Practical Nursing Certificate
Additional Information
Practical Nurses are prepared to give skillful, bedside care that may include procedures such as assisting individuals with hygiene needs, nutrition and elimination needs, assessing vital functions, administering medications, and performing wound care. The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) functions under the supervision of the registered nurse, physician, dentist, podiatrist, or optometrist. There are employment opportunities that provide satisfying and rewarding work in hospitals, extended care facilities, nursing homes, rehabilitation units, medical offices, and private or home nursing.
Practical nursing is best suited to individuals who are interested in people and enjoy assisting others. In addition to having a caring manner, the nurse must develop technical skills that require manual dexterity. The curriculum of the Practical Nursing program is designed to include a blend of classroom activities and clinical experiences to provide the graduate with the knowledge and skills needed to assist individuals with health care needs. Experiences are provided in various health care agencies in the community. The program is approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing and by the Ohio Board of Regents. Upon completion, the graduate is eligible to take the licensing examination for practical nurses (NCLEX). The Board of Nursing may, at its discretion, refuse to accept the application for licensure of any person who has been convicted or has charges pending against them for a felony or who has been convicted of a misdemeanor resulting from or related to the use of drugs or alcohol. Enrollment in the Practical Nursing program is limited. There is a special admission procedure. Please contact the Admissions Office for details.
The Practical Nursing department publishes a student handbook which delineates specific department/program policies that are not explained in the general catalog. The specific policies as described in the department's student handbook take precedence over any general policy outlined in the College catalog. A copy of the handbook is available for review in the Admissions Office. An acceptable health physical and verification of immunizations/immunities is required. An acceptable Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (BCI&I) report/FBI background check and drug screening is required in order to enter the clinical sequence. A minimum grade of 77% is required in all non‐PNUR courses (BIOL 1101, BIOL 1730, and BIOL 1550) and all PNUR courses in order to meet prerequisite and graduation requirements. The Practical Nursing Certificate requires a 2.3 or better cumulative grade point average either in the required courses or the overall GPA.
The Practical Nursing program contains a sequence of clinical classes that begin in the Fall Semester each year. Entrance into this clinical sequence is limited to students who have successfully completed the entrance requirements. Copies of the entrance requirements are available from the Admissions Office. Students may begin non‐PNUR courses any semester. Students who plan to articulate into the Associate Degree Nursing program may wish to substitute the Human Anatomy and Physiology courses (BIOL 2751 and BIOL BIOL 2752) for the Basic Anatomy and Physiology courses. BIOL 2752 must be completed prior to entrance into PNUR2010.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
- Function as a health team member under appropriate supervision.
- Utilizes the nursing process when assisting the patient/client to reach optimal state of wellness throughout the life span.
- Safely performs technical procedures based on knowledge of scientific and humanistic principles.
- Utilizes various communication methods in maintaining relationships with patients, families, and coworkers.
- Adjusts to changes occurring in society in relation to health care needs.
This certificate is eligible for federal financial aid.
Where You Could Go
Employment settings include hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, home health agencies, physicians’ offices, patient education facilities. Many students start in practical nursing and go on to earn an associate degree in nursing, to become an RN. The advantage is that they can work as an LPN while pursuing their associate degree.
NC State has over 40 agreements with four-year colleges and universities, to provide a smooth transition for students who want to pursue a bachelor’s degree. Through university partnerships, some four-year courses are also offered on the NC State campus or online.
Job Demand
The field of nursing is experiencing a shortfall and many practical nursing graduates are hired immediately.
Licensure
Both associate degree nursing and practical nursing programs consistently score above the national average on their licensure exams.
Program Outcomes
Ohio Approved
This program received the Ohio Board of Nursing Full Approval status on March 17, 2021.
Students Graduating on Time
43%Title IV students complete the program within 1 yearProgram Costs*
Cost: $9,331Description: for in-state tuition and fees: No: NoCost: $14,881Description: for out-of-state tuition and fees: No: NoCost: $1,197Description: for books and supplies: No: NoThe typical graduate leaves with
N/A*in debt*Fewer than 10 students completed this program within normal time. This number has been withheld to preserve the confidentiality of the students.The typical monthly loan payment
N/A*per month in student loansN/A*interest rate*Fewer than 10 students completed this program within normal time. This number has been withheld to preserve the confidentiality of the students.Graduates who got jobs
87%of program graduates who got jobs according to the accreditor job placement rateProgram graduates are employed in the following fields:
Licensure Requirements
Program qualifies students to sit for licensure exam in:
Ohio
Date Created 3/20/2018 These disclosures are required by the U.S. Department of Education
Year One
Fall Semester
BIOL 1101 - Nutrition
BIOL 1101 is an introductory course to the principles of nutrition and its relationship to health. Included are practical applications in daily life as well as nutritional assessments of individuals. Emphasis is on essential nutrients, their supply and function, as related to an individual's well-being. Health promotion and chronic disease are explored in relation to today's society. (TAG# OHL016)
BIOL 1730 - Basic Anatomy and Physiology
This course presents the basic terms and concepts that deal with the structure and processes of the human body. It involves examination of the body as a whole, the cell, and tissues. The basic structure and physiology of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, reproductive, and endocrine systems are presented. Laboratory exercises enhance and support the lecture topics and include microscopy, the study of models, specimen dissection, cadaver study, and physiological experiments. Day - F, Sp Evening - F, Sp
PNUR 1012 - Fundamentals of Practical Nursing
This introductory course begins the study of the nursing process as it relates to meeting basic human needs of individuals in all age groups. Emphasis is placed upon principles of nursing care, performance of safe nursing measures, development of observational skills, and recording. Communication methods and nurse-patient relationships, health and health care organizations, and the role of the practical nurse as a member of the health care team are explored. Emphasis is placed upon increasingly complex principles of nursing care and performance of safe nursing measures as the semester progresses.
PNUR 1030 - Pharmacology
Pharmacology PNUR 1030/RNUR 1030 provides an introduction to the study of drugs. Content also includes classifications of drugs, dosage calculations, legal aspects of drug administration, and preparation and administration of drugs. Uses, actions and side effects of selected drugs will be studied as well as associated nursing care and implications. Semesters available: Day - F
Spring Semester
BIOL 1550 - Microbiology for Health Professionals
This course is designed for allied health and nursing majors. It explores the major groups of microorganisms and the role they play in the environment and in disease. The host-parasite relationship, human immunity to disease, epidemiology, and the control of microorganisms are also addressed. Laboratory exercises provide the student with the basic techniques of microbial identification, microscopy, sterile technique, and basic infection control. (OTM approved course for Natural SciencesTMNS) Day - F, Sp Evening - F
PNUR 2012 - Advanced Concepts of Practical Nursing I
This course builds on the basic nursing knowledge gained in PNUR 1012 and PNUR 1030. Emphasis is placed upon content relating to interferences with meeting basic human needs of safety and protection, nutrition and elimination, sensory perception, and oxygenation throughout the life cycle. Focus will be upon utilization of the nursing process. Content includes presentation and study of drug categories that are related to common health problems. The role of the practical nurse in drug administration is emphasized. Principles of therapeutic nutrition are integrated throughout the course. Practical application of this information is achieved through clinical experience at in-patient facilities and various community health venues.
PNUR 2032 - Advanced Concept of Practical Nursing II
This course is a continuation of content begun in PNUR 1012, PNUR 1030, and PNUR 2012. Content is designed to prepare a student to care for individuals of all ages. Emphasis is placed upon content relating to interferences with meeting basic human needs of safety and protection, nutrition and elimination, sexuality, and oxygenation throughout the life cycle. Focus will be upon utilization of the nursing process. Content includes presentation and study of drug categories that are related to common health problems. The role of the practical nurse in drug administration is emphasized. Principles of therapeutic nutrition are integrated. Patient care experiences include local nursing homes and the obstetrics and gynecology unit in a local hospital. There is a capstone preceptorship experience at the end of the semester. Evening hours may occur during the clinical rotation.
PNUR 2050 - Professionalism & Trends in Practical Nursing
This course is designed to prepare the student for the role transition from student to graduate/practicing nurse. Topics include a study of th history and future of nursing; legal, ethical, and political responsibilities and issues; the role of the Board of Nursing; nursing organizations; and job seeking skills. Strategies for coping with conflict and stress as a new graduate will be explored. Roles and responsibilities of the practical nurse are discussed. Students will prepare for th licensure exam by completing the required paperwork and taking a practice examination.