Additional Applicant Information

Academic Forgiveness Policy

Lakeview College of Nursing understands that a student may have had difficult times in their life, resulting in sub-standard academic performance at previous institutions. Applicants can write a statement asking the Admission Committee to exclude this previous coursework from the cumulative GPA calculation. If that is the case, the prerequisite GPA on the transcript evaluation with be reviewed by the committee. Students requesting academic forgiveness will not qualify for an early admission decision.

Accreditation & Credit by Examination

All transfer coursework must be completed from a regionally accredited college or university or earned through specific examinations outlined on our General Education Examination Scoring Requirements Page.
Limitation of credits earned through the Examinations are as follows: (1) duplicated credit in the same subject is not awarded in any case (2) the total number of credits that may be awarded is limited to 48 credits.

Time Limitations & Proficiency Exams for Prerequisite Science Coursework

There is a time limitation on the prerequisite science courses needed for the nursing program. Anatomy and Physiology I & II, Chemistry I & II, and Microbiology MUST be taken no more than 5 years before starting the nursing program unless the student is currently a licensed RN.

Note: If one of the two-part courses (Anatomy & Physiology Part I, Anatomy & Physiology Part II, Chemistry I and Chemistry II) is completed within the last five years, then credits for the other part of the course will be recognized as long as it meets other transfer guidelines.

A student with prerequisite science courses that are not recognized due to time limitations must either repeat the course or pass a college proficiency test. For more information regarding the proficiency options, don't hesitate to contact the admissions office. Note: There is a cost associated with proficiency exams.

LPN Proficiency Exams - Nursing Courses

LPNs must provide a copy of their LPN State Licensure and pass a proficiency exam and skills test to be exempt for the N311: Foundations of Nursing Practice. A proficiency exam is also available for the N313: Basic Concepts of Pathophysiology. Please check the tuition and fees section for information regarding the cost of these tests.

Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI)

Lakeview College of Nursing recognizes the ease in transferability with courses holding the IAI status. LCN elective requirements are easily identified and accepted as they are categorized through the Illinois Articulation Initiative.

Students transferring from colleges and universities with the state of Illinois may check www.itransfer.org or go directly to http://itransfer.org/courses/worksheet.php for transfer equivalencies of general education requirements. Courses taken outside of Illinois or courses that are not identified as IAI should be verified for transfer by contacting a Lakeview College of Nursing admission representative.

General Education Exemption and Prerequisite Requirements for Those with a Previous Bachelor's

Students who have previously completed a bachelor's degree with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better from another accredited institution of higher education will be exempt from completion of any general education requirements.

Specific prerequisite courses must be completed with a “C” or better grade. Additional coursework may be required as some institutions may require prerequisites before enrolling in the required courses.

The following prerequisite courses are required:

• Anatomy & Physiology I or Human Anatomy (4 credits with lab)
• Anatomy & Physiology II or Human Physiology (4 credits with lab)
• Chemistry I or Inorganic Chemistry * (4 credits with lab)
• Chemistry II or Organic/Biochemistry * (4 credits with lab)
• Life Span Development or Human Growth & Dev. (3 credits)
• Medical Terminology (1 credit)
• Microbiology (4 credits with lab)
• Nutrition (3 credits)
• Statistics (3 credits) *

*Indicates courses offered at the Danville location. All coursework fulfilled at another institution must be indicated on an official transcript.

Transcripts should be mailed to the attention of:

Director of Enrollment/Registrar
Lakeview College of Nursing
903 N. Logan Ave.
Danville, IL 61832

admissions@lcn.edu

See information on Health Records and Background Checks for additional requirements.

Students planning to audit a class may register on a space-available basis before the scheduled start date of the class. Auditing is for theory coursework only, and students will still be expected to take the exams. Once the class has met, students may not change from audit to credit status or vice versa without written permission of the instructor. The fee for auditing is $50 per credit hour. If a student changes to credit status before the first class meeting, the tuition rate in effect at the time will be assessed with no late registration fee applied.

All nursing students offered admission must complete a criminal background check through CastleBranch or ViewPoint. Students will receive the appropriate information to complete this requirement once admitted. Clinical agencies may deny a student's participation in the clinical rotation because of a felony or misdemeanor conviction. As participation in clinical experiences is a required part of the curriculum and a requirement for graduation, denying participation by a clinical agency may result in delayed graduation or the inability to graduate from the nursing program.

Students who question their qualification for licensure in the State of Illinois should go to www.idfpr.com and complete and submit the Non-Binding Advisory Opinion form (currently, no fee is required). This is a pre-application process to verify licensure qualifications. If you plan to seek licensure in another state, please refer to that state's Board of Nursing to verify your qualification for licensure. https://www.ncsbn.org/nursing-regulation/licensure.page

Professionalism - is expected from all nursing students at all times while in the nursing program. Professionalism is reflected by lifelong learning, appearance, demeanor, respectful communication, punctuality in attendance and assignments, providing service to the community, and engaging in activities that promote nursing.

Punctuality - is consistently demonstrating promptness when meeting scheduled class, clinical, lab, and simulated learning experiences. It reflects initiative, enthusiasm, and active engagement in learning assignments and clinical experiences. Students are expected to attend class regularly. Specific requirements for class attendance and consequences for tardiness/absences can be found in the Student Handbook. The clinical, lab, and simulated learning experience, attendance as scheduled is required, and tardiness is unacceptable. A reasonable expectation is to arrive at the clinical site a minimum of 15 minutes before to the start of the assigned clinical time. Tardiness necessitates a plan of action initiated by the clinical instructor or preceptor that requires the student’s commitment to be punctual for subsequent scheduled activities. A pattern of tardiness may result in a failing grade for the class, lab, clinical, or simulated learning experience since a lack of personal accountability is inconsistent with professional nursing and safe patient care.

Conflict Management - Demonstrates collaborative problem-solving skills in the event or conflict relevant to the course, clinical, lab, or simulation experience occurs. Conflict management skills include:
• Engaging in timely and constructive dialogue with the immediate participants to clarify the issue.
• Consulting in a timely fashion with an advisor, clinical scholar/instructor, or preceptor.
• Accurately identifying the negotiable and non-negotiable issues.
• Determining an effective strategy to achieve mutual goals and following through respectfully with the decision.

Constructively uses opportunities throughout the course to communicate questions and concerns relevant to the course/assignment outcome competencies. Comments on the course, faculty, and preceptor evaluations are specific and include constructive feedback on effective teaching and learning strategies, as well as recommendations for improvement.

Disrespectful behaviors, including making demands, blaming others for one’s mistakes, or demeaning others, are considered unprofessional and unacceptable in a collaborative and positive learning environment. Unprofessional conduct will be referred to the Dean, who will consult with faculty, Lakeview College of Nursing administration, and representatives from the affiliating clinical agency, as appropriate, to determine subsequent action, which may include referral to the Student Affairs Committee.

Lakeview College of Nursing students are guests in affiliating clinical agencies or practice sites. A positive working relationship between the College and affiliating clinical agencies is imperative to assure quality placements in sufficient numbers for all students across clinical courses. Unprofessional communication or behavior reflects poorly on the Lakeview College of Nursing student body and jeopardizes future clinical placements. Deceleration, suspension, and withdrawal are options for students who determine that clinical placements/schedules are unacceptable to them. Students are accountable for all information sent by the Lakeview College of Nursing email and must commit to checking for updated information as frequently as needed to identify new and changing information.

Respect - Courtesy, consideration, respect, and positive regard are conditions for learning. It demonstrates attentiveness, politeness, consideration for others in all learning environments and with patients, peers, health care providers, faculty, and staff. Respect is displayed by:

• Refraining from intruding, interrupting, distracting, or otherwise limiting the opportunities for learning.
• Interacting with all others with demonstrations of respect, tolerance, and caring. Body language, nonverbal behaviors, including voice tone, and personal opinion must at all times demonstrate professionalism and collegiality.
• Demonstrating respect for diversity of race, ethnicity, religion, political opinion, sexual orientation, gender, age, socio-economic status of patients, peers, and other care providers.

A student may be removed from the class, clinical, lab, or simulated learning experiences for disrespecting the learning or working environment and interfering with the learning or work of others. The ability to return to the class, clinical, lab or simulated learning experience is dependent on a commitment to demonstrate civility.

Confidentiality – Demonstrates respect for patient confidentiality within and outside the agency. Students must maintain patient confidentiality in all communication, including use of electronic media. Extreme caution must be exhibited in relaying information about clinical experiences in any social networking media (e.g., blogs, Facebook) by never referencing clinical information that identifies people, place, or specific events. Well-intentioned reflection can jeopardize patient rights and your professional standing if perceived as violating ethical and legal parameters of confidentiality, patient privacy rights, and health privacy laws.

Technical Standards

Lakeview College of Nursing is committed to diversity and to attracting and educating students who will make the population of health care professionals representative of the national population. Our core values Adaptability, Caring, Excellence, Integrity, and Service, translate into our work with all students, including those with disabilities. Lakeview College of Nursing actively collaborates with students to develop innovative ways to ensure accessibility and creates a respectful, accountable culture through our confidential disability support. Lakeview is committed to excellence in accessibility; we encourage students with disabilities to disclose and seek accommodations.

Lakeview College of Nursing provides the following sample descriptions/examples of technical standards to inform incoming and enrolled students of the performance abilities and characteristics that are necessary to complete the requirements of the nursing curriculum and provide effective and safe health care. To matriculate (enroll) the student must meet technical standards outlined below with or without reasonable accommodations and maintain related satisfactory demonstration of these standards for progression through the program.

If you had sufficient education, would you be able to perform the following technical standards:

Acquire Information:

• Acquire information from demonstrations and experiences in nursing courses such as lecture, group and physical demonstrations.
• Review and collect information from written documents and computer systems (e.g., literature search & data retrieval).
• Identify information presented in images from paper, presentation slides, videos, and transparencies.
• Recognize and assess patient changes in mood, activity, cognition, verbal, and non-verbal communication.

Use and Interpret:

• Collect and analyze information from assessment techniques/maneuvers such as those involved in assessing respiratory and cardiac function, blood pressure, blood sugar, neurological status, etc.
• During a comprehensive examination of a client or patient, gather and explore information related to physiologic phenomena generated from diagnostic tools (i.e., sphygmomanometer, otoscope, ophthalmoscope).

Motor:

• Possess psychomotor skills necessary to provide holistic nursing care and perform or assist with procedures, treatments, and medication administration.
• Practice in a safe manner to provide care in emergent and non-emergent situations,  implement life support procedures, and perform universal precautions against contamination.

Communication:

• Communicate effectively, respectfully and sensitively with patients and families.
• Communicate effectively and respectfully with faculty, preceptors and all members of the healthcare team during practicum and other learning experiences.
• Accurately elicit information, including medical history and other information from a patient and family or other support to adequately and effectively evaluate a client or patient's condition.

Intellectual ability:

• Measure, calculate, reason, analyze, and synthesize data related to patient condition.
• According to the advanced generalist nursing role, exercise proper judgment and complete responsibilities promptly and accurately.
• Synthesize information, problem-solve and think critically to evaluate the most appropriate theory or assessment strategy.
• Ask for help when needed, and make proper judgments of when a nursing task can or cannot be carried out alone.

Behavioral:

• Maintain mature, sensitive, effective relationships with clients/patients, families, students, faculty, staff, preceptors, and other professionals under all circumstances.
• Exercise skills of diplomacy to advocate for patients in need.
• Possess emotional stability to function under stress and adapt to changing environments inherent to the classroom and practice settings with or without accommodations.

Character:

• Concern for others, integrity, accountability, interest, and motivation are necessary personal qualities.
• Demonstrate intent and desire to follow the ANA Standards of Care and Nursing Code of Ethics.

Lakeview College of Nursing endeavors to ensure that students have access to its facilities, programs, and services are available to students with disabilities. The College provides reasonable accommodations to students on a nondiscriminatory basis consistent with legal requirements as outlined in the Americans with Disabiliteis Act (ADA) of 1990, the American with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008, and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

A reasonable accommodation is a modification or adjustment to an instructional activity, facility, program, or service that enables a qualified student with a disability to have an equal opportunity to participate in all student activities. To be eligible for accommodations, a student must have a documented disability defined by the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The ADA, the ADAAA, and Section 504 all define disability as (a) a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities of such individual; (b) a record of such impairment; or (c) being regarded as having such a condition.

The College uses a case-by-case, interactive decision-making process to determine reasonable accommodations taking into consideration each student's disability-related needs, disability documentation, and program requirements. While Lakeview College of Nursing will make every effort to work with students with disabilities to accommodate their disability-related needs, Lakeview College is not required to provide accommodations that fundamentally alter or waive essential program requirements.

After reviewing the technical standards, students who determine that they require accommodations to engage in the program should contact the Disability Services to discuss their accommodation needs, confidentially. Given the clinical nature of our programs, additional time may be needed to implement accommodations. Accommodations are never retroactive; therefore, timely requests are essential and encouraged.

Health records are mandatory for all degree-seeking students. All documents must be uploaded into the appropriate system by the due date. Students starting the program prior to May 2023 will upload documents into CastleBranch. A student starting the program after May 2023 will upload their documents into Viewpoint. If you have any questions or problems, please contact CastleBranch or ViewPoint directly.

Requirements:

• Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) –The student must have their blood drawn to check their immunity status. This must be completed regardless of how many vaccines the student has received in the past. This blood draw is called a titer. The student should upload this titer. The student will receive guidance based on the results of the titer.
  Positive Titer: Student is immune—no further action required.
  Negative Titer: Student is not immune. The student must repeat a series of 2 vaccines. The first vaccine should be administered now. The second vaccine will be administered 30 days after the first vaccine. The student will have another titer drawn 30 days after the second vaccine. Upload documentation for each step as it is completed.
• Varicella – The student must have blood drawn to check their immunity status. This must be completed regardless of how many vaccines the student has received in the past. This blood draw is called a titer. The student should upload this titer. The student will receive guidance based on the results of the titer.
  Positive Titer: Student is immune—no further action required.
  Negative Titer: Student is not immune. The student must repeat a series of 2 vaccines. The first vaccine should be administered now. The second vaccine will be administered 30 days after the first vaccine. The student will have another titer drawn 30 days after the second vaccine. Upload documentation for each step as it is completed.
• Hepatitis B -- The student should upload documentation of any previously received Hepatitis B vaccinations. A total of 3 Hepatitis B vaccinations must be documented before a titer is drawn. The typical timing for this series of vaccines is as follows:
  o Vaccine 1- As soon as possible
  o Vaccine 2- 30 days after vaccine 1
  o Vaccine 4 – 5 months after vaccine 2
  The student must have their blood drawn to check their immunity status 30 days after receiving the third vaccine. This blood draw is called a titer. The student will be directed based on the results of that titer.
  Positive Titer: Student is immune—no further action required.
  Negative Titer: The student is not immune. The student must repeat the series of 3 vaccines. The first vaccine should be administered now. The second vaccine will be administered 30 days after the first vaccine. The third vaccine will be administered 5 months after the second vaccine. The student will have a titer drawn 30 days after the third immunization.
• Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) - The student must complete one of the following requirements annually:
  1. The two-step TB test upon admission to the college. A single-step technique can be used for annual renewals if the current test has not expired. Otherwise, a two-step must be completed again.
  2. The Quantiferon Gold Blood test upon admission to the college. This method will be required if a student has had a BCG vaccine or a past positive result.
  3. A student with a history of positive results must submit documentation of a negative chest x-ray upon admission and yearly. The student will be required to do a yearly TB questionnaire during enrollment
• Tetanus Booster (Tdap) – Booster must be within the last 10 years of the administering date (Tetanus Toxoid (TT) not acceptable).
• Seasonal Flu Vaccination - Required annually during flu season. Due October 15.
• Meningococcal Vaccine - Proof of immunization
• COVID-19 Vaccine - must be fully vaccinated the show proof of one of the following:

~two-dose Pfiszer Vaccine
~two-dose Moderna Vaccine
~one-dose Johnson & Johnson Vaccine
(Medical or Religious Exemptions or Pregnancy Deferral is available.)

• CPR Certification – Must be renewed every 2 years.
  Only two courses are accepted:
  The American Heart Association-BLS Healthcare Provider –OR–
  The American Red Cross-CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and Health Care Providers
• Physical Examination - Must be within the last year. Must utilize Lakeview College of Nursing's Technical Standards / Health Evaluation form.
• 10 Panel Urine Drug Screen - Must be completed through the CastleBranch or ViewPoint. (Please review the drug policy)

Highly recommended vaccination:

• Hepatitis A
• Covid Booster(s)

Additional information regarding the health requirements are provided in the enrollment packet.

Lakeview College of Nursing does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity, veteran status, ancestry, or disability in its nursing program or activities, including but not limited to recruiting, admissions, academics, disciplinary processes, and co-curricular activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding discrimination policies:

ADA and Title IX Coordinator (Student Disability Accommodations Coordinator):

studentsfirst@lcn.edu

Complaints and discrimination may be filed through the College's Grievance Policy or filed with the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights by calling 1-800-421-3481 or visiting http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/howto.html

1. Registered nurses must be licensed by the state(s) in which they plan to work.  Persons making application for licensure are screened for criminal records and/or convicted felonies.  If you have a criminal record, you should consider seeking individual legal counsel as to the possibility of being ineligible for licensure and/or clinical experiences prior to applying for admission to the program.  Background check information may be shared with the College’s clinical sites.
2. Admission to the BSN Program involves a significant time commitment.  Students should expect to spend 20-30 hours per week on course related work on campus and in clinical placements.  Students are required to be at clinical sites at 6:30 am for some clinical sites and on occasion may also be assigned afternoon, evening and Saturday clinicals.  Transportation to clinical sites is the responsibility of the student.
3. Registered nurses are exposed to a variety of substances within the work environment and other work sites such as occasional fluctuations in temperature, latex products and electro-magnetic radiation.  Exposure to electrical hazards, loud or unpleasant noises and occasional high humidity or wetness are the norm.
4. It is highly advisable that all prospective students participate in an RN clinical job shadowing experience prior to applying.   
5. Lakeview College of Nursing refrains from providing any commission, bonus, or other incentive payment based directly or indirectly on securing enrollments or federal financial aid (including tuition assistance funds) to any persons or entities engaged in any student recruiting, admission activities, or making decisions regarding the award of student financial assistance.  Furthermore, high-pressure recruitment tactics such as making multiple unsolicited contacts by phone, email, or in-person and engaging in same-day recruitment and registration for the purpose of securing enrollments is banned.  

In consideration of the above items, along with the non-discrimination policy and the core performance standards, Lakeview College of Nursing may review individual cases and provide feedback as to medical and/or legal suitability.   The College recommends that applicants seek professional legal advice regarding the previously mentioned items.

Student orientation is mandatory for all new degree-seeking students. Orientation may occur the week prior to the start of a semester. Failure to attend will prevent a student from starting any clinical course.

A student who has been academically dismissed or who has withdrawn from the nursing program may apply for readmission. The readmission policy is as follows:

1. A student who has been academically dismissed must sit out for one semester (summer included).
2. A student is only eligible for readmission if the student is able to complete the program requirements within the required six years.
3. A student’s application for readmission may be reviewed by the Admission Committee no more than two (2) times. If readmission is not granted after the second application, the student becomes ineligible for readmission.
4. The students should review the technical standards and the ability to meet the technical standards with or without accommodations.
5. A student may only be readmitted once (1) into Lakeview College of Nursing.
6. A student repeating a clinical nursing course must repeat the course's theory and clinical components.
7. A student readmitted into Lakeview College of Nursing is required to meet the readmission course progression requirements. Any LCN courses repeated due to a previous failure or withdrawal must be passed with a 77% or higher, except N311: Foundations of Professional Practice which must be passed with at least 85%  to remain in the program. A student cannot withdraw or fail any course in which he/she has been previously enrolled.
8. A readmitted student can withdraw from one class that has not previously been taken. The remainder of the coursework must be passed with a 77% or higher with the except N311 Foundations of Professional Practice, which must be passed with at least an 85% and follow the guidelines included within the Student Academic Progression (SAP) policy.
9. Must meet graduation requirements at the time of graduation.

Note: Military students who have had to withdraw from a course(s) due to military obligations are exempt from the Readmission Policy.

Readmission Criteria

In order to be considered for readmission, a student must meet the following readmission criteria:

1. Minimum cumulative LCN GPA of a 2.00 on a 4.0 scale (students that did not progress past the first semester are excluded from this criteria).
2. Must be able to meet  the standards as outlined in the Student Academic Progression Policy in order to maintain enrollment and graduate and meet all graduation eligibility.
3. Documentation of remediation strategies to ensure success upon return.
4. Must apply for readmission within two calendar years of leaving the College.
    

Steps for Readmission

A student seeking readmission who has been academically dismissed or withdrawn from the Nursing Program must submit the required documents to the Director of Enrollment.

The following items will be required when applying for readmission:

1. A completed readmission application form.

2. A letter addressed to the Admissions Committee requesting readmission with the following points:

   1. Description of the reason(s) for being dismissed or withdrawn from the program;

   2. Identify the personal behaviors and external factors that contributed to the dismissal or withdrawal;

   3. A reflection on the academic improvement plans that were received while in the program;

   4. Steps the student took during the period of absence to prepare themselves to return to the program. The student should describe participation in activities that would improve the probability of their success in the program, such as:

      • Working in a healthcare setting
      • Taking courses that could improve weak areas
      • Resolving personal crises that contributed to performance
      • Development of a detailed action plan

   5. A detailed plan for the implementation of changes that will promote success.

3. Release of "I understand that this form and the information contained within it, once submitted to Lakeview College of Nursing, is considered confidential, and I waive my right to review it" form.

4. Payment of a $100 non-refundable readmission fee. This fee is subject to change.

5. Successful completion of progressive re-admittance testing. The required re-admittance tests include the following:

   1. Dosage calculation exam
   2. Concept map-care plan competency
   3. Skill competency check-off
   4. Completion of a comprehensive examination

6. Attendance at a formal interview.

The student will be emailed the date to meet with the Admission Committee. It is the student's responsibility to ensure the College has the correct contact information.

Readmission into the College will be dependent upon the availability of clinical space. If the number of applicants exceeds available space, applicants may be deferred to a subsequent semester. Readmission to the College is not guaranteed. The decision of the Readmission Committee cannot be appealed.

Approval of a readmitted student is considered an appeal approval for Federal/State student aid in regards to the student's Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) status.

Readmitted students will be required to update their criminal background check and drug screen by the due date for health records. If readmitted, requirements will be provided at the time of the committee's decision.

Students that require access to their student records (Academic Improvement Plans) to assist in the readmission process should contact the Registrar.

Transfer Credit from Lakeview College of Nursing

Transfer of credit from Lakeview College of Nursing to other institutions depends on the receiving institution's policies and procedures. Lakeview College of Nursing cannot guarantee transfer credit acceptance or transfer credit equivalency in other institutions.