Ridgewater College

Nursing Programs Offered

ADN Program Details

Ridgewater's Nursing program is a program that will prepare the student to become a practical and/or professional (registered) nurse to serve as a valuable member of the healthcare team. The first year of the program is the practical nursing program and the second year of the program is the professional nursing program.

Ridgewater's experienced instructors are committed to providing a high quality educational experience. The curriculum follows a leveled - four-semester sequence that allows the student to continue through one or both years of the program on a full- or part-time basis. Students wishing to progress through the program on a part-time basis will take the required general education courses prior to beginning the nursing pathway.

Students will earn a diploma in practical nursing after completion of the required 37 credits in the first year. After completion of the first year, graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX PN examination and upon success on this licensure examination, become employed as a Licensed Practical Nurse. They will have the option to continue with the nursing curriculum and be eligible to earn an A.S. degree in Nursing and to take the NCLEX RN examination, and upon success on this examination, become employed as a Registered Nurse. This delivery model allows the student the flexibility to meet schedule and career goals.

Work with your academic adviser to select courses that will best suit your educational goals.

LPN Program Details

Ridgewater College’s Practical Nursing program prepares graduates for entry-level clinical practice as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) under the supervision or direction of a registered nurse, licensed physician, or dentist. The curriculum consists of nursing courses as well as general education courses. Graduates can use the title LPN upon successful completion of the program and passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses licensing exam. Care provided by LPNs is based on the knowledge and application of principles and skills in the prevention of illness, and the promotion, maintenance, and restoration of health.

The curriculum includes classroom study, laboratory and simulation learning experiences, and supervised clinical practice (patient care). Clinical experiences occur in a variety of settings where LPNs are employed.

Once licensed as a Practical Nurse, students who maintained a minimum 2.5 GPA in the PN program have the choice to move into a career or continue directly into Ridgewater’s Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program. Upon completion of the ADN program, graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX RN Exam and become a Professional Nurse.

Ridgewater is nationally known for its outstanding Nursing and Allied Health programs. Utilizing the latest in healthcare simulation technology, Ridgewater’s Simulation Centers provide students hands-on experience with amazingly life-like manikins. Students benefit from improved skill performance, greater learner satisfaction, enhanced critical thinking, and improved self-confidence.

The Practical Nursing program at Ridgewater has some specific admission requirements:

Attend a Nursing Information Session
Be a high school graduate or GED recipient
Be accepted as student at Ridgewater College
Be on current Registry for Nursing Assistants
Meet ACCUPLACER Testing requirements:
Reading: college level (100 level) or take ENGL 99
English: college level (ENGL 121) or take ENGL 94
Math: college level (MATH 109 or above) or MATH 98
Have taken Medical Terminology (NURS 1617 or equivalent) or pass competency test

NOTE: You must complete these requirements prior to applying for the Practical Nursing program. You must earn a “C” grade or better in all courses taken to meet admission criteria. You may take general education
(non-Nursing) courses prior to acceptance in the Practical Nursing program.

Admission into the Practical Nursing program is selective. A limited number of students are accepted into the program each semester. This enables Ridgewater to provide the quality clinical experience and skill set required of LPNs.