Centra College of Nursing offers a post licensure, 3-semester, one-year educational program which prepares the current Registered Nurse to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Students may enroll at Central Virginia Community College for prerequisite courses. Various Centra organizations and community agencies may be utilized as practicum sites. 

Program outcomes:

• Function as a Baccalaureate prepared nurse in acute, intermediate, long-term, and ambulatory healthcare settings.

• Utilize best practices as the foundation for the delivery of healthcare to the patient and family.

• Internalize the importance of pursuing lifelong professional and personal development

Advantages of an online RN to BSN education:

• Shorter overall program length
• Easier transition to a higher education
• Increased focus on nursing research and leadership
• Institute of Medicine’s recommendation of 80% RNs be BSN prepared by 2020

The Centra College of Nursing offers a 4-semester educational program which leads to an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). Students are admitted twice a year, in August and January. Students are also enrolled at Central Virginia Community College for general education classes. A wide variety of clinical experiences are provided at both Centra Lynchburg General Hospital and Centra Virginia Baptist Hospital. Other community agencies also are used as clinical sites. Completion of the program qualifies a student to take the national licensing exam (NCLEX-RN). Licensure is required for employment as a registered nurse. The ADN program is approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing and is a member of the National Organization for Associate Degree Nursing.

The outcomes of the ADN program are to prepare the graduate to:

• Obtain licensure to practice as a Registered Nurse through successful completion of the NCLEX-RN Examination.
• Function as a beginning nurse in acute, intermediate, long-term and ambulatory healthcare settings.
• Utilize best practices as the foundation for the delivery of healthcare to the patient and family.
• Internalize the importance of pursuing lifelong professional and personal development.

Advantages of an ADN education include:

• Shorter overall program length
• Easier transition to a BSN
• Increased focus on clinical reasoning
• More transferable college credits

Completed applications with all supporting data must be received by the deadline:

• March 31 for the fall semester in August
• August 31 for the spring semester in January

Centra College of Nursing offers a 12-month practical nursing program. Students are admitted twice a year, in January and August. Students are also enrolled at Central Virginia Community College for general education classes. Clinical experiences are provided at both Centra Lynchburg General Hospital and Centra Virginia Baptist Hospital. Other long-term care facilities are also used for clinical experiences. Completion of the program qualifies a student to take the national licensing exam (NCLEX-PN). Licensure is required for employment as a licensed practical nurse. The Practical Nursing program is approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing and is a member of the National Association for Practical Nurse Education and Service, Inc.

The outcomes of the Practical Nursing program are to prepare the graduate to:

• Obtain licensure to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse through successful completion of the NCLEX-PN Examination
• Function as a beginning nurse in acute, intermediate, long-term, and ambulatory healthcare settings.
• Utilize best practices as the foundation for the delivery of healthcare to the patient and family.
• Internalize the importance of pursuing lifelong professional and personal development. 

Advantages of a Practical Nurse education include:

• Short program length
• Transition to RN
• Focus on long-term care
• Affordable cost

Completed applications with all supporting data must be received by the deadline:

• March 31 for the fall semester in August
• August 31 for the spring semester in January

Centra College of Nursing offers a 5-week nurse aide Education Program at the Main Campus site in Lynchburg, Virginia and branch location at Bedford Memorial Hospital (BMH). Students are admitted based on the number of classes set for the year. Please refer to the table below. However, these dates and times may change with advanced notice based on the enrollment numbers for each cohort. Clinical experiences are provided at Centra in both acute care and long-term care facilities. Completion of the program qualifies a student to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) Examination by Pearson Vue. Successful completion of this examination leads to licensure at a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA).

Licensure is required for employment as a certified nurse aide. The Nurse Aide Education Program is approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing.

CNA Program Flyer 

The outcomes of the Nurse Aide Education Program are to prepare the graduate to:

• Obtain licensure as a Certified Nurse Aide through successful completion of the NNAAP exam.
• Function within the scope of practice for a Nurse Aide in the state of Virginia within hospitals, long term care facilities, or home settings.
• Accurately report changes in condition and responses to plan of care to appropriate staff.
• Acknowledge the importance of continuing education by maintaining knowledge of current events affecting the role of Nurse Aide.

Advantages of a Nurse Aide education include:

• Short program length
• Possible academic progression to PN, ADN and BSN.
• Focus on long-term care
• Affordable cost

Completed application with all supporting data must be received by the deadline:

Testing Scores

*Please note, an official copy of your High School Transcript or a passing GED official score report must be mailed unopened to:

Centra Nurse Aide Education Program
905 Lakeside Drive
Lynchburg, Virginia 24501

General Requirements for the Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program

• This institution does not offer distance education to students outside the state of Virginia. 
• Note: If any enrolled students relocate outside the State of Virginia prior to program completion this may adversely impact the student’s ability to complete the program or gain in-field employment.
• Official high school transcript indicating that the applicant has or will complete a high school course of study and/or has a passing GED official score report.
• Submit official college transcript indicating completion of an Associate Degree in Nursing Program.
• Submit proof of a current unrestricted license to practice as a Registered Nurse
• Completion of prerequisite course grades with a minimum grade of a “C”.
• A minimum curricular GPA of 2.7 in prerequisite courses is recommended.
• Due to the competitiveness of admission, applicants who demonstrate the highest academic success on completed college courses will be considered for admission.
  • Completion of these prerequisites and any of the general education courses in the curriculum does not guarantee admission. 
• Letter of Recommendation from an individual, other than a family member or friend, must accompany the application.
  • The recommendation should be from those who can speak to the applicant’s work ethic, community service and/or academic performance.

Additional Requirements

• Background check and drug screen for non-centra employee students only if obtaining practicum hours within a Centra facility (conviction of certain crimes may preclude admission to the College).
• BLS Provider by American Heart Association (Adult, Child, Infant, and AED taught in course). If card expires while attending the program, the student must enroll into a BLS Provider CPR re-certification course to maintain an unexpired status for clinical settings.

Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program

Official transcripts of completed prerequisite courses must be submitted as supporting data by the application submission date. Prerequisite courses include:

Prerequisites*

• BIO 141/142: Anatomy & Physiology I /II
• English 111/112: College Composition I/II
• PSY 200:  Principles of Psychology
• PSY 230: Developmental Psychology
• HLT 230: Principles of Nutrition and Human Development
• Completion of RN Program
• Electives: 6 credits-Humanities/Social Science

General Requirements for Associate Degree Program and Practical Nursing Program

• Official high school transcript indicating that the applicant has or will complete a high school course of study and/or has a passing GED official score report.
• The Virginia Placement Test must be taken at Central Virginia Community College and the report must demonstrate that the applicant is eligible to enroll in the required science and English courses
  •  (BIO 100 for PN program; BIO 141, BIO 142, ENG 111 for the ADN program)
• A Kaplan Entrance Exam score is completed with the application.
  • Test scores should be no older than 2 years at the time of application.
  • Areas to be tested include Math, Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary and General Knowledge and Grammar.
  • The exam may be completed once in a 12-month period.
  • A minimum score of 55% for the PN program is recommended.
  • A minimum score of 60% for the ADN program is recommended.
• Letter of Recommendation from an individual, other than a family member or friend, must accompany the application.
  • The recommendation should be from those who can speak to the applicant’s work ethic, community service and/or academic performance.
• Transfer students refer to the College Catalog:  Transfer of Credits into the College of Nursing

Associate Degree in Nursing Program

Official transcripts of completed prerequisite courses must be submitted as supporting data by the application deadline date. Prerequisite courses include:

•  BIO 141: Anatomy & Physiology I ……………………………………..     4 credit hours  
•  HLT 141:  Introduction to Medical Terminology……..……...….    2 credit hours
•  PSY 230: Developmental Psychology………………………….………    3 credit hours
•  HLT 230: Principles of Nutrition and Human Development…    3 credit hours
• **SDV 100:  College Success Skills………………………………………..   1 credit hour
• **The SDV 100 requirement will be waived for those who have a previous college degree (Associate, Bachelor’s, or higher).

To be considered for admission:

• All prerequisite course grades must be a minimum of a “C”.
• A minimum curricular GPA of 2.7 in prerequisite courses is recommended.
• Due to the competitiveness of admission, applicants who demonstrate the highest academic success on completed college courses will be considered for admission.
  • Completion of these prerequisites and any of the general education courses in the curriculum does not guarantee admission. 

Advanced Placement (Licensed Practical Nurses)

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS for the associate degree program, advanced placement LPNs must:

• Submit an official transcript from a state approved school of practical nursing.
• Submit proof of a current unrestricted license to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse.
• Complete BIO 142: Anatomy & Physiology II (4 credit hours) with a minimum grade of “C”. 
• Licensed Practical Nurses may receive credit for Nursing 150 and Nursing 160 (see below).

Nursing 150 Introduction of Nursing Concepts score 800 or better on the Evolve HESI RN Specialty Fundamentals test which will be given at the college various times during the year.  The student is required to pay for this exam.  

Nursing 160 Health Promotions and Assessment satisfactorily completing a full head to toe assessment.  The assessment must be scheduled at the college and supervised by a full-time or adjunct faculty member.  The student is required to supply all materials needed for the assessment and bring a volunteer to be the patient.

Practical Nursing Program

• A minimum high school GPA of 2.2 is recommended for the Practical Nursing (PN) program.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: All Accepted Applicants for the Associate Degree and Practical Nursing Program

• Background check and drug screen (conviction of certain crimes may preclude admission to the College)
• BLS Provider by American Heart Association (Adult, Child, Infant, and AED taught in course). If card expires while attending the program, the student must enroll into a BLS Provider CPR re-certification course to maintain an unexpired status for clinical settings. 
• All new students are required to have a Fifth Generation iPad with a minimum of 32GB and a 9.7-inch display and an iOS 11 Operating System.
•  All accepted applicants will be required to attend the full orientation session. Failure to attend the orientation will result in forfeiture of your position in the program

Nurse Aide Education Program

• Official high school transcripts (mailed from the educational institution) indicating that the applicant has completed a high school course of study or has a passing GED or Home School official score report.
• Must be 18 years of age prior to the start of the program.
• Immigration or citizenship documentation is required if applicant is not a U.S. citizen by birth (The College is not a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certified and cannot accept international students on an F-1 or M-1 visa).
• Include personal references (3) from individuals, other than family members, and   friends. The three completed reference forms (mailed from the people completing the reference) must be submitted with the application. References should be from those who can speak to the applicant’s work ethic, community service and/or academic performance.
• Must be able to meet the Essential Requirements for the program and sign and date the form.
• If selected, the Nurse Aide Education Program admissions team may request an interview with you.
• The Nurse Aide Education program does not offer credit for experiential learning.
• All admission required documentation must be mailed to the Centra Nurse Aide Program and received by 4:30 pm on the last day of the deadline.  

Additional Requirements

• Background check and drug screen (conviction of certain crimes may preclude admission to the College)
• Prior to the first day of class, the student must provide documentation of positive titers or immunizations for tetanus (TDAP), rubella, rubeola, mumps (MMR) and chickpox (Varicella); the Hepatitis B series, and tuberculin test. Students are required initiate the Hepatitis B, TDaP, MMR and Varicella vaccination or sign a declination statement if they are unable to receive the vaccine. Flu vaccine documentation is required (12/1 through 4/30) and students who do not receive the vaccine may be required to wear a mask when in the clinical area. Must have FLU VAC sticker on the badge. The tuberculin test is required to be done once.
• Signature representing agreement with Centra Nurse Aide Education Program Honor Code
• American Heart Association (AHA) Healthcare Provider CPR card valid for the duration of the program. The Nurse Aide Education program will provide CPR training if necessary, but this is not considered part of the curriculum hours.
• Employees of Centra Health System will be evaluated for job performance and eligibility for rehire. Adverse references from previous employers will be evaluated in the admission process and may result in non-acceptance to the program.
• All Accepted applicants will be required to attend the full orientation session. Failure to attend the orientation will result in forfeiture of your position in the program.

Enrollment Requirements

• Return Enrollment Agreement and Registration Fee
• Background check and drug screen
• Valid CPR card for AHA Healthcare Provider
• Verification of required immunizations
• Attendance at mandatory orientations

Enrollment Agreement and Registration Fees

Registration fees and signed enrollment agreements must be returned within the specified time as included in the letter of acceptance.

Background Check and Drug Screen

In order to comply with the Joint Commission accreditation standards, clinical sites and affiliates require background checks on all students. Following acceptance to the Centra College of Nursing, students will be required to complete forms for the background check. Failure to complete the forms and/or return them by the deadline, refusal for a background check, failure to disclose information or unacceptable report will result in revocation of acceptance. Criminal findings on background checks, including failure to disclose information, may prohibit enrollment into the college.  

Drug screens are completed by a vendor selected by the Centra College of Nursing.  Any negative results, including refusal to be tested, may prohibit enrollment into the college.

CPR Card

American Heart Association BLS Provider or American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR card valid for the duration of the program.

Immunizations

Information on required immunizations may be obtained from the Student Health Nurse at Centra College of Nursing.  The individual’s health must permit him/her to meet the physical demands on working conditions required for employment as a nurse.

Orientations

All accepted applicants will be required to attend the full orientations.  Failure to attend the orientations will result in forfeiture of your position in the program.

Download the PN, ADN, and RN-to-BSN Packet

Download the Nurse Aide Education Packet

Centra College of Nursing Student Handbook 

Spring 2018 RN-BSN Academic Calendar

Fall 2018-2019 RN-BSN Academic Calendar 

Fall 2018-2019 Associate Degree in Nursing Academic Calendar 

Fall 2018-2019 Practical Nursing Academic Calendar 

2018 Centra College of Nursing (Main Campus) Nurse Aide Education Academic Calendar

2018 Centra College of Nursing (Branch site) Nurse Aide Education Academic Calendar

RN-BSN Online Estimated Tuition & Fees

• Spring 2018 Admittance
• Fall 2018 Admittance

Associate Degree in Nursing Estimated Tuition & Fees

• Spring 2018 Admittance
• Fall 2018 Admittance

Practical Nursing Program Estimated Tuition and Fees

• Spring 2018 Admittance
• Fall 2018 Admittance

Nurse Aide Education Program Estimated Tuition and Fees

• Estimated Tuition and Expenses (Effective May 2018)

Financial Aid

Centra College of Nursing participates in Federal Title IV Funds. These funds include the Federal Pell Grant as well as Federal Direct Loans. For dependent students there’s the option of a Parent Plus Loan which requires a parent or legal guardian to apply for.

To begin the process please fill out your FAFSA with school code 015347. Once we receive your FAFSA we can then assess your award for the aid year.

Scholarships

Centra College of Nursing offers many internal scholarships that students may be eligible.

If this is related to the Centra Nurse Aide Education Program, please or email or call Valerie Newcomb, Program Coordinator at 1-434-200-2234 or email her at nurseaideeducation@centrahealth.com.

At Centra College of Nursing, we acknowledge the sacrifices made by women and men who serve or have served our country in the military. We are honored to be able to offer students from all branches of the military a 15% tuition discount; the discount is our way of saying "Thank you" for your service to our country.

The tuition discount applies to active-duty service members, reservists/National Guard, Veterans and spouses of these military personnel.*

*Active duty and military reservists/National Guard must provide valid military ID cards with expiration dates. Veterans must supply a copy of DD-214 with an Honorable Discharge. Military spouses must provide dependent ID card or sponsor's DoD ID card with expiration date.

NCLEX Rates for ADN and PN:

Final regulations published in the Federal Register on October 29, 2010 [FR 66665 and FR 66832], by the U. S. Department of Education (the Department), require institutions that participate in the student financial assistance programs authorized under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (the HEA), to report certain information about students who enrolled in Title IV eligible educational programs that lead to gainful employment in a recognized occupation (GE Programs). Those regulations also provide that institutions must disclose to prospective students certain information about their GE Programs.

Currently Centra College of Nursing has one GE Program eligible for Title IV funding: Licensed Practical Nursing Program.

The required information is included in the Gainful Employment Disclosure.

General Information

National Center for Education Statistics (General Information, Characteristics, Enrollment, Financial) or the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics.

Campus Crime

Campus Crime Statistics are available upon request from the office of the Coordinator, Financial Aid/Enrollment at (434) 200-7033 or at the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Postsecondary Education. State information of registered sex offenders may be obtained at the Virginia State Police’s Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry.

• 2017 Campus Safety Report

Financial Aid

Financial Aid information is available upon request from the office of the Coordinator, Financial Aid/Enrollment at (434) 200-7033 or at the U.S. Department of Education Student Loan site or  Federal Student Aid site.

Download the Request for Transcript form

Centra College of Nursing is Certified to Operate by State Council of Higher Education Schools (SCHEV)

State Council of Higher Education for Virginia
10th Floor, James Monroe Building
101 N. 14th Street
Richmond, VA 23219
804.225.2600

The pre-licensure ADN, PN and Nurse Aide Education program are approved by:

Virginia Board of Nursing
Commonwealth of Virginia
Department of Health Professions
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300
Perimeter Center
Richmond, VA 23230
804.367.4515

Centra College of Nursing holds institutional accreditation through:

Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools
7777 Leesburg Pike, Suite 314
North Falls Church, VA 22043
703.917.4109

Centra College of Nursing’s Bachelor Degree in Nursing, Associate Degree in Nursing, and Practical Nursing programs are pursuing accreditation from the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA), located at 2600 Virginia Avenue, NW, 8th Floor, Washington, DC 20037; phone 202-909-2500. Interested parties are invited to submit third-party comments in writing directly to NLN CNEA, attention Lusetha Rolle, NLN CNEA Manager of Accreditation Services, no later than September 10, 2018.

The National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN-CNEA) will be conducting a site visit September 24th-26th, 2018 at Centra College of Nursing.  There is an opportunity of an Open to Public meeting in which any individual is able to attend to provide feedback on behalf of Centra College of Nursing.  This meeting will be held in Classroom 163A from 4:00PM-5:00PM on Tuesday, September 25th at Centra College of Nursing.  If interested, please feel free to attend.    

The National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN-CNEA) will be conducting a site visit September 24th-26th, 2018 at Centra College of Nursing.  There is an opportunity of an Open to Public meeting in which any individual is able to attend to provide feedback on behalf of Centra College of Nursing.  This meeting will be held in Classroom 163A from 4:00PM-5:00PM on Tuesday, September 25th at Centra College of Nursing.  If interested, please feel free to attend.