Prepare for a career as a nurse and receive your RN license by earning your Associate in Science degree in Nursing (ASN) at Lake-Sumter State College. Students in our program have NCLEX pass rates that are among the best in Florida and across the country – our pass rates are well above state and national averages.
The ASN degree is a limited-access program, which means that acceptance into the program requires a separate application process in addition to College admission.
Program students begin the curriculum with foundational knowledge and basic skills. Further study examines health alterations of body systems in chronic, acute, and critical states. The program completes with a practicum course including an intern experience.
Students receive comprehensive learning opportunities through a combination of classroom and clinical experiences occurring at area hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and community health organizations. Program graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN to obtain licensure.
General & Bridge Track Applications Now Available
Students who have met the pre-requisite requirements for the General or Bridge Track can now apply AS Nursing program.
Applications Open: Feb 1, 2024
Degree Information
Program Costs
Estimated costs for the Nursing program are $11,000 - $14,000 including all course tuition, course/lab fees and additional equipment. Attend a Nursing Information Session for additional details.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available to all eligible students each semester from the LSSC Foundation. Visit the Foundation Scholarships page to learn more.
Students graduating from high school and enrolling at LSSC may qualify for other scholarships offered through the State of Florida. You will be notified of your eligibility after you apply to the College.
Financial Aid
There are many options to finance your education. You may be eligible for Federal Grants, Work-Study, State Grants, Federal Loans, and Institutional Scholarships. For more information and how to apply, please visit the Financial Aid page.
A student must have a high school diploma or GED to apply to Lake-Sumter State College. Students should apply to the AA Nursing Transfer plan upon initial application to LSSC.
General Application Requirements
- Completion of the online application and $30 application fee
- Submission of high school and college/university transcripts
Limited Access Program
The AS Nursing is a limited access program. After admission to the College, students will apply separately to the program. The Core Information Packet and Application Preparation Packet provide additional information and calendars specific to each program acceptance opportunity. See the Limited Access Program Application tab for more information.
To apply for the AS Nursing program, students must submit the program application form electronically during the available dates indicated in Application Preparation Packet.
Lake-Sumter State College does not currently require COVID-19 vaccinations. However, the State of Florida and national accreditation agencies require instruction and skills validation in clinical healthcare settings. The individual clinical facilities set the vaccination rules for their institutions. These clinical facilities set the compliance rules (i.e., immunizations, drug screenings, background checks, etc.) that students must meet to be eligible for instruction at these sites. If a student decides not to receive a COVID-19 vaccination or meet other eligibility requirements defined by the clinical facility, they may not be allowed to participate at those sites and may not be able to complete the requirements of the program and obtain the diploma/certification. If there are any questions about these requirements, please speak to the program manager or academic advisor.
In order to participate in the clinical portion of the program, students will be required to meet additional criteria. Healthcare professionals must keep ALL immunizations current. OSHA requires immunization against Hepatitis B for all individuals in a workplace environment where the potential exposure to blood exists. Students admitted to the program must have an immunization record on file and a current TB test before they can enter practicum.
- ANNUAL FLU SHOT: Have documentation of annual flu shot administered during the current flu season. If a student chooses not to have the flu shot, a signed declination/waiver form is required.
- HEPATITIS B: Begin the Hepatitis B series. The vaccine for Hepatitis B is highly recommended. There must be documentation of 3 vaccinations or positive antibody titer (lab report required). If a student chooses not to have the vaccine, a signed declination/waiver form is required.
- TB TEST: Complete a 1 Step TB Skin Test or Chest X-ray. There must be documentation of one of the following: a) negative 1 step test in the past 6 weeks; OR b) negative Quantiferon Gold Blood Test (lab report required) in the past 6 weeks. If either test is positive, a clear chest x-ray (with lab report) is required.
- TETANUS: Provide proof of a Tetanus booster within the past 10 years.
- VARICELLA (CHICKEN POX): Provide documentation of one of the following: a) 2 vaccinations; OR b) positive antibody titer (lab reports required).
- MEASLES, MUMPS, & RUBELLA (MMR): Provide documentation of one of the following: a) 2 vaccinations; OR b) positive antibody titers for all 3 components.
- CORONAVIRUS DISEASE SARS-CoV2 (COVID-19): Have documentation of the COVID-19 vaccine. If a student chooses not to have the vaccine, a signed declination/waiver form is required.
Program Length
Credit Hours: 72
Estimated Time to Completion: 0-3 semesters for pre-requisite courses, 3-4 semesters after program acceptance
Degree Planning
- Check your DegreeWorks to track your progress toward completing your degree and program.
Course Types Offered
General education pre-requisite courses will be offered online, hybrid, and/or on-campus. Learn more about course types offered at LSSC.
Program courses are offered in cohorts based out of the Leesburg or South Lake campus.
Additional Resources
As a limited access program, The AS Nursing program requires a separate application process once admitted to LSSC.
Information Sessions
Attend at an information is required during your application semester. This session will provide detailed information on the full application process and requirements. Click the sign up link above to sign up for an information session.
Core Applicant Information
Review the Core Information Packet for information common to all application opportunities offered by the LSSC AS Nursing Program.
Program Tracks & Preparation Packets
Bridge Track
For students with current LPN license or Paramedic certification, or will have earned by program start
General Track - Preferred Option
For students with no nursing related licensure & all required pre-requisite course work complete by end of semester concurrent with program application submission
- Application Preparation Packet – General Track Preferred (Spring)
- Application Preparation Packet – General Track Preferred (Fall)
General Track - Compressed Option
For students with no nursing related licensure & required short list of prerequisite course work complete by end of semester prior to program application submission plus remaining prerequisite course work completed concurrent with nursing courses
- Application Preparation Packet – General Track Compressed (Spring)
- Application Preparation Packet – General Track Compressed (Fall)
HESI Testing
HESI Testing is offered at the LSSC Testing Center. Testing is available at the Testing Center at the Leesburg and South Lake campuses.
Supplemental Information
- Anticipated Program Costs
- Criminal Background Check Requirement
- Drug Screening Requirement
- Physical Expectations
- Selection Criteria Historical Data
Available Applications for AS Nursing
Application Withdrawal Form
Please use this link if you need to withdraw your application for any reason.
Frequently Asked Questions
Jobs/Careers
Job Outlook (Florida)
Statewide, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (FLDEO) predicts a 3.27% job growth in Registered Nurses through 2023. This includes all 67 of Florida's counties.
In Central Florida, FLDEO predicts a 20.9% growth rate in Registered Nurses through 2029. For this data, Central Florida includes Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Sumter Counties.
Salary Data (Florida)
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2021 wage data, the median salary for
Registered Nurses is $78,000 in Central Florida. Across Florida, the median salary is $75,000. For this data, Central Florida includes Lake, Orange, Osceola, and Seminole Counties.
Mission
The mission of the ASN Program at LSSC is to provide excellent student-centered, academic, and career-oriented education in nursing that is culturally sensitive, proactive, accessible, and responsive to our community's needs. The college provides self-motivated students with educational opportunities to become lifelong learners.
Florida State Board of Nursing (BON)
Program approval since 1983
www.floridasnursing.gov
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
The associate nursing program at Lake-Sumter State College located in Leesburg, Florida is accredited by the:
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000
The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the associate nursing program is Continuing Accreditation View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at http://www.acenursing.com/accreditedprograms/programsearch.htm.
College Accreditation
Lake-Sumter State College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate and baccalaureate degrees. Learn more on our Accreditation page.
The State of Florida requires students entering a Florida College System (FCS) or State University System (SUS) institution to demonstrate competency in civic literacy by the time they graduate, pursuant to s. 1007.25(5), Florida Statutes. Beginning with the 2021-2022 academic year, newly enrolled students must demonstrate competency through completion of a civic literacy course and by achieving a passing score on the Florida Civic Literacy Examination (FCLE).
Check your DegreeWorks or the Florida Civic Literacy Requirement page for more information.