{"id":27241,"date":"2025-03-28T09:27:39","date_gmt":"2025-03-28T14:27:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.austincc.edu\/health\/?page_id=27241"},"modified":"2026-02-27T10:48:39","modified_gmt":"2026-02-27T16:48:39","slug":"advanced-clinical-immersion","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/sites.austincc.edu\/health\/rnsg\/advanced-clinical-immersion\/","title":{"rendered":"Advanced Clinical Immersion (ACI) Program"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” full_height=”yes” columns_placement=”top” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1744035988454{background-color: #ffffff !important;}” el_id=”main-row”][vc_column][vc_message el_class=”no-show”]The ACI application period has now closed. Thank you for your interest in the program. Applications will reopen in Spring 2026, and we\u2019ll announce details at that time. If you have any additional questions about the program, please feel free to contact us.<\/p>\n

Sincerely,
\n<\/strong>-ACC Health Sciences Nursing ACI Team<\/strong>[\/vc_message][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Advanced Clinical Immersion (ACI) Program<\/h1>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle”][vc_column_inner width=”2\/3″][vc_single_image image=”24588″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

ACI places students directly in the hospital setting, offering hands-on experience, academic credit, and paid compensation, all during Level 4 clinicals. Build confidence, sharpen skills, and prepare for your nursing career from day one.<\/h3>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

This immersive approach allows students to earn academic credit while also receiving financial compensation from clinical partners for their work.<\/h3>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner content_placement=”middle”][vc_column_inner width=”1\/4″ offset=”vc_hidden-xs”][vc_btn title=”Eligibility” style=”outline” color=”primary” align=”center” button_block=”true” link=”url:%23eligibility|||rel:nofollow”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3\/4″ offset=”vc_hidden-xs”][vc_btn title=”How to apply” style=”classic” color=”primary” align=”center” button_block=”true” link=”url:%23next-steps|||rel:nofollow”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner content_placement=”middle”][vc_column_inner offset=”vc_hidden-lg vc_hidden-md vc_hidden-sm vc_col-xs-12″][vc_btn title=”Eligibility” style=”outline” color=”primary” align=”center” button_block=”true” link=”url:%23eligibility|||rel:nofollow”][vc_btn title=”How to apply” style=”classic” color=”primary” align=”center” button_block=”true” link=”url:%23next-steps|||rel:nofollow”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text el_id=”description”]<\/p>\n

What is the Advanced Clinical Immersion Program?<\/h2>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”5%”][vc_column_text]Austin Community College\u2019s\u00a0 Accelerated Clinical Immersion (ACI) program provides nursing students with a unique dual-credit clinical experience in their final semester. Unlike traditional clinical placements, ACI allows students to directly integrate into the healthcare environment of participating hospital partners. This immersive approach enables students to earn academic credit and offer financial compensation from the clinical partners for their clinical work.<\/p>\n

ACI student nurses do not attend clinical sessions in the typical group format led by a professor. Instead, they individually schedule their clinical hours to align with the work schedule of their designated nursing preceptor. The preceptor<\/a>, trained and aware of ACC\u2019s standards, takes on the instructional role traditionally held by a professor. Although the preceptor provides direct supervision on-site, each student remains under the academic oversight of a supervising nursing professor assigned to them by the Professional Nursing Department. The supervising professor is responsible for the student\u2019s academic accountability, ensuring the clinical experience meets educational standards and objectives.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text el_id=”eligibility”]<\/p>\n

Eligibility<\/b><\/h2>\n

Must have…<\/h3>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”top” gap=”5″ css=”.vc_custom_1744037808488{padding-right: 5% !important;padding-left: 5% !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1\/4″ css=”.vc_custom_1744037726619{background-color: #f2f2f2 !important;}”][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-bar-chart” align=”center”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Minimum GPA of 2.5<\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/4″ css=”.vc_custom_1744037739347{background-color: #f2f2f2 !important;}”][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-line-chart” align=”center”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Enrolled in a current ADN Traditional Track program moving from Level 3<\/strong> to Level 4<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/4″ css=”.vc_custom_1744037746787{background-color: #f2f2f2 !important;}”][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-user-md” align=”center”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Consistent academic progression of ACC Nursing classes.<\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/4″ css=”.vc_custom_1744037786404{background-color: #f2f2f2 !important;}”][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-handshake-o” align=”center”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Be in good academic standing.<\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_separator color=”black”][vc_column_text el_id=”testimonials”]<\/p>\n

How has the ACI program shaped your journey to becoming a nurse?<\/h2>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes”][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text el_class=”testemonials”]<\/p>\n

\n

ACI Student<\/h3>\n<\/blockquote>\n

I had a moment recently when it all clicked. I know my actual role as a nurse beyond the obvious. I know what my day is supposed to look like, what my responsibilities are, what is expected of me, and the quality of care I want to provide my patients. This program has allowed me to navigate myself to find those answers swiftly. It’s provided so many opportunities for direct patient care and learning.<\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text el_class=”testemonials”]<\/p>\n

\n

ADN Graduate<\/h3>\n<\/blockquote>\n

I feel much more prepared. Time management has been proven to be a very important but also difficult skill to gain. This opportunity and its responsibilities turned out to be extremely realistic but also helpful for my future journey.<\/p>\n

 [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text el_id=”next-steps”]<\/p>\n

Next Steps<\/h2>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”top” el_class=”next-step-card”][vc_column_inner el_class=”next-step-card” width=”1\/4″ offset=”vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

\n

Step 1<\/p>\n

Copy the link below and paste in an email to the L1 or L2 professor of your choice. <\/strong><\/h3>\n

https:\/\/forms.gle\/TpChcnWtgkBGfz3y7
\n<\/strong>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner el_class=”next-step-card” width=”1\/4″ offset=”vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

\n

Step 2<\/p>\n

Request a letter of good standing from Benny Ligues at bligues@austincc.edu<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner el_class=”next-step-card” width=”1\/4″ offset=”vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

\n

Step 3<\/p>\n

Submit the application<\/h3>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner el_class=”next-step-card” width=”1\/4″ offset=”vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

\n

Step 4<\/p>\n

Schedule an interview<\/h3>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/4″ offset=”vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs”][vc_btn title=”Recommendation Form” style=”classic” color=”primary” align=”center” button_block=”true” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fforms.gle%2FTpChcnWtgkBGfz3y7|title:Professor%20Recommendation%20Form|target:%20_blank|rel:nofollow” el_class=”next-step-btn”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/4″ offset=”vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs”][vc_btn title=”Benny Ligues” style=”classic” color=”primary” align=”center” i_align=”right” i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-envelope” button_block=”true” add_icon=”true” link=”url:mailto%3Abligues%40austincc.edu|title:Benny%20Ligues||” el_class=”next-step-btn”][vc_raw_html el_class=”no-show”]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[\/vc_raw_html][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/4″ offset=”vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs”][vc_btn title=”Apply Now” style=”classic” color=”primary” align=”center” i_align=”right” i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-arrow-right” button_block=”true” add_icon=”true” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fdocs.google.com%2Fforms%2Fd%2Fe%2F1FAIpQLSfWzKV9J0GC89WHgIVO2tPkb5pJ4bGwVGLJA5jWAl78mnpN4w%2Fviewform||target:%20_blank|rel:nofollow” el_class=”next-step-btn”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/4″ offset=”vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs”][vc_btn title=”Find an appointment” style=”classic” color=”primary” align=”center” i_align=”right” i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-calendar” button_block=”true” add_icon=”true” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Furl%3Fq%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Fcalendar.app.google%2FnxTNZ1XSgNGAGpfB8%26sa%3DD%26source%3Ddocs%26ust%3D1771977616839064%26usg%3DAOvVaw0fpxm-8LdVhIsC7p1feF_D||target:%20_blank|rel:nofollow” el_class=”ACI-find-an-appointment”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner offset=”vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

\n

Step 5<\/p>\n

Interview with the Clinical Immersion (ACI) team before beginning the final hospital application.<\/h3>\n

Hospital Application Process<\/h4>\n

After your ACC interview and upon notification of approval from ACI team, you will be notified when the hospital application links are live. Please do not apply to the hospitals until notified by Dr. Lori Lucas (ACI Program Manager).[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”top” gap=”5″ el_class=”next-step-card”][vc_column_inner el_class=”next-step-card” width=”1\/4″ offset=”vc_hidden-lg vc_hidden-md”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

\n

Step 1<\/p>\n

Request a letter of recommendation from L1 or L2 Clinical Professor<\/h3>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Recommendation Form” style=”classic” color=”primary” align=”center” button_block=”true” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fforms.gle%2FTpChcnWtgkBGfz3y7|title:Professor%20Recommendation%20Form|target:%20_blank|rel:nofollow” el_class=”next-step-btn”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner el_class=”next-step-card” width=”1\/4″ offset=”vc_hidden-lg vc_hidden-md”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

\n

Step 2<\/p>\n

Request a letter of good standing from Benny Ligues<\/h3>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Benny Ligues” style=”classic” color=”primary” align=”center” i_align=”right” i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-envelope” button_block=”true” add_icon=”true” link=”url:mailto%3Abligues%40austincc.edu|title:Benny%20Ligues|target:%20_blank|rel:nofollow” el_class=”next-step-btn”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner el_class=”next-step-card” width=”1\/4″ offset=”vc_hidden-lg vc_hidden-md”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

\n

Step 3<\/p>\n

Submit the application<\/h3>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Apply Now” style=”classic” color=”primary” align=”center” i_align=”right” i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-arrow-right” button_block=”true” add_icon=”true” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fdocs.google.com%2Fforms%2Fd%2Fe%2F1FAIpQLSfWzKV9J0GC89WHgIVO2tPkb5pJ4bGwVGLJA5jWAl78mnpN4w%2Fviewform||target:%20_blank|” el_class=”next-step-btn”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner el_class=”next-step-card” width=”1\/4″ offset=”vc_hidden-lg vc_hidden-md”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

\n

Step 4<\/p>\n

Sign up for an interview<\/h3>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Find an appointment” style=”classic” color=”primary” align=”center” i_align=”right” i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-calendar” button_block=”true” add_icon=”true” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Furl%3Fq%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Fcalendar.app.google%2FnxTNZ1XSgNGAGpfB8%26sa%3DD%26source%3Ddocs%26ust%3D1771977616839064%26usg%3DAOvVaw0fpxm-8LdVhIsC7p1feF_D||target:%20_blank|rel:nofollow” el_class=”ACI-find-an-appointment”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner offset=”vc_hidden-lg vc_hidden-md”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

\n

Step 5<\/p>\n

Interview with the Clinical Immersion (ACI) team before beginning the final hospital application.<\/h3>\n

Hospital Application Process<\/h4>\n

After your ACC interview and upon notification of approval from ACI team, you will be notified when the hospital application links are live. Please do not apply to the hospitals until notified by Dr. Lori Lucas (ACI Program Manager).[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text el_id=”clinical-partner-resources”]<\/p>\n

Clinical Partner Resources<\/h2>\n

Find out more about our healthcare hospital partners.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][vc_single_image image=”25273″ alignment=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1743458500898{padding-right: 30% !important;padding-left: 30% !important;}”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

St. David’s Healthcare<\/h3>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Information” style=”classic” color=”primary” align=”center” button_block=”true” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fdocs.google.com%2Fdocument%2Fd%2F1YGED7j_XhPj5u838KaLOGFAxOToGP0-sloAPm7xVLR4%2Fedit%3Fusp%3Dsharing||target:%20_blank|”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][vc_single_image image=”27345″ alignment=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1744038643154{padding-right: 30% !important;padding-left: 30% !important;}”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Ascension<\/h3>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Information” style=”classic” color=”primary” align=”center” button_block=”true” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fdocs.google.com%2Fdocument%2Fd%2F1WL3gQ1Dm_Y6NpakNAoH2IEY-pXJOS1a39pL2n4dhalc%2Fedit%3Fusp%3Dsharing||target:%20_blank|”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][vc_single_image image=”27349″ alignment=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1744039501480{padding-right: 30% !important;padding-left: 30% !important;}”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Coming Soon<\/h3>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Information” style=”classic” color=”primary” align=”center” button_block=”true” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fdocs.google.com%2Fdocument%2Fd%2F1pM08n17yWE_g5wz9bubrMMwIUZFc0-z96Dad8FDSF7U%2Fedit%3Fusp%3Dsharing||target:%20_blank|”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text el_id=”faq”]<\/p>\n

FAQ<\/h2>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_toggle title=”What happens if I had to repeat a course?”]Extenuating circumstances that led to the repeat of a nursing course will be considered individually.
\nContact Professor\u00a0Lori Lucas explaining your unique circumstances where you repeated a nursing course.[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”What is the Advanced Clinical Immersion (ACI) program?”]The ACI is a unique clinical opportunity for final-semester (Level 4) nursing students that combines academic clinical credit with a paid clinical experience. Students work one-on-one with an RN preceptor in real hospital settings to build confidence, competence, and job readiness.<\/span><\/p>\n

See Program Description<\/a>[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”What is a preceptor, and what do they do?” el_id=”#preceptor”]A preceptor is a licensed RN who guides your clinical learning, mentors you during shifts, and helps you meet your clinical objectives. They are essential to your development as a practice-ready nurse.<\/span>[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”How does ACI differ from traditional clinicals?”]Unlike traditional group clinicals led by an instructor, ACI students are paired with a dedicated RN preceptor. You\u2019ll follow your preceptor\u2019s work schedule, allowing for real-world immersion and individualized learning experiences.[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Is this a paid program?”]Yes. Students earn compensation from the hospital partner while also receiving academic clinical credit from ACC.[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Who oversees my clinical learning?”]You\u2019ll have two key supporters:<\/span><\/p>\n