Contact | About Dixie
 

Future
Students

Current
Students

Alumni &
Friends

Faculty &
Staff

Community

MyDSC &
Logins
WELCOME
Associate Degree Nursing
Revised 8-3-09
 
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
The Dixie State College Nursing Program is undergoing a revision of its curriculum. Students will be admitted into a 3-semester, straight associate degree nursing (ADN) program beginning January 2010. We no longer will be offering a practical nurse (PN) program. Students will have the option of taking a practical nurse transitions course in preparation for taking the PN licensing examination after completion of the first two semesters of the straight ADN program.

As we make the transition to a new curriculum, we will not be admitting a class for fall semester 2010. If you were planning on applying to the nursing program for a fall semester 2010 admission, you will need to postpone your application. Please be assured that you will be completing the program at the same time as if you had started the program in fall 2010, should you be accepted and admitted into the January 2011 class. Our website will be updated to reflect information about the new program and application requirements. This information will be available to you by April 1, 2010. You also may contact Alice Clegg, nursing advisor at 435.879.4813 or clegg@dixie.edu for further information.

PLEASE DO NOT RELY ON THE INFORMATION BELOW AS IT MAY NOT BE UPDATED WITH THE NEW INFORMATION
The ADN program is for students who have completed a practical nurse program.

Students who successfully complete the first two semesters of nursing courses (PN program) at Dixie State College of Utah will be allowed to continue in the associate degree RN program (ADN). After successful completion of two additional semesters, students will receive an Associate of Applied Science degree in nursing (ADN). Students admitted into the ADN program may continue through the BSN program as long as they remain in good standing. There may be additional pre or co-requisite classes required.

Transfer students that are licensed practical nurses may apply for the ADN program. Since most of the PN students continue through the ADN program, LPNs will be admitted on a space available basis. There may be additional prerequisite classes required. Students should consult with an advisor before applying to the ADN program.   The application may be downloaded below. 

APPLICATION FOR LPN-RN PROGRAM   FALL 2010 SEMESTER ONLY

Applicants will be notified by mail of their status by May 31st. for fall admission and October 31st for Spring admission.

The associate degree nursing program is designed to expand the scope and practice of the licensed practical nurse in preparation for assuming the role of an entry level registered nurse. The graduate will be able to independently and effectively provide comprehensive quality nursing care and serve as a role model and mentor for other members of the health care team. Graduates will receive an Associate of Applied Science Degree and will be eligible for Registered Nurse licensure by successfully passing the National Registered Nurse Licensure Exam (NCLEX-RN®) Before applying to the program, individuals should carefully consider the mental and physical demands of the program and the pressure involved in undertaking the responsibilities of being a full-time nursing student.

Student Learning Outcomes - ADN Program

Admission Information

Applications will be accepted during the following dates:

- Fall semester - March 1st thru March 15th
- Spring Semester - September 1st thru September 15th

Applicants will be admitted into the ADN program without discrimination as to age, sex, creed, ethnic origin, or marital status and must be able to demonstrate physical abilities sufficient to pass each nursing course. Admission to Dixie State College of Utah is also required.

Use the worksheet below for specific information about prerequisites and to plan a course of study to complete the prerequisite courses.

Educational Plan Worksheet

Space in the ADN program is limited making acceptance competitive. Students who have successfully completed the Dixie State College practical nurse program the previous semester, and remain in good standing, are able to continue with the ADN program. Transfer students will be admitted on a space available basis only. Applicants will be evaluated on the following:

- Academic Excellence in prerequisite and practical nursing courses
- Entrance Examination - TEAS test
- Program Essay

All requests for exceptions to the application policies must be submitted in writing to the nursing admissions committee for consideration

Academic Excellence
A crucial element for success in a rigorous ADN program is academic excellence in prerequisite courses. Students must complete all prerequisite courses with a minimum “C” grade, and have a cumulative GPA of 2.7 in those courses. Co-requisite courses must also be passed with a "C" grade or higher in order to continue in the program, and to remain eligible to receive the ADN degree.
 
Prerequisite/Support Courses
Prerequisite and support courses for the ADN program provide students a solid foundation of knowledge and are essential for success in the ADN program. Program eligibility will be determined based on GPA and completion of the prerequisite and co-requisite courses. It is recommended that transfer students consult with an advisor for more information.

Classes may be repeated only once. A student who has repeated any prerequisite or co-requisite course more than once, and neither grade has met the minimum requirement of "C" or higher, is ineligible to apply for the nursing program.

Practical Nurse Program Completion
Applicants must have completed a practical nurse program prior to applying for the ADN program. Transfer students must provide a copy of current LPN license with application. New transfrer graduates must provide program completion and/or testing dates. Acceptance will be contingent on successful licensure.
 
Entrance Examination

UPDATE:  2-10

The TEAS® must be taken after July 1st in order to be acceptable for spring 2011 admission.  There are many of you that wish to take it now for "practice", and that is fine, but only exams taken within 2 months of the application date will be eligible for scoring. 

Students will be required to pass the TEAS® Entrance Exam. This exam will evaluate the student’s projected academic success in the program. It includes areas in: math skills, science, reading comprehension, and English.

- Students will be allowed to take the test once per application period. 
- The test will be administered during regular Testing Center hours at the Testing Center located in the lower floor of the Financial Aid/Career Center Building at Dixie State College of Utah.
-- Out of area students must arrange with ATI Testing for a proctored test locally. Please call Toll Free: (800) 667-7531
- The TEAS® consists of four areas as outlined below. Calculators are NOT allowed on this test.

READING MATH SCIENCE ENGLISH
Paragraph Comprehension
Passage Comprehension
Inferences/ Conclusions

40 Questions
50 Minutes

Whole Numbers
Fractions/Decimals
Percentages
Ratio/Proportion
Metric Conversions
Algebraic Equations
Diagrams/Graphs

45 Questions
56 minutes

Science Reasoning
General Science
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Anatomy/ Physiology

30 Questions
38 Minutes

Punctuation
Grammar
Sentence Structure
Contextual Words
Spelling

55 Questions
65 minutes

 
Program Essay (More information is included in application packet.)
Because the nursing programs are writing intensive, applicants are required to write an essay to demonstrate their writing abilities. The essay provides an opportunity for students to express their understanding of the different nursing roles, their personal feelings about nursing, indicate background and experience in the healthcare field, and their opinion as to why they would be a good candidate for the nursing program.

- The essay is to be completed at the testing center at Dixie State College of Utah.
-- Out of area students will be required to find a suitable proctor for the essay. Prior approval must be received from the nursing department. Have the proctor email Alice Clegg, Nursing Advisor, directly for instructions and permission.
-- The maximum length is not to exceed 2 pages, word processed.
- There is a 2 hour time limit for the essay.
- Essays will be evaluated on the following criteria: (see scoring rubric)
-- Following Instructions
-- Logical, concise essay, demonstrating command of the English language
-- Proper grammar and spelling
-- Appropriateness of content
- Discuss the following in your essay:
-- Why you want to be a nurse 
-- Why you feel you would be successful in the RN program
-- The specific strategies you will use to fulfill the intensive requirements of the RN program
-- Personal and/or professional experience in health-related areas
-- The roles and responsibilities of an RN, and how it differs from that of a CNA
-- FOR LPN-RN APPLICANTS:  Respond to this statement: “Many LPNs, especially those who have worked for a while as an LPN, have difficulty making the transition to the RN role and/or to ‘new ways’ of doing nursing when entering an RN program.”

 

Grants and Scholarships
All students are encouraged to contact the financial aid office for information on grants and scholarships that may be available for them. There is limited amount of endowment money available to award scholarships to nursing students based on financial need and academic achievement. These scholarships are available only to students that have been accepted into the ADN program. More information will be given after acceptance.
 
Health Requirements
After acceptance into the PN program, students will be required to meet and maintain certain health and safety standards. Specific details regarding these requirements will be given to students after acceptance. These include:

- Healthcare provider level CPR certification (American Red Cross or American Heart Association)
- 5 Panel drug screen. Cost: $30-$50
- Immunization for:
-- MMR (2 required -1 after age 18)
-- HEP B (2 required - Allow 1 month between)
-- TDaP (Must include Pertussis and after age 18)
-- Chicken Pox
- Negative TB test (annually)
- Background screen. Cost: $45

 
Approximate Program Costs
Item Amount
Dixie State College Application Fee $35
TEAS® Entrance Exam* $40
Nursing Program Application Fee* $25
Tuition – Full Time Resident ($1446.60/semester) $2893.20
ATI Testing Review Package Fees (non refundable) $300
Mandatory Nursing Fees (non refundable) (Includes Lab Fees, Program Graduation Fees, etc.) $350
Textbooks and Laptop Leasing ** $1050
Health Requirements including: CPR, Immunizations, Liability Insurance, Background Check, Drug Screen*** $500-$700
Supplies including: Stethoscope, Uniforms, Lab Coat, Watch w/Second Hand, etc.*** $200
Dixie Student Nurse Association Fees $10
APPROXIMATE TOTAL: $4850-5000
NCLEX Testing Fee and State Licensure $299
*Not required for continuing DSC students.

**Some Textbooks used for PN and ADN programs. Laptop lease: 2 years = $545, 1 year = $900 (Optional)

***Fees may not apply for continuing DSC students


(*Costs are approximate and subject to change. Information based on the 2008-09 school year.)
 
Application for Dixie State College of Utah
Complete and submit an application for admission and enrollment to the admissions office. Students are required to submit previous college or university transcripts, high school transcripts, or GED test scores.
 
Academic Advisement
Students should obtain academic counseling and advisement from the Counseling/Advisement Center, at (435) 652-7690, to discuss transcripts, transfer credit, and English, Math, and Reading levels. The counseling center will help guide students towards taking the required college placement tests to evaluate academic abilities for college entrance level. Readiness for college level classes and entrance into the nursing program is determined by: College Placement Test (CPT) scores in English, Math and Reading. ACT scores and GPA may be used to calculate this placement score, or in deciding which entry-level courses must be taken.

It is the responsibility of the student to receive evaluation of transfer credit. The student must not only provide official copies of all transcripts for admission to Dixie State College of Utah, but official copies (from all colleges/universities) MUST be submitted with the ADN program application as well.

It is strongly recommended that each potential applicant receive nursing program academic counseling to help determine which courses are transferable and to discuss eligibility for acceptance into the ADN program.

Eligibility for State Licensure
In order to be licensed as a Registered Nurse in the State of Utah, the application must be in conformity with the Utah Nurse Practice Act. Applicants who have been convicted of a felony, treated for mental illness, or substance abuse should discuss their eligibility status for licensure with the Utah State Board of Nursing. Dixie State College of Utah will require all accepted applicants to complete a Criminal Background Check, a sexual offender status check, and a drug screening before acceptance into the nursing programs.

Acceptance and completion of the nursing program does not assure eligibility to take the RN Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN®). The Utah State Board of Nursing makes the final decision as to whether a license will be issued to practice nursing in the State of Utah.

If you have questions regarding state licensure, please contact the following:
State Board of Nursing
160 East 300 South
P.O. Box 45802
Salt Lake City, UT 84145-0802
(801) 530-6789

ADN to BSN Letter of Intent (PDF format)

For more information contact:
Gina Jacobs -- Department Secretary 435.879.4810
Colleen Hales -- Department Secretary 435.879.4810
Alice Clegg -- Nursing Programs Advisor 435.879.4813
Carole Grady - Associate Dean of Nursing and Allied Health 435.879.4802

Thank you for your interest in the Dixie State College of Utah Associate Degree Nursing Program.

Print