Registered Nursing (ADN), AAS

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There are three program options for the Registered Nursing Degree.

A full-time option that has classes during the day as well as clinical. This is a four-semester program which goes over 24 months with summers off. Applications are accepted in October and March. We admit twice per year.
A part-time option that has classes in the evening. Most clinical/simulation experiences will be administered during the day, but there may be some in the evenings and on the weekend. This is a six semester program completed in 24 months including summer semesters. Applications are accepted in October. We only admit once per year.
A Bridge Licensed Practical Nurse to Registered Nursing (PN-RN) option. There are two pathways to enroll in this program: The first pathway is open to LPN students currently enrolled in, or recently completing CEI’s LPN program. These students may apply for the PN-RN Bridge program as early as the semester before graduating from their LPN program. Students applying through this first pathway must pass their NCLEX exam and submit their grades and ATI test scores from the PN program as part of the application process. Additionally, they will be required to fulfill the 1800 hours of work experience as a PN prior to graduation from this bridge program with their ADN. Half of the slots will be reserved for students pursuing this first pathway.
The second pathway is for LPN’s who have been out of school for more than one semester, and/or who are currently working with their LPN license in the community. This second pathway requires a minimum of 1800 hours of recent work experience as a Practical Nurse prior to applying to this program and a NACE 1 exam score of 75% or higher. Applications are accepted every March. We only admit once per year.

For more information on the three options please refer to the nursing department website.

Enrollment in the Associate Degree Nursing Program (ADN) is limited. Because of the number of applicants, completion of all admission requirements does not ensure acceptance into the program. Candidates for admission are selected from a pool of qualified applicants.

The ADN program is operated with the approval of the Idaho State Board of Nursing. The student graduates with an Associate of Applied Science degree (AAS) in nursing and is required to pass a state licensure examination (RN-NCLEX) to become a licensed registered nurse.

The associate nursing program at College of Eastern Idaho located in Idaho Falls Idaho is accredited by the:

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326

(404) 975-5000

The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the ADN nursing program is Initial Accreditation.

View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at http://www.acenursing.com/accreditedprograms/programsearch.htm

Students will expand their skills and knowledge in all areas of nursing with a focus on critical thinking and preparation to provide independent and holistic quality nursing care.

When students are accepted into the Registered Nursing (RN) program they are required to complete required clinical hours in various clinical settings on various days and times. Students must be of sound mind and physical strength to safely complete required hours. Due to clinical requirements, students are required to have yearly physical exams to verify their mental and physical well-being. Students will also be required to have background checks to fulfill clinical requirements as well as other required documents.

Entrance Requirements

In addition to the requirements for all health care programs the applicant must:

Be accepted as a student in good standing at College of Eastern Idaho
Provide documentation of a current CNA certification or a current LPN license

Applicants who complete all prerequisite courses with a 77% (C+) or higher, have an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher, and have fulfilled all other entrance requirements are eligible to continue into the Nursing Program if selected.

Students must be at least 18 years old at the start of the program to qualify.
TEAS test score of 62% or higher, upon entrance into the full-time and part-time programs. TEAS exam may be taken a maximum of two (2) times per semester. If a second attempt is necessary, it must be taken within two (2) years of the first attempt. The score is good for five (5) years.
An SAT score of 1100 or ACT score of 22 may be used in lieu of the TEAS exam if taken within five (5) years.
NACE I test score of 75% or higher for PN to RN applicants wishing to enter the Bridge program option. May be taken once every six months.
Complete Associate Degree nursing program application
Background check done through a site approved by the College after acceptance into the program. Accepted into program contingent on satisfactory background check.
Completion of all admission requirements does not ensure acceptance into the professional program.
A limited number of applicants are accepted into the program twice each year for full-time option, once per year for part-time option, and once each year for PN-RN bridge program.
Candidates for admission are selected based on available space and a competitive selection process.
Those not selected will need to reapply the following application period.
A failed course with an ARN prefix may result in one retake opportunity. Each student is only allowed one retake opportunity before being dismissed from the program.
Proof of immunizations will be required at the time of application.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Patient-Centered Care:

Demonstrate compassionate and culturally competent patient-centered care as part of an intradicipinary healthcare team.

Nursing Judgment:

Utilize nursing judgment to develop and institute safe, quality care.

Active Learning:

Actively seek quality information from current, reliable sources to maintain current best practice in nursing.

Professional identity:

Exhibit professional values and attributes.

Program Costs

In addition to registration fees, a Registered Nursing (RN) student can expect to spend an approximate total of $6,000 on books, uniforms, supplies, criminal background check, and testing fees for the entire program.

Program Continuation Requirements

All program-specific courses must be passed with a minimum of 77% (C+) overall, a 77% (C+) test average, and must be passed consecutively before continuing on to the next course.

Program Recommendations

For students planning to continue on for their BSN or enroll in BSN pathways while in the RN program, it is recommended that they take NUTR 239 in lieu of HCT 125 . A petition will need to be submitted for approval.