About the Practical Nursing Program

The Practical Nursing Program prepares individuals to practice within the legal scope of practical nursing under the supervision of a registered nurse or physician. Graduates are prepared to take the NCLEXPN licensing examination and practice as an LPN in entry level staff positions.

Pre Admission Conference Dates (pdf)

Practical Nursing Handbook (pdf)

LPN Spring 2014 Packet (pdf)

Curriculum Flyers:

• Practical Nursing Degree AAS GOTS (pdf)
• Career Pathways AAS GOTS (pdf)
• Practical Nursing Diploma (pdf)

Program Objectives

The student will receive a course syllabus for each course that will describe the level competencies and course objectives for that course. Following the completion of the Practical Nursing Program each graduate will be able to:

1. Assume the role of a competent, caring practical nurse in a variety of health care settings under the direct supervision of a registered nurse, licensed physician, or dentist.
2. Use the human caring phenomena and the nursing process in providing nursing care.
3. Demonstrate self-direction and responsibility for maintaining nursing competence by pursuing personal and professional development.
4. Communicate effectively with all members of the health care team.
5. Demonstrate accountability of practice with adherence to ethical and legal standards of the profession.

Entrance Requirements

Before enrollment in the SCC Practical Nursing Program individuals must meet the following entrance requirements:

1. Applicants must be at least eighteen years of age at time of making application to the NCLEX-PN. Age verification by birth certificate is mandatory for persons under the age of 25.
2. The student must show verification of high school graduation or the equivalent by high school transcript (showing date of graduation) or by test scores from the GED.
3. To pursue a diploma in Practical Nursing, the student must obtain scores of 35 in the pre-algebra portion, 76 in the reading portion, and 57 in the writing portion of the Compass exam, or a score of 18 on each portion of the ACT exam. To pursue the General Occupational Technical Studies Degree the student must obtain scores of a 34 in the algebra section, an 81 in the reading section, and a 70 in the writing section of the Compass exam, or a score of 18 on each portion of the ACT score.
4. Applicants must meet all requirements for immunizations and/or lab exams specified below:
   Tuberculosis Skin Test (PPD) or Chest x-ray if previous positive skin testing Hepatitis B series or “Hepatitis B Waiver” Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Tetanus
5. Documentation of active status on the Medicaid Nurse Aide Registry or successful completion of an equivalent nursing course is required prior to enrolling in the first nursing course.
6. American Heart Association Health Care Provider CPR (including infant, child, adult, one and two man, and use of AED device) is required prior to entering NPN Level I. CPR re-certification is required as indicated on certification card and kept current throughout the experience as a student.
7. Documented attendance at a pre-admission conference for the Practical Nursing Program.
8. Prior to start of NPN Level I clinicals, certain documentation must be submitted. See the PN Student Handbook for details.
9. All applicants accepted for admission into the Practical Nursing Program must purchase professional liability insurance yearly through SCC prior to clinical attendance.

Technical Standards

1. Nursing at the technical level involves the provision of direct care for individuals and is characterized by the application of verified knowledge in the skillful performance of nursing functions. All students should possess:
2. Sufficient visual acuity, such as is needed in preparation and administration of medications, and for the observation necessary for patient assessment and nursing care;
3. Sufficient auditory perception to receive verbal communication from patients and members of health team and to assess health needs to people through the use of monitoring devices such as cardiac monitors, stethoscopes, IV infusion pumps, Doptones, fire alarms, etc.;
4. Sufficient gross and fine motor coordination to respond promptly and to implement the skills, including the manipulation of equipment required in meeting health needs;
5. Sufficient communication skills (speech, reading, writing) to interact with individuals and to communicate their needs promptly and effectively, as may be necessary in the individual’s interest; and
6. Sufficient intellectual and emotional functions to plan and implement care for individuals.