Associate of Science in Nursing LPN to ASN
The LPN-ASN program recognizes and gives credit for previous education as a licensed practical nurse. Advantages of becoming a registered nurse include expanded nursing knowledge and skill, greater career mobility, increased employment opportunities, and increased income.
The Associate of Science in Nursing Program prepares graduates for entry-level nursing practice as nurse generalists. Students are assisted to value service and develop caring behaviors in clinical practice by recognizing, responding and valuing caring as the foundation for the profession of nursing. The nursing roles of provider of care, manager of care and member of the discipline are emphasized as students progress through the curriculum. Students integrate concepts from the physical, social and behavioral sciences and humanities with nursing knowledge and evidence-based practice. Using the nursing process as a critical thinking framework students, provide safe, accurate
and individualized nursing care to select individuals and groups with health needs or common welldefined health problems. Students care for a variety of patient populations across the life span and the health care continuum in acute care, long term care and community based settings. After completing the degree, graduates are eligible for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
ASN Program Goals
Graduates of the University of Saint Francis Associate of Science in Nursing Program are prepared for entry level nursing practice as nurse generalists who will:
- Value service and caring behaviors that assist individuals and groups to achieve optimal health.
- Maintain effective communication and collaborative working relationships with clients, significant support persons and members of the health care team.
- Use the nursing process as a critical thinking framework within diverse health care settings to provide individualized nursing care.
- Demonstrate a commitment to professional growth and life-long learning.
- Integrate related concepts from physical, social and behavioral sciences and humanities with nursing knowledge, evidence-based practice and ethical practice.
- Demonstrate the roles of provider of care, manager of care and active member of the discipline.
- Use technology and information management resources to promote safe and accurate care.
Curriculum Plan
Clinical Requirements
In order to participate in clinical experiences, clinical requirements as set by the Department of Nursing and clinical agencies must be met.
External Assessment Program
The Department of Nursing uses a system of external assessment and remediation for pre-licensure students. All pre-licensure students purchase a designated testing package upon enrollment in the first nursing course. The primary purpose is to help prepare students for NCLEX-RN success. Testing results are also used to evaluate course outcomes.
Pre-licensure students are required to complete designated tests including content mastery assessments at specified points in the curriculum. Additionally, a nationally-normed comprehensive examination designed to predict success on the NCLEX-RN will be administered during the final clinical nursing course. Students must achieve a designated satisfactory score on the comprehensive examination in order to meet course requirements.
Math Competency Program
A math competency program provides student assessment of math calculation knowledge and skills, and consistent testing practices in pre-licensure programs.
Career Advancement
The University of Saint Francis also offers RN-BSN and RN-MSN options. Students who achieve an ASN degree and meet all RN-BSN or MSN admission criteria may be admitted into the respective program. Contact the Admissions Office at 260-399-8000 or 1-800-729-4732 for additional information.