Nursing

What are the nursing degree options available to me at Penn College?

For those interested in nursing, the College offers four different options. The first is the Practical Nursing certificate major, which prepares students for licensure as a practical nurse. This major also prepares the graduate for transfer into an associate- or bachelor-degree nursing major or other health-related field of study. Practical nurses share in the care of the sick, in rehabilitation, and in the prevention of illness while under the direction of a physician, dentist, or registered professional nurse.

The Nursing associate degree major prepares the student for licensure as a registered nurse. Graduates with an associate’s degree are prepared to assume positions as staff nurses in hospitals, nursing homes, and other health-related agencies. The graduate has the foundation to pursue a baccalaureate degree and/or enter the work force when licensed.

Penn College also offers a bachelor of science degree in Nursing. The BSN Completion major affords Licensed RNs the opportunity to choose nursing and related electives, which contribute to individual educational goals. Nontraditional scheduling, personalized advising, and online courses help students prepare for graduate education, career enhancement, and personal/professional growth. Full- and part-time options are available. The BSN Traditional major is designed to prepare individuals (with no prior health care education) to provide professional holistic nursing care to clients in a variety of health care settings. Graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination – Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN).

Are there prerequisites for the Nursing program?

All applicants who have not previously completed college-level course work must take placement examinations and remediate any deficiencies identified through their performance on those examinations prior to being considered for enrollment into a Nursing major. Additionally, to be considered for enrollment in an associate-degree Nursing major, the applicant must have completed high school general chemistry or a college- level chemistry course within the last 10 years, with a grade of ‘C’ or higher.

How does the selection process work?

All candidates in the Practical Nursing and associate-degree majors are initially enrolled as Pre-Nursing students. Typically, the student completes one year of general education courses as a Pre-Nursing student, and at the same time, earns points based on these course grades

Following the fall and spring semesters, students are reviewed for acceptance into the associate-degree and certificate Nursing majors. All students who are offered acceptance begin the program in August regardless of when the selection occurs. Because a limited number of seats are available, students with the highest number of points at the time of review are offered acceptance (until the majors are filled).

It is important that you review the admission ranking sheet for the nursing major and meet with your academic adviser or the program director to seek clarification of the system. The admission ranking sheet is a valuable tool in selecting courses to make yourself as competitive as possible.

How long can I remain in the Pre-Nursing major?

Practical Nursing and associate-degree students are limited to 24 attempted credits (taken at Penn College, excluding developmental courses) in a pre-health major. Following the fall and spring selections, students who have attempted 24 credits or more, and are not selected for acceptance into the major, are required to meet with the program director to discuss viable education options.

I am a transfer student. How are my credits evaluated in the admission ranking process?

Pre-associate and certificate transfer student credits are evaluated in the same way as Penn College credits with one exception. Under the “Course Points” ranking area, transfer students receive 0.8 point per course with grades of “C” or higher; the same courses at Penn College (“C” or higher) earn 1 point.

Where are the nursing clinical sites located?

Students have the opportunity to demonstrate competency in their clinical skills by providing care to patients in acute, intermediate, and long-term care agencies in Lycoming, Clinton, Northumberland, Columbia, and Union counties. Clinical experiences begin within the first month of the associate-degree and certificate Nursing majors.

Who should I contact if I need additional information?

Questions concerning the Nursing profession, various majors, or the admission ranking process can be directed to the director of nursing. Any questions about your general application should be directed to the Admissions Office.