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LPN to RN Transition Pathway

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The LPN to RN Transition Pathway provides Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) holding a current, unrestricted Virginia or multi-state license an accelerated route to earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree in Nursing. Recognizing your clinical experience, MGCC grants 12 credits for prior learning and LPN licensure, allowing eligible students to complete their RN education in just three nursing semesters and prepare for the NCLEX-RN examination.

Program at a Glance

Program Aspect Details
Award Earned Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Nursing (Plan Code 156)
Total Degree Credits 67 Credit Hours (12 Credits awarded for prior LPN learning)
Program Length Prerequisites + Three Nursing Semesters
Licensure Alignment Prepares for the NCLEX-RN (Registered Nurse Licensure Exam)
Funding Eligibility G3 Eligible (Tuition assistance for eligible Virginia residents)
Admission Type Selective Admission (Requires separate nursing application)
Nursing Office Phone: (540) 863-2838 | Email: chiler@mgcc.edu
Program Head Catherine Hiler, DNP, RN — (540) 863-2802

💰 G3 Program Eligible — Low or No-Cost Tuition

This program qualifies for Virginia’s G3 Financial Assistance Program (Get a Skill, Get a Job, Get Ahead). G3 provides tuition support and financial assistance for eligible Virginia residents enrolling in high-demand healthcare and nursing degree programs. Contact Financial Aid or Student Services to verify your eligibility.

Admission & Program Prerequisites

Admission into the LPN to RN Transition Pathway is competitive and requires a separate application beyond general admission to MGCC:

  • Unrestricted LPN License: Possess a current, unrestricted Practical Nurse license in the Commonwealth of Virginia or a multi-state compact license.
  • Academic Prerequisites: Complete required general education and support courses (such as Anatomy & Physiology) prior to entry.
  • Nursing Entrance Examination: Complete the ATI TEAS test by the required application deadline.
  • Selective Application: Submit the official LPN-RN Transition Application package by the specified deadline.

Program Resources & Application Documents

Access official program guides, handbooks, and application materials below:

Faculty Directory

Full-Time Nursing Faculty

  • Catherine Hiler, DNP, RN
  • Devon Nicely, MSN, RN, CSHE
  • Nicole McCain, MSN, RN
  • Racheal Kamanga, MSN, RN
  • Rebekah Culp, BSN, RN

Adjunct Faculty

  • Carla Dobbs, BSN, RN
  • Karen Persinger, MSN, RN
  • Rachael Javins, BSN, RN
  • Mindy Lipes, BSN, RN

Accreditation & Board Approval

Virginia Board of Nursing Approval

The Mountain Gateway Community College Associate Degree Nursing Education Program has been granted conditional approval by the Virginia Board of Nursing.

Virginia Board of Nursing

Perimeter Center, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Henrico, VA 23233

Phone: (804) 367-4515 | Website: dhp.virginia.gov/Boards/Nursing

ACEN National Accreditation

The Associate Degree Nursing Program at Mountain Gateway Community College, located in Clifton Forge, Virginia, is accredited by the:

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30326

Phone: (404) 975-5000 | Website: acenursing.org

  • Status: The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Associate Degree Nursing Program is Continuing Accreditation. View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program on the ACEN Website.

Department Contact & Academic Advising

For questions regarding admission requirements, TEAS testing, or application deadlines, please contact the Nursing Department or Student Services:

MGCC Nursing Department

Phone: (540) 863-2838 | Email: chiler@mgcc.edu

Office Location: Backels Hall, Room 209 (Clifton Forge Campus)

MGCC Student Services Suite

Phone: (540) 863-2820 | Email: admissions@mgcc.edu

Location: Backels Hall, First Floor (Clifton Forge Campus)