Arkansas State University Nursing School Review

Arkansas State University (ASU) gained university status in 1967. The University currently has campuses in Jonesboro, Beebe, Mountain Home and Newport. It is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association along with other accrediting institutions.

Founded in 1909, the university continues to offer a wide range of courses and programs to students with different career goals. Among, these many programs, is its nursing program which is offered at the Nursing School at the university. Students can choose either an associate’s degree or more advanced studies. After completion of the course, they are eligible to sit the required examinations for licensure.

Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AASN)

The content covered revolves around liberal arts and health subjects. The student is groomed throughout the course to undertake various types of responsibilities that are directly linked to the nursing profession. A list of academic requirements must be successfully completed prior to submitting an application. A grade “C” or higher is required in all cases. Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) that are interested in an AASN must ensure that more than 12 months have passed prior to submitting their application requests. The school offers two options for an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AASN):

1-     LPN to RN (AASN):  In this course nursing professions are taught the essentials that they relate to caring for individuals with well-defined problems. Both individuals in acute care and community based settings are presented throughout the course. All students are encouraged to have all the necessary qualities outlined in the Student Handbook before they undertake the course.

2-     Traditional AASN: To undertake this course, students must be certified as a Nursing Assistant (CNA). It is designed for those that do not have any previous experience as a licensed nurse. The three main campuses that the program is taught are: ASU Beebe-Beebe, ASU Mountain Home- Mountain Home and Mid-south Community College- West Memphis. Students are prepared for the beginning practice as registered nurses. After successful completion, nurses are fully equipped to provide secondary care for illnesses that are common and recurrent. However, they are not specialist, but have the general knowledge to provide the necessary care for known illnesses. They work instead as a generalist.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

This course also builds on a foundation of liberal arts and health subjects. Graduates are prepared to provide both direct and indirect care to individuals. The options that are available for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing include:

1)     Traditional BSN for students with no nursing experience: Students are prepared to provide both direct and in-direct care to individuals. The program covers an extensive outline that include both health-related and non related courses to mold professionals that have a general outlook on the nursing profession and not the traditional approach. Upon successful completion students can embark on career opportunities in nursing homes, rehabilitation centers,  hospitals, clinics, just to name a few.

2)     2nd Degree Accelerated Option: The program is open to students that have earned a Bachelor’s Degree in another field, but are interested in completing their BSN in one year. It is a second degree accelerated program with an intense course outline.

3)     LPN- BSN: The University is part of a statewide articulation program that makes it possible for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) to further their studies at the advanced level. Through this initiative, LPNs can earn credit by articulation or by challenge examination. The program is also open to licensed psychiatric technician nurses (LPTN) that are seeking a BSN. Through successful articulation it is possible for LPNs and LPTNs to earn sophomore level credit. LPNs can complete the course in two years provided that the prerequisite requirements are met. They should apply to the junior level nursing courses to make this possible.

4)     RN-BSN: Registered nurses that wish to get their Bachelor of nursing at the school will also benefit from the specialized track that has been created to make this possible. The length of study will depend on previous college credits and additional credits that are needed to complete the program. The RN to BSN program is specially tailored to meet individual needs according to applicant’s proficiency. RNs that want to enter the program must have at least 1000 hours of work experience after getting their license. This depends on the number of years they have been acting in the profession. Only professionals with unencumbered licenses can apply. The course is open to registered nurses (RNs) and students with an associate degree in nursing. RN’s with an associate degree in nursing can complete the course in two years. Students that want more flexibility can consider the RN-BSN Nursing courses (NRS/NRSP) that are available online. RNs will be granted reduced nursing clinical hours provided they meet the necessary requirements.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Students that already have a BSN and wish to specialize in specific health fields may find this option interesting. The specialties that are currently being offered by the school include:

1)     Nurse Anesthesia (NA): This is a full time course that can be completed in 28-months. It is designed for Registered Nurses that want to enter the anesthesia profession. They will be recognized as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist after taking and successfully passing the examination administered by the National Board on Certification and Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists.

2)     Adult Health Nursing-Educator option (AH): Study for this course can be undertaken on a full-time or part time basis. As future nurse Educators, students are exposed to a list of courses that involve both clinical and non-clinical subjects. A clinical and nursing practicum must be completed to successfully complete the course.

3)     Adult Health: Nursing Administrator: Students are taught leadership skills along with many other areas that prepare them for advanced practice role. They will be trained and taught how to create a working environment, interact with different professionals, entrepreneurial partnership skills among other areas.

4)     Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP):  Successful applicants are trained for entry into primary health care practice. There are exposed to a list of core and support courses that can be completed online whether they prefer on a full-time or part-time basis. They must complete the 45 credit hours that are comprised of clinical, support, core and theoretical courses.

Contact:

Arkansas State University
2105 Aggie Road
Jonesboro
AR 72401

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