Practical Nursing Program
Download Applicant Reference Form GENERAL INFORMATION
The Huntingdon County Career and Technology Center’s Practical Nursing Program welcomes men and women of all ages, races, and creeds who are interested in pursuing a career in health care. It is especially designed to afford the residents of Huntingdon County and surrounding areas the opportunity to receive a quality education in practical nursing. The program is designed to prepare a student to perform nursing care safely and effectively under the guidance of the registered professional nurse or the licensed practical nurse within any health care setting. Through participation in the Practical Nursing Program, the student will learn how to promote, maintain and restore individuals to their optimal level of health. The program integrates theory learned in the classroom to planned real-world experiences in clinical nursing situations.
Students who successfully complete the program are eligible to apply for licensure as practical nurses by taking the NCLEX-PN licensing exam.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) are in strong demand. The healthcare field is enjoying an above-average growth of employment opportunities, especially in the fields of geriatrics and rehabilitation. LPNs may be employed in various health care settings:
v Hospital v Nursing Homes v Rehabilitation Facilities v Psychiatric Facilities v Medical and Dental Offices v Home Health Care v Private Duty v Schools and Industry v Military
PROGRAM LENGTH
The Practical Nursing Program consists of 12 consecutive months of theory and clinical preparation.
One class enters the program in the fall of each year, with vacation and holiday time scheduled appropriately throughout the program’s calendar year.
The program is divided into three levels, progressing from the basic level to the more complex. Each level combines classroom education (theory) with appropriate clinical experience for a total of 1,563 hours.
END OF PROGRAM STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students who successfully complete the Practical Nursing Program will be able to: 1. Function within the scope of practice of practical nursing in a variety of health care settings. 2. Utilize the nursing process to meet the physical, emotional, sociocultural and spiritual needs of the health care patient. 3. Perform therapeutic nursing techniques in a safe manner, incorporating basic biological and psychological principles in giving individualized nursing care. 4. Establish a therapeutic relationship with health care patients, families and significant others through the use of effective communication by recognizing each as a unique individual. 5. Assume responsibility and accountability for his/her own actions when providing nursing care to the health care patient. 6. Promote the rights of the individual patient through advocacy and education in the health care field
APPLICATION POLICY
One class is admitted each fall. Program information and application forms are available by contacting the school or by printing an application from the “FORMS” link on this web site. Applications must be received by May 1st of each year for consideration for the October class of the same.
PRACTICAL NURSING APPLICATION POLICY
Application Review Committee Adult Education Coordinator Nursing Program Coordinator Primary Instructor
STUDENT SELECTION / ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Prior to the start of the October class all enrolled students must submit the following:
Application Review Committee will select 24 people for enrollment in the Practical Nursing Program who fulfill all admission requirements which include:
ADVANCED PLACEMENT
Applicants who have successfully completed courses in a prior nursing/health care program may qualify for advance placement. Such courses must have been taken within the past three years and a “C” grade or better attained.
Criteria for advanced placement are: 1. Meet all admission criteria 2. Submission of official transcript(s), course description(s) and letter of recommendation from one instructor from the previous program 3. Successfully complete challenge exams
Further information can be obtained from the Practical Nursing Program.
STUDENT HEALTH
Pre-admission: The student must be in good physical and mental health, as evidenced by a physical examination, for admission to the Practical Nursing Program. The complete physical examination, at the student’s expense, must be done by a physician, physician’s assistant or nurse practitioner and completed before enrollment.
School year: Students must maintain good health in order to meet the objectives of the program. The Practical Nursing Program supports health promotion and a smoke-free environment both in the school and clinical areas.
CURRICULUM OVERVIEW
LEVEL 1
v THEORY 330 HOURS v CLINICAL 177 HOURS
BASIC SCIENCE FOR NURSING · basic principles of anatomy and physiology of each body system · basic chemistry · nutrition · emphasis on the relationship between physiology and anatomy, the interrelations among the organ systems, and the relationship of organ systems to homeostasis
BASIC NURSING CARE · basic concepts of nursing care for adult patients with acute and long-term nursing needs · normal growth and development throughout the lifespan · emphasis on the aging adult · foundations of nursing in a variety of health care settings · basic to intermediate nursing procedures · pre- and postoperative nursing care · Nursing Arts Lab and clinical experiences are utilized for application of classroom theory
LEVEL 2 v THEORY 246 HOURS v CLINICAL 292 HOURS
CARE OF THE MEDICAL-SURGICAL PATIENT I · basic concepts of care for adult patients with common to moderately complex medical and surgical conditions in acute care and long-term care settings · pathophysiology, treatment, and nursing care for patients with disorders of fluid and electrolyte imbalance, infectious and immune disorders, neoplastic disorders, respiratory disorders, gastrointestinal and accessory disorders, vascular disorders, cardiac disorders, and diabetes mellitus · introduction to pharmacology with an overview of all drug classifications · preparation and administration of nonparenteral medications · integration of pharmacology and nutrition throughout the course
INTRODUCTION TO PEDICATRIC NURSING · application of the nursing process to the care of the child from infant to adolescent · care of children with health problems · nutritional needs and pharmacology in childhood
LEVEL 3 v THEORY 190 HOURS v CLINICAL 328 HOURS
CARE OF THE MEDICAL –SURGICAL PARIENT II · combines theory and clinical experience in the application of nursing care to adult patients with moderately complex nursing needs in acute care and long-term care settings · includes pathophysiology, treatment, and nursing care for patients with mental health disorders, urinary disorders, integumentary disorders, neurological disorders, musculoskeletal disorders, reproductive disorders, ear and eye disorders, hematological disorders, endocrine disorders, chemical dependency, and medical emergencies · pharmacology and nutrition are integrated throughout this course · preparation and administration of parenteral medications · leadership role of the practical nurse · transition from graduate practical nurse to LPN
INTRODUCTION TO MATERNITY NURSING · theory and clinical experience in the application of the nursing process to the care of families throughout the course of normal pregnancy – the antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum periods · complications that may occur during the course of pregnancy · care of the newborn
ATTENDANCE
Each student must attend and be punctual for all scheduled classes and clinical experiences to be successful in the program and to attain the program objectives. A student’s absences may total no more than 63 hours. Exceeding the 63-hour maximum is reason for dismissal from the Practical Nursing Program. Unusual extenuating circumstances will be reviewed by the nursing faculty if the student is in good academic and clinical standing. This attendance policy is strongly enforced.
ACADEMIC POLICIES
Students are graded in two separate areas: academic achievement and clinical performance.
Academic course grades are calculated on a percentage basis. Minimum academic passing grade is: 77.5 % · Basic Nursing Care · Care of the Medical –Surgical Patient I & II
74.5% · Basic Sciences for Nursing · Introduction to Pediatric Nursing · Introduction to Maternity Nursing
Failure to achieve this grade average upon completion of any course will result in dismissal from the program. Clinical performance is graded as satisfactory or unsatisfactory. Students must receive a satisfactory clinical evaluation by the end of each term in order to advance to the next level. Failure to achieve a satisfactory in the clinical course objectives by the end of the level will result in dismissal from the program.
TUITION AND FEES
Tuition, determined annually is based on the operational cost of the Practical Nursing program and on state reimbursement and guidelines. The Commonwealth currently contributes a predetermined portion of each student’s tuition. Tuition for the 2018-2019 school year is $12,895 There is an additional instructional material fee of approximately $2648 which includes textbooks, uniforms, liability and accident insurance, graduation costs and other miscellaneous expenses associated with the program.
FINANCIAL AID
Tuition costs can be paid by the student, employer or various governmental agencies. To assist students in meeting the financial requirements of the Practical Nursing Program, a variety of resources are available: 1. PELL GRANT · A federal PELL grant is an award to help undergraduates pay for their education after high school. How much grant assistance you are eligible for will depend upon your own personal financial conditions. PELL grant applications (Free Application for Federal Student Aid – FAFSA) can be obtained from the Financial Aid Officer. 2. STAFFORD LOANS · A federal Stafford loan is a low-interest loan made to students attending post-secondary school to help finance their education. Applications for PHEAA Stafford loans may be obtained from your bank or PHEAA. Before a student’s application can be certified by the school, the students must have filed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). 3. PLUS · Federal PLUS loans are fro parents who want to borrow to help pay for their children’s education. It is also a low-interest loan that provides additional funds for educational expenses, and like the Stafford loans must be paid back. These loans are not subsidized by the government, which means that the borrower is responsible for paying all interest that accrues on these loans. 4. WIOA · Individuals who meet the Workforce Investment Act eligibility requirements may receive financial assistance toward the cost of tuition. All applications are taken at the Pennsylvania CareerLink Office located in the county of residence. For more information interested individuals should call their local CareerLink. 5. TRA/TAA · Funding through the Trade Act is provided to dislocated workers who have lost factory employment due to foreign competition. This finding generally pays for tuition, fees, and required supplies. Normally, individuals are notified at their place of work whom to contact. 6. VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION · The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) assists with funding for qualified students who possess certain disabilities. Individuals should contact the agency for eligibility determination. 7. GI bill: · To determine your eligibility, contact the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and obtain the necessary application or apply online at www.gibill.va.gov
Be aware that it is imperative that processing for all funding sources be identified and initiated prior to the start of classes in order to ensure funding prior to the due dates. Also, the student may owe money if there is a discrepancy between the total amount owed, and the amount of Title IV monies awarded.
REFUND POLICY
If a student should officially terminate or withdraw from the program, he/she must do so in writing and submit a request for refund. Upon completion of the withdrawal/termination form, any refund due will be calculated according to the last day of attendance. Tuition refunds are based on full program costs and are calculated on a pro-rata basis. · A student withdrawing prior to the first day of class may receive a 100 percent tuition refund. · After classes begin, refunds will be pro-rata based, rounded up to the nearest 10 percent of scheduled hours. After 60 percent of the program is completed, no refund is given. · Instructional material fees are not subject to the pro-rata refund policy. · All refunds will be made in a timely manner. · If a refund is due a student under the refund policy and the student has received Title IV aid as a part of the student’s aid packet, the refund will be distributed in a specified order of priority: first, to the lender of a Title IV Loan, to reduce the loan principal; second (if applicable), applied to reduce Title IV grant amounts received; and third (if applicable), to the sponsoring agency, student or parent.
GRADUATION
Students who successfully complete all three levels of the program are presented a diploma at graduation. Graduates are eligible to apply for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).Please note that the State Board of Nursing is prohibited by law from issuing a license to individuals convicted of a felonious act prohibited by the Act of April 14, 1972 (P.L. 233, No. 64), known as The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act. For further information or to obtain a copy of this Law, contact the PA State Board of Nursing
COOPERATING AGENCIES
Clinical experience are perfomed with in the listed cooperating agencies:
J.C. Blair Health Services, Arista Care at Woodland Park Westminster Woods AristaCare at Huntingdon Hills Huntingdon County Child & Adult Development Corp. Broad Top Medical Centers, Inc, Pediatric Care Center.
DRUG-FREE SCHOOL AND WORKPLACE
The policy of the Huntingdon County Career and Technology Center (HCCTC) prohibits students from using, possessing, distributing and/or being under the influence of any controlled substances on school property or on any non-school property used in the performance of school services (including the cooperating clinical agencies) or for school-sponsored events. A prospective student must notify the program director of any previous criminal drug statute conviction at the time of applying for admission to the program. Any student found in violation of this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action, which may include dismissal. HCCTC may require the student offender to participate in drug counseling, rehabilitation, testing or other programs as a condition of reinstatement into the center’s Practical Nursing Program. This Policy Statement is adopted in accordance with the requirements of federal law, the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988
PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT
The faculty of the Practical Nursing Program of the Huntingdon County Career and Technology Center believes that:
MISSION STATEMENT
The purpose of the Huntingdon County Career and Technology Center’s Practical Nursing Program is to provide an opportunity for residents of Huntingdon County to be educated in the field of practical nursing. Through participation in the Practical Nursing Program, the student will learn how to promote, maintain and restore individuals to their optimal level of health. Upon completion of the Practical Nursing Program and passing of the national licensing examination, the graduate will be prepared to function as an entry-level practical nurse in a variety of health care settings under the direction of a licensed professional nurse, licensed physician or licensed dentist.
NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY
The Huntingdon County Career and Technology Center Practical Nursing Program is an equal opportunity educational institution and does not discriminate in its educational and vocational programs, activities or employment practices as required by Title IX, Section 504, and Title VI. The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The Title IX and Section 504 Coordinator is LaVonda Runk, Business Manager, Huntingdon County Career and Technology Center, P.O. Box E, Mill Creek, PA, 17060. The telephone number is 814-643-0951. For more information regarding services, activities, programs and facilities that are accessible and usable by handicapped persons, contact LaVonda Runk, Business Manager, at the above address and number.
PROGRAM APPROVAL
Approved by: Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing Pennsylvania Department of Education Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Veterans Administration
Accredited by: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850 Atlanta, Georgia 30326 404-975-5000
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Mailing Address Practical Nursing Program PO Box E Mill Creek, PA 17060
Physical Address Practical Nursing Program Huntingdon County Career & Technology Center Annex Building (Building @ traffic light on intersection of Rt 655 and Route 22) 13221 Big Valley Pike Mill Creek, PA 17060
Telephone (814) 643-0951
Program Coordinator: Jessica McCorkle RN, BSN
Instructor: Michael Bates RN, BSN mbates@hcctc.org
Wendy Fonner RN, BSN wfonner@hcctc.org
Support Staff: Dianne Stewart
To receive an application and for questions/additional information about the Practical Nursing Program, Please contact email any of the above contacts or
Huntingdon County Career & Technology Center Adult Education Coordinator Laura Hicks (814) 643-0951 ext 1016
Please note the Huntingdon County Career and Technology Center reserves the right to alter, as necessary, the courses, regulations and schedule of charges described within. It also reserves the right to terminate or renew the registration of a student for reasons in the best interest of the institution.
Gainful Employment Information
For more information regarding Gainful Employment, please visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s O*Net online website by clicking on the following link: O*Net
11893 Technology Drive | PO Box E | Mill Creek, PA 17060 | P: (814) 643-0951 Hours of operation: 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM |