College Catalog

This 17-month major is designed to prepare graduates to enter the field of practical nursing or to continue their education at the associate or baccalaureate level. Graduates who successfully complete the program are eligible to take the Practical Nursing licensing exam (NCLEX-PN) and work under the direction of a licensed professional nurse, licensed physician, or dentist.

Practical Nursing education is a process through which the student has the opportunity to acquire knowledge, skills, attitudes, and judgment in order to provide safe nursing care. Classroom instruction in theory and basic nursing skills is provided on campus. Clinical experiences are obtained at area hospitals, nursing homes, and health care agencies. Under the guidance of College faculty, students gain valuable experience in the care of clients of all ages.

See the Certificate program for Practical Nursing for additional essential information.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the program find jobs in a variety of health care settings, such as: hospitals, extended care facilities, home health agencies, state and federal health related facilities, the armed services, private duty nursing and in physician and dentist office private settings. Completion of this major and earning an associate of applied science degree could help graduates advance within an organization, enjoy more job related options or have a competitive advantage for jobs or promotions.

Recommended High School Subjects

Students studying Practical Nursing via the Health Arts curriculum will need to meet PN requirements, which include four units of high school English, three units of social studies, three units of mathematics (Algebra or Applied Math II; Algebra II recommended), and three units of science (at least one unit should be biology with a lab).

Recommended for other students are academic subjects with emphasis on science and three units of math with Algebra I or Applied Math II (Algebra II recommended). Students who do not meet these recommendations can work with a college adviser to prepare for the major.

Special Equipment Needs

Students in this major are expected to purchase a dual head stethoscope ($80-$100); a custom nursing kit (must be purchased at the College Bookstore - $115); uniform, white lab coat, white shoes, student nurse patch ($100-$300, depending on the number of uniforms purchased); and various smaller items ($50-$140 combined, depending on brands purchased). Prices are estimates and subject to change.

Remediation Strategies

Students who complete this major can be eligible for transfer into the College's baccalaureate degree in Applied Health Studies or Technology Management. Developmental course work must be remediated prior to Practical Nursing course work. All developmental work must be satisfied within the first 12 credits of the curriculum.

Transfer Procedures

All general education courses that meet College requirements will be eligible for transfer according to College policy. No fewer than nine credits will be considered for eligibility for acceptance into the major. Students interested in Practical Nursing can enroll in this curriculum; however, completion of the required curriculum will be dependent upon their acceptance into the Practical Nursing major.

Although Practical Nursing course credits are generally not transferable, related course credits are transferable to other institutions or courses of study. In addition, Licensed Practical Nurses are generally granted advanced status in registered nurse educational programs.

Program Goals

A graduate of this major should be able to:

• evaluate models of communication; demonstrate an effective model of communication.
• apply appropriate mathematical skills.
• describe and discuss how to adapt to changes facing the health care delivery system and its workers in the United States.
• describe, discuss, and develop an understanding and appreciation of, and apply the benefits of health and fitness for life.
• develop an understanding and appreciation of, and apply skills that result in information literacy, including the efficient and effective use of the Internet and library resources; use these skills to gather, interpret, evaluate, and report information.
• discuss and apply the sciences to health care areas, including patient treatment.
• use basic computer skills.
• describe, contrast, and compare roles in the health care system; assess and develop an appreciation of their role in the system as a health care worker.

Performance Standards

Students enrolled in the major must earn a minimum final grade of 'C' in each of their nursing courses and in BIO 115 and BIO 125. Failure to do so will result in termination from the major.

Curriculum

Additional Information

The Practical Nursing major is fully approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing. The nursing component of this major is accredited as explained under the Practical Nursing Certificate major.

Requirements for advanced placement into NUR 154 include Pennsylvania Registration as a Nurse Aide, professional level CPR certification, work experience as a Nurse Aide totaling 1000 hours or more (within the last three years), and letter of reference from employer. Consultation with the Director of Nursing will be necessary.

Notice of Conviction

Affiliating clinical agencies have the right to refuse to allow any student with a criminal and/or abuse record to participate in clinical activities within the agency. Students must be able to participate in clinical activities at affiliating agencies in order to meet course objectives of the Practical Nursing major.

In accordance with The Practical Nurse Law, Act of 1955, P.L. 1211, No 376, as amended, the Pennsylvania Board of Nursing shall not issue a license to an applicant who has been convicted of a felonious act prohibited by the Act known as "The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act" or convicted of a felony related to a controlled substance in a course of law of the United States or any other state, territory or country unless at least ten years have elapsed from the date of the conviction.