Overview
General Info and Accreditation
LCC's Career Ladder Nursing program is highly regarded in the community and has been nationally accredited for over 45 years. Students who complete the program earn an Associate Degree in Applied Science – Nursing, RN and are eligible to take the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX-RN). Those who pass the NCLEX and are licensed to practice as a Registered Nurse (RN).
The RN program is approved by the Michigan Board of Nursing, and has been continuously accredited since 1971 by Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc.
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc.
3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850
Atlanta, Georgia 30326
Phone: 404.975.5000
Fax: 404.975.5020
info@acenursing.org
LCC's Nursing program is selective admission. In order to be considered as a candidate, students must meet admission requirements beyond those required for general admission to the college. There is no wait-list to enter the program; instead, acceptance is based on a point system. More information on the Selective Admissions process can be found in the "selective admission information" panel below.
Lansing Community College's Nursing program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.
Student Achievement Data
Students completing the program Fall 2017-Spring 2018: 81.62%
2017-2018 Graduates replying to our survey that were employed in less than 3 months:
90%
First time pass rate on the National Council Licensure Exam for Nurses (NCLEX):
| 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| National | 84.24% | 84.22% | 88.18% |
| LCC | 92.71% | 87.73% | 87.66% |
PROGRAM TRACKS AND LENGTH
The Career Ladder Nursing Program offers 3 tracks to achieve the Registered Nurse (ADN) Associate in Applied Science Degree (Curriculum Code 0222). 2-Year and 2nd Degree Track students have the option of completing the Practical Nurse (PN) Certificate of Achievement (Curriculum Code 0235) before moving on to complete their RN.
Classes in all tracks meet face-to-face. The 2nd Degree and Advanced Standing options consist of hybrid courses which are a combination of face-to-face and online.
The 2-Year Traditional Track offers classes and clinical sessions meeting mornings, afternoons, and/or evenings (generally weekdays) during the fall and spring semesters. This track is designed so that the student has class 4-5 days/week and once admitted can complete the program in two years (4 semesters). This track accepts up to 128 students. 64 students will have a fall semester start and 64 students will have a spring semester start. Placement into fall or spring cohorts is random. See the current Advising Guide for application deadlines.
The 2nd Degree Track is designed for individuals who possess a Bachelor’s or higher degree in any major. Classes and clinical sessions meet mornings, afternoons, and/or evenings (weekdays or weekends). Once admitted the program is 16 months long. There are 32 seats available each year. See the current Advising Guide for application deadlines.
*International degrees must be determined as equivalent to a US Bachelor's degree by a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services. More information is available on our International Student Admissions page.
The Advanced Standing Track is designed for practical nurses (LPNs), respiratory therapists, and paramedics who possess a current license. Applicants must also have worked a minimum of 2,080 hours during the 24 months prior to the application deadline as an LPN, Paramedic, or Respiratory Therapist. 2,080 hours is equivalent to 1-year of full-time work or 2 years of part-time work. Classes and clinical sessions meet mornings, afternoons, and/or evenings (weekdays or weekends) for 16 months. This track accepts up to 32 students each year. See the current Advising Guide for application deadlines.
LPN OPTION (Certificate of Achievement)
Students admitted in the 2-Year and 2nd Degree tracks will complete LPN coursework during the first two semesters of the program. The Practical Nurse (PN) program is approved by the Michigan Board of Nursing (since November 1970). This coursework provides the basis for an in-depth study of the theory and nursing care of adults, children and families. Clinical experiences include extended care facilities, hospitals, and community agencies where students provide nursing care to geriatric, medical, surgical, maternity, and pediatric patients.
Those who successfully complete the PN program will earn an LCC Certificate of Achievement - Nursing, LPN and are eligible to take the National Council Licensing Examination-Practical Nurse (NCLEX-PN). Those who pass the examination are entitled to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).
After completion of the PN program, students automatically continue on to the RN program.
PROGRAM CONTENT
The courses within LCC's Nursing program provide the basis for an in-depth study of the theory and nursing care of children, adults, and families. Student learning experiences progress from simple to complex and use critical thinking skills in applying the nursing process to the care of patients. Practical and professional healthcare skills are developed in a safe and supportive environment using lectures, Skills Labs, SimLabs, and clinical experience.
Skills Labs provide students the environment to learn clinical nursing skills before entering professional facilities. Labs consist of full sized mannequins, fully functional hospital beds & headwall units, IV poles & pumps, wheelchairs, and a variety of other tools and supplies. Students practice what they have learned using mannequins and community volunteers.
NURSING SIMULATION Program (NSP)
MISSION & VISION STATEMENT
To provide high quality health care education using committed faculty, staff and healthcare simulation technology to promote synthesis and continuous improvement of clinical care and patient safety by delivering quality immersive simulation education to serve the learning needs of the changing community of LCC nursing students.
- The LCC NSP will provide innovative, high quality simulation-based educational exercises and performance feedback activities across the continuum of nursing education that include skill development in communication, safety, assessment, and critical thinking.
- The LCC NSP will promote patient safety and performance improvement in health care with an emphasis on Interprofessional communication and team-based patient care.
- The LCC NSP will serve the educational needs of the Health and Human Services Division at Lansing Community College while continuing to strive to serve the needs of local regional healthcare partners through cooperative relationships.
The lab is accredited by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH).
Clinical experiences include hospitals, home health care agencies, rehabilitation units, and community health organizations where students provide nursing care to mental health, medical, surgical, maternity, and pediatric patients. For increased learning potential, LCC offers small clinical groups of 8 students to every faculty member.
Students can have up to 141 hours/semester of clinical experience per a semester and will experience up to 500 hours throughout the entirety of the program. Clinical rotations are offered in a 100 mile radius of LCC’s Downtown Lansing campus.
Students provide nursing care to geriatric, medical, surgical, maternity, mental health, and pediatric patients at a variety of sites. Clinical experience includes Hospitals, Extended Care Facilities and Community Agencies. Sites can include Sparrow, McLaren, Owosso Memorial, Battle Creek VA Medical Center, Children's Hospital of Michigan, and many long-term care/sub-acute rehabilitation facilities in our area.
Selective Admission Information
Admission to LCC's Career Ladder Nursing Program is through Selective Admissions. There is no wait-list; instead, acceptance is based on a point system. All admission procedures for the Program are coordinated through the Selective Admissions Office - selective_admissions@lcc.edu
Detailed information on the point system, prerequisites, and program cost can be found in the Nursing advising guide.
Getting Started
Follow these steps to begin the admission process:
1. Attend a
Pre-applicant Seminar
2. Meet with a Nursing Academic Advisor for course planning
3. Complete
Prerequisite Courses
4. Attend a
Sign-off appt. with a Nursing Academic Advisor
5. Submit Application by Deadline
- Students who plan to apply to the nursing program must attend a mandatory Pre-Nursing Advising Seminar.
- Nursing Academic Advisors are available at LCC's Center for Academic & Career Pathways in the Gannon building Star Zone. To make an appointment call (517) 483-1957 option 4, or visit the Center for Academic & Career Pathways page for more advising options.
- For a list of prerequisite courses and other admission requirements, view the current advising guide. Admission requirements are usually found on pages 5-6.
- Before submitting an application, students must attend a Nursing “Sign-off” appointment with Academic Advisors Judy Leventhal or Eric Bennett at the Downtown Lansing campus, or Barb Line at the Livingston campus. Appointments can sometimes book 2-3 weeks in advance so call early to schedule a meeting.
- The Selective Admissions application is available on our Health & Human Services Advising Guide page. Completed applications should be submitted to LCC’s Student Finance Office located in the Gannon building Star Zone by the application deadline. A non-refundable $50 fee is due at the time of submission. Applications with a $50 check can also be mailed to the address listed on the last page of the application.
You will be notified of your initial application status within 3 weeks of the deadline. If you have questions, please contact the Selective Admissions Office at selective_admissions@lcc.edu or 517-483-1182.
New to LCC and Transfer Students
If you are not currently an LCC student, apply to the college. Have previous institutions send official transcripts directly to LCC at the address listed below. It is recommended that this is done early so there are no surprises on what does and does not transfer in. Only classes listed on your LCC student record can be considered for Admission into the program. Visit our Transfer equivalency lists page for more information.
MAIL TRANSCRIPTS TO:
Registrar's Office
Lansing Community College
411 N. Grand Ave.
Lansing MI 48933
Application Deadlines
|
2-Year Track |
2nd Degree Track |
Advanced Standing Track |
|
March 1 |
October 1 |
March 1 |
Prerequisite Courses
To be eligible to apply, prerequisite courses must be passed with a minimum grade of 2.5; all NURS courses require a 3.0 or higher. Only two attempts per a course are allowed to achieve the minimum required grade. For a complete list of prerequisite courses, see the current Nursing Advising Guide.
Point System
Students who have submitted an application and have completed all of the prerequisite courses will be ranked for admittance into the program using a point value system. Points are awarded for GPA, prerequisite course grades, residency, the Kaplan Entrance Test, and other criteria depending on track. The applicants with the highest points are admitted. Cutoff scores change every year as they are dependent on the type and number of candidates.
The point system varies for each nursing track. See the current Nursing Advising Guide for a complete breakdown. The ranking system is usually listed on page 8.
*Please note residency will be calculated according to what is listed on the profile tab in your MyLCC account during the semester of the application deadline. For more information, visit our Residency page.
OTHER NEED-TO-KNOW INFO
For guidelines on when prerequisite classes must be completed and when transfer transcripts are due, review the current Nursing Advising Guide.
All notifications regarding application statuses will be made to your LCC student email account and/or by letter to the address listed on your Selective Admissions application. You will receive initial communication regarding your application within 3 weeks of the deadline. Contact the Selective Admissions office at selective_admissions@lcc.edu for questions.
Students not selected for admission into the Nursing program must reapply during a subsequent admission cycle. Please note admission criteria is subject to change each year.
Lansing Community College does not discriminate against individuals in its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, sex, age, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, familial status, disability, pregnancy, marital status, height, weight, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, genetic information, veteran or military status, or any other factor prohibited by law.
Scholarships
Information regarding available scholarships for nursing students (alphabetical order)
A Nurse I Am Scholarship
Instructions for applying can be found on the A Nurse I Am website.
AAMN Foundation Scholarships for Men
American Assembly for Men in Nursing (AAMN) Foundation and Johnson & Johnson's Campaign for Nursing's Future have partnered to offer a $1,000 scholarship program for male students pursuing professional nursing education programs. These scholarships are intended to support male students who are seeking a pre-RN licensure or graduate degree in nursing. Go to the AAMN Scholarship page for further information and application materials.
AMVETS Department of MI
24715 John R
Hazel Park, MI 48030
(248) 547-7365
Army Nurse Corps - The Spirit of Nursing Award
Sponsored by U.S. Army Nurse Corp (ANC) and the National Student Nurses' Association.
F.A. Davis Company
F.A. Davis Company has a scholarship available on the F.A. Davis Nursing Scholarship page.
Free Nursing Scholarships and Financial Aid Resources Information
Visit the Nursing Scholarships page.
KMMNBNA - National Black Nurses Association
Contact: Shahidah El-Amin, BS, RN
Scholarship Committee Chairperson
P.O. Box 6001
Grand Rapids, MI 4961-6001
WAr1664623@aol.com
LCC Scholarships
For information on the LCC Scholarship Application process please visit the Scholarships page.
For LCC Foundation Occupational Program Award Information available to Health and Human Services Division Students, please visit the Health and Human Services Scholarships page.
For further questions regarding LCC Scholarships, please contact the Foundation Office at 517-483-1989.
Memorial Healthcare Foundation Peggy Gulick Nursing Scholarship
Contact: Matt Hufnagel, Executive Director, Foundation Office (989) 729-4675
826 W. King
Owosso, MI 48867
Email: mhufnagel@memorialhealthcare.org
Application form and eligibility criteria available under Foundation
Michigan League for Nursing (MLN) & Michigan Council for Nursing Education Administrators
National Association of Hispanic Nurses-Six $500 scholarships
Contact: NAHNMichigan@aol.com
Information and Application form
North Ottawa Hospital Auxiliary Scholarships - (Limited to residents of Ottawa County)
Contact: Kristyn Ireland
616-847-5215
Sladek Nursing Scholarships and Critical Medical Career Scholarships
Contact: Ruth Bloomer, Manager Munson Foundation 231-935-6484
Maggie Curtin, Dept Assistant 231-935-6482
Application available by contacting mcutrin@mhc.net.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What makes Lansing Community College's Nursing Program distinctive?
- High regard in the community
- A ladder program concept
- Three program (track) options
- Nationally accredited for over 45 years!
- Offers one of the only accredited simulation labs in the State
- Rich in clinical experience
2. Are there informational seminars available?
There are MANDATORY pre-nursing advising sessions scheduled throughout the year for students who are interested in applying to the program. Current session dates can be found on the Current Advising Seminars page. Seminars are free to attend and no reservation is required. You do not need to be an LCC student to be present.
Students are encouraged to attend a seminar before beginning course pre-requisites. It is also recommended that you read the Nursing advising guide prior to attending.
3. Who do I speak to about getting into the Nursing program?
For general questions, contact the Selective Admissions office at selective_admissions@lcc.edu.
For course planning, meet with an Academic Advisor at LCC's Academic & Career Pathways department. Call 517-483-1957 (option 4) to schedule an appointment with a Nursing advisor. Students can also contact lead Nursing Advisor, Judy Leventhal, by email at leventhj@lcc.edu.
4. What are the differences between the 3 Nursing tracks?
The Career Ladder Nursing Program offers traditional and non-traditional tracks to achieve the Registered Nurse (ADN) Associate in Applied Science Degree (Curriculum Code 0222). Classes in all tracks meet face-to-face.
The 2-Year Track offers classes and clinical sessions meeting mornings, afternoons, and/or evenings (generally weekdays) during the fall and spring semesters. This track is designed so that the student has class 4-5 days/week and can complete the program in two years (4 semesters). This track accepts up to 128 students annually. 64 students will have a fall semester start and 64 students will have a spring semester start. Placement into fall or spring cohorts is random. See the current Nursing Advising Guide for application deadlines and admission requirements.
The 2nd Degree Track is designed for individuals who possess a Bachelor’s or higher degree in any major. Classes and clinical sessions meet mornings, afternoons, and/or evenings (weekdays or weekends). Classes begin Spring (January) semester and runs 16 months. This track accepts up to 32 students each year. See the current Nursing Advising Guide for application deadlines and admission requirements.
The Advanced Standing Track is designed for practical nurses, respiratory therapists, and paramedics who meet licensure and work experience criteria. Applicants must have worked a minimum of 2,080 hours during the 24 months prior to the application deadline as an LPN, Paramedic, or Respiratory Therapist. Classes and clinical sessions meet mornings, afternoons, and/or evenings (weekdays or weekends) for 16 months beginning during the Fall semester (August). This track accepts up to 32 students each year. See the current Nursing Advising Guide for application deadlines and admission requirements.
5. When does the program start?
See table below.
6. How long is the program?
See table below.
7. How many students are admitted each year?
See table below.
8. When is the application deadline?
| Track | Application Deadline | Number of Students Admitted Annually |
Semester Track Begins | Program Duration once Admitted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2-Year | See current Advising Guide |
128 | Fall OR Spring *Half of students will start Fall other half Spring. Placement is random. |
2 Years (4 semesters) *Does not run in Summer |
| 2nd Degree | See current Advising Guide | 32 | Spring (January) | 16 months (4 continuous semesters) |
| Advanced Standing | See current Advising Guide | 32 | Fall (August) | 16 months (3 semesters) *Does not run in Summer |
9. Is there a waiting list to get into the Nursing program?
There is no wait-list to enter the program; instead, acceptance is based on a point system. Students receive points based on GPA, course prerequisites, the Kaplan Entrance Test, and more. Admission is competitive. Detailed information on the point system, pre-requisites, and program cost can be found in the Nursing advising guide.
10. How is admission into the Nursing program determined?
Acceptance into each Nursing track is based on a point system. Students receive points based on GPA, course prerequisites, the Kaplan Entrance Test, and more. Admission is competitive. Detailed information on the point system, pre-requisites, and program cost can be found in the Nursing advising guide.
11. How competitive is it to get into the Nursing Program?
The 2-Year Nursing track admits 128 students annually. The average GPA of prerequisite courses for students
admitted into the 2017 selection period was 3.80.
The 2nd Degree Nursing track admits 32 students each year. The average GPA of prerequisite courses for students
admitted into the 2017 selection period was 3.83.
The Advanced Standing Nursing track admits 32 students each year. The average GPA of prerequisite courses for students
admitted into the Spring 2017 cohort was 3.71.
12. How much does the program cost?
Current program cost estimations can be found on the last page of the Nursing Advising guide.
13. Can I have a job while I am a nursing student?
LCC’s Nursing program is challenging and it’s workload is equivalent to that of a full-time job. Because of this, it is not recommended that students work more than 20 hours a week, if at all. If you must work, you will need a strong support system.
14. If I have a unique situation, can I get a waiver on admission requirements?
Students must meet with a Nursing advisor before submitting a request for an exception of a specific Selective Admission requirement. Please be aware that waivers are granted infrequently and only after careful consideration of fairness to all applicants. If an advisor agrees that your situation represents a compelling circumstance, then you can complete the Nursing Exception Form. This form will then be reviewed by the Nursing Director.
Admission Requirements (FAQ)
1. What prerequisites must be completed before I can apply?
A complete list of prerequisite courses can be found on page 6 of the Nursing Advising Guide.
2. When do prerequisite courses need to be completed?
For guidelines on when prerequisite classes must be completed and when transfer transcripts are due, review the current Nursing Advising Guide.
3. What is the minimum grade required for prerequisite and Nursing courses?
To be eligible to apply, pre-requisite courses must be passed with a minimum grade of 2.5; all NURS courses require 3.0 grade or higher. Only two attempts per a course are allowed to achieve the minimum required grade; this includes course withdraws (W) and attempts at other institutions.
Students admitted to the Nursing program after May 1, 2015, must complete all Nursing courses (NURS) with a minimum cumulative exam grade of 81% and a course grade of 3.0 or greater. This is in accordance with professional requirements of the nursing field.
4. Do any of the prerequisite courses expire?
NURS 201 must be completed within 1 year of the application deadline. All required biology courses including Anatomy & Physiology and Microbiology, must be completed within 8 years of the application deadline. If taken over 8 years ago, it must be retaken; this will not be considered a repeat.
5. How do I apply to the Nursing program?
Students who plan to apply to the nursing program must attend a mandatory Pre-Nursing Advising Seminar. This should be done early on to ensure proper understanding of the process. Nursing seminar dates are available on the Current Advising Seminars page. More information on the Kaplan Entrance Test is available on page 8 and 10 of the Advising Guide. View the complete application process in the Nursing Advising Guide.
6. How can I prepare for the Kaplan Entrance Test?
Kaplan's Admissions Test is a 91-question, online, multiple-choice test that evaluates the basic reading, writing, math, and science skills of students seeking entry into a nursing program. Candidates who have met preliminary application requirements will be scheduled to take this 3-hour mandatory exam. It will be scheduled by the Selective Admissions office after the application deadline via LCC email. A minimum *composite score of 65 is required. There is no cost to complete this test. More information about the Kaplan Entrance Test is on page 10 of the Advising Guides.
Preparing for the Kaplan Entrance Test from admitted 2017 Nursing applicants.
Transferring to LCC (FAQ)
1. How do I know if my transfer courses will satisfy a prerequisite course?
LCC has established equivalencies for the most commonly transferred courses from a number of colleges and universities in Michigan and the surrounding area. To see if transfer equivalencies are available for your school, visit the Transfer Equivalencies page.
Students should have their previous institution send official transcripts directly to LCC at the address listed below to learn what courses will transfer in. It is recommended that this is done early on in the process so there are no surprises on what does and does not transfer in. It can take up to 6 weeks for transcripts to be processed by LCC's Registrar's Office.
MAIL TRANSCRIPTS TO:
1121-Records Office
Lansing Community College
PO Box 40010
Lansing MI 48901-7210
Following transcript evaluation, courses that have transferred in will appear on a student’s LCC unofficial transcript located in their Banner account.
2. I have completed a prerequisite course at another institution, but it did not transfer into LCC. Can it still be considered for the Nursing program?
No, only courses listed on your LCC student record, including transfer courses, can be used to satisfy Nursing admission requirements.
Students who believe there was an error made in the evaluation of their transfer credits, may initiate an appeal with LCC’s Registrar's Office in conjunction with the appropriate area or department. To begin this process, send an email with the course syllabus of the class(es) you believe should have transferred in to registrar@star.lcc.edu.
More information on transferring in to LCC is available on the Transfer Equivalencies page.
3. I have partially completed a nursing program at another institution. Can I enter the program where I left off and will those courses transfer into LCC?
To ensure consistency within the program and to meet accreditation standards, LCC does not accept Nursing classes from other institutions. Students who have enrolled in a Nursing program at another institution previously, will need to complete our program in its entirety.
Clinical Sites
1. Will all of my clinical sites be in Lansing?
No, clinical rotations are offered within a 100 mile radius of LCC’s Downtown Lansing campus. The program makes every attempt to give students a variety of clinical experience at both Lansing and surrounding area facilities. Facilities range from Sparrow in Lansing to the Children’s Hospital of Michigan located in Detroit. Because of this, reliable transportation is necessary.
2. Where are clinical rotations held?
Clinical experiences include hospitals, home health care agencies, rehabilitation units, and community health organizations. Students provide nursing care to geriatric, medical, surgical, maternity, and pediatric patients at a variety of facilities. Sites can include Sparrow, McLaren, Owosso Memorial, Battle Creek VA Medical Center, Children’s Hospital of Michigan, The Willows, Ingham & Eaton County Medical Care Facility, Medilodge, Burcham Hills, Holt Senior Center.
3. How much clinical experience will I receive?
Students can have up to 141 hours of clinical experience per a semester and will experience approximately 485 hours (depending on track) throughout the entirety of the program. In addition, students can also expect to have at least 10 hours of lab and lecture time during a given week.
4. How large are the clinical groups?
For increased learning potential, LCC offers small clinical groups including a maximum of 8 students to every faculty member.
BSN Completion
1. Why should I earn an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) before a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree?
- Cost - community colleges are less expensive.
- Learning Style - The associate nurse program is more hands-on along with theory, so you can apply what you are learning as you go.
2. How feasible is it to go on for a BSN after completing my RN degree at LCC?
Lansing Community College's Nursing Program articulates with eight or more universities in Michigan. You can complete your BSN by completing approximately two more years at one of these institutions. Below is information on some of the transfer programs offering Registered Nurse (RN) to BSN completion programs.
Eastern Michigan University (EMU)
Ferris State University (FSU)
Michigan State University (MSU)
Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU)
Sienna Heights
Spring Arbor University
University of Michigan-Flint
Contact Us
Career Ladder Nursing Program
Health and Human Services Division Office
HHS Building, 108
517-483-1410
517-483-1508 fax