Upward Mobility Nursing Program

The Upward Mobility Nursing Program of Lamar State College-Port Arthur leads to the Associate of Applied Science degree and prepares graduates for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become a Registered Nurse (RN). The Upward Mobility Nursing Program provides an opportunity for the LVN/LPN to advance to the RN level with minimal duplication of basic nursing education and skills courses. The courses in the program encourage the acquisition of the knowledge, skills, and values that will enable graduates to succeed in the healthcare field.

    The Upward Mobility Nursing Program operates in the belief that all individuals should be:
  • Treated with dignity and respect;
  • Afforded equal opportunity to acquire a complete educational experience;
  • Given an opportunity to discover and develop their special aptitudes and insights;
  • Provided an opportunity to equip themselves for a fulfilling life and responsible citizenship in a world characterized by change

Admission Requirements

In addition to applying to LSC-PA, students must apply for admission to the Upward Mobility Nursing Program. Applicants must be currently Licensed Vocational Nurses or Licensed Practical Nurses to be admitted to the program. The program begins with the second summer session each year. Complete information about all requirements and current application forms are available from the Allied Health Department.

The number of students admitted to any class is governed by the requirements of the Board of Nurse Examiners. The goal of the Upward Mobility Nursing Standards Committee is the selection of the best qualified applicants. The Admission Criteria Rating Form was developed to aid in the objective selection of the class. Applicants are ranked according to their score on the Admission Criteria Rating Form. In any given admission period, those applicants having the highest scores are the ones admitted to the program. Lamar State College-Port Arthur is an open access institution. All available slots are filled with the most qualified applicants available in any given admission period.

Successful completion of the LSC-PA Upward Mobility Nursing Program does NOT guarantee that a graduate may take the NCLEX-RN. Students who do not satisfactorily complete the program exit exam will not be allowed to graduate.

Eligibility for Licensure

The Board of Nurse Examiners has identified certain circumstances that may render a potential candidate ineligible for licensure as a registered nurse in the State of Texas. The board provides individuals with the opportunity to petition the board for a Declaratory Order as to their eligibility in accordance with Article 301.257 of the Nursing Practice Act.

If you are required to answer "YES" to any of the following questions, please submit a request for a Declaratory Order Petition to the Board of Nurse Examiners for the State of Texas. Processing your petition may take 6 to 12 months, or longer, after you provide all required documentation and depending on your circumstance.

  1. Have you ever been denied licensure by any licensing/certifying authority in any country, state or province?
  2. Have you ever had disciplinary action taken against you by any licensing/certifying authority in any country, state or province?
  3. Have you ever been convicted of a crime other than a minor traffic violation?
  4. Have you been diagnosed with or treated or hospitalized in the past five (5) years for schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders, bipolar disorder, paranoid personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder or borderline personality disorder? (You may answer "no" if you have completed and/or are in compliance with TPAPN for mental illness.)
  5. Have you been addicted or treated for the use of alcohol and any other drug within the past five (5) years? (You may answer "no" if you have completed and/or are in compliance with TPAPN for substance abuse.)
  6. Have you ever been issued any order concerning your eligibility for examination or licensure by this board or have you ever received a proposal of ineligibility?

For specific information about courses of study and course descriptions, please consult the most current course catalog for Allied Health Department.