College of Southern Nevada Nursing Program Review
Founded in 1971, College of Southern Nevada (CSN) prides itself in being the states’ largest institution of higher learning with regard to student enrollment. It started off as Clarks Community College before the name was changed to Community College of Southern Nevada in 1991 and the name was changed again to the current name in 2007. As the largest college in the state, it maintains about 30,000 students annually in about 3000 classes. It offers programs in 3 campuses: Henderson, Charleston and Cheyenne and in 8 eight education centers across the state.
Nursing Programs at College of Southern Nevada
The nursing program at the college boosts to be the largest trainer of registered nurses in Nevada. There are three distinct nursing programs namely: a practical nursing track, an associate degree program and a nursing assistant program. There is also an associate degree completion program for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) who wish to have advanced placement. Programs are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and approved by Nevada State Board of Nursing.
Nursing Assistant
The nursing assistant program awards the student a Certificate of Completion after taking the 6 credit hours of clinical and theory instructions. The program accepts students every spring, fall and summer and is an open-entry program hence; students do not need to apply. The 6 credits course is offered in Cheyenne and Charleston campuses but the theory portion can be taken online.
Practical Nursing (LPN) Program
Unlike the nursing assistant courses, the practical nursing program is a Limited-Entry program. Candidates for the program must hold a current Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) License or take courses leading to certification in tandem with the first semesters’ credits for the LPN program. Enrollment for the program occurs once annually for the classes commencing fall semester. Classes progress for four semesters to the spring of the 2nd year. After completion of the required 44 credits, students become eligible to take the NLCEX-PN exam besides earning a Certificate of Achievement. LPN graduates have the chance of completing an associate degree in nursing as will be explained later.
Nursing (RN) Program
The Nursing (RN) Associate of Applied Science at College of Southern Nevada has two entry options; one for fresh entry students and another for LPN wishing to advance and become professional registered nurses (RN). Courses can be taken on a full-time plan of 4 semesters or an extended part-time plan of 7 semesters at Charleston and Cheyenne campuses
Candidates for this program are selected bi-annually for the spring and fall semesters. Transfer candidates cannot transfer science courses that are more than 7 years old. Such courses must be subjected to a Pilot Test before they are accepted for transfer. 72 credits are required for graduation with an Associate of Applied Science degree-an occupation based degree. Students also become eligible to apply for the NCLEX-RN exam to become registered nurses
Nursing- LPN to RN Emphasis
This program is meant for Licensed Practical Nurses making a transition into nursing. After taking a practical nursing challenge course for Nevada LPN licensure, students receive advanced placement into the associate program. 37 nursing credits must be completed at College of Southern Nevada to be allowed to take the NCLEX-RN exam. These are not inclusive of the general education courses required for the associate of applied science in nursing degree.
Note
RNs can also apply to complete a registered Nurse First Assistant Course meant for nurses who wish to work in operating rooms. It if offered by the College in association with National Institute of First Assisting in an online, self-paced format.
Contact:
College of Southern Nevada
6375 W. Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas,
NV 89146