Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between the ASN and BSN?
There are three pathways to become a Registered Nurse (RN).
The Bachelor of Science Nursing (BSN) is a four-year program offered at colleges and universities that prepares nurses to practice across all health care settings. A BSN is required for entry into a Master's program, which may lead to advanced practice positions such as clinical nurse specialist, nurse practitioner, nurse educator, or nurse researcher.
Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) is a two-to-three year program offered at junior and community colleges. Associate degree programs prepare nurses to provide direct patient care in numerous settings, and offers an affordable education that provides the student the opportunity to bridge into a BSN program.
The Diploma in Nursing is a two- to three-year hospital-based nursing program that prepares the student to deliver direct patient care in a variety of environments.
Students completing any of the three educational programs will be eligible to take the national licensure examination for registered nurses (NCLEX-RN). Licensed graduates qualify for entry-level positions as a staff nurse.
2. How can I learn more about the nursing program at BRCC?
Group advisement & information sessions are held several times per week in the Nursing Division. Anyone interested in learning more about the nursing program can attend a session in the Cypress Building, room 118, where nursing faculty will discuss the application process, as well as admission, progression and graduation requirements. There will also be a question and answer period at the end of each hour long session. Pre-registration is not required (Link to Events Calendar).
3. What is accreditation, and when will BRCC’s nursing program be accredited?
Accreditation is a process of ongoing assessment to ensure that a nursing program meets nationally accepted standards. As a new nursing programs we not eligible for accreditation until the first class of students graduate, take the NCLEX exam, and the program receives approval from the Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN). BRCC has applied for candidacy status from the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission (NLNAC).
4. Can I go to school part time?
It is possible to attend part-time…however, it is strongly discouraged. We strongly recommend that students follow the established curriculum plan.
5. Can I continue to work during nursing school?
It is strongly recommended that students keep work to a minimum during the academic semester. The program will be very demanding. It is essential that students have adequate time for class and clinical preparation. On occasion, students may have adjust their work schedule to accommodate their school schedule.
6. Will there be a separate program for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN’s)?
A LPN-RN Entry Track is currently being offered for LPN’s who meet eligibility criteria (Link to Prospective Students).
7. Will transfer credit be accepted?
Transfer credit will not be granted for nursing courses. Credit may be accepted for non-nursing courses transferred from an accredited college or university. For details contact the Office of Enrollment Services.
8. What time will courses be offered?
Pre-requisite courses and general education courses are generally offered during the day, evening, or weekend. Nursing theory courses are only offered during the weekday only.
9. Why do I have to submit to a criminal background check?
The Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN) requires all students seeking to enroll in a clinical nursing course undergo a criminal background check. The Board of Nursing will notify the student and school administrator of the background check results. If approval is denied, the student will be removed from clinical nursing courses. Additional information is available at www.lsbn.state.la.us.
10. Which hospitals will students go to for clinicals?
Clinical experiences are conducted at various hospitals, clinics and health care agencies throughout the community.
11. Does BRCC offer childcare?
Not at the present time.
12. Are student loans or other types of financial aid available for nursing students?
BRCC does not offer student loans. However, financial aid is available. For more information, contact the Office of Financial Assistance at (225) 216-8005.
13. Do you provide transportation to the clinical sites?
No. Reliable transportation to and from clinical is the student’s responsibility.
14. When can I apply to the nursing program?
Applications for the nursing program are accepted once a year during the Spring semester.
15. When is the nursing admission exam offered?
Testing for the nursing program is conducted once a year during the Spring semester. Each testing session has a limited number of seats and are assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis.
16. What does “selective admissions” mean?
Baton Rouge Community College Division of Nursing seeks to admit highly qualified students. Applicants who meet the minimum requirements for admission compete against students who exceed the minimum requirements based on three criteria (Link to Prospective Students):
a. GPA of 2.8 or higher and grade of “C” or higher in 16 credit hours of required prerequisite courses. Courses must be complete by the end of the semester application is submitted:
Course No. Course Title Credit Hours
MATH 101 or 110 College Algebra 3
ENGL 101 English Composition I 3
BIOL 230 Human & Anatomy Physiology I 4
PSYC 201 Introduction to Psychology 3
ART or HUMN Art or Humanities Elective 3
b. The number of 16 credit hours of required prerequisite courses (above) completed with a grade of "C" or higher at BRCC.
c. Composite score of 75 or higher on nursing admission exam.
17. Do you have a waiting list?
No, we do not have a waiting list. Applicants who are not admitted must maintain their eligibility and reapply to the nursing program during the next application cycle.
