Practical Nursing
Area
Practical Nursing Certificate
Length
Three semesters (one-year) program.
Purpose
The practical nursing curriculum is designed to prepare beginning practitioners with the knowledge and skill to care for patients of all age groups and to qualify as contributing members of the health care team. Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN).
Practical nursing is an academically rigorous 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. Students shall be selected on the basis of established criteria and without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, political affiliation or disability. Students with disabilities, who meet the admission requirements, pass the physical/mental exam and submit the physical form signed by the physician stating that they are able to perform as practical nurses in the clinical setting are eligible for admission. It is the responsibility of the student to meet the physical/mental requirements for state licensure.
Occupational Objectives
Opportunities for the Licensed Practical Nurse (L.P.N). include employment in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, day-care centers, Civil Service, primary care offices, rehabilitation facilities, industry, the military, home health, and private duty nursing.
Admission requirements
In addition to the general admission requirements established for the College, entry into the Practical Nursing program requires:
- Completion of specific Practical Nursing Program admission requirements.
- High School diploma or GED- official transcripts must be forwarded to the Admissions and Records Office.
- Completion of appropriate placement tests in reading, writing, and mathematics (if needed) offered by the College, and any recommended developmental course work.
- Completion of the required admission examination.
- Evidence of computer competency.
All admission requirements must be completed prior to the selection process. In all cases, the recommendation of the admissions committee is the final determinant for admission to the Practical Nursing Program. Nursing program admission criteria are under review at the time of catalog publication. Current information may be obtained from the Division of Science and Health Professions.
The nursing law of Virginia addresses criteria for application for licensure. The Virginia Board of Nursing has the power to deny opportunity to procure license through testing if the applicant has willfully committed a felony/misdemeanor under the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia or of the United States. Any student entering the nursing program who has committed any illegal offenses other than minor traffic violations is encouraged to discuss these matters with the Virginia Board of Nursing for clarification prior to admission. Some heath care facilities may not employ individuals who have committed certain criminal acts and may conduct criminal background checks before hiring potential employees.
Program requirements
- Completion of a physical examination and all required immunizations. Applicants must be free of any physical and/or mental condition which might adversely affect their performance as nurses.
- Current certification in CPR (American Heart Association Health Care Provider - adult, infant and child).
- Purchase student professional liability insurance.
- Completion of criminal background search, fingerprinting, drug screen and psychological screening as required and to the satisfaction of affiliating clinical agencies.
- Complete a minimum of 49 credits with a C average or better in all courses.
- Demonstrate satisfactory attendance and performance in the nursing clinical areas.
- Be responsible for transportation to classes and to agencies used for clinical experience.
- All fees charged for required testing, liability insurance, uniforms, books, criminal background search, drug screen, and physiological screening.
- Sign an agreement which releases all clinical agencies and their employees, LFCC, the VCCS and the Commonwealth of Virginia from any liability for any injury or death to the student or damage to her/his property arising out of agreement or use of facilities associated with the Practical Nursing Program.