college statistics if more than five years have elapsed since the course was taken.
5. Clear criminal background check

The Admission Process is as follows:

1. The student should follow the instructions for Apply Texas, selecting the correct degree code and the semester in which the student wants to enroll.
2. Send official transcripts to the Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥ office at Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥ Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥ Office, P.O. Box 10009, Beaumont, Texas, 77710.
3. Only after all transcripts have been received, advisors will determine the student's admission status, whether and what courses will transfer, and will send an email as to the student's admission acceptance.
4. An advisor will contact the student to arrange a mandatory advising appointment, discuss a plan of study, and mail an official letter of acceptance to the student.
5. Following the mandatory advisement, the students will be responsible for enrolling in the specified courses for their accepted term by using their Self-Service Banner accounts

Curriculum

Nursing Administration Track

The Nursing Administration track provides registered nurses with preparation for advanced roles as Nurse Administrators. The primary focus is placed on advanced knowledge central to the organization, management, leadership, and healthcare policy. Research and theory are used to explore issues related to patient outcomes. Nursing Administration courses and business support courses in financial accounting and marketing prepare leaders for a rapidly changing healthcare environment. Practicum experiences provide administrative learning and opportunities.

Nursing Education Track

The Nursing Education track provides registered nurses with the theoretical knowledge and skills necessary to become educators in academic and healthcare settings. Particular focus is placed on teaching-learning strategies and theories, curriculum development, measurement and evaluation, and role development as an educator. Practicum experiences provide the student with expert teacher mentors in the nursing education environment.

Dual Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Business Administration (M.S.N./M.B.A.)

This dual degree provides the nurse executive with leadership skills for complex healthcare organizations. Advanced knowledge from nursing administration, business, finance, and the managerial arena prepares a well-rounded nurse leader.

Students should reference the Graduate Nursing Studies Student Handbook for additional policies.

Progression

Graduate students must maintain a 3.0 GPA to be eligible to graduate. If three Cs are earned in any MSNC, MSNA, and/or MSNE courses, that student will be dismissed from the program.

 The grading scale for nursing courses in the M.S.N. program is as follows:

A= 100-90  Excellent
B = 89-80  Good
C = 79-75  Satisfactory
D = 74-60  Failure
F = 59-0  Failure

Transfer Credits

Transfer of graduate-level credits is addressed under the Academic Policies of the College of Graduate Studies of the Graduate Academic Policies and Procedures section of this catalog.

Applications are made through Apply Texas. Follow the application instructions carefully so that the correct major is chosen. If the wrong major is selected, there can be a delay in the admission decision.

Requirements for Admission to the R.N.-M.S.N. Track:

1. Graduate of an Associate Degree or Diploma nursing program.
2. Acceptance to Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥.
3. Overall grade point average of 3.0 or above. If grade point average is between 2.85 and 2.99, a satisfactory MAT score will be required and students may be admitted on a conditional basis, allowing them to enroll in 9 hours of nursing courses and must earn a grade of "B" or better to progress in the R.N.-M.S.N. Track.
4. Must have a "C" or better in ENGL 1301, ENGL 1302, MATH 1314, MATH 1342, BIOL 2401, BIOL 2402, BIOL 2420, PSYC 2315, NUTR 1322, and all R.N.-B.S.N. core courses to be accepted and progress in the program.
5. Current unencumbered R.N. license to practice professional nursing in the United States or an approved U.S. Territory.

If the grade point average is between 2.85 and 2.99, students may be admitted on a conditional basis, provided:

1. Students must take the Miller Analogies Test (MAT).  A successful MAT score is calculated as follows: GPA x 200 + MAT > 950.  We do not make exceptions for international students.
2. Upon receiving a successful score the application will be re-evaluated for admission to the R.N.-M.S.N. track.
3. If admitted, students will be allowed to enroll in the first nine (9) credit hours of nursing courses.
4. Students must pass each course with a “B” or better to progress in the R.N.-M.S.N. Track. See the Lamar Graduate Catalog for more information regarding GPA status and academic probation.
5. If the student is unsuccessful in achieving a “B” or better, he/she will be removed from the Dishman School of Nursing R.N.-M.S.N. Track.

The Admission Process is as follows:

1. The student should follow the instructions for Apply Texas, selecting the correct degree code and the semester in which the student wants to enroll.
2. Send official transcripts to the Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥ office at Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥ Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥ Office, P.O. Box 10009, Beaumont, Texas, 77710.
3. The Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥ Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥ Office will then determine the student's admission status, and what courses will transfer. Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥ and will send an email with the decision regarding the student's acceptance to Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥.
4. After Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥ admits the student, the School of Nursing will be notified.
5. The School of Nursing will review the students’ files and transcripts to determine if the student meets the admission requirements for the R.N.-M.S.N. Track.
6. Accepted students will receive a packet by email from the School of Nursing providing them with details regarding their degree and the requirements necessary to progress in the track. Students will need to review the packet and their degree plan through their degree audit on Self-Service Banner.
7. After students have reviewed the acceptance packet, they must email their advisor confirming their acceptance and notify the advisor of the course(s) in which they would like to enroll

Curriculum Plan for R.N. to M.S.N. Track

Students are required to begin with MSNC 5310 Theoretical Foundations as their first nursing course in this track and may be taken with or before NURS 4316. NURS 4316 has 3 pre-requisites:  Anatomy and Physiology I and II (BIOL 2401 and BIOL 2402) and Microbiology (BIOL 2420). The remaining B.S.N.-level courses (NURS 4540, NURS 4550, and NURS 4620) and MSNC 5311 Nursing Research must be completed before enrolling in MSNC 5319 Advanced Nursing Issues and Health Policy. Statistics (PSYC 2317 or MATH 1342) must be taken before Nursing Research (MSNC 5311). Students are required to earn a passing grade in each nursing course while following the sequence identified for the program of study.

The final, capstone course for the B.S.N. portion of the track is MSNC 5319 Advanced Nursing Issues and Health Policy, and upon successful completion of the course, students apply to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (provided all other course requirements are complete) before continuing to the remaining graduate-level nursing courses in the track.

Students are required to consult with an R.N.-M.S.N. Articulation Track Advisor (409-880-8872) before each semester to discuss the best options for their academic progress.  Students may enroll on a full time or part-time basis.

Progression in the R.N. to M.S.N. Track

Students in the R.N.-M.S.N. track must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher. R.N.-M.S.N. Track students with GPAs between 2.9 and 2.0 will no longer qualify for the R.N.-M.S.N. Track but may continue in the R.N.-B.S.N. Track if they meet the R.N.-B.S.N. progression policy requirements.

The grading scale for nursing courses in the R.N.-M.S.N. Track is as follows:

A= 100-90  Excellent
B = 89-80  Good
C = 79-75  Satisfactory
D = 74-60  Failure
F = 59-0  Failure

To remain in the R.N.-M.S.N. Track, students must earn a grade of “B” or above in the following courses:

• MSNC 5310 Theoretical Foundations
• MSNC 5311 Nursing Research
• MSNC 5319 Advanced Nursing Issues and Health Policy

Students are required to earn a grade of “C” or better in each of the following courses:

• NURS 4316 Comprehensive Holistic Health Assessment
• NURS 4540 Nursing Practice: Care of Communities
• NURS 4550 Nursing Practice: Leadership and Management
• NURS 4620 Nursing Practice: Multiple Health States

In order to progress in the R.N.-B.S.N. Track students are required to:

• Maintain a current unencumbered nursing license
• Complete a criminal background screening
• Obtain Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification
• Submit to a physical exam completed by their physician
• Provide documentation of current immunizations
• Obtain nursing liability insurance

These requirements are the responsibility of the student and are not included in Lamar’s tuition and fees. Students are required to renew immunizations, CPR certification, and liability insurance annually

Escrow Courses for R.N. to M.S.N. Students

R.N.-M.S.N. students will be awarded 30 hours of undergraduate Nursing credits via escrow, which will be added to the student's transcript once all nursing coursework from the B.S.N. portion of the curriculum has been completed.

Transfer Credits

Credit earned at other regionally accredited institutions will be considered for transfer to Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥ based on the policies outlined in the Transfer Credit Evaluation section of the Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥ Undergraduate Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥ Process and Requirement section of this catalog for more information. Transfer of graduate-level credits is addressed under the Academic Policies of the College of Graduate Studies of the Graduate Academic Policies and Procedures section of this catalog. Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥ is unable to transfer credits for technical credit courses earned at another institution. Please speak with an advisor regarding questions about technical credit courses.