Nursing Program, Practical Certificate

Program Code: CERLP
CERTIFICATE, One-year

 

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

The Practical Nursing (PN) program prepares the graduate to provide direct patient care with supervision. The program is one year in length and includes liberal arts and nursing courses. Students may choose to complete any liberal arts course prior to admission to the LPN program. Due to the dynamic nature of the health professions, changes in either curricula or course content or both may be made at any time. For update information, visit sc4.edu/nursing.

Students are required to achieve and maintain a 78% (“C+”) pass rate in all PN courses and a grade of satisfactory in each clinical course. Liberal Arts courses taken prior to and in the program: students are to achieve a (“C”) or above to be considered for admission and to progress once admitted. There is a two-attempt limit to courses related to the nursing program (including BIO 160, BIO 271, BIO 272, and HE 101). Failure to meet these requirements will result in the student’s potential lack of acceptance or exclusion from the program.

Upon successful complete of the program, the graduate is eligible to write a national license examination to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).

 

PROGRAM OUTCOMES/OBJECTIVES:

When students complete this program, they will be able to:

1. promote the dignity, integrity, self-determination, and personal growth of diverse patients, their families and oneself to provide individualized, culturally appropriate, relationship-centered nursing care. 

2. make judgements in practice supported with evidence and rational, to provide direct, safe, quality care and promote the health of patients within the family and community context under supervision of the Registered Nurse, physician or other person authorized by State law. 

3. demonstrate awareness and accountability of safe practice and professional identity foundation that includes knowledge, evidence-based practice, empathy, integrity, self-, management, and ethical practices while being mindful of the patient’s needs. 

4. utilize effective communication skills including patient education when collaborating with patients, families, and other health care professionals to utilize evidence-based practice when challenging the status quo and questioning underlying assumptions to improve the quality of care and optimal health for patients, families, and communities. 

 

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

• High school graduate or GED required.
• Overall GPA 2.5 or better in college level work. Applicants with no college experience may use their high school GPA when applying.
• Recommended college courses:

           (BIO 160 (or BIO 271/272 - average of both grades), ENG 101 (or ENG 100), HE 101, HE 102)

• Attend a mandatory Practical Nursing group advisory session.
• Complete pre-admission HESI at SC4, no other testing is accepted. Register to take pre-assessment test by September 1 to register and pay for the HESI please go to THE PIER @ https://stclair.nbsstore.net/testing

 

APPLYING FOR ADMISSION:

Persons seeking admission to the PN program must:

 

1. If not currently enrolled with SC4 submit a completed Application for Admission to SC4 to the Enrollment Services office by September 1 for Winter admission. Indicate on the application the program of study: AGEGE-General Education. Students applying for admission will receive a letter of receipt via email. 
2. Submit a completed Health Science Application designating Practical Nursing (CERLP) to Enrollment Services by September 1 for winter admission. Students applying for admission will receive a letter of receipt via email.

 

Additional Consideration for Admission if the Person:

1. Provides evidence of healthcare certification such as (Certified Nurse Aide, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Patient Care Technician (PCT) 

Applicants planning to pursue a career in practical nursing who have a criminal record of felony or misdemeanor conviction should contact the Health and Human Services division to determine employment restrictions based upon these convictions. 

 

ACCEPTANCE PROCEDURE:

1. Winter application will be reviewed in the Fall. Students will be notified by mail of acceptance or denial into the program. Acceptance into the program is based on space availability, and admission criteria compliance. 

2. Accepted applicants will be required to attend an PN program orientation prior to the start of the program. Class schedules will be distributed during orientation. 

3. Before the semester starts students will submit documents required to participate in Clinical: Health Physical, Health Care Provider BLS certification, Vaccination Records, Negative 10 Panel Drug Screen, and a Criminal Background Check. All requirements will be reviewed during orientation.