Baton Rouge General Medical Center Nursing Program Review

The Baton Rouge General School of Nursing is located at the Baton Rouge General Medical Center. There are two locations of this hospital located in Baton Rouge at the Mid City main location and at Bluebonnet. The nursing program has a history of 100 percent of graduates passing the NCLEX-RN and ranked recently Number One out of 818 schools. The program also helps place graduates in jobs immediately after graduation. This two year program focuses on training students to become skilled nurses. They focus on the latest technologies and treatment techniques, as well as on holistic care.

Nursing Programs

RN Program

The School of Nursing at Baton Rouge General has admission requirements that applicants must meet to be accepted into the program. They must complete some prerequisite courses that total 25 credits, and a minimum grade of C in these is required. These 8 courses are Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, English Composition, College Algebra, General Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Human nutrition, Microbiology and laboratory, one other course in general chemistry, and one other course in computer literacy. These courses must be completed at a college or university that the student chooses to attend, and official transcripts are required for admission to the program. If general chemistry and computer literacy were completed in high school, students are exempt from these courses.

Applicants must submit an application with their high school transcript or GED scores, along with a transcript of any college work completed. They must also submit two recommendations from recent employers or instructors that address the work performance of the applicant. There are also required test scores. Applicants may take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) exam that measures the candidate’s ability in content areas related to nursing courses. The test includes reading comprehension, math, science, and English and language usage. The test is offered on the Baton Rouge General School of Nursing campus. Applicants must also have a Louisiana State criminal background check.

Once a student is accepted into the program, the nonrefundable administrative fee must be submitted as well as two passport photographs. A health record that shows the student’s immunization status must also be submitted, along with evidence that a CPR course by the American Heart Association Healthcare Provider Course has been completed. Drug testing is also required at the time of admission, and random drug testing may be required any time during the program.

Once a student has documented that they have completed the 8 prerequisite courses and have earned at least a C in each course, they may begin the nursing program. Seven of the courses must be completed by January of each year, and the remaining course must be completed later in the year. Students begin nursing courses in the spring semester and must also attend classes in the summer term. Two additional fall semesters and one final spring semester are required for a total of 87 credits that are required for graduation. This total equals 62 nursing hours and 25 general education courses. At the completion of the program, graduates take the NCLEX-RN to obtain their licensure as Registered Nurses (RNs).

LPN Mobility Program

Licensed Practical Nurses may apply for the Baton Rouge General’s School of Nursing Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Mobility Program. They must meet the admission and selection criteria to be admitted to the program. LPNs may challenge certain nursing courses, and after being granted these credits, LPNs can complete the program with only three semesters of study and clinical experience. Candidates must be currently licensed as an LPN in Louisiana and have a minimum of two years of experience in an acute care hospital. They must also achieve a decision score of 75 on the National League for Nursing’s Nursing Acceleration Challenge Exam I, Foundations of Nursing. At the completion of the program, graduates take the NCLEX-RN for licensure as a Registered Nurse.

Contact:
Baton Rouge General Medical Center
3600 Florida Boulevard,
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
(225) 387-7000

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