Associate Degree Nursing Programs

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this an RN program? Yes, the Associate Degree in Nursing prepares students to take the state-administered NCLEX-RN exam. The program requires approximately one year of academic prerequisites before applying for admission to begin the two-year nursing curriculum.

Is this the same as an LVN program? No, Vocational Nursing (LVN) programs are one year in length and typically do not require as many prerequisite courses as the ADN program. RNs supervise LVNs and Nurse Aides (CNAs). LSC-North Harris does not offer an LVN program but Nurse Aide (CNA) training is available through the CE department.

Can I do the program part-time? No. The LSC-North Harris Nursing Program is a traditional full-time, day program. Lectures, labs, and clinical hours take place on-site, Monday-Friday during business hours. No evening, online, or part-time options are available.

What’s the difference between the BSN and ADN? Both programs prepare you for the NCLEX-RN exam. The difference is the level of degree and total number of college credits hours earned while receiving your RN training. All ADN requirements can be completed in approximately three years. The BSN is a registered nursing program available at the four year universities. All requirements for the BSN will take 4 to 5 years. The BSN program requires additional Chemistry, Nutrition, College Algebra, Statistics, Government and History courses that are not required in the ADN program.

What do nurses do? Nurses typically work in hospital settings with very ill patients recovering from serious illnesses, surgery, or accidents. Nurses monitor and assess their patients’ condition while in recovery; administer oral, intramuscular, and intravenous medications; assist patients with personal care needs; provide patient education; plan and implement nursing care plans; and supervise other members of the patient care team.

What if I already have a degree or other certifications? You may have completed some of the academic coursework required to apply for the ADN program, but the only “fast-track” programs offered are for LVNs and Paramedics (a three-semester Articulation Track program is available for current Texas LVNs and Paramedics). Completion of degrees and/or coursework does not decrease the length of the actual nursing program.

How much does the program cost? The Nursing Program classes are credit courses, just like any other class you can take at the college. You pay per credit hour, via the schedule listed in the Lone Star College System Catalog. You pay per semester. Additional costs include lab supplies, uniforms, shoes, books, etc.

What is required to apply to the nursing program? A full list of requirements and a schedule of the information sessions can be found on the nursing website.

Is it hard to get in? Admissions is competitive. We select students based on an objective points system (see nursing website for selection criteria). If you earn enough points to place in the top 120 (or top 30 for the articulation track program), you will be one of the 120 students we select each year.

What will be covered in the program? Pharmaceutical calculations, diabetes, nutrition, clinical/lab skills, cardiology, respiratory, fluid and electrolytes, acute care, maternity, pediatrics, psychiatric care, oncology, geriatrics, neurology, and concepts related to diversity. It is an intensive, fast-paced program.

Can I work while in the nursing program? We typically discourage employment due to the volume of content; however, some students do work. You must pass each individual course required in nursing (lab, clinical, lecture) and maintain satisfactory scores in your pharmacological math in order to proceed to the next semester. If you fall behind it is difficult, if not impossible, to catch up and you are likely to fail or withdraw from the program.

What should I do now? Visit the nursing website for more information on requirements and attend an information session. Visit with a career counselor or a nurse to find out more about the career. Nursing requires a huge commitment; you should make sure you really want to do this before you commit to this as a goal.