The Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) nursing program at SOWELA Technical Community College located in Lake Charles, Louisiana is accredited by the: 
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000
www.acenursing.org (opens new window)
The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) nursing program is Continuing Accreditation.
View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at http://www.acenursing.com/accreditedprograms/programsearch.htm (opens new window).
2022: The Associate of Science in Nursing program has continued full approval through the Louisiana State Board of Nursing.
The Associate of Science Degree in Nursing (ASN) program prepares individuals in the knowledge, techniques, and procedures for promoting health, providing care for sick, disabled, or infirmed for individuals, families, or groups.
The mission of SOWELA School of Nursing and Allied Health (SoNAH) is to serve and improve the health of individuals entrusted in our care by providing excellence in education and to prepare graduates to pursue higher education to become globally competitive citizens.
The Associate of Science Degree in Nursing (ASN) is designed to prepare students for immediate employment in the healthcare arena and enhance possibilities of transfer coursework to a Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. Graduates will be eligible to write the National Council Licensure Exam for R.N. (NCLEX-RN) and be prepared to enter the workforce as a registered nurse generalist.
The program emphasizes skills and knowledge necessary to promote human flourishing within the legal, ethical, and professional scope of the registered nurse. Content is organized to enhance experiential learning in the clinical setting.
Program Information
Students who are interested in pursuing the ASN degree must complete the first semester of prerequisites prior to applying for clinical courses. ASN students will select Pre-nursing as the major on the SOWELA admission application.
Application to Clinical Nursing Courses – ASN Program
ASN Clinical Applications will be available in February and due April 21 at 3:00 PM. Applications will be available at the School of Nursing & Allied Health office on the 2nd floor of the H C Drew Building. Applicants may also request a copy from Support Coordinator, Kim Mitchell, at kimberly.mitchell@sowela.edu.
Students wishing to apply for clinical courses should review the following links.
- LPN to RN Program
- TEAS Testing
- Admission to ASN Clinical Courses
- Application to SOWELA
- All students must be fully admitted to SOWELA to be considered for clinical placement.
- Admission Requirements and Selection Process for the ASN Program
- Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN) (opens new window)
- Appeal Policy
- Appeal Form (opens new window)
ASN to BSN
SOWELA and Northwestern State University
In August 2018, a formal ASN to BSN agreement between SOWELA and Northwestern State University Louisiana was signed. This allows students to pursue the BSN degree at Northwestern State University upon successful completion of the NCLEX-RN. Students are offered individualized plans with online courses to complete the BSN degree. Dr. Danita Potter, RN to BSN Program Director, may be contacted at potterd@nsula.edu for further information.
SOWELA and University of Louisiana at Lafayette
In October 2018, a formal ASN to BSN agreement between SOWELA and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (ULL) was signed. This allows student to pursue the BSN degree at ULL upon successful completion of the NCLEX-RN. Interested students are encouraged to contact Dr. Lisa Broussard, RN to BSN Program Director for further information.
Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS) and University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM)
In November 2021, a formal ASN to BSN Transfer Articulation Agreement between LCTCS and ULM was signed. This allows students to pursue the BSN degree at ULM upon successful completion of the NCLEX-RN. Interested students are encouraged to contact the RN to BSN Program Director at ULM for more information.
SOWELA and McNeese State University
In October 2022, a formal ASN to BSN agreement between SOWELA and McNeese State University was signed. This allows students to pursue the BSN degree at McNeese State University upon successful completion of the NCLEX-RN. Interested students are encourage to contact Dr. Peggy Hershberger, RN to BSN Program Director.
CIP Code: 513801
Program Type: Associate of Science Degree
Program Length: 71 Semester Credit Hours
ASN Program Completion and NCLEX Passage Rates
| Graduation Year | Traditional ASN | LPN to RN | Total ASN |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| 2022 | 89% | 100% | 92% |
| Graduation Year | Traditional ASN | LPN to RN | Total ASN |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 85% | 100% | 89% |
| 2022 | 96% | 100% | 97.29% |
Program Learning Outcomes
| Location | SOWELA Lake Charles, LA |
|---|---|
| Semester | Fall 2023 |
| Fall 2024 | |
| Fall 2025 |
Degree Options
Program Information
Contact Information
Racheal Bilbo, RN, MSN
racheal.bilbo@sowela.edu
(337) 421-6584 ext. 4511
Elizabeth “Kaye” Martin, RN, MSN
elizabeth.martin@sowela.edu
(337) 421-6584 ext. 4525
Deanne Smith, RN, MSN
deanne.smith@sowela.edu
(337) 421-6584 ext. 4524
Kristine Stout, RN, MSN
kristine.stout@sowela.edu
(337) 421-6584 ext. 4526
Click here to read about SOWELA’s transfer agreements with other colleges and universities.