What is the definition of a peace officer?
The Texas Code of Criminal Procedure 2.12 defines all 36 groups considered to be peace officers.
Must the peace officer be employed full-time?
No. Legislation only states that the person must be employed as a peace officer in Texas or by a political subdivision of Texas. It does not specify full-time employment; therefore, part-time employment is allowable.
What courses are exempt from tuition and fees?
Only courses in law enforcement or criminal justice are covered by this exemption program.
Are all fees exempted?
No. Only laboratory fees are included in this exemption.
If a certificate or degree program in law enforcement or criminal justice requires students to take other courses such as English, math or government, will these courses be included in the exemption?
No. The exemption program only covers courses in law enforcement or criminal justice, even if other courses are required for the degree or certification.
Are continuing education or extension courses covered?
Generally, no. Only courses that receive formula funding are covered. If the college receives formula funding for the continuing education or extension courses, then these would be covered.
Are distance education courses covered?
Yes. Since these courses receive formula funding and collect tuition and fees, they are subject to the tuition exemption.
Are students in graduate school eligible for this exemption program?
No. This exemption is only for those in law enforcement-related or criminal justice undergraduate certificate or degree programs.
Is there a list of eligible courses?
No. Each institution determines which courses in law enforcement and criminal justice qualify for this exemption.
Is there a deadline by which a student must request the tuition and fee exemption?
The peace officer must apply for the exemption at least one week before the last day of the institution’s regular registration period for that semester.
Is there a limit to the number of students receiving the tuition and fee exemption?
Yes. The institution may not provide exemptions through the Peace Officer Tuition Exemption program to more than 20% of the maximum enrollment for a given class. (TEC 54.208 (d)).
If a student exceeds the number of semester credit hours for his or her program of study by 30 or more hours, will this exemption cover the increased tuition that the institution charges? (TEC 61.059)
No. A peace officer may not receive an exemption for any course if the student has reached the maximum number of hours allowed for formula funding (30 hours beyond the degree requirement).
Will the institution be reimbursed for tuition and fees not collected?
No. However, the legislation has included a clause addressing funding issues: “If the legislature does not specifically appropriate funds to an institution of higher education in an amount sufficient to pay the institution’s costs in complying with this section for a semester, the governing board of the institution of higher education shall report to the […]
Do you require testing (i.e., HESI?)
No, we do not require testing.
Are diploma nurses eligible for the program?
Diploma nurses who graduated from a state board-approved program are eligible for the RN to BSN online program. Individual advising will be conducted to review college courses completed and ensure students have enough hours to graduate.
Are there any clinical requirements?
No clinical experience is required. Practicum projects applying clinical content will be used.
Do you offer scholarships?
Yes. In the spring, RN to BSN students are eligible to apply for scholarships for the next fall.
Is there a time limit on previous courses taken?
No, all courses are accepted regardless of when taken.
I previously started an undergraduate nursing program. Will any of the courses transfer?
This is dealt with on an individual basis through our Program Director.
Will all of my courses transfer from other colleges?
Courses equivalent to Lamar University courses transfer. Up to 66 hours of equivalent courses can be transferred to LU.
Can a student apply to Lamar University’s RN to BSN program if he or she has passed the NCLEX, but has not received a license number yet?
A student who passed NCLEX-RN can apply to our RN to BSN online program before obtaining a license number. The student needs a license number, though, before being allowed to begin a nursing course.
After submitting a complete application (including transcripts), when should the student expect to receive a decision on admission to the University?
Students should expect to receive a University decision, which will be sent via e-mail, within one week. Students may track their application status online at Self-Service Banner. The Department of Nursing reviews your documents to determine if you meet the department requirements (2.5 GPA, unencumbered RN license, completed ADN or diploma program). It takes about […]
How long is an application to the program active?
An application is only good for the term for which a student applies. If the student does not attend that semester, he or she will need to go to applytexas.org and submit a new application. Keep your user ID and password from the prior application so you do not have to re-enter all fields, just […]
What are the requirements for a student to remain in good academic standing for the program?
You must maintain a 2.5 GPA and C or better in all required courses.
If I have a baccalaureate degree, does it exempt me from any of the courses?
If you are a graduate from a Texas university, you are considered CORE complete. This means you have met Lamar University’s requirement for CORE courses.
Do I need an appointment to be advised? Do I need to bring anything? Can I consult with an advisor over the phone?
An appointment is best. Call 409-880-7295 or email luap-rnbsn@lamar.edu to set up an appointment to speak to the coordinator for the RN to BSN program. The appointment can be completed in person or via phone.
Do I have to take Chemistry and Pathophysiology?
You do not have to take Chemistry or Pathophysiology. LU recognizes that you had some of this content in your ADN or diploma program.
When do I have to take Statistics?
Statistics is required before or with the Nursing Inquiry and Evidenced-Based Practice course because it is a research course. Before you can take Statistics, you need to complete a college-level algebra course.
Can I complete the general courses after completing all of the nursing courses?
The last course in the program that students are required to take is NURS 4580 Synthesis in Professional Nursing. This is a capstone course, so all other nursing courses and corequisite courses must be completed before taking NURS 4580.
What nursing course do I take first?
The first nursing course you will take is NURS 4321 Nursing Theories and Online Education, which will familiarize you with online education and our nursing program.
