UPIKE Elliott School of Nursing announces spring admittance to ADN program

Graduating more than 800 students who have gone on to nursing careers in various settings, the University of Pikeville-Elliott School of Nursing (ESON) has been in operation since 1983. With nursing shortages at an all-time high across the nation, the ESON is working to accommodate the rising demand for skilled nurses by offering spring admittance to the two-year associate degree in nursing (ADN) program.

College of Nursing and Human Services Dean Karen Damron, Ph.D., RN, says the nursing shortage in our region is at critical levels, with many registered nurse job openings. 

“It is the motto of the University of Pikeville to ‘Look to the Mountains.’ Our community is in need, and our school of nursing strives to be the institution that can provide answers and solutions,” said Damron. “One of the first steps in this process is a twice-yearly admission, which stands to not only benefit the community, but will also benefit students seeking to begin their studies now, rather than wait until fall.”

Fully approved by the Kentucky Board of Nursing, the ADN program is competitive and based on, but not limited to, ranking according to an objective ranking scale and other qualifying factors such as semester GPA, overall GPA, pattern of coursework and professional behaviors. The program also permits licensed practical nurses to earn their ADN in two semesters or one year, once admitted to the LPN-to-RN program of study. Upon completing the ADN program, graduates are qualified to sit for the NCLEX-RN (National Licensing Exam – Registered Nurse).

“After graduation from an associate degree program and obtaining registered nurse licensure, those who wish to obtain their bachelor’s degree in nursing are eligible to enroll in our online RN-BSN program, which is also accepting spring admission applications,” said Damron.

Applications for the ADN program must be submitted by November 1 to enroll in the spring 2022 semester.

In addition to completing and submitting the nursing application, applicants must take the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) Exam, which is proctored and given online. Test dates include Thursday, October 14, from 9 a.m. to noon, Friday, October 15, from 1 to 4 p.m., Saturday, October 23, from noon to 3 p.m., and Wednesday, October 27, from 3 to 6 p.m.

For more information on the admissions process or to apply, call (606) 218-5750 or visit  https://www.upike.edu/academics/elliott-school-of-nursing/eson-admissions-process/