Overview
Polk State’s Associate in Science in Nursing (ASN) Program prepares future nurses with the hands-on clinical experience and strong academic foundation today’s healthcare industry demands. Students learn from expert faculty, gain real-world skills in state-of-the-art simulation labs and complete clinical rotations with respected healthcare partners across the region. The program offers a generic track and a transition track for individuals who already have a healthcare certificate or are working as a licensed practical nurse, paramedic, respiratory therapist or military medic.
The program is known for its affordability, high licensure pass rates and strong job placement. Whether beginning your nursing journey or seeking a meaningful career change, Polk State Nursing offers a clear, supportive pathway into one of the most rewarding professions in healthcare.
Program curriculum and outcomes
All classes available next semester
Highlights
Taught by Professionals
Instructors have decades of experience in related fields and/or are working professionals who bring their real-world knowledge to the program.
Technology
Train with the latest technology in a hands-on learning environment that simulates the real-world healthcare setting.
Industry Partners
The program remains at the forefront of industry needs through close partnerships with local hospitals, clinics and healthcare systems.Admission
Application Windows
Admission is offered for the Fall and Spring semesters during designated early and late application periods.
Fall Semester
Early Admission: January 15 – March 1
Late Admission: March 15 – March 25
Spring Semester
Early Admission: June 1 – September 1
Late Admission: October 15 – October 25
Admission Requirements
To be eligible for this program, applicants must meet the following:
- Admission to Polk State College
- Completion of the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) with a composite score of 70 or greater
- Grade-point average of 2.5 or greater
- Grades of C or greater in all prerequisite courses
Transferability
This program prepares students for the National Council Licensure Examination-RN (NCLEX-RN) to become a licensed registered nurse. Students can also continue in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program.
Notable Employers
Example Courses
Classes in this program are engaging, flexible and full of real-world application.
Foundations of Nursing Practice
This course introduces nursing as a profession and the nurse’s role as a collaborative member of the healthcare team. The course surveys the necessary requirements in providing safe, competent, holistic and evidenced-based care, and fosters the development of a professional identity in the student nurse.Pharmacology
This course focuses on the nursing process and the role of the nurse as the provider of care in the administration of pharmacologic agents that are used to restore, promote and maintain homeostasis.Nursing of the Family
This course further develops the role of the nurse as a provider of care and coordinator of care for patient populations of women, children and families. Emphasis is placed on wellness-to-illness concepts; health promotion; patient education; principles of growth and development; and family, community and care-based interventions.Advanced Comprehensive Nursing Care
This course focuses on the role of the nurse in providing safe, competent and holistic evidence-based care for patients with complex pathophysiological homeostatic imbalances that result in unmet needs and physiological crises.Accreditation
The Polk State Associate in Science in Nursing and Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs, which are offered on both the Lakeland and Winter Haven campuses, are accredited by:
The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), Inc.
3390 Peachtree Rd., NE
Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
404.975.5000
The ACEN Board of Commissioners has awarded both of Polk State’s Nursing degree programs with Continuing Accreditation status. The most recent accreditation visit took place in the fall of 2025.
The ACEN publicly discloses information regarding its accredited programs.
Outcomes
Program Completion
Associate in Science in Nursing
2024 – 66.67% (pending)
2023 – 67.9%
2022 – 68.67%
Program Completion
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
2024 – (pending)
2023 – 64.2%
2022 – 66.27%
NCLEX-RN Ultimate Pass Rates
2024 – pending
2023 – 100%
2022 – 100%
Job Placement
2024 – (73/76) 96%; (73/85) 85.8% response rate
2023 – (103/103) 100%; (103/110) 93.6% response rate
2022 – (95/95) 100%; (95/110) 86.36% response rate
