PN12 Practical Nursing, Diploma
Offered at the Griffin and Flint River Campuses
| Program Entrance Term: |
Fall, Spring |
| Minimum Length of Program: |
5 terms |
| Minimum Credit Hours for Graduation: |
57 |
Program Description
The Practical Nursing diploma program is designed to prepare students to write the NCLEX-PN for licensure as practical nurses. The program prepares graduates to give competent nursing care through a selected number of academic and occupational courses providing a variety of techniques and materials necessary to assist the student in acquiring the needed knowledge and skills. A variety of clinical experiences is planned so that theory and practice are integrated under the guidance of the clinical instructor. Program graduates receive a practical nursing diploma and have the qualifications of an entry-level practical nurse. Practical nursing is a diploma program to be implemented with new cohorts of students beginning fall and spring semesters. Students most commonly will have to submit a satisfactory criminal background check as well as a drug screen in order to be placed in a clinical health care facility to complete the clinical portions of their educational training.
Admission Requirements
- Submit completed application and application fee
- Submit official high school transcript or GED transcript with test scores and ALL post-secondary transcripts in an official sealed envelope
- Meet assessment requirements
Upon admission to the College, practical nursing students are placed in the Health Care Assistant certificate while working on program admission requirements.
The curriculum includes instruction in the areas of anatomy and physiology, drug calculations, administration of medications, nutrition and diet therapy, nursing ethics, patient care in a variety of fields and settings, patient wellness, and prevention of illnesses.
Applicants must meet general admissions requirements as well as the following minimum requirements. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission into the program:
- Successfully complete (or transfer in) ENGL 1010 or ENGL 1101, PSYC 1010 or PSYC 1101, and ALHS 1060 with a minimum grade of C in each course; and MATH 1012 or MATH 1111 and ALHS 1011 or BIOL 2113/BIOL 2113L and BIOL 2114/2114L with a minimum grade of B in each course.
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 for core classes.
- A minimum of 25 percent of the program must be completed on the campus intended for graduation.
- Have completed the nationalized admissions testing for nursing and achieved a minimum score as designated by the program faculty.
Candidate Selection
Selection of candidates for each practical nursing class will be based on a competitive admissions process. The following criteria will be used:
- Overall GPA for core classes.
- PSB (Psychological Services Bureau
Note: If a student changes his/her declared major from practical nursing to a different diploma or degree program, and then back to practical nursing, the latest program application date will be used to determine placement.
Once accepted into the Practical Nursing program, the student must complete all heath requirements as described by participating clinical sites, including, but not limited to, a criminal background check, drug screening, and health screening.
There is no waiting list for the program. Applicants who are not selected must notify the Practical Nursing program staff by submitting another notification card if they wish to compete for admission into the next cohort class. Grading standards for practical nursing courses are very stringent. Students must maintain a minimum grade of C for progression to the next course of study.
Readmission Policy
Readmission into the Practical Nursing program following withdrawal or first-time failure will be based on the following:
- Proof of previous program course completion of less than six months.
- Submission of a letter for consideration. The letter must state why you were not successful on your first attempt, what has changed, and how you plan to be successful if accepted back into the program.
- Successfully complete written comprehensive examinations for each previously completed practical nursing course with a minimum of 80 percent.
- Successfully complete a drug calculations examination with a minimum competency of 90 percent.
- Successfully complete a lab skill check off. Deficiencies will result in the student repeating the appropriate course/courses. Readmission will be based on available space within the classrooms and clinical sites. Students who do not successfully complete the Practical Nursing program after two attempts, whether at this college or at another college, will not be readmitted into the program.
- A student must complete another criminal background check, drug screen, and health screen as designated by participating clinical sites.
- The required nationalized test score cannot be greater than one-year old at the time of application for readmission.
- A student must complete the program sequentially to be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN).
Transfer Policy
Transferring practical nursing students from other technical colleges must file an application at the Griffin campus and submit all official transcripts. Each practical nursing course listed on the transferring student’s official transcript is considered for transfer credit after the prospective student has demonstrated proficiency by examination with a score of 80 percent.
Approximate additional costs other than tuition, fees, and textbooks
| Equipment/supplies |
$700.00 |
| Uniforms |
$175.00 |
| Licensing exam |
$300.00 |
| Liability insurance |
$60.00 |
| Medical fees/background check |
$350.00 |
| CPR |
$5.50 |
| Nursing pin |
$40.00 |
| Nursing cap |
$15.75 |
| Nursing lamp |
$7.25 |
| Nursing tote |
$100.00 |
| ACEMAPP |
$50.00 per year |
The following is a required path to complete this program in a timely manner. An individual’s path to completion may be different based on institutional and personal factors affecting his/her academic progress.
Note: While all courses are offered, they may vary by term and campus. See the program advisor for any questions.
Program Courses
First Term
FALL Program Entrance
Second Term: START FALL MANDATORY PN COHORT SEQUENCE
Third Term: SPRING MANDATORY PN COHORT SEQUENCE
Fourth Term: SUMMER MANDATORY PN COHORT SEQUENCE
*Note: A new PN cohort begins every fall on the Griffin and Flint River campuses.
SPRING Program Entrance
Second Term: START SPRING MANDATORY PN COHORT SEQUENCE
Third Term: SUMMER MANDATORY PN COHORT SEQUENCE
Fourth Term: FALL MANDATORY PN COHORT SEQUENCE
*Note: A new PN cohort begins every fall on the Griffin and Flint River campuses.