Navigating the Nursing Programs at LaGuardia Community College: A Comprehensive Guide

LaGuardia Community College offers multiple pathways for aspiring nurses, each with its own unique requirements and focus. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the nursing programs available, including the Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing (RN Program) and the Practical Nursing Certificate Program, outlining the requirements, curriculum, and career prospects associated with each.

Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing (RN Program)

The Nursing Program at LaGuardia Community College, under the coordination of the Health Sciences Department, grants an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree. Graduates of this program are qualified to take the National Council of State Boards Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become Registered Nurses.

Accreditation

The RN Program holds accreditation from two prominent bodies:

NYS Board of Regents (www.op.nyed.gov)
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) (www.acenursing.org). Contact ACEN at 3390 Peachtree Road N.E., Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30326 for accreditation status inquiries.

Program Overview

The RN Program aims to equip graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to function as registered nurses in structured healthcare settings. Students learn to apply the nursing process to deliver direct patient care. The curriculum blends nursing-specific courses with general education courses, ensuring graduates can provide care within the legal and ethical boundaries of the profession.

Curriculum and Learning Experience

The program incorporates various learning methodologies:

Classroom instruction
Online collaborative activities
Laboratory experiences
Clinical practice in healthcare facilities

Progression Standards

Nursing majors are initially in a "pre-clinical" phase upon admission. Advancement to the "clinical" phase requires meeting specific criteria outlined in the Nursing Student Handbook. This handbook contains essential information on grading policies, retention standards, graduation rates, and employment data for graduates.

Candidacy

Students seeking admission to the Program must register for candidacy (course number 4399) during either the Fall I or Spring I session preceding their intended start date for clinical courses.

Practical Nursing Certificate Program

LaGuardia Community College's Practical Nursing Program addresses the increasing demand for skilled healthcare professionals capable of providing care at the practical nursing level and who are motivated to pursue further education in the nursing field.

Program Approval and Structure

The New York State Education Department granted approval to the Practical Nursing Program in July 2004. This certificate program consists of forty-eight (48) credits and is designed to be both challenging and supportive for adult learners from diverse backgrounds.

Program Duration and Admission

The Practical Nursing Certificate Program allows students to complete their coursework in ten (10) months following the completion of pre-clinical core educational courses. Admission to the ten-month program occurs once a year, during the Fall I semester.

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Program Objectives

The program prepares graduates to work as practical nurses, performing tasks and responsibilities related to case-finding, health education, health counseling, and providing supportive and restorative care in healthcare settings that offer chronic and acute care services.

General Requirements and Advice for Aspiring Nursing Students

Academic and Career Guidance

LaGuardia Community College provides various advising resources:

Academic Advisors: Offer guidance on specific courses related to your major.
Faculty Mentors/Career Counselors: Provide career guidance and information about potential career paths.
Transfer Peer Mentors: LaGuardia alumni enrolled at CUNY 4-year colleges offer support for students transferring to those institutions.
Wellness Counselors: Assist with personal matters.

Admission Requirements and GPA

Admission to both the ASN and LPN nursing programs is competitive. The college assesses applicants based on whether the applicants have every requirement met, after which students are ranked by GPA in core requirement courses. The GPA requirements can vary, but anecdotal evidence suggests that the GPA to get into the RN program was around a 3.8 in the core requirements, while the LPN program GPA acceptance rate was a bit lower.

TEAS Test

The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) is a mandatory requirement for both programs. Applicants must meet the required score, both overall and in each subject area, to be considered. Scores must be submitted to the nursing department before the candidacy deadline. There is a limit of two applications per program.

Candidacy Application

After completing the prerequisites, students must apply for candidacy at the designated location (C building). This involves filling out and submitting a form. Upon successful application, a code reflecting the applied program will appear on the student's transcript. This process must be completed in person during a specific date and timeframe.

Program Costs

In addition to tuition fees, there are several mandatory fees associated with the nursing programs:

Castle Branch: This platform is used for uploading medical documents, vaccination records, background checks, and drug test results.
ATI (Assessment Technologies Institute): ATI is used throughout the program. Proctored exams contribute 5% to the final grade in each class.
Scrubs, Shoes, and Stethoscope: Students must purchase specific scrub tops and bottoms from the school's designated supplier. LPNs wear light blue pants, while RNs wear dark blue pants, both with a white embroidered scrub top. White sneakers and a working stethoscope are also required for clinicals.
Books: Students can explore options such as ebooks, library resources, rentals, or used books to save on costs.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Students are encouraged to apply for scholarships to help offset the costs of education. Information on available scholarships can be found on the "My LaGuardia" portal.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Program Specifics

Program Structure and Schedule

The LPN program is an accelerated program that covers five nursing classes and numerous clinical hours in a short 10-month period. Students are provided with a fixed schedule of classes and clinicals upon acceptance. Classes are typically held three to four times a week, with clinical classes taking place once or twice a week.

Time Management

The LPN program requires significant time commitment for studying and clinical hours. Balancing work and studies is possible with effective time management.

Course Repetition Policy

The LPN program is offered once a year, starting in the Fall. Students who fail a course can repeat it the following year. However, only one course can be failed per semester, and each course can only be repeated once. Failing a repeated course or failing multiple courses results in removal from the program.

Grading and Exams

A minimum average of 74.5%, rounded up to 75%, is required to pass each class. The program is heavily test-based, with exams accounting for a significant portion of the final grade. Exams are administered in a format similar to the NCLEX, with questions in various formats, including multiple-choice, select all that apply, and fill-in-the-blank.

Professors

The professors are described as experienced nurses and effective teachers with high expectations. Active participation in lectures, note-taking, and asking questions are encouraged.

Transferability to RN Programs

All courses completed in the LPN program can be transferred to an RN program. LaGuardia Community College offers an LPN to RN advanced pathway program.

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