2024-2025 Catalog

Practical Nursing Certificate

My Academic Plan

Courses are displayed to show the fastest path to your certificate and must be completed in the order listed. This program functions as cohorts starting fall semester of each academic year. If you have questions or concerns about your MAP, please see your Program Director or Academic Advisor.

Program Description

This program is designed for students wanting to complete a three semester Certificate in Practical Nursing and enter the workforce. Students explore knowledge and skills of safe patient-centered nursing care. This program is for students whose primary goal is practical nursing to assist in providing general nursing care under the direction of a registered nurse, physician, or dentist. The program prepares students for careers in long term care facilities, clinics, home care, doctors' offices, and some hospitals. Graduates of the program receive a certificate in practical nursing and are eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (PN NCLEX®). 

Learn more about this program.

What You Will Learn

Upon completion of the program you will be able to:
1.  Provide safe, quality, person-centered nursing care in a variety of healthcare settings considering basic research, evidence, and patient preferences as the basis for care
2.  Engage in critical thinking and clinical judgment, within the practical nurse scope of practice, to make person-centered care decisions
3.  Participate in performance improvement/quality improvement activities to improve patient care
4.  Collaborate with healthcare team members, the patient, and the patient's support persons to facilitate effective patient care
5.  Use information technology to support and communicate the planning and provision of patient care
6.  Manage care in a variety of healthcare settings for diverse patient populations through the process of planning, organizing, and directing
7.  Function within the scope of practice of the Practical Nurse incorporating professional, legal, and ethical guidelines
8.  Promote a culture of caring to provide support, compassion, and culturally competent, holistic care

First Semester

A & P Anatomy and Physiology (BIO 1006 or 2101 and 2102)

4

ENG 1021English Composition I: GT-CO1

3

Total Credit Hours:7
Semester Note:  First Semester courses are required and must be taken prior to program admittance. You should complete the Practical Nursing Program application process prior to declaring as a Practical Nursing student and take Semester 2 and Semester 3 as a full-time Practical Nursing student.

Second Semester

NUR 1001Pharmacology Calculations

1

NUR 1002Alterations in Adult Health I

4

NUR 1003Basic Health Assessment for the Practical Nurse

1

NUR 1005Practical Nursing Arts & Skills

6

NUR 1010Pharmacology for Practical Nursing

3

NUR 1016Basic Concepts of Geriatric Nursing

1

NUR 1070Clinical I

3

Total Credit Hours:19
Semester Note: You must complete this program as a full-time nursing student beginning in Semester 2. Contact an advisor regarding your scheduling needs.

Third Semester

NUR 1004Alterations in Adult Health II

5

NUR 1011Advancement into Practical Nursing

1

NUR 1013Basic Concepts of Maternal-Newborn Nursing

2

NUR 1014Basic Concepts of Pediatric Nursing

2

NUR 1015Basic Concepts of Mental Health Nursing

1

NUR 1071Clinical II

2

NUR 1072Clinical III

1

NUR 1073Clinical IV

3

Total Credit Hours:17

Total Credit Hours: 43