The Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) is a five semester, 72 credit-hour program which provides students with the knowledge, skills, values, and competencies required to join the nursing profession. Graduates will receive the Associate of Science in Nursing degree and will be eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), which must be passed before starting practice as a registered nurse (RN).
A selective admissions process is used to select candidates for enrollment in the program.
Admission Criteria
The following courses are prerequisites for admission to the Nursing program. Students must earn a grade of “C” or better in all of prerequisite courses listed.
In addition, to be eligible for entry into the Nursing program, students must:
- Have a calculated GPA of 2.80 or higher in the 16 credit hours of prerequisite courses only.
- Achieve a score of 75 or better on each section of the nursing admission exam, with a composite score of 75 or higher.
It is important to note that admission to the Nursing program is competitive: meeting the minimum requirements listed here does not guarantee admission.
Application Process
The application for admission to the ASN Program is available on the BRCC website once a year during the spring semester. Deadlines and detailed instructions for completing the admission application and scheduling the admission exam are included in the application packet.
Students admitted to the nursing program will receive additional instructions regarding program requirements that include but are not limited to: submission of personal health history, a physical examination, a TB skin test, various immunizations/vaccinations, a urine drug screen, and CPR certification. A positive urine drug screen or any attempt to tamper with a specimen may disqualify an applicant and/or result in dismissal from the nursing program. Costs for all requirements are borne by the student.
Criminal Background Check
The Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN) requires all applicants to complete an Application for Approval to Enroll in a Clinical Nursing Course form and an authorization form for a criminal background check. Applicants who have been charged with, pled guilty or nolo contendere to, been convicted of, or committed a criminal offense that involves a crime of violence or distribution of drugs may be denied the right to practice nursing as a student in Louisiana.
Program Outcomes. Upon successful completion of the program, the graduate will be able to:
- Apply the nursing process in managing the holistic needs of the patient.
- Use critical-thinking as the foundation for clinical decision-making.
- Communicate effectively with individuals, families, and the healthcare team.
- Develop safe caring nursing interventions with respect to the patient’s cultural values.
- Integrate teaching and learning processes to promote and maintain health, reduce risk, and facilitate informed decision-making.
- Collaborate with the patient, family, community, and health care team to promote client goals and outcomes.
- Manage resources in an effective and efficient manner to provide safe quality care.
- Demonstrate professional behaviors and adherence to ethical, legal, and regulatory frameworks and standards of professional practice.
Return to: