Practical Nursing (5657)

Workforce Certificate

Mission Statement

Creating competent, ethical, confident entry-level health care practitioners committed to professional development through life-long learning in a positive, non-discriminatory and supportive learning environment.

The Program

This program prepares individuals for employment in beginning positions providing direct care to clients in hospitals, nursing homes, private homes and other health care facilities under the supervision of a registered nurse or physician.

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure examination to qualify for licensure to practice as licensed practical nurses.

The Career

A licensed practical nurse (LPN) is a valued member of the medical team. Your relationship with patients is one-on-one and requires compassion as well as competence when people are in emotional and physical distress. You will make good use of strong observational, decision-making, and communication skills.

If you choose a hospital setting, you will work closely with the registered nurses, physicians, emergency medical technicians and other allied health professionals. In nursing homes, you help evaluate patients, develop care plans and supervise nursing aides. In private medical offices, you may also schedule appointments, keep records and perform other clerical duties. LPNs who choose home care may prepare meals and teach family members simple nursing tasks.

Rotations

Rotations scheduled in area hospitals and other medical centers are part of your program so that you will graduate with experience as well as education.

Career Opportunities, Rapid Placement

By 2020, Florida projects a shortfall of 61,000 qualified nurses. The need for licensed practical nurses is also critical because of long-term care for an aging population as well as the general growth of health care services.

Salaries

Average annual earnings for licensed practical nurses are $31,000–$36,000.

Cost

Estimated cost of tuition is $2,619 (tuition rated for Florida residents, as of 7/06). Contact the program manager for additional costs (textbooks, fees, materials).

Application Procedure

An application for admission to the program must include the following: Complete Florida Community College application and Practical Nursing program application.

To meet the minimum requirements for consideration for acceptance to the Practical Nursing program, students must:

1. Provide evidence of current CPR certification — adult, child and infant (achieved through an American Heart Association approved Basic Life Support (BLS) Course for Health Care Providers, that includes hands–on simulated experiences
2. Have Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) scores
3. Submit a high school completion transcript or copy of GED® test scores.

It is recommended that students have a conference with a counselor or the nursing advisor prior to applying to the Nursing program.

A physical examination will be required upon acceptance to the program.

The Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) is a major criterion in a student’s completion of the program. Students who fail to meet the State of Florida’s designated exit score will be required to complete the Vocational Preparatory Instruction (VPI). In order to complete the program successfully, students must achieve or surpass the designated exit score(s). See Standards of Academic Progress.

Curriculum

Course Number and Title Professional Courses		Contact Hours	Workforce Credits
*VPI 0100	Basic Reading Skills
*VPI 0200	Basic Mathematical Skills
*VPI 0300	Basic Language Skills
HCP 0001	Health Careers Core	90	3.00
HCP 0103	Nursing Related Core	149	5.00
PRN 0930	Practical Nursing I	211	7.00
PRN 0931	Practical Nursing II	450	15.00
PRN 0932	Practical Nursing III	450	15.00
	Total Contact Hours	1,350	45.00

*Students who have satisfactory test scores are not required to take these courses.

Record of Conviction of a Crime

The Florida State Board of Nursing, in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Nurse Practice Act, will determine a nursing program graduate’s eligibility for licensure when there is an arrest/conviction record. Convicted felons who have not had their civil rights restored are not eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination. Students should contact the nursing department for information regarding Florida State Board of Nursing regulations.

Note

Most clinical agencies require students to undergo drug screen and criminal background checks prior to placement in the agencies for clinical experiences. Students whose drug screening and criminal background checks are deemed unsatisfactory may be denied access to clinical experiences by the clinical agencies. Failure to qualify for and meet clinical requirements at clinical sites may prevent completion of the program. Withdrawal from the program may be necessary if students cannot be placed for clinical experiences.

Students who are unable to complete the clinical requirements after acceptance into selective access programs are not eligible for refunds of tuition.

The cost of the background check and drug screen is borne by the student. Additionally, it is the student’s responsibility to have all paperwork completed by the program’s published deadline.

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