CONTINUE TO WORK WHILE EARNING YOUR DEGREE. THE LPN TO ASN MAJOR COMBINES AN EXCEPTIONAL
NURSING EDUCATION WITH WORK-FRIENDLY CLASSES.
Make the Jump From LPN to RN
The Licensed Practical Nurse to Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program at Fairmont
State University equips you with the knowledge and experience needed to take the National
Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
In this 60-credit hour degree program, you’ll grow your nursing skills through coursework,
clinical applications, and clinical experiences. You’ll build on your practical nursing
foundation by expanding your knowledge of evidence-based nursing care, health promotion
across the lifespan, physical assessment, clinical judgment, role transition, and
healthcare technologies with support from experienced nurse educators and mentors.
Clinical experiences take 2-3 consecutive days per month and are completed in North
Central West Virginia, with potential preceptorship opportunities in other regions
of the state during the final semester.
Healthcare is one of West Virginia’s largest and most essential industries, creating
a continued need for skilled nurses across the state. Fairmont State’s ASN program
prepares students for meaningful careers as registered nurses while also providing
a strong foundation for future professional advancement, including BSN, MSN, and advanced
practice roles such as nurse practitioner.
With expert faculty who care about your success, and world class support staff, you
will discover why Fairmont State University is such a Great Place to Learn.
The ASN features a comprehensive curriculum grounded in nursing knowledge, clinical
judgment, and patient-centered care. Graduates are prepared for diverse healthcare
settings, including critical care, pediatrics, medical-surgical nursing, long-term
care, and community health.
Technical Microbiology (Lecture)
Students will learn about history of microbiology, microbial morphology and structure;
microbial growth and physiology; environmental effects on bacteria; inhibition and
killing of bacteria; virulence, pathogenicity, and invasiveness of microbes; modes
of disease transmission and resistance.
Health Assessment and Therapeutic Communication
Students will expand their skills for assessing patient health across their lifespans
with an emphasis on interviewing skills, health histories, and physical and psychosocial
findings.
Professional Role Transition
Students will focus on transitioning from an LPN to an RN, emphasizing current issues
in health care, nursing leadership and management, professional practice issues for
registered professional nurses, transition into the workplace, and preparing for the
NCLEX-RN licensure exam.
Programs must require at least one course to meet each outcome, with the total of
all three outcomes meeting the 24-hour HEPC guidelines.
Outcome 1: Academic Foundations
ENGL 1101 - Written English I (Credit Hours: 3-4)
ENGL 1102 - Written English II (Credit Hours: 3)
Outcome 2: Disciplinary Connections
BIOL 1180 - Human Anatomy and Physiology (lecture) (Credit Hours: 3)
BIOL 1181 - Human Anatomy and Physiology (lab) (Credit Hours: 1)
NURS 2114 - Care of Maternal and Infants (Credit Hours: 3)
NURS 2214 - Care of Children and Adolescents (Credit Hours: 3)
NURS 2208 - Nursing Care of Adults 2 (Credit Hours: 6)
NURS 2203 - Mental Health Nursing (Credit Hours: 4)
NURS 2211 - Professional Role Transition (Credit Hours: 2)
NURS 2212 - Nursing Care of Adults 3 (Credit Hours: 3)
NURS 2220 - Capstone (Credit Hours: 2)
Careers
Did you know that the healthcare sector in West Virginia is the largest employer in
the state? Nationally, nursing supports more than 4.4 million jobs. Nursing graduates
are prepared for high-demand careers that foster connection, care for others, and
wellness.
Herea are just a few of the dozens of careers you might pursue with an ASN:
Critical Care Nurse - $139,048/Year
Critical Care Nurses are registered nurses that work in the intensive-care units of
hospitals. They provide care for patients with serious, complex, and acute injuries
and illnesses requiring close monitoring and treatment of the patient. They may combine
their critical care specifications with another area of practice such as pediatrics
or geriatrics.
Pediatric Nurse - $94,598/Year
Pediatric Nurses focus on providing medical care for children and teenagers. They
are specially trained to know how illnesses and injuries impact children’s bodies.
They work with Pediatricians and Family Doctors and know how to communicate with children
of all abilities and developmental levels.
Charge Nurse - $64,875/Year
Charge Nurses are registered nurses who oversee the other nurses in their ward or
unit during their shift. They assess their group’s ability to care for patients and
make changes when needed, such as providing training or ordering supplies. They also
provide support for nurses through challenges they may face when treating patients.
Psychiatric Nurse - $101,233/Year
Psychiatric Nurses work with patients seeking treatment for mental health struggles
and issues. They provide medication for patients according to doctor’s orders and
educate patients and families on mental health issues and treatments. They may collaborate
with other health professionals and respond to emergency psychiatric situations.
Trauma Nurse - $77,646/Year
Trauma Nurses treat patients who are in need of emergency medical attention. They
triage patients to determine order of care and work with emergency physicians and
trauma surgeons to stabilize patients' vitals. They must be knowledgeable in trauma
protocols, dedicated to saving lives, and effectively communicate with other medical
staff to quickly provide emergency care.
Staff Nurse - $38,875/Year
Staff Nurses provide direct care to patients in hospitals, doctor’s offices, clinics,
and other medical facilities. They examine patients and assess their needs to inform
other medical professionals for developing treatment plans. They educate patients
and their families and must have strong organizational skills when working with multiple
patients at a time.
Maternity Nurse - $101,171/Year
Maternity Nurses care for mothers and babies before, during, and after labor and delivery.
They keep track of patient information and care received and educate parents on postpartum
and newborn care. They monitor for complications and maintain a safe and clean environment
for the mother and baby. They work with other healthcare professionals and respond
to emergencies to provide the best care possible.
OR Nurse - $121,940/Year
Operating Room (OR) Nurses work under the direction of surgeons in the operating room.
They administer medications and provide medical equipment when directed and respond
to sudden changes in patients’ health during operations. They inform patients and
families on the various details of surgical procedures, including what the procedure
does and what recovery looks like.
Salary information reflects the pay averages in West Virginia according to Indeed.
Faculty
Dr. Cecilia Cotton-Elam, EdD, MSN, RN, CNE
Professor of Nursing
Cecilia Cotton-Elam, EdD, MSN, RN, CNE, is an associate professor, department chair
of the ASN program, and co-clinical coordinator at Fairmont State University. She
across classroom, clinical, simulation, and online learning environments and has
expertise in adult health, maternal-child nursing, health assessment, and professional
role transition. Her professional interests include curriculum development, competency-based
education, accreditation, assessment, and NCLEX preparation. She serves in numerous
leadership roles within the College of Nursing and is dedicated to supporting student
success and continuous program improvement.
Katlyn Bunner, MSN, RN
Assistant Professor of Nursing
Katlyn Bunner, MSN, RN, serves as a full-time faculty member in the ASN program at
Fairmont State University. She teaches courses across the ASN tracks in adult health,
capstone, and role transition and has experience in classroom, clinical, laboratory,
and simulation settings. Her interests include curriculum development, professional
communication, student remediation, and NCLEX preparation. In addition to her faculty
role, she continues to practice as a registered nurse, allowing her to bring current
clinical experience and real-world perspectives into the classroom.
Chelsea DiFilippo, MSN, RN, CNE
Assistant Professor of Nursing
Chelsea DiFilippo, MSN, RN, CNE, is a full-time faculty member in Fairmont State University's
ASN program. She teaches in both the Weekend ASN and LPN-ASN tracks and is actively
involved in advising and mentoring students. Her professional interests include online
learning, accreditation, curriculum development, and innovative teaching practices.
She serves on numerous university and College of Nursing committees and has participated
in extensive professional development related to nursing education, student engagement,
and instructional excellence.
Megan Weese, MSN, APRN, FNP-C
Adjunct Professor of Nursing
Megan Weese, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, is a full-time faculty member in the LPN-ASN and Bachelor
of Science in Nursing programs at Fairmont State University. She brings more than
14 years of experience as a family nurse practitioner to her role as a nurse educator.
She has taught at both the undergraduate and graduate levels and has extensive experience
in primary care, evidence-based practice, clinical education, and student mentorship.
She is committed to preparing future nurses through the integration of evidence-based
practice, clinical expertise, and innovative teaching strategies.
Admission Requirements
All applicants seeking admission to the ASN Program are required to:
Have a 2.0 cumulative GPA to be considered.
Submit an application for admission to Fairmont State University.
Submit a high school transcript or GED score; college and/ or LPN transcripts to the
Office of Admissions at Fairmont State University. Evidence of all post-secondary
education attempted or completed must be submitted to the Office of Admissions.
Attain a minimum composite score of 60 on the required nursing entrance examination,
the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS).
Students admitted to the program must submit a completed health form and have a negative
criminal background check and drug screen, required immunizations, American Heart
Association CPR certification, health insurance, etc. Specific information will be
provided once admitted to the program.
Admission to the LPN to ASN program is on a competitive basis. Applications are reviewed
each term in the order received and based on the availability of the capacity in the
program.
The LPN to ASN degree can lead to dozens of meaningful, well-paying careers [bookmark
to careers sliders]. You can become a critical care nurse, a pediatric nurse, a trauma
nurse, a medical-surgical nurse, and more.
Yes, you can add a minor to your ASN.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are an estimated 189,100 registered
nurse openings per year from 2024 to 2034.
The deadline for applying to Fairmont State University is the first day of classes
in most cases.
Yes, you need to apply to the ASN program at Fairmont State. You must submit an application
for admission to Fairmont State University, designating the major as Associate of
Science in Nursing to the Office of Admissions.
You can earn your BSN after completing the ASN if you meet the RN to BSN admission
requirements:
Meet the general admission and course placement requirements of Fairmont State University.
Hold an active, unencumbered license to practice as a registered nurse as a prerequisite
for NURS 3370 and above.
Submit an application for Fairmont State admission designating the Bachelor of Science
in Nursing as the major field of study
Submit official college or diploma program transcripts.
Have and maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA and a “C” or above in all courses counted
toward the BSN.
Costs for undergraduate tuition and fees vary, depending on your state residency status
and what program you’re pursuing. For in-state nursing majors, tuition and fees are
around $4600 per semester. You may refer to the most up-to-date schedule of tuition and fees.
Assistant Professor of Nursing
