Nursing
Program Overview
Jefferson College offers a comprehensive Bi-Level Nursing Program, providing structured pathways for students to advance in both their nursing education and licensure. This flexible program is designed to meet the diverse needs of aspiring nurses through multiple entry points, including:
- LPN Certificate Pathway - Ideal for the individual who is only seeking the Practical Nurse Certificate. Offered as full-time day or part-time evening/weekend options.
- Full-time RN Pathway - Ideal for the individual who is available for full-time day coursework.
- Part-time RN Pathway - A flexible evening/weekend option for working adults or those seeking a slower-paced curriculum while balancing other responsibilities.
- Early Assurance PIN Pathway - Offers high performing high school students the opportunity for early acceptance into the nursing program.
- LPN to RN Bridge Pathway - Designed for the Licensed Practical Nurse ready to advance their education and transition into the Registered Nurse role. Offered as full-time day or part-time evening/weekend options.
- BSN Pathway - For current Jefferson College nursing students seeking to continue their education and earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) through seamless transfer opportunities with partnering institutions.
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).
- Professional Licensure Disclosure
- Post Graduation Licensure
| LICENSURE RESULTS | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCLEX-PN | 97.00% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| NCLEX-RN | 94.60% | 94.60% | 96.00% | 100% | 91.43% |
Degree Information
The Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree is designed for entry-level employment through practical and theoretical courses. The career and technical education Certificate is for students whose intended job does not require the associate degree. Please see individual degree plans for specific degree/certificate requirements.
Academic Plan
The Academic Plan is a semester-by-semester recommended plan for completing nursing program pre-requisite and co-requisite courses.
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.
Career Opportunities
Explore Your Future in Nursing: A degree from our nursing program opens the door to a wide range of career paths—from Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to Registered Nurse (RN) to Advanced Practice Nurse. Whether you’re passionate about hospital care, community health, or advancing nursing education, our curriculum prepares you for success in diverse healthcare settings.
The demand for skilled nurses continues to grow. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 371,000 new RN jobs are projected between 2018 and 2028—making nursing one of the fastest-growing and most secure career fields today.
Start your journey toward a rewarding, impactful career in nursing!
LPN Certificate Pathway
Our Day LPN Certificate Pathway is a full-time, fast-paced track designed for students available during the day. Classes and clinicals are held Monday through Friday, preparing students to become entry-level practical nurses in just 3 semesters.
Our Evening/Weekend LPN Certificate Pathway is designed for students balancing work, family, or other obligations. This part-time option spreads coursework and clinicals over 6 semesters with classes held Tuesday and Thursday evenings and clinicals on Saturday and Sunday.
Key Highlights
- Application requires minimum TEAS score of 58.7%, transcripts, prerequisites, and $30 fee.
- Minimum 2.8 GPA required for eligibility
- Day Pathway begins in August
- Evening/Weekend Pathway begins in January
- View a sample schedule for both the day and evening/weekend pathways
Upcoming Deadlines
- Spring 2027 Evening/Weekend Cohort: Tuesday, September 01, 2026 (by 4:30 PM)
- Fall 2027 Day Cohort: Tuesday, April 06, 2026 (by 4:30 PM)
Application Packet
Please refer to the official Application Packet for detailed admission criteria, prerequisite course lists, checklist, and rubric.
Clinical Experiences
Nursing students must meet essential health and safety standards before attending clinical experiences. A full checklist of clinical health occupation requirements can be found here.
Full-time RN Pathway
This pathway is specifically designed for individuals beginning in the Day LPN Certificate Pathway and continuing through the Full-time RN Day Pathway, with the ultimate goal of earning an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (A.A.S.) and obtaining RN licensure. It is ideal for students who can commit to a full-time schedule during daytime hours. Participants in the Full-Time RN Day Pathway will engage in a combination of classroom instruction, laboratory practice, and clinical rotations at affiliated healthcare facilities. By following this intensive, daytime-based track, students are positioned to complete their nursing education in five semesters, preparing them for RN licensure and entry into the workforce as competent and confident nursing professionals.
Key Highlights
- Application requires minimum TEAS score of 58.7%, transcripts, prerequisites, and $30 fee.
- Minimum 2.8 GPA required for eligibility
- Day Pathway begins in August
- Full-time, daytime program (M–F schedule); view a sample schedule for this pathway
Upcoming Deadline
- Fall 2027 Day Cohort: Tuesday, April 06, 2026 (by 4:30 PM)
Application Packet
Please refer to the official Application Packet for detailed admission criteria, prerequisite course lists, checklist, and rubric.
Clinical Experiences
Nursing students must meet essential health and safety standards before attending clinical experiences. A full checklist of clinical health occupation requirements can be found here.
Part-time RN Pathway
This pathway is specifically designed for individuals beginning in the Evening/Weekend LPN Certificate Pathway and continuing through the Part-time RN Evening/Weekend Pathway, with the ultimate goal of earning an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (A.A.S.) and obtaining RN licensure. The Part-time RN Evening/Weekend Pathway offers a flexible and accessible option for individuals who are balancing work, family, or other personal commitments. This pathway is ideal for those who require a slower-paced curriculum that accommodates a busy lifestyle, without compromising the quality or depth of the nursing education provided. Graduates of the Part-time RN Evening/Weekend Pathway will be fully prepared to enter the nursing profession in nine semesters with the knowledge, clinical skills, and confidence required to succeed.
Key Highlights
- Application requires minimum TEAS score of 58.7%, transcripts, prerequisites, and $30 fee.
- Minimum 2.8 GPA required for eligibility
- Part-time pathway begins in January
- Part-time, slower paced curriculum; view a sample schedule for this pathway
Upcoming Deadline
- Spring 2027 Evening/Weekend Cohort: Tuesday, September 01, 2026 (by 4:30 PM)
Application Packet
Please refer to the official Application Packet for detailed admission criteria, prerequisite course lists, checklist, and rubric.
Clinical Experiences
Nursing students must meet essential health and safety standards before attending clinical experiences. A full checklist of clinical health occupation requirements can be found here.
Early Assurance PIN Pathway
This pathway is specifically designed for high performing, high school students who are focused on becoming the next generation of nursing professionals. Our unique pathway allows high school students the opportunity to begin working towards program admission as early as their freshman year in high school and securing a spot in the nursing program prior to their high school graduation.
A key feature of this pathway is our “Earn as You Learn” partnership with Mercy Hospital Jefferson, where students receive a wage for while completing specific clinical rotations. This collaborative effort allows students to gain real-world nursing skills, build professional connections, and earn income while progressing through the nursing program.
Key Highlights
- Application requires minimum TEAS score of 58.7% OR minimum ACT composite score of 22, submission of Admission Essay, proof of healthcare experience, transcripts, prerequisites, and $30 fee.
- Minimum 3.2 GPA required for eligibility
- Full-time, daytime program (M–F schedule) begins in August
Upcoming Deadline
- Fall 2027 Day Cohort: Thursday, February 25, 2027 (by 4:30 PM)
Application Packet
Please reach out to the Assistant Director of Nursing for the Application Packet which contains detailed admission criteria, prerequisite course lists, application checklist, and sample schedule.
Clinical Experiences
Nursing students must meet essential health and safety standards before attending clinical experiences. A full checklist of clinical health occupation requirements can be found here.
Questions?
Contact the Assistant Director of Nursing at (636) 481-3404 or jschnei3@jeffco.edu.
LPN to RN Bridge Pathway
The LPN to RN Bridge Pathway is specifically designed for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) who are ready to take the next step in their nursing careers by becoming Registered Nurses (RNs). This pathway recognizes the experience and foundational knowledge that LPNs bring to the profession and builds upon that expertise through a focused, streamlined curriculum.
Ideal for motivated professionals seeking career advancement, the bridge program offers an efficient route to RN licensure while maintaining high academic and clinical standards. Graduates of the LPN to RN Bridge Pathway are well-prepared to assume the expanded responsibilities of the RN role and to continue their professional growth in a variety of healthcare environments.
Key Highlights
- Application requires minimum HESI Mobility score of 850, transcripts, prerequisites, and $30 fee.
- Minimum 2.8 GPA required for eligibility
- Offered in both full time and part time options
- Full time day program completed in two semesters
- Part time evening program completed in three semesters
- View a sample schedule for both the full-time day and part-time evening/weekend pathways
Upcoming Deadlines
- Spring 2027 Evening/Weekend Cohort: Tuesday, September 01, 2026 (by 4:30 PM)
- Fall 2027 Day Cohort: Tuesday, April 06, 2026 (by 4:30 PM)
Application Packet
Please refer to the official Application Packet for detailed admission criteria, prerequisite course lists, checklist, and rubric.
Clinical Experiences
Nursing students must meet essential health and safety standards before attending clinical experiences. A full checklist of clinical health occupation requirements can be found here.
BSN Pathway
The BSN Pathway is designed for current Jefferson College nursing students who wish to continue their education by earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). This pathway offers seamless transfer opportunities through partnerships with accredited institutions, allowing students to build on their Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (A.A.S.) and advance their nursing education. Ideal for those seeking expanded career opportunities, leadership roles, or future graduate study, the BSN Pathway supports a smooth transition into a higher level of nursing practice while maintaining the strong academic foundation developed at Jefferson College.
Our program currently has partnerships with Central Methodist University, Grand Canyon University, and Webster University for concurrent, hybrid, and online BSN options. The benefits of utilizing these institutions allows for current Jefferson College Nursing students to seamlessly transfer program credits and may include discounted tuition and concurrent enrollment opportunities.
Interest Form
Interested in the Jefferson College Nursing Program, but not sure which pathway is right for you? Fill out this interest form to request more information and take the next step toward your nursing career!
Contact Us
- Email: nursing@jeffco.edu
- Phone: (636) 481-3406/3429
- Location: Career Technical Education (CTE) building, Room 101
- Office Hours
- Spring & Fall semesters: MWF 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; T/TH 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
- Summer semester: MW 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; T/TH 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.; Friday (Closed)
Nursing Student Resources
| Nursing Student Handbook | Program Entry |
|---|---|
| 2026-27 Bi-level Nursing Student Handbook | FA26 PN & RN Day / SP27 PN & RN Evening |
| 2025-26 Bi-level Nursing Student Handbook | FA25 PN & RN Day / SP26 PN & RN Evening |
| 2024-25 Bi-level Student Nursing Handbook | FA24 PN & RN Day / SP25 PN & RN Evening |
| 2023-24 Bi-level Nursing Student Handbook | FA23 PN & RN Day / SP24 PN & RN Evening |
| Nursing Student Textbooks | |
|---|---|
| Summer 2026: | Fall 2026: |
| PN Textbook List | PN Textbook List |
| RN Textbook List | RN Textbook List |
Jefferson College’s Annual Security & Fire Safety Report is available online. The report contains campus crime statistics as well as information regarding campus safety and security for the Jefferson College Hillsboro campus and Arnold location, including topics such as: campus law enforcement authority; crime reporting policies; campus alerts (timely warnings and emergency notifications); programs to prevent dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking; the procedures the College will follow when one of these crimes is reported; crime statistics for the three most recent calendar years, and other matters of importance related to campus safety. The report also contains fire safety policies and procedures as well as fire statistics for any fires occurring in an On-Campus Student Housing Facility on the Hillsboro campus. A paper copy of the report will be provided upon request. To request a paper copy, visit the Jefferson College Police Department Office (Hillsboro Campus) at 800 Mel Carnahan Drive, Hillsboro, MO 63050, call (636) 481-3500 or email dparchim@jeffco.edu.
Jefferson College fully supports and complies with the Stop Campus Hazing Act (Public Law No. 118-1730) and Missouri Revised Statute §578.365, which promote transparency, accountability, and the implementation of awareness and prevention education programs for students and employees to prevent hazing at institutions of higher education. In accordance with federal law, Jefferson College publishes a biannual Hazing Transparency Report detailing any reported hazing incidents and their outcomes. This report can be found on the student conduct webpage.
Jefferson College does not condone hazing in any manner. All members of the Jefferson College community are encouraged to report hazing incidents. Reports can be made to the Jefferson College Police Department (JCPD), to a designated Campus Security Authority (CSA), or through the online Maxient Reporting Portal found on the Jefferson College website. Reports may be submitted anonymously or confidentially; however, College officials will evaluate any potential threats to campus safety before determining whether to withhold specific details.
