school of nursing banner

LPN to RN Program

The school of nursing offers a two-year LPN to RN program. Graduates receive an RN nursing diploma and complete four college courses through BGSU Firelands College, which assists with future advancement in nursing education. The LPN to RN student is required to take a transitional nursing course and also receives advanced standing for their LPN coursework.

Why choose FRMC School of Nursing?

  • 93.75% NCLEX-RN passage rate, compared to the 88.56% national average
  • Individualized attention from instructors
  • No waitlist for clinical placements as each nursing class has a clinical component built-in
  • Networking opportunities in our hospital-based program
  • Pathway to BSN: Complete college courses through BGSU Firelands College for a seamless transition to a BSN post-graduation
School of nursing

Curriculum

Courses in bold are Firelands Regional Medical Center School of Nursing courses. All other courses are Bowling Green State University (BGSU) Firelands courses.

First Year

  • Fall semester (August to December)
    • Nursing Access
    • Anatomy and Physiology for Allied Health AHTH 1310
    • Microbiology for Healthcare Professionals BIOL 3140 and BIOL 3150
  • Spring semester (January to May)
    • Medical-Surgical Nursing
    • General Psychology PSYC 1010

Second year

  • Summer semester (May to August)
    • Psychiatric Nursing
    • Lifespan Development Psychology PSYC 3100
  • Fall semester (August to December)
    • Maternal Child Nursing
  • Spring semester (January to May)
    • Advanced Medical Surgical Nursing

Course descriptions

Nursing Access

This transition nursing course is designed for licensed practical nurses who are studying to become registered nurses. The course is designed to enable the student to explore integrative concepts in nursing and assist the student in transition from licensed practical nurse to registered nurse. The course adheres to criteria established by the Ohio Model for Advanced Placement. Students will refine and enhance previous learning in addition to identifying goals for a successful transition into the registered nursing program using a variety of learning experiences and application of concepts. Concepts presented include role transition, therapeutic communication, nursing process, legal-ethical, teaching and learning, health assessment, fluid therapy, and clinical judgment. Practice with psychomotor skills, physical assessment, and documentation is also provided. Clinical experience is obtained in the hospital setting. The course is offered in the fall semester. This is the first nursing course in the LPN to RN program.

Prerequisite: Acceptance into the LPN to RN Program.

Course coordinators:

Brittany Lombardi, MSN, RN, CNE | lombarb@firelands.com

Dawn Wikel, MSN, RN, CNE | wikeld@firelands.com

Medical Surgical Nursing

This course focuses on the assessment and nursing care of adult clients with endocrine, gastrointestinal, hepatic, renal, neurological, sensory, musculoskeletal, cancerous, male reproductive, and respiratory disorders. The theory presented addresses patient and family educational, cultural, and spiritual needs, community resources, diet therapy, pharmacotherapy, and gerontological considerations. Students use the nursing process and clinical judgment in the care of diverse adult clients in a variety of clinical settings. The course is offered in the spring semester. This course is taken in the second year.

Prerequisite: Nursing Foundations

Course coordinators:

Rachel Haynes, MSN, RN | haynesr@firelands.com

Heather Schwerer, MSN, RN | schwerh@firelands.com

Dawn Wikel, MSN, RN, CNE | wikeld@firelands.com

Psychiatric Nursing

This course focuses on the assessment of common mental disorders, their prevention, treatment, and nursing care. The theory addresses end-of-life care, patient and family education needs, community resources, pharmacotherapy, gerontology, and consideration for cultural, ethnic, and social diversity. A variety of settings from acute in-patient to community agencies is examined. There is an emphasis on primary prevention, holistic care, health teaching, and therapeutic nursing interventions with the goal of maximizing patient self-care. Clinical experience is provided in both inpatient and outpatient settings. This course is offered in a blended format; twenty-five percent or more of course content is completed using online learning assignments or activities. The course is offered in the summer semester. This course is taken in the third year.

Prerequisite: Medical Surgical Nursing

Course coordinators:

Fran Brennan, MSN, RN | brennaf@firelands.com

Brian Seitz, MSN, RN, CNE | seitzbr@firelands.com

Chandra Barns, MSN, RN | BarnesC@Firelands.com

Maternal Child Nursing

This course focuses on the nursing care of the childbearing family and children from infancy through adolescence during health and illness in a variety of settings. The process of normal growth and development is integrated throughout the course and correlated with the nursing process. Decision-making and critical thinking skills are broadened to include cultural sensitivity, diversity, legal, moral, and ethical issues related to the care of the family. A variety of approaches, which include cultural as well as physical aspects, are emphasized to help families care for mothers, infants, and children. This course is offered in a blended format; twenty-five percent or more of course content is completed using online learning assignments or activities. Content required by students includes advanced concepts in maternal child topics. Concurrent clinical experience is provided in the hospital and community. The course is offered in the fall semester. This is a third-year course.

Prerequisite: All second-year courses.

Course coordinators:

Kelly Ammanniti, MSN, RN, CHSE | ammannk@firelands.com

Monica Dunbar, DNP, RN | dunbarm@firelands.com

Advanced Medical Surgical Nursing

This course focuses on the utilization of the nursing process in the care of cardiovascular and complex patient situations, management of groups of patients, and the conduct and responsibilities of the professional nurse. Content includes patient and family education, discharge planning, diet therapy, pharmacotherapy, case management, professional career planning, employment, and professional development. Patient advocacy and the development of a holistic, interdisciplinary approach to patient /family needs are presented. This course is offered in a blended format; twenty–five percent or more of course content is completed using online learning assignments or activities. Clinical experience is obtained in special care units, medical-surgical floors, and other hospital settings. The course is offered in the spring semester. This course is taken in the third year.

Prerequisite: Maternal Child Nursing

Course coordinator:

Amy Rockwell MSN, RN | rockwea@firelands.com

Funding options

Students may be eligible for grants, scholarships and financial aid. Learn more


Other program information

Licensure examination passage rates

The FRMCSN mean NCLEX-RN® passage rate for the last three years (2021-2023) is 86.46%. The national mean passage rate for the last three years is 83.64%.

  • Class of 2023 – 93.75% NCLEX-RN passage rate
  • Class of 2022 – 81.25% NCLEX-RN passage rate
  • Class of 2021 – 84.38% NCLEX-RN passage rate

Program completion rates

The Enrollment Retention Rate is calculated annually based on the total number of students enrolled on October 15th of any given year. The most current retention rate is 92%. The program completion rates are as follows:

  • Class of 2023 - 75%
  • Class of 2022 - 67%; Regular - 62%; LPN to RN – 100%
  • Class of 2021 - 70%; Regular - 76%; LPN to RN - 44%

Graduate program satisfaction

Class of 2023 - Regular

  • Achievement of FRMCSN End-of-Program Student Learning Outcomes = 100% adequate to excellent
  • Adequacy of nursing program curriculum = 100% adequate to excellent
  • Physical facilities = 100% adequate to excellent
  • Learning resources and technology = 99% adequate to excellent
  • Support services = 99% adequate to excellent
  • Overall satisfaction with the nursing program = 100% adequate to excellent

Class of 2023 - LPN to RN

  • Achievement of FRMCSN End-of-Program Student Learning Outcomes = 100% adequate to excellent
  • Adequacy of nursing program curriculum = 100% adequate to excellent
  • Physical facilities = 100% adequate to excellent
  • Learning resources and technology = 100% adequate to excellent
  • Support services = 100% adequate to excellent
  • Overall satisfaction with the nursing program = 100% adequate to excellent

Employer program satisfaction

Class of 2023 - Regular

  • Achievement of FRMCSN End-of-Program Student Learning Outcomes = 98% adequate to excellent
  • Clinical preparation = 80% adequate to excellent
  • Overall work performance = 90% adequate to excellent

Class of 2023 - LPN to RN

  • Achievement of FRMCSN End-of-Program Student Learning Outcomes = 100% adequate to excellent
  • Clinical preparation = 100% adequate to excellent
  • Overall work performance = 100% adequate to excellent

Job placement rates

Percentage of graduates who have secured employment in a nursing position within nine months after graduation:

  • Class of 2023 - Regular = 100%; LPN to RN = 100%
  • Class of 2022 - Regular = 96%; LPN to RN = 100%
  • Class of 2021 - Regular = 93%; LPN to RN = 100%