CATALOG

Practical Nursing Certificate

Length: 3 Semesters (one year)

 

Purpose

The purpose of the PN curriculum is to prepare students to provide safe and effective nursing care for clients with common health problems as defined by the role of the practical nurse, as well as to collaborate effectively with all members of the healthcare team. Graduates will provide clinically competent, contemporary care that meets the needs of individuals across the lifespan, families, and communities. Upon successful completion of the curriculum, the graduate will be eligible to apply to take the NCLEX-PN® examination leading to licensure as a practical nurse.

Occupational Objectives

Employment opportunities for the LPN include nursing and staff posi­tions in clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, health departments, home health agencies, clinics, prisons, and physicians’ offices.
* Gainful Employment Data

Admission Requirements and Prerequisites

In addition to the requirements for admission to the college, the applicant must meet the fol­lowing prerequisites for admission to the practi­cal nursing program:

  • Graduation from high school or satisfactory completion of the General Education Diploma (GED).
  • Completion of college placement tests in reading, writing, and mathematics or multiple measures equivalents.
  • Completed all applicable developmental courses (MTE modules 1-3 completed) and ENF 3 (eligible to take ENG 111);
  • Completion of one unit of high school biolo­gy or the college equivalent (BIO 101) with a grade of “C” or better.
  • Cumulative GPA of 2.0.
  • The Kaplan Nursing School Admissions Test with­in 2 years with a minimum total score of 40% or greater. The test may be taken up to two times in one academic year.
  • Complete and submit an application to the nursing program by the designated time in the semester preceding the start of the pro­gram (see nursing link on the RCC webpage for more information).
  • If offered a seat in the practical nursing program, the student must accept or deny admission by the stated due date. If the student fails to respond, the seat will be forfeited. 

Admission Requirements for Early College (Evening Program) and High School Programs

  1. Early College (Evening Program)

In addition to the requirements for admission to the college, the applicant must meet the following prerequisites for admission to the practical nursing program:

  • Graduation from high school or satisfactory completion of the General Education Diploma (GED) unless you are a current high school senior. If so, you must have the permission of the principal to attend RCC Early College in the evening format
  • Completion of college placement tests in reading, writing, and mathematics or multiple measures equivalents.
  • Completed all applicable developmental courses (MTE modules 1-3 completed) and ENF 3 (eligible to take ENG 111); High school students are strongly urged to complete algebra in the 11th grade and take ENG 111/112 as dual enrollment courses in the senior year.
  • Completion of one unit of high school biolo­gy or the college equivalent (BIO 101) with a grade of “C” or better.
  • Cumulative GPA of 2.0.
  • The Kaplan Nursing School Admissions Test with­in 2 years with a minimum total score of 40% or greater. The test may be taken up to two times in one academic year. High School students in Early College may take the Kaplan Nursing School Admissions Test after completing the senior year in high school, but must take it and earn acceptable scores prior to progressing to PNE 162.   
  • Complete and submit an application to the nursing program by the designated time in the semester preceding the start of the pro­gram (see nursing link on the RCC webpage for more information).
  • If offered a seat in the practical nursing program, the student must accept or deny admission by the stated due date. If the student fails to respond, the seat will be forfeited. 
  1. High School Programs

The first semester courses in the PN program are currently taught in one Technical Center and STEM Academy.  The courses taught are dual enrollment courses and consistent with the requirements in the entire first semester of the PN program.

 

In addition to the requirements for admission to the college, the applicant must meet the following prerequisites for admission to the practical nursing program in the high school setting:

  • Be admitted to the Technical Center and STEM Academy
  • Complete the application to the PN program during the first week of classes
  • Completed all applicable developmental courses (MTE modules 1-3 completed) and ENF 3 (eligible to take ENG 111); High school students are strongly urged to complete algebra in the 11th grade and take ENG 111/112 as dual enrollment courses in the senior year.
  • Completion of one unit of high school biolo­gy or the college equivalent (BIO 101) with a grade of “C” or better
  • Cumulative GPA of 2.0
  • Students in high school are exempt from the Kaplan Nursing School Admissions Test until after completion of their senior year in high school. However, once graduated the student must take the entrance test and earn acceptable scores prior to progressing the PNE 162.
  • At the end of the high school courses, the student must declare if she/he plans to continue in the PN program for the following fall.

Guaranteed Admission Status

Students may be admitted to the PN program with guaranteed admission by completing the Career Studies Certificate, Pre-Nursing in its en­tirety by the end of the application period with a curricular GPA of 3.0 or higher, with no repeated courses in the curriculum and no less than a “C” in any course. Grades must be posted on your transcripts. No student is eligible for guaranteed admission if any curricular courses are missing or incomplete.

Students applying via guaranteed admission must also have completed the following:

  • High School diploma or GED
  • All VPT placement testing and developmental coursework as described above
  • Have met with a nursing faculty advisor to determine the appropriateness of guaranteed admission and to choose the appropriate nursing program
  • Met all of the deadlines for completion and submission of the nursing program application(s).

The Virginia Board of Nursing has the au­thority to deny licensure to any applicant who has violated any of the provisions of 54.1-3007 of the Code of Virginia. Any student entering the nursing program who has committed any illegal offenses other than minor traffic violations should discuss these matters with the nursing program head for clarification prior to admission.

In all cases, the recommendation of the admission committee is the final determinant for admission to the Practical Nursing Program. All admission requirements must be completed prior to entry into the program.

The Practical Nursing Program is open to men and women who provide evidence of inter­est, motivation, and aptitude in the area of health care, and especially in direct patient care.

Students in the Early College (evening program) and high school dual enrollment PN courses will have guaranteed admission to continue the PN program if the student:

  • Has completed and been successful in all of the first semester courses or their equivalents
  • Completed and earned acceptable scores on the Kaplan Nursing School Entrance Test prior to the start of PNE 162
  • Has submitted a complete background and drug screen through the college’s third-party vendor
  • Have declared that she/he intends to continue in the program
  • Meets with a nursing program advisor prior to enrolling in PNE 162.

Program Requirements:

  • Attend orientation program in the semester prior to the start of clinical nursing courses.
  • Health Records Requirement: Physical examination, including immunizations, must be completed prior to the start of the first clinical nursing course. The required medical forms will be provided at orientation or during the first week of classes for high school and early college students.  Applicants must be free of any physical or mental condition that might adversely affect their acceptance or performance as nurses. More detailed information is provided in the Nursing Student Handbook.
  • CPR certification (American Heart Association, BLS for the Health Care Provider) is required of all students prior to entry into the first clinical course. Information, including a schedule of CPR classes, will be provided at nursing program orientation or may be found on the website under Workforce Programs.
  • Maintain a grade of “C” or higher in all cours­es in the curriculum.
  • Maintain professionalism in both campus and clinical settings, especially in attitude and responsibility. Failure to meet this requirement can result in termination from the program.
  • Students are responsible for purchasing the required clinical uniforms and name tags through the college’s designated supplier.
  • Standardized tests are integrated throughout the nursing program. The cost will be the responsibility of the student.
  • Conviction of a felony, misdemeanor or any offense substantially related to the qualifi­cations, functions, and duties of a registered nurse may constitute grounds for not allowing a candidate to take the licensing exam. This decision is made by the State Board of Nurs­ing. For questions regarding this issue, call the Virginia Board of Nursing 804-367-4515.
  • Nursing students must be in good stand­ing from all previous health care employers. Students may be denied clinical placement based on previous work history and thus, cannot be entered into or possibly complete the nursing program.
  • Nursing students enrolled in clinical nursing courses are required to have malpractice in­surance. Students may purchase malpractice insurance from independent providers.
  • Students are responsible for following the clinical policy for safe handling of biohazards and utilizing appropriate personal protec­tive equipment (PPE) in the prevention of blood-borne pathogens and communicable diseases. Additionally, students are respon­sible for employing appropriate ergonomics to prevent injury. Students will be responsi­ble for medical costs for any injury received while in a clinical setting, including injuries for which testing is required by clinical agencies. Rappahannock Community College is not responsible for student injuries in a clinical or lab setting.
  • The College does not assume responsibility for accidents/incidents which occur in clinicals, nor does it provide any student health services. The student assumes financial re­sponsibility for accidents/incidents requiring medical attention.
  • Some agencies require health insurance coverage as a condition of attending clinical. Students are advised to have health insurance in place.


Program Progression:

  • The student must complete all support cours­es either preceding or concurrently with the appropriate nursing course, as indicated in the curriculum plan.
  • The student is required to complete a se­quence of course and learning experiences provided at the college and selected commu­nity agencies. The nursing faculty will observe and evaluate the student’s performance in nursing and with direct patient care in the clinical sites.
  • A student must obtain permission from the program head to continue in the nursing program under the following conditions: 1) receiving a grade below “C” or 2) withdrawal from a nursing course. In accordance with VCCS policy, a student cannot enroll in the same course more than twice without administrative approval. Additional policies for the program are listed in the Nursing Stu­dent Handbook. The handbook is given to all entry-level nursing students and is available online via Blackboard to admitted students.
  • Clinical agencies reserve the right to deny ac­cess to or dismiss a student from their agen­cy at any time with due cause.
  • The student releases the hospital, its agents, and its employees from any liability for any injury or death to himself or damage to his property arising out of the clinical agreement or use of hospital’s facilities.

 

First Semester
Course # Title Lecture Lab Credit
NUR 120 Nursing Terminology & Charting1,3 2 0 2
PNE 155 Body Structure & Function2,3 3 0 3
NUR 135 Drug Dosage Calculations 1 0 1
PNE 161 Nursing in Health Changes I OR (PNE 193 plus PNE 195)* 4 9 7
SDV 101 Orientation to Health Sciences4 1 0 1
  Semester Totals 11 9 14
 Second Semester
Course # Title Lecture Lab Credit
PNE 162 Nursing in Health Changes II 6 12 10
PNE 173 Pharmacology 1 0 1
PSY 230 Developmental Psychology 3 0 3
ENG 111 College Composition I 3 0 3
  Semester Total 13 12 17
 Third Semester
Course # Title Lecture Lab Credit
PNE 163 Nursing in Health Changes III 4 12 8
PNE 145 Trends in Practical Nursing 1 0 1
HLT 230 Principles of Nutrition & Human Development 3 0 3
SOC 200 Principles of Sociology I 3 0 3
  Semester Total 11 12 15
Total Minimum Credits: 46 *Students may opt to pursue PNE 193 for 3 credits (2 lecture/1 lab) in fall semester and PNE 195 for 4 credits (2 lecture/2 lab) in spring semester to fulfill the requirements of PNE 161.  The credits are the same. Early College/Evening students will take these courses.   1 HLT 143 or BIO 141 may replace NUR 120. 2 BIO 142 or NAS 150 may replace PNE 155. 3 BIO 145 for 5 credits may replace both NUR 120 and PNE 155 4 SDV 100 is accepted if taken prior to entering the Certificate curriculum in Practical Nursing.
 
Financial and Program Requirements Students are responsible for providing their own transportation to and from the various clinical and social agencies used throughout the program for observational and direct care learning experiences. In addition to college tuition, the student will need to purchase textbooks, uniforms (including white hose or socks and shoes), nursing pin, and stethoscope. The student will also have to pay fees for achievement and other standardized testing associated with the program and will need to have a watch with second hand, a penlight, and bandage scissors. All students entering the program will be required to undergo a background check (except high school students) and drug screening prior to their admission to the clinical sites.
 
Estimated Cost Students are responsible for providing their own transportation to and from the various clinical and social agencies used throughout the program for observational and direct care learning experiences. In addition to college tuition, the student will need to purchase textbooks, uniforms (including white hose or socks and shoes), nursing pin, and stethoscope. The student will also have to pay fees for achievement and other standardized testing associated with the program, and will need to have a watch with second hand, a pen light, and bandage scissors.  
Item Cost
Tuition and Fees (47 credits × $160.65*) $7,550.55
Uniform and Shoes 200
Books 500
Achievement Tests (Kaplan) 475
Clinical Supplies 200
Malpractice Insurance 58
Criminal Background Checks/ Drug Screens/ Document Tracker 120
Medical 500
Graduation and Licensure 500
Travel to Clinical Agencies Variable
Total Estimated Costs $10,103.55
* Tuition and Fees are subject to change. All students entering the program will be required to undergo a background check (except high school students) and drug screening prior to their admission to the clinical sites.

Last modified on 10-24-2019