Overview

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Narrative

Practical Nursing (PN) certificate program prepares graduates for entry into the nursing profession as a practical nurse. Practical nurses work under the direction of a licensed registered nurse, licensed physician or dentist. The program includes 27 credits of nursing courses and 17 credits of general education courses and can be completed in one calendar year. It is offered at the Monroe and Bethlehem campus locations.

Graduates who successfully complete the program are eligible to apply to a State Board of Nursing for licensure as a licensed practical nurse and to take the National Council Licensure Exam for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN®). This examination is used by the State Board of Nursing to assess the entry-level nursing competence of candidates for licensure as licensed practical nurses. When the candidate successfully completes the NCLEX-PN® exam, a license is issued. Information about the NCLEX-PN® exam is available at www.ncsbn.org/nclex.htm.

Program Features

Students are admitted to the program once a year, in the fall semester. The curriculum focuses on the art and science of nursing. Students attend class, skills laboratory and clinical simulation experiences on campus. Additionally, students participate in clinical learning experiences in various healthcare settings under the guidance of nursing faculty. Clinical learning experiences provide students with the opportunity to apply nursing theory in client care situations. Clinical settings include acute and long term care, in-patient and outpatient facilities.

Class, lab and simulation experiences are scheduled during the day. Most clinical experiences are scheduled during the day between the hours of 6:30 am and 5:00 pm. The college reserves the right to schedule clinical experiences during the evening and/or on weekends if necessary.
General Education courses in the nursing curriculum are offered in traditional and online format during the day and evening. Students may elect to complete general education courses prior to entering the program. All students are encouraged to consult an academic advisor.

Career Potential

Graduates of the program find jobs in a variety of health care settings including hospitals, long-term care facilities, community and home health care agencies, state and federal health-related facilities, private duty nursing, clinics, and office settings.

Accreditation Information

The Practical Nursing program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc., 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30326, 404.975.5000, www.acenursing.org and has full approval by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.

For More Information Contact:

Nursing Department, Penn Hall 120E, Northampton Community College, 3835 Green Pond Road, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18020. Telephone: 610.861.5376.

Practical Nursing, Certificate

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Overview

Learning Outcomes

Admissions Requirements

Program Requirements

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Program of Study Notes