Lakeview College of Nursing reserves the right to make appropriate revisions, amendments, or corrections to policies and procedures at any time with or without notice.

Academic Calendars

Registration

Register on dates specified in the academic calendar to avoid late fees.

Degree seeking students:
• Meet with academic advisor before registration
• Complete all admission records
• Ensure health records are on file with CastleBranch or ViewPoint (required for clinical courses)

Non-degree seeking students:
• Contact the Director of Enrollment/Registrar to register
• Note: Class size is limited; late registration is first-come, first-served

Payment: 
• Verify financial aid coverage and/or pay tuition and fees by invoice deadline.
• Failure to pay or arrange payment results in automatic course drop
• Late registration requires payment of tuition, fees, and a $50 late fee
• Exception: Students with Chapter 31 or 33 GI Bill® benefits certificate of eligibility

Important Notes:
• Registration is not allowed for courses already in progress (including clinical/lab)
• Administration may adjust registrations to balance course needs, faculty availability, and clinical requirements.

Current Student Registration

Register for upcoming semesters in October and March (see academic calendar)—late registration fee: $50 if after a two-week registration period.

Registration Procedure:

• View the advisor's name in the SONIS account
• Contact the advisor for a registration appointment
• Advisor reviews/adjusts program plan and completes registration form
• Students may be waitlisted for repeat courses due to failures or withdrawals
• The student receives an email confirming:
  o Enrolled courses
  o Health records review
  o CPR expiration dates
• The Director of Enrollment/Registrar receives the electronic program plan and registration form.
• College Secretary/Cashier mails billing statement (balance viewable in SONIS account)

Cancellation of Courses

The College reserves the right to cancel a course up to and including the first day of the class meets.

Students may register to audit a class on a space-available basis before the scheduled start date. Auditing is for theory coursework only, and students are expected to take exams. The auditing fee is $50 per credit hour.

Changing from audit to credit status or vice versa after the class has met requires written permission from the instructor. Students who change to credit status before the first class meeting will be assessed the total tuition rate without a late registration fee.

General Attendance/Absence Policy

Lakeview College of Nursing expects students to attend all classes, laboratories, and clinical sessions in which they are enrolled. Attendance is mandatory for clinical and lab sessions and will be recorded for all scheduled activities. Students must arrive on time and stay for the entire designated period. Attendance will be taken for each class, laboratory, and clinical session.

Students violating the clinical/lab dress code or student conduct code will not be permitted to attend or remain in the class, laboratory, or clinical experience, and an absence will be recorded. A Lakeview College of Nursing-issued student ID badge must be worn at all times in class, lab, and clinical settings.

Theory Attendance Policy

Attendance at all classroom sessions is crucial for student success. Students must prepare for each session by completing required readings and assignments. If a student misses two (2) scheduled classes during the semester, the course coordinator will evaluate the student’s ability to complete the course. Attendance will be taken during each theory period. Refer to the course syllabus for specific attendance requirements and consequences.

Hybird-Online Course Attendance Policy

Attendance is equally important for online classroom sessions. Students must prepare for each online session and actively participate from the beginning of the course. Attendance will be taken weekly if a student does not actively complete content for two (2) online sessions during the semester. In that case, the course coordinator will evaluate the student’s ability to complete the course, which may result in course failure.

Clinical Attendance Policy – See Clinical Policies.

Military Attendance and Withdrawal Policy

This policy applies to National Guard, Reserves, or active duty U.S. military students called to active duty service or deployment. Students must submit an official copy of military orders to the Registrar's Office.
Excused Absences:
• Granted for active military service, specialized training, or disaster relief efforts
• This applies to missed class/clinical/lab time of less than seven consecutive days or one weekend for weekend courses
Withdrawal Option:
• Available if the military leave exceeds seven consecutive days of class/clinical/lab time or more than one weekend for weekend courses
• Students may withdraw from all courses and receive a refund of tuition and fees
• Consult the Financial Aid Office and Business Office for details
Incomplete Grade Option:
• With the Dean of Nursing's permission, students may receive an incomplete for all registered courses
• Refer to the Incomplete Policy for additional information

Request to make up missed class time due to Military obligations

1. Submit official military orders to the Registrar's Office
2. Request make-up within one week of receiving official notification from the military service
3. Students are considered absent until missed content is completed
4. If content cannot be completed, the absence remains subject to the Attendance Policy

To withdraw from a course:
1. Meet with the Advisor or Course Coordinator
2. Complete the Add/Drop/Withdraw form before the deadline
3. Consult the Financial Aid Office regarding potential impacts

Withdrawal deadlines and transcript notations:
• Five-Week Classes: End of 3rd week
• Eight-Week Classes: End of 6th week
• Ten-Week Classes: End of 8th week
• Fifteen-Week Classes: End of 13th week.
All withdrawals result in a "W" grade on the transcript.

Important notes:
• Students may only repeat a course once after receiving a "W" or failing grade
• Withdrawing from one course results in academic probation
• Withdrawing from three different courses leads to dismissal
• Withdrawal is not allowed during pending Student Code of Conduct issues or Grievances

Withdraw due to Military Obligations

Submit the Withdrawal Form with official military orders to the Dean of Nursing.

Late Withdrawal

For extreme circumstances, petition the Dean of Nursing for late course withdrawal. If granted, the student would receive a grade of "W" for any course not completed in the semester.

Withdrawal from the College

Students may withdraw from the college for academic reasons or serious personal problems. The withdrawal process involves the following steps:
1. Obtain a Withdrawal from the College Form from the Registrar's Office
2. Complete and submit the form before the official withdrawal date
3. Contact the Financial Aid Office if you have processed financial aid

Important points:
• Withdrawing by the official date results in a "W" grade on the transcript
• Withdrawal is not permitted after the official withdrawal date
• A Return of Title IV funds calculation may be required for students with financial aid
• All college obligations must be cleared at the time of withdrawal

Financial Aid Implications:
• Students with financial aid must contact the Financial Aid Office before withdrawing
• Refer to the Financial Aid Implications (Return of Title IV Funds) section for more details
Note: Withdrawing from the College can have significant academic and financial consequences. It's strongly recommended that students consult with their academic advisor and the Financial Aid Office before making this decision.

Students who withdraw from the College must apply for readmission to return. Readmitted students are subject to the policies in effect at the time of their return.

Lakeview College of Nursing does not offer a Leave of Absence option. For temporary departures, refer to the Withdrawal and Tuition Refund policies.

The Dean of Nursing may dismiss or refuse readmission to a student if circumstances warrant such action. Grounds for dismissal include, but are not limited to:
1. Failure to meet academic requirements
2. Unsatisfactory clinical performance
3. Conduct issues
4. Health concerns affecting student performance or safety
5. Legal issues impacting the student's ability to practice nursing or complete the program

Dismissal may result from:
• Failure to meet probationary terms
(see Satisfactory Academic Progress policy)
• Independent assessment by the Dean or faculty recommendation

The Dean may decide immediately or consult with the Faculty Organization. Students are entitled to due process in dismissal proceedings.

Grades are issued at the end of each semester. Course syllabi outline specific grading requirements. Students are responsible for seeking clarification from instructors regarding grading expectations.

Grading Scale

+/- scale effective fall 2021; grades earned prior to fall '21 remain as they are recorded.

No grade will be rounded.

Course Grading Policy

1. Theory Exam Average Requirements:
• All courses except N311: Minimum 77% average on exams
• N311 Foundations of Professional Practice: Minimum 85% average on exams
2. Theory Grade Calculation:
• Exam averages are calculated before including other assignments
• If the exam average is below the minimum requirement, it becomes the final course grade
• Students fail the course if they do not meet the minimum exam average, regardless of other assignment grades
• If the exam average meets or exceeds the minimum requirement, other assignments are included in the final grade calculation
3. Courses with Clinical or Lab Components:
• Theory exam average and theory grade calculations as listed above
• All learning outcomes must be met for each clinical and/or lab component
• If all clinical and/or lab outcomes are met, the final grade is the theory grade if all clinical/lab outcomes are met
• Failure to meet any of the clinical/lab outcomes results in course failure. An “F” will be documented as the student’s grade.
4. Course Withdrawal:
• Students may withdraw before the deadline; refer to the course withdrawal policy.

Grading Policies
1. Extra Credit:
• No extra credit is offered to raise grades
• The maximum score on any assignment or exam is 100%
2. Grade Rounding:
• Grades are not rounded
• Whole numbers determine letter grades (e.g., 76.9 = 76, 84.5 = 84)
3. Grade Point Average (GPA):
• Calculated at the end of each semester and cumulatively
• All LCN nursing semester hours count toward the GPA
• GPA determines scholastic eligibility
• For GPA calculation details, consult the Registrar
4. Grade Reports:
• Official grades are issued at semester end in SONIS
• Grades are not provided over the phone or email (per FERPA 1974)

Dean's List
The Dean's List recognizes students who have demonstrated academic achievement. Students who complete a semester of 6 or more semester hours with a GPA of 3.6 or higher are eligible for the Dean's List.

Following each semester's final grade notification, the Dean's List may be forwarded to the media and/or posted on the Lakeview website. Information is released to newspapers based on the student's zip code. Students who do not wish their information to be published must opt out of Merit within the first week of the semester, for which the list will be publicized.

Incomplete Grades

A student may request an incomplete grade ("I") with the Dean of Nursing's approval when unable to complete coursework due to illness, serious injury, or circumstances beyond their control. An "I" may be assigned if at least three-quarters of the course has been completed with consistent progress. Failure to appear for a final exam or complete coursework on time does not justify an incomplete. The Course Coordinator will document the reason for the incomplete on the Incomplete Grade Record.

After the last day of class, the Course Coordinator will complete the incomplete form, set a completion date within 30 days, and distribute copies to the Registrar, Financial Aid Office, student, and themselves. The incomplete grade must be resolved within 30 days of the course's end. Failure to complete the course by the designated time will result in an "F" grade on the student's transcript. Any incomplete prerequisite course must be completed before starting the next nursing course. The due date for resolving the "I" grade applies regardless of the student's current enrollment status. The Dean will manage the grade disposition if the original Course Coordinator is unavailable.

Grade Appeal

Faculty Grading Authority
Course instructors are responsible for evaluating students' academic work according to the grading criteria outlined in the course syllabus. This aligns with the College's mission and academic policies. Instructors are expected to provide a constructive and critical assessment of student performance. The College does not review faculty judgments regarding the quality of students' work.

Grounds for Grade Appeal

Students may appeal a grade for the following reasons:

1. An error in the calculation of the grade or clerical error in the recording of the grade that remains uncorrected;
2. The assignment of a grade to a particular student by applying more requirements than were applied to other students in the course or
3. The assignment of a grade to a particular student on some basis other than performance in the course or clinical.

The following are not grounds for a grade appeal:

1. Specific test questions.
2. The assignment was too challenging or required too much work.
3. The assignment was poorly designed or facilitated.
4. Final course grades.  

In all grade appeals, the student has the burden of proof. Note: The grade appeal is void if a student does not meet any of the steps by the set time frames.

Step 1: Before Appealing a Grade - Informal Conference with the Instructor

Before a student raises a concern about a grade, the student should review the syllabus carefully. After the syllabus review, the student who believes that a grade was improperly assigned must promptly meet with the instructor face-to-face to discuss the concerns within three (3) calendar days after submitting the grade in Edvance 360.

The best opportunity for a revised grade is with the faculty member - while an appeal to the Review Committee and Dean of Nursing is open, it is much less likely to result in a grade change. The instructor knows the student's work and is in a position to evaluate and assign a grade.

If the informal conference does not result in a mutually agreeable resolution, the student may proceed with the Formal Grade Appeal Process if it meets the requirements.

Written verification of each step below is critical to promote a thorough review.

Step 2: Appeal to the Instructor - Formal Grade Appeal

The student is responsible for organizing their argument and has three (3) calendar days from the informal conference to submit the following to the instructor of the course:

1. Completed Formal Grade Appeal Form. The appeal form can be accessed via the Lakeview website here.
2. Copies of any relevant supporting materials.

When a student discusses concerns about a grade, the case should be presented factually: the student needs to explain how they believe their work meets the criteria and rubrics the instructor assigned for the assignment.

Emotional language and personal attacks should be avoided. Mentioning grades in other classes is not relevant. When appealing for a grade, students may think mentioning if they are a "strong student" overall is relevant. However, to most instructors, that information is irrelevant; they are considering only the performance in their class.

Within five (5) calendar days from the date of receipt of the student's Formal Grade Appeal, the instructor shall complete the instructor’s section of the form. The instructor should explain how the grade in question was determined and address any other issues raised in the student's appeal statement. The instructor will submit the completed grade appeal form with their final decision and any supporting materials to the student.

Once the instructor has made a final decision about the grade appeal, the student has the right to appeal to the Review Committee – Faculty Organization. The student has three (3) calendar days to appeal the faculty's decision to the Review Committee. The student should sign and submit the appeal form to the Faculty Organization Chair.

Step 3: Appeal to the Review Committee – Faculty Organization 
The Faculty Organization Committee will:

1. Verify that the student has valid grounds for an appeal.
2. Schedule a meeting with the student and instructor. The student and the instructor will present their sides of the Formal Grade Appeal to the Faculty Organization Committee. The student has the opportunity to bring one support representative to the committee. The support representative must be named as attending at least 24 hours before the meeting and cannot be legal counsel.
3. Prepare a written summary of the meeting that includes the informal meeting date and any outcome of the grade appeal.

Within three (3) calendar days, the Chair of the Committee will notify the student and the instructor in writing of the Committee’s decision. The student has three (3) calendar days to appeal the Review Committee's decision to the Dean of Nursing. The student should sign and submit the appeal form to the Dean of Nursing.

Step 4: Final Level of Review – Appeal to the Dean of Nursing

The Dean of Nursing will review the Formal Grade Appeal, all supporting material, and all decisions. The Dean of Nursing will also evaluate the process of the grade appeal. Within three (3) calendar days of receipt, the Dean of Nursing will make a final decision.

Step 5: What to Expect After Formal Grade Appeal

If the student's grade appeal is successful, the instructor will adjust the assignment grade to reflect the outcome. If the student's appeal is unsuccessful and the student thinks the grade will affect their future success in the course, the student should make an appointment with their academic advisor. The academic advisor can help the student plan whether or not to withdraw from the course or help identify academic improvement resources.

The Testing Policy aims to promote consistency with grading practices and testing procedures to improve the assessment of student learning.

Tests or examinations that fall under this policy are proctored. Some courses are exempt from portions of the testing policy – refer to course syllabus to determine if the course is exempt. 

Students entering Lakeview College of Nursing must have a personal laptop computer configured to the college’s specifications (Microsoft Office, webcam for video conferencing, video assignments, and testing, and internal and external audio capabilities). This requirement responds to technical changes in the computerized testing platform and the widespread adoption of computer technology in health care. Specifications are outlined on the College website here.

Learning Management Software (LMS)

Edvance 360 is the learning management software used by all nursing courses. Lectures, PowerPoint slides, discussion forum questions, grades, and assignments will be posted on Lakeview College of Nursing Edvance360. The minimum requirements for this LMS are an up-to-date internet browser - javascript enabled, and Adobe Reader to open pdfs.

Please note that there are scheduled maintenance times for Edvance360. It is essential that students are aware of those times and makes sure work in progress is saved (e.g., tests, assignments, posts to journal, wikis or discussion boards) before the systems are shut down for maintenance. Any work in progress will be lost when the servers go down for maintenance. Miranda Shake, Lakeview Library Director, will notify students about scheduled maintenance.

ASSESSMENT TECHNOLOGIES INSTITUTE (ATI)

ATI Nursing Education (Assessment Technologies Institute®) is a technology-based learning and assessment program. The program focuses on helping students succeed during their enrollment in the nursing program and on the licensure examination (NCLEX) that all graduates need to successfully pass to practice nursing after graduation. Today’s nursing students are diverse, with different learning styles and needs. ATI Nursing Education’s learning systems are designed to offer a variety of learning methods. ATI information and services are available to students throughout their academic careers. Lakeview College of Nursing embraces ATI as a complement to its curriculum, assisting students in meeting the course student learning outcomes.

Course Level - Academic Improvement Plan

Purpose:

Lakeview College of Nursing actively supports students to improve their academic performance through remediation. Students are required to show ongoing remediation efforts to enhance their academic success. The Academic Improvement Plan (AIP) recommends remedial content for students who fail to meet academic standards. The student must complete the AIP and adhere to the course expectations outlined in the course syllabus.

Definition: 
An Academic Improvement Plan (AIP) is developed by the student's course instructor, clinical instructor, academic advisor, or Dean of Nursing when a student is not meeting academic standards or clinical performance or exhibiting unsafe, unprofessional behavior.

Insufficient Academic Progress:
Insufficient academic progress is when a student fails to meet a course's academic standard, which may include not meeting exams or assignment requirements.

Insufficient/Unsatisfactory Clinical Performance:
Insufficient or unsatisfactory clinical performance is when a student fails to meet the clinical performance standards, which may include not meeting the required Medication Calculation score, unsatisfactory mid-term or final clinical evaluation, or clinical expectations.

Unsafe Practice/Unprofessional Behavior Remediation Plan:
Unsafe practice and unprofessional clinical behavior may include abandonment, neglect, or actions outside the student nurses' scope of practice. Unprofessional behavior may include violating clinical policies, College policies, or professional codes of conduct.

Procedure: 

1. The academic advisor, course instructor, clinical instructor, or Dean of Nursing will develop an Academic Improvement Plan and notify the student of their online AIP via e-mail.
2. A copy of the AIP will be sent to the academic advisor and the record office.
3. A copy of the AIP will be sent to the Skills Lab Coordinator and tutor if necessary.

The AIP may include the following:

• Review relevant content in the course resources and develop a study plan.
• Take or repeat ATI-focused review tests, online learning assignments, and other learning activities aligned with the course student learning outcomes.
• Practice or demonstrate mastery of psychomotor skills.
• Review clinical policies, Student Handbook policies, or Student Code of Conduct.
• Make an appointment with the course instructor/coordinator, advisor, or tutor.

Semester Level - Academic Improvement Plan 
Students are required to maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA. When a student's semester GPA falls below 2.5, the student will be required to participate in the remediation program. At the end of the next semester, if the student's semester GPA is above 2.5 and is not on probation, they are no longer required to participate in the remediation program.

Assessment Information

Assessment and program improvement efforts are expectations for accreditation.  LCN uses a systematic process to obtain relevant data for program effectiveness.   The process is inclusive and is used to drive decision-making.  The process is written, ongoing, comprehensive, and exists to evaluate the achievement of program outcomes.

Student participation in the assessment program is critical for program improvement. Students participate in assessment upon admission to the college, during the program, and post-college experiences. The following activities are designed to obtain student input into the academic experience at LCN.

• Prospective Students - Admissions Testing
• All students every semester - Midterm Evaluations, Course and Clinical evaluations, Tea with the Dean of Nursing, Student Forums, and Student Suggestion Boxes
• All Students Biennially - Noel Levitz
• Students in Final Semester – Skyfactor
• Graduates - Graduate Survey [prior to graduation]
• Alumni - Postgraduate Employment Survey
  [6 months following graduation]

For graduates to be eligible for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree (BSN), a student must satisfactorily:

1. Complete the required curriculum of 120 semester hours:
   1. Complete all the related general education College course requirements. (60 semester credit hours) with a minimum GPA of a 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
   2. Complete all required nursing courses (60 semester credit hours) with a minimum GPA of a 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
2. Complete a minimum of 30 semester credit hours of nursing coursework at Lakeview College of Nursing.
3. Complete 20 hours of Service Learning throughout the curriculum.
4. Complete the required Program Outcomes.
5. Complete the NCLEX-RN review class offered by the College.

The responsibility for knowing and achieving the graduation requirements rest with the students.

Service Learning

Service Learning Outcomes

1. Develop a habit of critical reflection as they integrate professional values and leadership principles throughout their career. (Program Outcome 5)
2. Incorporate an ethic of social and civic responsibility into their professional values and practice. (Program Outcome 4 & 5)
3. Develop an understanding of the complex underlying issues impacting family, population, and community health needs. (Program Outcome 4)
4. Develop their ability to work collaboratively in a variety of settings. (Program Outcome 1 & 7)
5. Learn about diverse cultural perspectives and develop a respect for cultural differences (Program Outcome 6)
6. Observe organizational and community decision-making styles and reflect on how these are utilized to promote community health and wellness. (Program Outcome 1)

Completing 20 hours of service learning is a graduation requirement. The 20 hours of service learning will be completed throughout the student’s time at Lakeview and must be fulfilled before graduating. Five (5) hours are recommended to be completed each semester, totaling twenty (20) hours by graduation. There are limitations to individual hours earned through donations or blood drives. Students may participate in one supply donation activity during their time at Lakeview for a maximum of 5 service hours. The student can only earn a maximum of 5 hours through any form of supply donations. Students who donate blood can receive up to a maximum of 2.5 service hours during their time at Lakeview. Blood donation is allowed one time during the student’s time at Lakeview. A blood donation would not reduce the number of hours a student could earn through a supply donation.

There are a multitude of organizations that seek out volunteers to serve the community. Approved service learning locations are located in the Service Learning Welcome letter. All organizations require prior authorization to complete hours. Please contact the site before completing the hours to fulfill the site’s needs. If a student wishes to complete service hours at a location different from the pre-approved list, they must first contact Professor Brassard for approval.

Students will be added to a service learning course in Edvance 360. All service learning documents are available in the service learning course. Proof of completed hours should be documented in Edvance 360. Students will complete and submit the service learning reflective journal in Edvance 360. The service learning reflective journal is due end of the student’s final semester. The student will not meet the service learning graduation requirements until all 20 hours have been approved by submitting the service learning form and the service learning reflective journal.

Students will begin developing a portfolio reflecting their academic and professional accomplishments. The portfolio will begin in N314: Introduction to Professional Practice and will be completed in N443: Leadership and Management. The purpose of the portfolio is to “showcase” credentials not included in a resume.

The portfolio is a biographical account of the student’s educational career at Lakeview College of Nursing (i.e., goals, objectives met, improvements in writing and nursing skills). Collections of papers, Care Plans, and PowerPoint handouts should be included to demonstrate the student’s best ideas, work, and accomplishments during the program. The student’s progress through the program will be reflected, which may be helpful during employment interviews.  The portfolio will become an excellent place to keep all certificates of completion, (e.g., CPR, conferences, in-services) and health records. 
Students will want to ask faculty for references to include in their portfolio.  A letter of reference-recommendation form has been developed for students to complete and give to faculty.  Students must give faculty at least two weeks’ notice when requesting a letter of reference-recommendation.

The Faculty Letter of Reference – Recommendation Form for Current LCN Students is available at https://lcn.edu/sites/default/files/CurrentStudentLetterofRecommendationForm.pdf

Before photographing, videotaping, or audio recording individuals as part of a course requirement of Lakeview College of Nursing, the consent of individuals 18 years of age or older or the consent of a parent/guardian for individuals younger than 18 years of age must be obtained.
The Consent form is found here: https://lcn.edu/forms

Graduation honors are based upon the student's cumulative Lakeview GPA one semester before meeting graduation requirements.  Students with GPAs of 3.6 and above earned at the College will be recognized and published according to the following:

• Summa Cum Laude - 3.95 or Higher
• Magna Cum Laude - 3.80 - 3.94
• Cum Laude - 3.6 - 3.79

Sigma Theta Tau International
Honor Society of Nursing

Alpha Alpha Delta Chapter Membership

Philosophy of Membership Eligibility
Sigma Theta Tau International Society membership is by invitation to baccalaureate nursing students who demonstrate excellence in scholarship and to nurse leaders exhibiting exceptional achievements in nursing. Sigma Theta Tau encompasses more than 150 chapters at colleges and universities worldwide. Lakeview College of Nursing is home to the Alpha Alpha Delta Sigma chapter.

Purpose of Sigma Theta Tau International

• Recognize superior achievement and scholarship
• Recognize the development of leadership qualities
• Foster high professional standards
• Encourage creative work
• Strengthen commitment to the ideals and purposes of the profession

Membership Invitation

Membership in the LCN chapter of Alpha Alpha Delta Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society is by invitation to baccalaureate students who demonstrate excellence in scholarship. Students who have completed at least one-half of the nursing curriculum, ranked upper 35% of their class, have a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, and have no unprofessional or student code of conduct issues may be inducted into the Honor Society.

Candidates for membership are reviewed biannually. Invitations are extended to all BSN students who meet Sigma Theta Tau International’s membership criteria. An induction ceremony is held each spring and fall for all new members.

Fingerprinting & Background Check Requirement for NCLEX

All individuals applying for initial licensure as a registered nurse in Illinois must submit a criminal background check and provide evidence of fingerprint processing from the Illinois State Police or its designated agent. Lakeview College of Nursing senior students may contact a livescan-fingerprinting vendor, approved by the Illinois State Police, to schedule an appointment for fingerprinting. Lakeview College of Nursing will also arrange Fingerprinting. Each NCLEX-RN applicant will be provided a written receipt by email once fingerprinted. This receipt must be submitted to the Department’s testing vendor along with the examination application and fee for the applicant to be scheduled for the examination. Fingerprints must be taken within 60 days before applying for licensure. Any cost that is incurred is the responsibility of the student.

NCLEX-RN Procedures & Registered Nurse Licensure

The following describes the procedures for applying to sit for the NCLEX-RN Examination.

1. The Dean or designee will meet with seniors during the final semester to discuss the application procedures for registering for the NCLEX-RN examination and applying for an RN licensure.
2. Students will register on line for the NCLEX-RN examination through Pearson Vue (http://www.personvue.com/). The application can be submitted online with a credit card payment of $200 or downloaded and mailed in with a cashier’s check or money order. Students should maintain a copy of all applications sent on line or via certified mail.
3. The student must complete state licensure forms. This can be done by identifying the state board of nursing in the desired state for licensure, accessing the website, and applying online or downloading the application for licensure by examination. All states require a fee for submitting an application that can be paid by credit card, cashier’s check, or money order. Some states require a background check as a part of the licensure process. Students must identify the time limit set by the state for an acceptable background check. (The State of Illinois will only accept background checks done within 60 days from submission of the application for licensure).
4. Students are responsible for sending to the state agency processing their application for licensure their receipt of fingerprinting and background check by certified mail.
5. Transcripts and/or verification of graduation forms will not be sent until the student meets all of the requirements for graduation. All transcripts and/or verification forms will be sent by certified mail to the desired state of licensure or, when needed to the graduate.
6. Any information sent for licensure or registration SHOULD be copied and sent by registered/certified mail.
7. The Dean of Nursing will be available for questions.

The Illinois Nurse Practice Act includes criteria for eligibility to apply for licensure to practice nursing, the definition of professional nursing and items related to grounds for licensure refusal, suspension, or revocation. Specifics can be found in the Illinois Nursing and Advanced Nursing Practice Act.

Applicants Seeking Licensure Outside of Illinois
If students intend to seek licensure outside of Illinois, Lakeview College of Nursing recommends contacting the appropriate state licensing agency to obtain the most up-to-date information.
https://www.ncsbn.org/nursing-regulation/licensure.page