Upward Mobility LVN to ADN

Recommended Program of Study

Course	Title	SCH
First Year Prerequisite Semester
PSYC 2314	Lifespan Growth & Development	3
RNSG 1300	Health Assessment Across the Lifespan	3
BIOL 2301	Human Anatomy and Physiology I (lecture)	3
BIOL 2101	Human Anatomy and Physiology I (lab)	1
HECO 1322	Nutrition & Diet Therapy	3
SPCH 1315	Public Speaking	3
ENGL 1301	Composition I	3
PSYC 2301	Introduction to Psychology	3
First Semester
RNSG 1260	Clinical I - Registered Nursing	2
RNSG 1424	Concept-based Transition to Professional Nursing Practice	3
RNSG 1228	Intro to Health Care Concepts	2
BIOL 2302	Human Anatomy and Physiology II (lecture)	3
BIOL 2102	Human Anatomy and Physiology II (lab)	1
RNSG 1118	Transition to Professional Nursing Competencies	1
Second Semester
BIOL 2320	Microbiology (lecture)	3
BIOL 2120	Microbiology (lab)	1
RNSG 2361	Clinical II - Registered Nursing	3
RNSG 1538	Health Care Concepts III	5
RNSG 1137	Professional Nursing Concepts III	1
Third Semester
RNSG 2539	Health Care Concepts IV	5
RNSG 2138	Professional Nursing Concepts IV	1
RNSG 2362	Clinical III – Registered Nursing	3
XXXX x3xx	Humanities/Fine Arts	3
Total		60

Applicants must:

• Have a current, unencumbered Vocational or Practical Nursing license to be admitted to the program.
• Complete the application process for general admission to Lamar State College – Port Arthur.
• Schedule and take the HESI Admission Assessment (A2) exam and score the required minimum scores of:
  • Reading 80% or higher
  • Anatomy & Physiology 70% or higher
  • Cumulative 75% or higher.
• Complete the Upward Mobility Nursing Program application packet and submit a legible application, with supporting documents, on or before the August 27, 2025 deadline.

ADN Spring 2026 Application Packet (PDF)

ADN Spring 2026 Application Packet (Word)

NCLEX-RN Pass Rates

The Upward Mobility LVN to Associate Degree Nursing Program is approved by the
Texas Board of Nursing
1801 Congress Avenue
Suite 10-200
Austin, TX 78701
512-305-7400
www.bon.texas.gov

Lamar University

A student completing the LSCPA core curriculum is considered Core Complete.

A student may pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree or the Registered Nurse to Master of Science in Nursing degree.

What do RNs do?

Registered nurses (RNs) provide patient care and coordinate care for the patient amongst other health care disciplines. They also educate patients, families, and the public how to manage illnesses or injuries, and teach what to do at home as part of their treatment plan. RNs often work as part of a team with physicians and other healthcare specialists. Depending upon where the nurse is employed they may oversee licensed practical nurses, nursing assistants, and home health aides.  

There are many areas of specialty that a Registered Nurse may work in such as: Substance Abuse nursing, Cardiovascular nursing, Critical Care nursing, Neonatal nursing, Public Health nursing, Women’s Health nursing, and many other specialties.

What hours can I expect to work and how much will I make?

RNs are assigned like other health care workers to work 8 to 12 hours shifts, periodic weekends, and some holidays. New Registered Nurses are currently starting at $66,611 per year as base pay in the Golden Triangle area. This can vary dependent upon where you go to work and the shift.

What are the minimum requirements to be considered for admission to the Upward Mobility (UM) LVN to RN Program?

To be considered for admission into the UM Program, submit HESI scores taken within the last year, you must score 80% or higher in reading comprehension and a 75% cumulative score. Complete all prerequisites and academic corequisite courses before the start of the program and submit the completed application by the posted due date.

What criteria are used to select applicants?

The UM Program is a selective admissions program. The goal is to select the most qualified applicants. Criteria that are considered in the admission process include academic achievement, experience, and HESI scores. Applicants are ranked according to the score on the Admission Rating Scale that is part of the UM Application Packet.

Only complete applications submitted by the due date will be considered for admission.

How long is the waiting list?

There is no waiting list. Applicants who are not selected for admission may reapply when the application process opens again.

Do I need to submit a new application each year?

The nursing department will keep your application for one year. However, to be considered for the next class, you must submit a new application with current (less than one year) contact information, work history, updated transcripts and HESI score. All documents must be current, meaning less than one year since submission. Applications with no activity for 12 months will be destroyed.

Should I retake courses to improve my GPA?

The decision to repeat courses is up to the individual candidate.

How is the size of the admitting class determined?

The total number of students that can be admitted to a class is determined by rules and regulations mandated by the Texas Board of Nursing. The rule governing class sizes states: "The number of students admitted to the program shall be determined by the number of qualified faculty, adequate educational facilities and resources, and the availability of appropriate clinical learning experience for students." (TBON Rules & Regulations 215.8a)

Can I take non-nursing courses listed on the degree plan before being accepted into the UM Program?

Students are encouraged to complete all non-nursing pre-requisite and co-requisite courses on the degree plan while waiting to be accepted into the UM program. Only courses on the degree plan which are completed by the application deadline are considered in the admission rating scale. Applicants must update courses as they are completed.

If I am a transfer student, how do I know my classes/credits will transfer?

Courses taken in Texas should have the same reference number. For additional information, please contact the transcript evaluator at (409) 984-6167 or by e-mail@ nelsonhr@lamarpa.edu.

When is the application due date and when will I know if I am accepted?

Applications for the Upward Mobility (UM) LVN to RN Program starting in Spring opens in are due the last day of August.  These applicants will be notified by email after the application portal closes as to their application status (Accepted, Placed on Alternate List, or Not Qualified).

When do classes start? How many days a week are we in class and clinical? Is each semester different from the other?

The program admits new applicants each Spring semester. The program is one year in length, once admitted into the program. Classroom hours are typically 8:00 am to 3:00 pm, and clinical hours vary dependent upon the semester. The first semester is typically are from 6:30 am to 12:30 pm, the second semester is typically 6:30 am to 5:00 pm, and the final semester are 12-hour clinical days and the shift may vary. Classroom ad clinical days typically fall Monday – Wednesday while in the program. The final semester in the program may have some variance on the clinical day.

Shirley MacNeill, MSN, RN, CNE
Chair, Allied Health Department and LSCPA Upward Mobility LVN to RN Program Director
macneisb@lamarpa.edu
409-984-6365
 
C. Arceneaux, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC
UM Faculty
arceneauxce@lamarpa.edu
409-984-6361
 
H. Breaux, MSN, RN
UM Faculty
Breauxhr1@lamarpa.edu
409-984-6366
 
D. Hare, DNP, RN
UM Faculty
haredl@lamarpa.edu
409-984-6358
 
M. James, MSN, RNC-OB
UM Lead Faculty
jamesmc1@lamarpa.edu
409-984-6374  

Y. Rangel, BSN
Remediation and Retention Specialist
munguiavargasy@lamarpa.edu
409-984-6338
 
L. Ratcliff, MSN, RN
Simulation Lab Coordinator
ratcliffle@lamarpa.edu
409-984-6334

A. Reyes, BSN
Simulations Specialist
reyesam1@lamarpa.edu
409-984-6382
 
M. Ross, MSN RN
UM Faculty
rossmk@lamarpa.edu
409-984-6368
 
J. Stamey, MSN, RN
UM Adjunct Faculty
stameyjm@lamarpa.edu
409-984-6366

Sarah Smith, MSN, RN
UM Faculty 
grohnsc@lamarpa.edu
409-984-6362

Dr. Mark Douglas
UM Adjunct Faculty
douglasm@lamarpa.edu

Joan Land, MSN, RN
UM Adjunct Faculty
landjg@lamarpa.edu

Katherine Degenstein-Gartman, MSN, RN, CENP, HACP
UM Adjunct Faculty
degensteinkm@lamarpa.edu

We encourage students to get involved in our Allied Health Society. This organization joins the various programs represented in the Allied Health Department into one united group. The group seeks to promote a positive image of our various programs but more so serve our community through various volunteer opportunities available during the school year.

• HESI Admissions Assessment exam review book may be available in the Gates Memorial Library or purchased using this link: https://evolve.elsevier.com/cs/product/9780323582261?role=student
• Evolve Student Account Settings Information
• ADN Spring 2026 Application Packet (Word)
• ADN Spring 2026 Application Packet (PDF)

The Lamar State College Port Arthur Upward Mobility LVN to RN Nursing Program will admit a new group of students Spring 2026. The program is campus-based and meets Monday - Wednesday for the one year in the program. The number of students admitted to any class is governed by the requirements of the Texas Board of Nursing. 

The Program Admission Rating Scale was developed to aid in the objective selection of the class. Applicants are ranked according to their score on the Program Admission Rating Scale. The goal of the Upward Mobility Nursing admission process is the selection of the best qualified applicants.

Lamar State College-Port Arthur is an open access institution. 

Successful completion of the Lamar State College – Port Arthur Upward Mobility Nursing Program does NOT guarantee that a graduate may take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). The Texas Board of Nursing, 1801 Congress Avenue, Suite 10-200 Austin, TX 78701, (512) 305-7400, 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 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, you may be required to complete a Petition for Declaratory Order. If your criminal background check shows any type of offense you may be required to submit a statement explaining the events of the incident(s) along with official court documentation showing the disposition of the incident(s). If the incident(s) requires further investigation by the Texas Board of Nursing you will be required to submit a review fee along with a Petition for Declaratory Order. This petition to the Texas Board of Nursing may take 4 to 12 months, or longer, for processing.

For any criminal offense, including those pending appeal, have you:

1. been convicted of a misdemeanor?
2. been convicted of a felony?
3. pled nolo contendere, no contest, or guilty?
4. received deferred adjudication?
5. been placed on community supervision or court-ordered probation, whether or not adjudicated guilty?
6. been sentenced to serve jail or prison time or court-ordered confinement?
7. been granted pre-trial diversion?
8. been arrested or have any pending criminal charges?
9. been cited or charged with any violation of the law?
10. been subject of a court-martial; Article 15 violation; or received any form of military judgment/punishment/action?

NOTE: You may only exclude Class C misdemeanor traffic violations.

To obtain a copy of the Petition for Declaratory Order, go to the Texas Board of Nursing (TBON) website at: https://www.bon.texas.gov/. On the TBON home page, click on "Forms" then under "Initial Licensure & Recognition Forms" click on "Declaratory Order". Read the information carefully, download the "Petition for Declaratory Order" form and follow the directions provided.

In order to graduate a student must:

1. Earn a "C" or better in ALL pre-requisite, co-requisite, and *nursing courses.
2. Maintain an overall 2.0 Grade Point Average.
3. Submit an online application to complete the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN®) and pay associated fees.
4. Pay NCLEX-RN® fees to Pearson Vue.
5. Submit LSCPA graduation application and pay associated fees.
6. Attend and Complete an approved NCLEX-RN® Board Review course in order to graduate fully prepared to take NCLEX-RN®. Review course will be given in the final semester of the program.

*Please note that all nursing courses (RNSG) require a minimum score of 75% for a grade of “C.”

For inquiries or additional information complete our Request Additional Information form, call (409) 984-6356, or visit our offices in the Allied Health Building.