Nursing Associate in Applied Science

The Nursing Program at LMC

Lake Michigan College's Nursing program has been accredited since 1981. The Practical Nursing (LPN) program was inaugurated in 1961 and closed in 2014. The associate degree Registered Nurse (RN) program began in 1969.

The Nursing program is designed to prepare the student for employment in the field of nursing; positions are located within hospitals, medical clinics, private practices, and other medical institutions.

Upon successful completion of the four-semester Nursing program at Lake Michigan College, you will receive the Associate in Applied Science (AAS) Nursing-RN degree. Graduates will be eligible to take the NCLEX exam in the State of Michigan. Satisfactory completion of the NCLEX exam allows a nurse to use the professional credentials RN (Registered Nurse).

The College has not made a determination as to whether the LMC Nursing program’s curriculum meets a state's educational requirements for licensure or certification outside the State of Michigan. Graduates who want to practice in other states should review those requirements via the National Council of State Boards of Nursing website at https://www.ncsbn.org/14730.htm. Visit the State of Michigan Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) Bureau of Professional Licensing site for detailed RN licensure and pre-application requirements.

As a Registered Nurse (RN), you will provide primary care to clients of all ages in a variety of healthcare settings including hospitals, clinics, offices, nursing homes, home healthcare settings, schools, research facilities, or community agencies.

You will be responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating a plan of care for clients and assisting them in achieving their health goals through effective communication, decision-making, problem-solving, management, and technical skills. When providing direct patient care, you will observe, assess, and record symptoms, reactions, and progress; assist physicians during treatments and examinations; administer medications; and assist in health promotion, convalescence, and rehabilitation. 

Program Mission

The mission and core values of the Nursing Program at Lake Michigan College build on the College’s mission statement by empowering students to serve their community’s healthcare needs as entry level nurses.

Program Philosophy
The Nursing program of Lake Michigan College supports the College’s guiding principles in the core Nursing values which guide the program outcomes:

• Patient Centered Care
• Professionalism
• Evidence-Based Practice
• Information Management: Informatics
• Professional Collaboration
• Quality Improvement and Safety
• Professional/Leadership Development

Program Conceptual Framework

The Nursing faculty at Lake Michigan College adopted an organizing framework for the program that reflects the core values of the National League for Nursing (NLN 2023), which include Caring, Integrity, Diversity & Inclusion, and Excellence.  This framework gives structure to curriculum and serves as a means of implementing the outcomes of the program through knowledge, skills, and attitudes.

The organizing framework is based on the philosophical beliefs of the faculty regarding the program outcomes: Patient Centered Care, Professionalism, Evidence-Based Practice, Information Management: Informatics, Professional Collaboration, Quality Improvement and Safety, and Professional/Leadership Development. The framework also embraces the four NLN Competencies for Graduates of Nursing Programs (2023):  Human Flourishing, Nursing Judgment, Professional Identity, and Spirit of Inquiry.

Program Accreditation

The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) Nursing program at the Lake Michigan College Benton Harbor Campus is located in Benton Harbor, MI and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Rd NE, Suite 1400  
Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000
www.acenursing.org

Email

The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Associate in Applied Science (AAS) - Nursing program is Continuing Accreditation. View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program.
The Nursing Program at Lake Michigan College has been accredited since 1981.

College Accreditation

Lake Michigan College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. More information on College and Program Accreditation is available on the LMC website at www.lakemichigancollege.edu/accreditation.

The Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois 60604-1411
(800) 621-7440 phone
www.hlcommission.org/

Articulation 

The Lake Michigan College Nursing program has partnerships with several four-year institutions that will allow graduates to complete the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree in two years or less following graduation from LMC.

Eligibility for RN Licensure

This program will prepare you to take the NCLEX exam and obtain licensure in the State of Michigan. Graduates who want to practice in other states should review the RN licensure requirements on individual state websites. Visit the State of Michigan Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) Bureau of Professional Licensing site for detailed RN licensure and pre-application requirements.

If you have any concerns regarding your licensure eligibility under the Michigan Public Health Code or RN applicant criteria, please visit the State of Michigan Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) Bureau of Professional Licensing for additional State licensure and pre-application requirements.

The Michigan Board of Nursing requires a criminal background check prior to licensure and for students who access a clinical setting as part of program requirement. Nursing program acceptance is based on the Michigan Board of Nursing Public Health Code requirements for criminal background checks. Additionally, states can deny a license to an applicant for any future infractions. The State Board has identified mandatory criminal record exclusions. If you have been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor, you may be ineligible to access the clinical setting necessary for program completion and unable to sit for the NCLEX for Registered Nurse licensure. If you have questions about your situation, please call the Michigan Board of Nursing at 517-335-0918. The Michigan Public Health Code may be found on the Michigan State website here.

Entrance Requirements Checklist

See below for additional information, including credit hours, minimum entrance exam scores, and minimum grade requirements.

Application

A student will receive an email acknowledgment upon receipt of their Nursing Application. All prerequisites must be completed before an applicant can be considered for the Nursing program. All eligible applicants’ academic records are evaluated by using a numerical point system. Entry into the Nursing program is competitive and based on total points. Students who are not accepted into the Nursing program will be required to submit another Nursing Application if they want to be reconsidered for the nursing program for the next application period. 

Students should keep their contact information up to date in WaveLink, and should inform the Health Sciences Office of any changes. If the Health Science Office is unable to contact a student related to placement into the Nursing program, a student may have to forgo placement that year after reasonable attempts have been made to contact the student. 

Selection for Admission into the Nursing Program

All eligible students will be ranked via a point system and selected based upon a competitive process ranking them according to their total points awarded. Points are awarded based on grades earned in the prerequisite courses (MATH 122 or 123, BIOL 205, CHEM 104), overall LMC GPA, and successful HESI A2 completion. Other factors that may improve a students’ ranking are: 

• Only taking prerequisite courses once. Points are deducted for any additional attempts at a course.
• Proof of direct patient care work experience, credential in a healthcare field, or completion of the Professional Health Careers Academy (PHCA) in high school
• Previously earned Bachelor’s Degree or higher

NOTE: BIOL 206, HEAL 121, and ENGL 101 courses MUST be completed prior to entering the Nursing program. They may be taken during the semester prior to program entry, but they cannot be taken concurrently with nursing courses. For minimum grade requirements, see pg. 4 of this brochure. If a student does not successfully complete these courses prior to program start, they will be unable to continue into the program, even if admitted. 

All Nursing applicants must also complete the HESI A2 exam with a score of 75 or higher. Applicants that are non-native English speakers must also submit TOEFL iBT exam scores. An overall TOEFL score of 84, and a speaking sub-score of 26 or higher. TOEFL scores are based on NCSBN recommendations to ensure student success. It is required to take the TOEFL prior to taking the HESI A2. 

Please see the Nursing program application for full details on admission requirements. More detail about prerequisite testing can be found in the HESI A2/TOEFL iBT packet.

Lake Michigan College is an equal opportunity institution, affording enrollment, employment, and services without distinction based on age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetics, national origin, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by federal state, or local laws. View LMC’s complete Non-Discrimination Policy by visiting our website.

Advanced Standing Pathways – LPN and Transfer

Below, find the basics about Advanced Standing for LPN to RN and Transfer students. More detail about these pathways and the Advanced Standing Application may be found through the Health Sciences Office. 

Advanced Standing for LPN to RN Students

Current Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) may apply for advanced standing in the Nursing Program. LPN students can receive credit for most of the first-year nursing courses based upon LPN licensure. Most LPN students are admitted into second year nursing classes. All LPN advanced standing students must meet the same admission requirements for the Nursing Program as standard-entry students (including testing, coursework, GPA, etc.), and must complete the same core curriculum for graduation. Transfer credit may be accepted to meet some admission requirements if completed at a regionally accredited institution.  

For LPN to RN advanced standing, students must:

1. Apply to Lake Michigan College
2. Submit official transcripts to the LMC Records Office for evaluation of transfer credit
3. Complete an Application for LPN to RN Advanced Standing and submit to the Health Sciences Office
4. Submit employer verification of work history as an LPN, copy of LPN license
5. Complete the TOEFL iBT* and Complete the HESI A2 with a score of 75 or higher within two attempts
6. Complete NURS 136 - Pharmacology II if prior Pharmacology coursework is over three years old
7. Complete background check, drug screen, CPR, TB test, immunizations, physical, and flu shot

*The TOEFL iBT Exam is required for all non-native English speaking applicants. It must be completed before the HESI A2. For score requirements and more details, see the HESI A2/TOEFL iBT exam packet.

Cost Estimates

Tuition and Fees

LMC tuition rates can be found on the Financial Aid Tuition & Fees webpages. Use the contact hours in the charts above to reference the Tuition and Fee Totals by Contact Hour chart on the Financial Aid page.

All students who take Nursing (NURS) program classes will be charged the Nursing Student Fee. The current fee is $810 per semester of the program. The fee includes in-program HESI testing, Evolve 360 access, NCLEX exam preparation, remediation, required e-textbooks, Sherpath access codes, and lab packs obtained through the LMC Barnes & Noble Bookstore. This fee is non-refundable and subject to change.

Drug Screen and Background Check

Approximately $101. Includes cost of background check, drug screen, and clinical compliance portal. Students will complete these items after program admission through their clinical compliance portal using Complio by American DataBank. Students will be given more information on how to complete these items in their acceptance letter, including due dates, step-by-step instructions, and more.

Health Insurance

All Nursing students are required to have personal health insurance. Students must sign a risk and liability waiver upon program admission.

Nursing Books/Lab Packs

Digital e-textbooks are included in the Nursing Student Fee paid each semester. Students may choose to purchase or rent physical text book copies per their preference. Lab packs, which include materials and supplies used for pre-clinical skill practice and check-offs, are included in the Nursing Student Fee.

Uniforms

Approximately $150- $250. The required program uniform is specific to Lake Michigan College’s Nursing program. Students will wear a white scrub top and black pants. Shoes must be white and leather or leather-like (no mesh or backless clogs). Costs detailed above include: white shoes & socks, stethoscope, watch with a second hand, bandage scissors, warm-up jacket, and LMC Nursing Student ID badge. Details regarding purchases will be shared with students upon admission.

Additional Expenses

Transportation to and from clinical facilities (carpooling is not always possible so plan accordingly), both for clinical appointments and pre-clinical; graduation nursing program pin (optional)—$40-$200; NCLEX exam fees and licensure – approximately $350.

Please note that, except for tuition, the above costs are only those related to the Nursing program. There are also books and supplies to purchase for general education courses. Students will have additional expenses, such as NCLEX review courses prior to taking the NCLEX exams. Travel costs are not included. Tuition, fees, and other expenses subject to change without notice.

Criminal Background Requirements

The College’s clinical affiliates require a background check and drug screen for all Health Science students; therefore, a criminal background check and drug screen are required at the time of program admission. Students who do not meet these requirements may be ineligible for clinical placement necessary for program completion and unable to sit for the Michigan NCLEX licensure examination.  

Student Handbook and Schedules

The Nursing program is highly technical and deals with patient safety in the healthcare setting. For this reason, Nursing students are subject to many rules not required of other LMC students. Policies and procedures may be found in the Nursing student handbook. You can contact the Health Sciences Office for a copy.

The Nursing program schedule may not always follow the LMC Academic Calendar or holiday schedule. You could be assigned to clinical shifts in the morning, afternoon, or evening on any day of the week. You will typically be notified of your schedule prior to the semester beginning. Schedules, requirements, and the handbook are subject to change.

Technical Standards and Functions for Program Admission

Nursing students are subject to many rules not required of other College students. The Program Technical Standards and Functions for Admission are listed below. Students must meet these standards in order to safely and competently care for patients and vulnerable populations. 

This document is also in the Health Certification Form that must be signed by a physician as part of the program Physical Exam (see below.), in the Nursing Program Application, and in the Nursing Student Handbook. Your physician should review the Health Certification Form in full, including the Technical Standards, before signing the form. Students who do not satisfactorily meet these requirements and/or do not meet or follow rules and requirements set forth by Program faculty, clinical sites, and/or the Nursing Student Handbook may be required to exit the Nursing program. Students who have any concerns or questions regarding the Technical Standards and Functions may contact Health Sciences via e-mail. 

The Health Science department faculty has specified the following non-academic criteria which applicants generally are expected to meet in order to participate in the Health Sciences programs and professional practice. These technical standards are necessary and essential and have been developed to provide for the health and safety of the patients receiving care from the health sciences department students.

OBSERVATION

The applicant must be able to participate in all demonstrations, laboratory exercises, and clinical practicum and to assess and comprehend the condition of all patients assigned for examination, and treatment.

COMMUNICATION

The applicant must be able to communicate with patients and members of the health care team with accuracy, clarity, and efficiency within rapidly changing health care settings.  The applicant must also be able to give and / or receive verbal directions about or to a patient or members of the health care team within rapidly changing health care settings.  The applicant must be able to gather data from written documents, oral presentations, and observation of patients within a variety of settings

PSYCHOMOTOR

The applicant must have motor functions sufficient to provide safe nursing care activities, grasp large or small objects, and manipulate a variety of objects. The applicant must have sufficient hearing ability to identify and differentiate a variety of sounds (i.e.; lung sounds, heart sounds, and monitor alarms). The applicant must have sufficient visual ability to identify measurements on syringes and to detect changes in a patient’s skin or health status

INTELLECTUAL/ CONCEPTUAL, INTEGRATIVE, AND QUANTITATIVE ABILITIES

The applicant must be able to measure, calculate, reason analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information and observations. Problem solving, the critical skill demanded of health science practitioners, requires all of these cognitive abilities. 

BEHAVIOR AND SOCIAL ATTRIBUTES

The applicant must possess the emotional health required for full utilization of intellectual abilities to safely provide care to patients. The applicant must be free of   behaviors or evidence indicating addiction, abuse or dependence on alcohol or other drugs that have the potential to impair judgment.  Applicants must be able to tolerate physical and mental workloads, function effectively under stress, adapt to changing environments and conditions, display flexibility and function in the face of uncertainties inherent in the clinical setting and with patients. Compassion, integrity and concern for others, interest and motivation are personal qualities each applicant should possess.
 

The LMC Nursing Program is committed to providing equal access to learning opportunities to students with documented disabilities. To ensure access to this, please contact Student Well-Being & Accessibility Office as soon as you begin your program, as accommodations are not retroactive. LMC encourages students to access all resources available through Student Well-Being & Accessibility for consistent support to complete the requirements of the nursing program. More information can be found at their website at https://www.lakemichigancollege.edu/mylmc/student-well-being-accessibility or by confidential email at DSS@lakemichigancollege.edu. 

Clinical Compliance: Immunizations and Physical Exam

Clinical compliance broadly refers to all of the processes and requirements needed for clinical readiness: pre-clinical background check and drug screenings, immunizations and physical exams, CPR training, and other trainings (e.g., pre-clinical modules in Workday for Corewell Health).  The minimum requirements for clinical compliance are established by the healthcare organizations that provide student access to the clinical setting.

The College does not provide or pay for criminal background checks, drug screens, health physicals, and/or any required vaccinations. Students are responsible for obtaining and paying for all screening and healthcare related costs. Admitted students are required to maintain health insurance throughout the duration of the program.

After admission, students will be provided with instructions for accessing LMC’s compliance portal, Complio by American DataBank. Students will complete their background check and drug screen through this portal and upload copies of the following documentation:

• MMR (Measles, Mumps & Rubella)
• Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)
• Varicella (Chicken Pox)*
• Hepatitis B 
• COVID-19 vaccination
• Proof of freedom from Tuberculosis (two consecutive TB skin tests within 1 to 3 weeks, or one TB blood test)**
• Flu vaccination**

*History of disease (chickenpox as a child) is NOT valid. Students must provide proof of vaccination, or titer test results showing immunity. 
**Must be renewed annually

Immunization Exemptions

Applicants who wish to request an immunization exemption must notify the Health Sciences Office after they have been formally admitted to the program. Exemption requests will not be processed before admission. This will allow LMC to better plan for the timing of the applicant’s assigned clinical group or rotation(s). After submitting a request for an immunization exemption, admitted students will meet with the Director of Nursing and review the process for requesting an exemption or accommodation from their expected clinical location(s). Some clinical sites may have different requirements or accommodation processes.

Per the Health Sciences Immunization Request procedure: Lake Michigan College does not require immunizations or health screenings. However, some healthcare certificate or degree programs (including the Nursing program) require immunization and health screenings as a part of clinical education and presence at the onsite clinical environment. Therefore, you should be prepared to meet these requirements or seek an exemption by following the healthcare organization’s accommodation process.

The decision to grant an exemption request is made by the healthcare organization, not Lake Michigan College. If a student is unable to secure a clinical education placement because they do not meet the relevant healthcare organization’s immunization or health screening requirement, they will be unable to participate in the required clinical education component of their program and therefore unable to complete their program. Our goal is for every student to complete their clinical education. If you seek exemption of an immunization or screening requirement, we will work with you, within our capacity, and the healthcare organization to assist with the process, but ultimately Lake Michigan College does not control the outcome.

Transportation & Attendance

All Nursing students must have their own dependable transportation. Attendance rules are strict and are enforced. Children are not allowed in nursing classes, labs, clinical sites, or in the Nursing Education Center.

Requirements for CPR Certification

CPR certification (BLS Provider through American Heart Association or CPR for Professional Rescuer through Red Cross) is required for all Nursing program students, and should be obtained after admission to the Nursing program. Fully online courses, Heartsaver, and Race for Life are NOT considered valid forms of CPR certification for the Nursing program.

All admitted students must obtain or hold a current CPR certification to participate in the Nursing program. Students are strongly encouraged to complete or re-certify their CPR training during AFTER program admission, prior to starting Nursing program courses. Students should ensure that their CPR certification does not lapse during the program. Lapse in certification or failure to obtain certification will result in inability to attend clinical. 

CPR classes may be taken at Lake Michigan College. Available class days and times are located on the website.