Nursing Application Requirements

Application Process

Step 1: Complete the LCOOU application

LCOOU Application

Step 2: Apply to the nursing program by completing the following:

Submit an essay stating why you would like to be a nurse. Essay should be one to two pages and contain a cover page listing your name, address, phone number, and email address.

Submit two letters of recommendation.

Submit a copy of all unofficial transcripts.

Email or mail complete packets to:

Attn: LCOOU Allied Health Committee

djorczak@lco.edu

LCOOU

13466 W Trepania Road

Hayward, WI 54843

Applicants are reviewed and selected based upon GPA, courses completed, essay, and letters of recommendation.

*Incomplete packets will not be considered for admission

General Admission Requirements

• Complete application for the nursing program

• All science courses must be within the last 7 years.

• If accepted, criminal background, immunizations, and TB testing will be due by July 1st.

• Graduate of recognized high school or its equivalent

• Have a minimum college GPA of 2.5

• Have an acceptable State and National Background checks

• Pass a physical exam

• Be current on required immunizations

• Demonstrate a negative status for tuberculosis

• Participate in mandatory orientation

Admissions​

Traditional ADN program (four semesters)

Prerequisite Courses:

HTH 130 Medical Terminology

Nursing Assistant Certification Course Completed

LPN to ADN (two semesters)

Prerequisite Courses:

PSY 242 Human Growth & Development

PSY 210 General Psychology

ENG 108 College Writing, Research, & Critical Reading

BIO 230 Human Anatomy & Physiology I

BIO 330Human Anatomy & Physiology II

ENG 112 Fundamentals of Speech

LPN to ADN Admission Requirements:

•Have a current unrestricted LPN license

•Graduate of an accredited LPN nursing program

Nursing Career Outlook

Nursing continues to be one of the most stable and in-demand careers in the healthcare sector, with strong job growth, diverse opportunities, and competitive earnings across the United States.

 Job Growth & Demand

• Registered Nurses (RNs) are projected to see employment growth of about 5 % from 2024 to 2034, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This growth reflects ongoing demand for patient care across a range of healthcare settings.

• Each year, roughly 189,100 new job openings for RNs are expected, largely due to both growth and the need to replace retiring nurses.

• Population aging and an increase in chronic health conditions are key drivers of demand, with nurses needed in hospitals, outpatient clinics, home care, and long-term care facilities.

Career Pathways

Nursing offers a broad range of roles and specialties:

• Registered Nurse (RN) — providing direct patient care, care coordination, and education.

• Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) — such as Nurse Practitioners (NPs), Nurse Anesthetists, and Nurse Midwives, whose employment is projected to grow much faster than average (around 40 %+ by 2033) with higher levels of responsibility and autonomy.

• Specialty areas like critical care, geriatrics, pediatrics, community health, and nurse education also offer expanding opportunities within the profession.

Earnings Potential

• The median annual wage for registered nurses was approximately $93,600 in 2024, significantly higher than the national median for all occupations.

• Advanced practice roles (e.g., NPs and CRNAs) have even higher median earnings, often exceeding $130,000 per year, reflecting advanced education and expanded clinical duties.

Work Environments

Nurses work in a variety of settings, including:

• Hospitals and emergency care

• Outpatient clinics and physician offices

• Home health and hospice care

• Long-term care and residential facilities

• Public health and community programs

 Why Nursing Is a Strong Career Choice

• Job stability: Persistent demand across healthcare settings and regions.

• Diverse pathways: Multiple specialties and leadership roles available with experience and further education.

• Growth opportunities: Advanced practice roles are among the fastest-growing occupations.

• Impactful work: Nurses play a critical role in patient care, education, disease prevention, and health promotion.