Program Curriculum

Luna Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science Degree program, with an exit option for Practical Nursing after completion of the first year of nursing. The mission of the nursing department is to prepare nurses to provide culturally competent, community-based entry level nursing care. Nursing is a rewarding career in high demand, which offers many challenges and opportunities within diverse health care settings. The Nursing program is approved by the New Mexico Board of Nursing 505.841.8340.

Upon successful completion of the first year of nursing courses (level I), a student receives a Practical Nursing Certificate and is eligible to take the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX-PN).

Upon successful completion of the second year (level II), a student receives an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing and is eligible to take the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX-RN).

Graduates are prepared to continue on toward completion of a Bachelor of Science innursing offered at some four-year universities.

Admission to the college does not assure admission to the nursing program. Program capacity requires limited enrollment. Applicants are rank-ordered based on cumulative points earned on selection criteria.

The program is vigorous and requires a full-time commitment, extensive reading outside of the classroom, and travel out of the area. Because of the program intensity, limited employment is recommended.

Due to rapid changes in health care and state mandated changes, the department must review and revise the curriculum on an ongoing basis. Changes can be anticipated regarding admission requirements, course requirements, and program policies. Students are advised to seek initial and continuous advisement from the program director or a nursing advisor.

Employment Opportunities:

Graduates of the nursing program are prepared for entry level practice in a variety of health care settings which include acute care hospital, long-term care, home health care, physicians' offices, clinics and other settings.

Additional Requirements relating to licensure:

The New Mexico State Board of Nursing has restrictions for licensure and may deny, revoke or suspend any license applied for upon grounds that the person has particular felony violations. Luna Community College assumes no responsibility for the denial of licensure by the State Board of Nursing.

Federal law requires certain health care gencies to conduct criminal background checks on their employees. This requirement is mandated for students placed in these health care facilities for clinical training and is required prior to seeking nursing licensure. Behaviors which may be cause for a student being ineligible for clinical placement include but are not limited to: physical abuse, theft, illegal use of weapons, and illegal use or possession of controlled substances.

Admission Requirements:

Practical Nursing Program (Level I)

Applicants to the first year (Level I) must:

1. Be at least 18 years of age.
2. Meet LCC admission requirements. A complete LCC application must be on file in the Office of Admissions.
3. Meet LCC minimum college admission requirements for math, reading and writing proficiency skills. Those interested in pursuing a Bachelor's degree after completion of the ADN nursing program are encouraged to seek advisement with Health Science Director. Applicants are also encouraged to have basic computer literacy skills.
4. Complete prerequisites courses (BIO100, BIO102, BIO103, PSYC101; and ENG111) with a GPA of 2.7 or higher by the end of the spring semester prior to anticipated entry to the nursing program. Additionally, BIO100 and BIO102 must be completed within five (5) years prior to entry into the nursing program.
5. Achieve a score of 50 percentile per section on the program entry examination. Currently the examination utilized by the program is the "Test of Essential Academic Skills". The exam must be taken by the end of the spring semester prior to anticipated entry to the program. Test dates, fee information, and registration are available at the nursing office. Scores are valid for one year. Applicants may take the test during the fall and spring semester. Each test will be reviewed and the highest score per section will be used toward calculating admission points.
6. Certified Nursing Assistant Certification required, with competency of a selected number of basic skills upon admission. Applicants who do not have CNA Certification are required to complete a State approved Course. Luna Community College offers a CNA course (CNA100) as noted on the following page. This requirement may be waived when evidence of alternate comparable training is formally presented.
7. Submit a nursing application by April 30th for subsequent fall admission. Packets are available at the Office of Admissions or Nursing Department by mid-March.

It is the student's responsibility to assure that all application documents are on file in the Office of Admissions by the deadline outlined in the application packet. The application deadline is strictly adhered to.

Selection Criteria (Level I-PN Program):

Applicants are rank ordered based on maximum points earned on cumulative GPA for prerequisite course requirements, percentile score on each section of the entrance examination (TEAS), and points earned for in-district residency. Eligibility requires a minimum GPA of 2.7 for prerequisite courses and 50th percentile per section on TEAS entrance examination. Bonus points are issued for completion of other general education/ related courses that are not prerequisite requirements. Bonus points are also issued for related health experience. A copy of the selection criteria form can be requested from the nursing department.

Selection of candidates takes place in early June. All applicants receive notification by mail.

Admission Requirements:

Associate of Applied Science Program (Level II)

Space is limited and priority is given to returning students who completed level I in the previous year. Criteria for returning students include:

1. A letter of intent to continue in the program.
2. Completion of Level I program courses with a grade of "C" or higher.

Advanced Placement for LPN'S

Applicants already licensed as Practical Nurses may apply for advanced placement. Applicants must:

1. Submit an official transcript from an approved LPN program for transfer of credit review.
   
   Course descriptions and/or syllabi might be required to determine if the course(s) are comparable. All course work required for the first year at LCC must be met prior to acceptance into the ADN program. Note: It may be necessary to audit some first level nursing courses as condition for admission into the program.
2. Complete a Luna application for admission, available in the Office of Admissions.
3. Meet with the department director to arrange for nursing skill competency testing.
4. Provide verification of a valid PN license. At least one year clinical experience within the past five years required.
5. Take an ATI nursing Predictor examination. Examination, fees, and registration information is available in the nursing office.
6. Submit nursing application to office of admissions by April 30th for fall admission.
7. Applicants admitted under advanced placement must register for a Role Transition RN course.

Applicants who are accepted into either the PN (Level I) or ADN (Level II) program are required to:

1. Provide documentation of a physical examination and current immunization status. Forms are available in the nursing office and are provided upon notification of admission to the program.
2. Present CPR certification and/or obtain current certification throughout the program.
3. Obtain student nurse liability insurance and maintain coverage throughout the program. Fees and other information are available in the nursing department.
4. Comply with program policies and procedures. A nursing student handbook is provided during program registration.