Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply to the L.P.N. to B.S.N. online program?
You are eligible to apply if:
- Reside in a state in which the board of nursing has approved our program. This State Authorization tab provides the list
- You are a Licensed Practical Nurse with a current, active and unencumbered license AND
- A graduate of an approved and accredited licensed nursing degree, diploma or certificate program AND
- Have 2,000 hours of work experience in the last 24 months AND
- Completed all prerequisites successfully — with a grade of C or better — prior to admission:
| L.P.N. to B.S.N. Program Prerequisites | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| English (Comp I and II) | 6 |
| Math: College Algebra or higher | 3 |
| Fine Arts | 3 |
| Social Science | 9 |
| American History or American Government | 3 |
| Humanities | 3 |
| Human Anatomy and Human Physiology with labs | 8 |
| Chemistry with lab | 4 |
| Microbiology with lab | 4 |
| Statistics | 3 |
| Elective | 2 |
| Total Credit Hours | 48 |
What are the escrow courses?
Escrow courses are the credits from the U of A for your nursing school work. Your escrow credits will not appear on your transcript until you have completed all the required courses.
How does the application process work?
- This is a two-application process. First, students will apply to the University of Arkansas and pay the application fee.
- Print and have current employer complete the verification of employment form, then upload to the UA application portal.
- Send all official transcripts to the university Office of the Registrar.
- Note: All L.P.N. to B.S.N. students are admitted initially as pre-nursing students. Once admitted, students are directed to make an appointment with the online B.S.N. advisor. Transfer credits are evaluated. Students with remaining prerequisites can take most of those at U of A Online. Once the prerequisites are completed, the student can apply to the nursing program.
I am an international student. Can I apply to the program?
You may or may not be eligible to enroll based on your visa status. Contact the International Admissions office at 479-575-6246.
How are the courses taught?
There are 16 nursing courses delivered online through the U of A Global Campus and taught by the faculty of the Eleanor Mann School of Nursing. Four of the courses are clinical practicums that you will complete in your geographic area using a preceptor model. Didactic and practicum courses are delivered over a full semester. Course lengths in the summer session are 10 weeks.
Do I need to come to the campus?
At the present time, there is no on-campus requirement. All didactic (lecture) courses are asynchronous. Practicum instructor and peer collaboration requirements and conferences will be done via distance-learning modalities and offer flexible scheduling for synchronous elements.
What is the cost?
Fees are outlined on the Fees and Expenses page. Tuition costs do not include required texts.
This program option requires the purchase of ATI Testing Resources to facilitate preparation for the NCLEX-RN exam upon completion of the degree. These payments will be added to the first four semesters in which the student is enrolled in nursing courses, and the materials will be available for the duration of their studies (there is a testing fee).
How long do I have to complete the program?
Our program is designed for the working nurse, at a part-time pace. Plans of study can be completed in approximately 3 years (after the prerequisite coursed are completed).
Can I start at any time?
We currently offer two starts a year, fall (August) or spring (January).
Is there a minimum Grade-Point Average to apply?
Students applying for the L.P.N. to B.S.N. program option must meet the GPA requirement to be accepted to the University of Arkansas. The nursing program requires that all prerequisite and university core courses have a grade of C or above.
Can I live anywhere to be eligible for this online program?
Online nursing degree programs and use of clinical preceptors are regulated differently in each individual state and not all states have granted approval for this program. To check a current list of approved states scroll to the State Authorization section of our online education page.
Contact the Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Online L.P.N. to B.S.N. program at:
OnlineRN@uark.edu
479-575-6640
Fax: 479-575-5133