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Nursing

Jefferson College offers a comprehensive Bi-level Nursing Program, which includes both Level I/PN (Practical Nurse) and Level II/RN (Registered Nurse) tracks, ensuring structured pathways for nursing students to progress in their education and licensure.
A male and female nursing students.

Program Overview

The Bi-level Nursing Program admits all beginning nursing students to Level I/PN, with students progressing to Level II/RN after graduation from Level I/PN. This structure enables students to complete their education efficiently while ensuring they meet all necessary licensure requirements.

  • Level I/PN [Certificate]
    • Current Level I/PN students meeting progression requirements (i.e. maintain a cumulative 85% average in all Level I/PN courses) are automatically admitted to the Level II/RN program.
  • Level II/RN [Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree]
    • A limited number of already practicing LPN's are admitted to the Level II/RN program on a space available basis only as Bridge students.

Having two separate nursing programs means there will be differences in program requirements for both applicants & current students.

Admission Information & Progression

The Bi-level Nursing Program admits all beginning nursing students to Level I/PN, with students progressing to Level II/RN after graduation from Level I/PN. A limited number of already practicing LPN's are admitted to Level II/RN on a space available basis only. All students progressing within the program must meet progression requirements, including licensure as an LPN by midterm of the first semester of Level II/RN. Once progression requirements are met, admission to Level II/RN is automatic; reapplication is not necessary. 

Accreditation

Jefferson College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

The Nursing Level I/PN and Level II/RN programs have Full Approval from the Missouri State Board of Nursing (MSBN).

Academic Plan

The Academic Plan is a semester-by-semester plan for the full-time student. Part-time students should work with an advisor to customize the map to fit individual needs.

Course Guides

Jefferson College Institutional Course Guides (ICGs) are found in the Simple Syllabus - Syllabus Library AND/OR within your Canvas class page via the Simple Syllabus link in the Course Navigation Menu.

View the Nursing ICGs.

Career Opportunities

Nursing offers numerous career paths, including Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Nurse Practitioner (NP), and Nurse Educator. Each path provides unique responsibilities and opportunities for specialization, making nursing a versatile field1. Nurses can work in environments like hospitals, outpatient clinics, and community health settings, where they assume various roles depending on their qualifications

​The demand for nursing professionals is expected to grow significantly in the coming years due to factors like an aging population, increased emphasis on preventive care, and the rising prevalence of chronic conditions.​ According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of registered nurses is projected to add approximately 371,500 jobs from 2018 to 2028, making it one of the fastest-growing occupations. This growth signifies robust job security and potential for career advancement in nursing.

Transfer to BSN Program:
Jefferson College has a formal articulation agreement with Central Methodist University (CMU) for a seamless transition from the associate to the baccalaureate degree level. Any Jefferson College student who has earned an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing degree is guaranteed that CMU will accept up to 40 hours for the nursing curriculum and any other general education coursework toward the degree, except for developmental courses. CMU maintains office space at the Arnold Campus. Additionally, representatives will regularly visit the Hillsboro Campus and should be contacted at the earliest possible point for advisement.

Tuition & Fees / Textbook List

Nursing Student Textbook Lists

      SUMMER 2024:       FALL 2024:
       SU24 PN Day, PN Eve - Year 1, and PN Eve - Year 2       FA24 PN Day, PN Eve - Year 1, and PN Eve - Year 2
       SU24 RN Day and RN Eve       FA24 RN Day and Eve

Nursing Program Tuition and Fees

Fall 2023 - Summer 2024

  • Jefferson College tuition and fees remain among the lowest in the State of Missouri.
  • *Tuition and Fees are subject to change without notice.* Some courses may have additional lab fees.
  • Fee descriptions: book rental, technology, activity, and lab.
  PN TUITION/FEES:          RN TUITION/FEES:
  2023-24 Level I PN Day          2023-24 Level II RN Day and Eve
  2023-24 Level I PN Eve - Year 1 & 2

Jefferson College Tiered Tuition

Fall 2024 - Summer 2025

  • Starting Fall 2024 - NEW Students
  • Jefferson College tuition and fees remain among the lowest in the State of Missouri.
  • *Rates are subject to change without notice.* 

Beginning in the fall 2024 semester, Jefferson College is implementing a tiered tuition model (click link for a detailed breakdown of the tiered tuition according to subject area). This makes calculating the cost of attendance easier due to the elimination of course fees. Common fees that will be eliminated include technology, activity, lab, online and hybrid fees.

The textbook fee will not be incorporated into the tiered tuition, because students have the choice to opt out of the Viking Ready program. Although the Viking Ready Book Bundle provides course materials at a reduced rate, students still have the option to purchase materials from other sources instead.

Nursing Application Process

  • Nursing Program applications are accepted year-round for the Level I/PN and Level II/RN Bridge programs.
  • Admission to the nursing program is highly competitive. We cannot guarantee admission to all applicants who meet minimum requirements.
  • Graduation from either the LPN or the RN program does not guarantee licensure as stated in the Missouri Revised Statutes - Section 335-066.

Questions? Please contact the Jefferson College nursing department:

Nursing Education Office Hours

  • Fall/Spring Semester: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
  • Summer Semester: Monday-Thursday 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (Closed Friday)
  • Closed: Saturday/Sunday and holidays observed by the College

Nursing Education Office

  • Administrative Specialists: Bekah Lewis and Sharon Weiss
  • Email:  nursing@jeffco.edu
  • Phone: (636) 481-3406/3429 or (636) 797-3000 or (636) 942-3000, ext. 3406/3429

To take the nursing entrance exam: TEAS (Level I-PN) or HESI Mobility (Level II-RN Bridge)

  • Website: Testing Center
  • Email (Hillsboro Campus): jchtc@jeffco.edu
  • Phone (Hillsboro): (636) 481-3147 or (636) 797-3000 or (636) 942-3000, ext. 3147
  • Email (Arnold Campus): jcatc@jeffco.edu
  • Phone (Arnold): (636) 481-3592 or (636) 797-3000 or (636) 942-3000, ext. 3592

For academic advising & transfer of college credit, contact Enrollment Services

  • Website: Advising Services
  • Advisor: Pre-Nursing (at Jefferson College)
  • Email: advisor@jeffco.edu
  • Phone: (636) 481-3211 or (636) 797-3000 or (636) 942-3000, ext. 3211
    • Transfer questions, general questions, discuss major/program pathway, future focus plan, etc.

To explore payment and financial assistance options, contact Financial Aid

  • Website: Financial Aid
  • Financial Aid Nursing Advisor: Michelle Allen
  • Email: mallen24@jeffco.edu
  • Phone: (636) 481-3236 or (636) 797-3000 or (636) 942-3000, ext. 3236

Pre-Admission FAQs

Where do I start?

Apply to Jefferson College

Level I/PN and Level II/RN Bridge Programs

Applicants are required to meet with an Advising Specialist to ensure application readiness.

  • Advising appointments are available by phone, email, and virtual (i.e. Google Meet & Zoom).
  • Transfer students, please email a copy of your unofficial transcripts for review.
  • Advisor: Advising Specialist Pre-Nursing (at Jefferson College)
  • Contact: advisor@jeffco.edu or call (636) 481-3211 or (636) 797-3000/942-3000, ext. 3211

Beginning Level I PN

  • Admission to the nursing program is highly competitive. We cannot guarantee admission to all applicants who meet minimum requirements.
  • Graduation from the Practical Nursing program does not guarantee licensure as stated in the Missouri Revised Statutes - Section 335-066.

Applications for Admission and Entrance Exam scores are due by the deadlines below:

Cohort applying for:     Application & Entrance Exam Deadline:
Fall 2025 Day (August)     Tuesday, April 01, 2025 (by 4:30 p.m.)
Spring 2026 Evening (January)     Tuesday, September 02, 2025 (by 4:30 p.m.)
Fall 2026 Day (August)     Tuesday, April 07, 2026 (by 4:30 p.m.)

Applicants will be notified of their application status by the end of the deadline month (at the latest), through their Jeffco student email.

  • Fall day program: by April 30th
  • Spring evening program: by September 30th

Level I/PN Application Process Checklist

Level I/PN Application for Admission

ATI TEAS Entrance Exam Resource Links

The ATI TEAS exam may be completed at the Jefferson College Testing Center - exams are proctored.

  • An appointment is not required; walk-ins for the TEAS exam are welcome!
  • Students can retake the ATI TEAS exam once every 60 days. During the waiting period students are strongly encouraged to remediate the areas they scored basic or developmental. A Focused Review will be available in your ATI account. Jefferson College will not accept test scores taken prior to the end of the two‐month waiting period, regardless of the score obtained.

PN Application for Admission Deadline

  • Spring 2025 (Evening program) - Cohort has been selected/filled
    • Mandatory Orientation
      • All accepted applicants are required to attend.
      • Date: Wednesday, November 6, 2024
      • Time: 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
      • Location: Career Technical Education Building (CTE)
    • Clinical Requirement Checklist - applicants may begin gathering their immunization records or receiving immunizations or having titers completed to show immunization status.
  • Fall 2025 (Day program)
    • Applications for Admission to the Fall 2025 PN Evening program are due by TUESDAY, APRIL 01, 2025 (by 4:30 p.m.).
    • Mandatory Orientation
      • All accepted applicants are required to attend.
      • Date: Summer 2025 (date to be determined)
      • Time: 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
      • Location: Career Technical Education Building (CTE)
    • Clinical Requirement Checklist - applicants may begin gathering their immunization records or receiving immunizations or having titers completed to show immunization status.

Clinical Practicum Requirements

Level I/PN evening/weekend students are required to attend the occasional weekday clinical practicum. On campus simulation clinicals in the NEST (Nursing Educational Simulation Technology) are only scheduled Monday through Friday. Level I PN Day / Level I PN Evening/Weekend

Clinical and Immunization Requirements

All clinical/immunization requirements are due by the first day of class. Students who have not completed the requirements by this time, will not be allowed in class. Any class time missed, will count as an absence and is subject to the attendance policy found in the nursing student handbook.  Clinical Requirements Checklist

Level II RN Bridge

  • Admission to the nursing program is highly competitive. We cannot guarantee admission to all applicants who meet minimum requirements.
  • A limited number of already practicing LPN's are admitted to the Level II/RN program on a space available basis only as Bridge students.
  • Graduation from the Practical Nursing program does not guarantee licensure as stated in the Missouri Revised Statutes - Section 335-066.

Applications for Admission, Entrance Exam scores, and supplemental documentation are due by the deadlines below:

Cohort applying for:     Application, Entrance Exam, & Supplemental Documentation Deadline:
Fall 2025 Day (August)     Tuesday, April 01, 2024 (by 4:30 p.m.)
Spring 2026 Evening (January)     Tuesday, September 02, 2025 (by 4:30 p.m.)
Fall 2026 Day (August)     Tuesday, April 07, 2025 (by 4:30 p.m.)

Applicants will be notified of their application status by the end of the deadline month (at the latest), through their Jeffco student email.

  • Fall day program: by April 30th
  • Spring evening program: by September 30th

Level II/RN Bridge:

Entrance Exam Links:

The HESI Mobility exam may be completed at the Jefferson College Testing Center (exams are proctored)

  • An  appointment is not required; walk-ins for the HESI Mobility exam are welcome!
  • Students can retake the HESI Mobility twice a year (no exceptions): applicants may test one-time from
    January 1 to June 30th and one-time from July 1 to December 31st.

    • HESI Remediation walk through - During the waiting period, students are strongly encouraged to study; login to your HESI account for remediation. Jefferson College will not accept test scores taken prior to the six-month waiting period, regardless of the score obtained.
  • Spring 2025 (Evening program) - Cohort has been selected/filled
    • Mandatory Orientation
      • All accepted applicants are required to attend.
      • Date: November 06, 2024
      • Time: 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
      • Location: Career Technical Education Building (CTE)
    • Clinical Requirement Checklist - applicants may begin gathering their immunization records or receiving immunizations or having titers completed to show immunization status.
    • RNR138 Intro to Bridging Course
      • RN Bridge accepted applicants are required to take and successfully complete the RNR138 (1 credit hour) course.
      • Semester: Winter Intersession 2024
      • Term-Dates: 12/16/24 - 01/07/25
      • On-Campus Class Meeting Dates/Time: Tuesday (12/17/24) and Tuesday (01/07/25) on the Hillsboro Campus from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
  • Fall 2025 (Day program)
    • Applications for Admission to the Fall 2025 PN Day program are due by TUESDAY, APRIL 01, 2025 (by 4:30 p.m.).
    • Mandatory Orientation
      • All accepted applicants are required to attend.
      • Date: TBD (to be determined)
      • Time: 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
      • Location: Career Technical Education Building (CTE)
    • Clinical Requirement Checklist - applicants may begin gathering their immunization records or receiving immunizations or having titers completed to show immunization status.
    • RNR138 Intro to Bridging Course
      • RN Bridge accepted applicants are required to take and successfully complete the RNR138 (1 credit hour) course.
      • Semester: Summer 2024
      • Term-Dates: 07/14/25 - 08/01/25
      • On-Campus Class Meeting Dates/Time: TBD (Hillsboro Campus from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.)

Clinical Practicum Requirements

Level II/RN day students are required to complete one 12-hour clinical weekly on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday.
Level II/RN Day

Level II/RN evening/weekend students are required to complete one 12-hour shift every other week on a Monday, Friday, or Saturday/Sunday. Level II/RN Evening/Weekend

Clinical and Immunization Requirements

All clinical/immunization requirements are due by the first day of class. Students who have not completed the requirements by this time, will not be allowed in class. Any class time missed, will count as an absence and is subject to the attendance policy found in the nursing student handbook.  Clinical Requirement Checklist

Jefferson College’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is now available. This report is required by federal law and contains policy statements and crime statistics for Jefferson College. The policy statements address Jefferson College’s policies, procedures, and programs concerning safety and security, for example, policies for responding to emergency situations and sexual offenses.

Additionally, this report contains information regarding campus security and personal safety, including topics such as: crime prevention, fire safety, Jefferson College Campus Police Department enforcement authority, crime reporting policies, disciplinary procedures, and other matters of importance related to security and safety on campus. Also included are crime statistics for three previous calendar years which were reported to have occurred on campus, in or on off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by the school, and on public property within or immediately adjacent to the campus.

This report is available online at: https://www.jeffco.edu/wp-content/uploads/old_files/files/PR/Web/JC_2024_asfsr.pdf
You may also request a paper copy from the Jefferson College Police Department by phone at 636-481-3500 or at Jefferson College Hillsboro-802 Mel Carnahan Drive, Apartment 214, Hillsboro, MO 63050 Jefferson College Arnold-1687 Missouri State Road, Arnold, MO 63010.