Dec 14, 2024  
2024-2025 Catalog & Student Handbook 
    
2024-2025 Catalog & Student Handbook

Practical Nursing (PN), Certificate


Purpose

The certificate program in Practical Nursing (Plan Code 157) is designed to prepare beginning practitioners for careers as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) with the knowledge and skills to care for clients of all age groups and function as contributing members of the health care team in a variety of health service facilities. At the successful completion of the program, students will be eligible to apply for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) leading to licensure as a practical nurse. The practical nursing program has full approval by the Virginia Board of Nursing. The NCLEX -PN pass rates for the preceding three years are as follows: 2019 - 87.50%; 2020 - 100%; 2021 - 70%; 2022 - 85.71%; 2023 -93.33%.

Program Requirements and Special Conditions

Program Application Requirements to Apply for Admission

In addition to the general admission requirements established for the College, minimum standards for entry into the program are:

  1. Complete application to ESCC
  2. High School Diploma or GED, copy to accompany application to program
  3. GPA of 2.0 or better
  4. IF GPA less than 2.0 or have been out of school more than 5 years, recommend English EDE10; math recommendation of MDE 10
  5. Completion of Criminal Background, Drug screening
  6. Completion of Physical examination with PPD or chest x-ray
  7. Current record of immunizations including MMR, Varicella, Tetanus, Hepatitis B and COVID vaccinations
  8. Grade of “C” or better in all curriculum courses
  9. Complete HESI Admission testing for Practical Nursing Program
  10. Current CPR (BLS), copy of card to accompany application
  11. Complete program application (January through February)
  12. Recommend all general education courses completed prior to entrance of program.
  13. Applicants selected are offered provisional acceptance until completion of criminal background and drug screening, physical examination, and submission of immunizations records.

Students with disabilities who meet the program prerequisites, complete the physical and mental exams, 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 and legal requirements for state licensure as practical nurses.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

  • Apply nursing concepts based on bio-psycho-social cultural and spiritual aspects of individual patients across the life span.

Program Curriculum and Suggested Sequence of Courses


General Education Courses to take prior to acceptance in Practical Nursing Program


Total Credits: 10


Total Credits: 12


Total Credits: 16


Total Credits: 13


Total Credits For Program: 51


Notes and Additional Curriculum Options


  • The nursing law of Virginia addresses criteria for application for nursing licensure. The Virginia Board of Nursing has the power to deny the opportunity to become licensed through testing if the applicant has committed a felony/misdemeanor violating the provisions of 54-367.32 of the Code of Virginia. A student’s eligibility to take the PN licensing exam cannot be determined until application for licensure is received by the State Board of Nursing. Some health care facilities may not employ individuals or allow students to participate in clinical experiences in their facilities who have committed certain criminal acts. Any student that has committed any illegal offenses other than minor traffic violations should discuss these matters with the program director for further clarification
  • Students are responsible for their own transportation to off-campus facilities for clinical experiences.
  • Students must receive a grade of “C” or better in all PNE courses to remain in the PN program.
  • Students must maintain an overall grade point average of 2.0 or better.
  • Students are responsible for costs necessary for program completion such as required testing fees, liability insurance, uniforms, stethoscopes, nursing pins, books, criminal history and sex offender crimes against minors background checks.
  • Students must complete program requirements that exist at the time of program entry.
  • Students must be certified in CPR at the health care provider level prior to entering the program; PELL will NOT cover this course for the PN program.

Certifications


Courses in this program may help students attain the following license(s) or certification(s):

  • Practical Nurse, Virginia Board of Nursing

 

Reviewed/Updated Page: 07/2024