Upward Mobility LVN to ADN Nursing Program

Shirley MacNeill, MSN, RN, CNE
Chair, Allied Health Department
Allied Health Building, Office 102
(409) 984-6365
nursing@lamarpa.edu
 

Program Description

The Upward Mobility Nursing Program 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).

This Upward Mobility Nursing Program was developed to meet the unique learning needs of the LVN/LPN. It is designed to provide sound educational experience, ensure competence in nursing, and achieve the LVN/LPN goal of career advancement to the Registered Nurse level with minimal duplication of educational preparation.

Program Learning Outcomes

• Adhere to standards of practice within legal, ethical, and regulatory frameworks of the professional nurse while promoting safety and quality improvement as an advocate and manager of nursing care.
• Use a systematic problem-solving process to provide individualized, evidence-based nursing health care settings demonstrating knowledge of delegation, management, and leadership skills.
• Use clinical reasoning and knowledge based upon the nursing program of study, evidence-based practice outcomes, and research based policies and procedures for decision-making,
• demonstration of skills with patient care technologies and information systems, and providing comprehensive, safe patient care.
• Coordinate, collaborate and communicate with diverse patients, families and the interdisciplinary health care team to plan, deliver, and evaluate evidence-based safe care that reflects the value and ethics of the nursing profession.

Faculty

Admission Requirements

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 28, 2024 deadline.

Resources:

• 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 2025 Application Packet (PDF)
• ADN Spring 2025 Application Packet (Word)

The Lamar State College Port Arthur Upward Mobility LVN to RN Nursing Program will admit a new group of students Spring 2025. 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.

All candidates should carefully review the Texas Board of Nursing Licensure Requirements to ensure they are eligible for licensure upon successful completion of the program. Information can be reviewed at: https://www.bon.texas.gov/licensure_eligibility.asp.html. 

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®.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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?

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.

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

Contact Us

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