What is the admission process?
The Division of Nursing at Louisiana Tech University welcomes applications from individuals who are interested in becoming a registered nurse at the associate degree level. Persons who wish to enroll in the Division of Nursing should apply for admission well in advance of the expected date of registration. All applicants must offer acceptable evidence of ability and intent to meet the academic standards of the University. Applicants are required to meet special entrance criteria established by the Admissions Committee, Division of Nursing. An applicant charged with or convicted of a felony or criminal offense must petition the LSBN for permission to begin nursing courses.
Components of the admission process should be sent to the Division of Nursing. They consist of the following items:
- ACT Scores
- High School or college transcripts (Include course descriptions from university bulletin if requesting transfer credit)
- Three (3) letters of reference
- Evidence of LPN Licensure (if applicable)
- Pre-Nursing and Guidance examination (Given by appointment on Tech campus. Call (318) 257-2488)
What are the application deadlines?
Application deadline for the Spring Quarter Class (On Campus) is November 1. Application deadline for the Fall Quarter Class (On Campus) is March 3. Application deadline for the Spring Extension Class (transition from LPN to RN) is December 1.
How many students does the Division of Nursing accept per class?
The Division of Nursing accepts between 35-45 students for each on-campus class and 20 students for the extension (LPN to RN) class. The number depencds on fcaulty availability.
Can I have a job while I'm in the program?
Many students are able to work while attending nursing school provided some flexibility is available from the employer. Students involved in the Extension Program who are already employed as LPN's usually continue their jobs, as the Extension Program is designed to accommodate a full or part-time work schedule. On-campus students must consider nursing classes, the time involved for other required courses, as well as study time in investigating employment opportunities. As the curriculum progresses, the study workload increases, but many students choose to complete some of the academic courses prior to beginning the nursing courses to allow more time for work and/or family responsibilities.
What are the anticipated expenses?
As a student in nursing, you will have expenses in addition to fees, tuition, and other charges required by the University. These include cost of uniforms, lab supplies, for a total of approximately $3,000.00- $3,500.00. At the time of graduation, there will be additional expenses such as the school pin, uniform, and diploma fees. Fee for licensing are payable to the Louisiana State Board of Nursing and the National Council of State Boards.
Is financial aid available?
The Division of Financial Aid makes every effort to assist all students who need financial assistance in pursuit of their college education. The Division of Financial Aid is dedicated to the principle that any student who really wants a college education should not be denied that opportunity because that student lacks the funds necessary to meet college costs. An extensive Financial Aid program encompassing employment, loans, grants, and scholarships is available to assist students. Employment is available in a wide variety of forms to the student who is willing to work. All applicants for federal assistance must complete their file in the financial aid office at least three months prior to the beginning of the quarter for which they seek to receive financial aid. Academic scholarships are awarded on the basis of demonstrated ability. Many scholarships are also available at different times throughout the year from national, regional, and local sources. Specific qualification vary for these scholarships. Calls for specific scholarships available to students accepted into the clinical nursing courses will be posted on the Web page as well as through the nursing office.
Tell me about your student population.
The Division of Nursing student population consists of both traditional students as well as non-traditional students coming with families, prior degrees and professions. A wide variety of ages as well as academic, cultural, and employment backgrounds result in a student population diverse in areas of maturity, intellectual skills, perceptual abilities and motivation. The nursing faculty believes in the uniqueness of our students and reflects this belief in their teaching philosophy which fosters mutual student-faculty interaction.
Are there nursing organizations to join?
The Louisiana Tech Student Nurses Association (SNA) is the student nurse professional organization on campus. The Louisiana Tech chapter is a constituency of the Louisiana Association of Student Nurses (LASN) and also the National Student Nurses Association (NSNA). Membership is open to all Louisiana Tech nursing majors. The cost of membership is $45/year and is available with an optional two-year payment plan. The organization is involved in community-health projects, state and national conventions, fund-raisers, scholarship opportunities, and also provides support and guidance to nursing students. SNA affords the opportunity to be involved with legislation affecting nurses on state and national levels.
What opportunities will I have to gain clinical nursing experience?
Clinical nursing experience is provided through various general and specialty hospitals and community health centers within a 70 mile radius of the Louisiana Tech Campus. These include Lincoln General Hospital (Ruston), St. Francis Medical Center and Wellness Center (Monroe), LSUMC (Monroe), Glenwood Regional Medical Center (West Monroe), Ruston Mental Health Center (Ruston), and Shriner's Hospital for Crippled Children (Shreveport) as well as a variety of community agencies.
Our students also have available a nursing skills lab, staffed by two skills lab instructors, and a computer lab. Both of these facilities are located in G.T. Madison Hall and are designed to augment classroom instruction and provide students with the experience necessary for the development of nursing and computer literacy skills.
What employment opportunities are available in this area following graduation?
Louisiana Tech University nursing graduates continue to be highly sought after by healthcare providers in a wide variety of settings throughout North Louisiana. The Division of Nursing consistently meets the program outcome that states "Following graduation 100% of the Division of Nursing graduates desiring employment will be employed full time within two months of graduation." Our graduates find employment as nurse generalists caring for the public across the lifespan in the areas of preventive, curative, and rehabilitative nursing. Through ongoing education and experience following graduation, Louisiana Tech nursing graduates are represented in high profile positions of clinical expertise and leadership throughout the region and beyond.
What if I still want more information?
Please contact:
Louisiana Tech University
Division of Nursing
P.O. Box 3152
Ruston, LA 71272
E-mail: melanies@latech.edu
Phone:(318) 257-3101
Fax:(318) 257-4569
