Practical Nursing Program

​Currently the Practical Nursing has been temporarily curtailed due to the lack of a qualified coordinator. We hope to recruit for a new class in the 2023 school year but that will be dependant on hiring a new coordinator. You are welcome to submit your application and when we are able to proceed all potential students will be contacted to see if they still want to proceed. 

GENERAL INFORMATION

The Huntingdon County Career and Technology Center’s Practical Nursing Program welcomes men and women of all ages, races, and creeds interested in pursuing a career in health care. It is specially designed to allow Huntingdon County residents and surrounding areas 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 registered professional nurse's guidance 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 health level. The program integrates theory learned in the classroom to planned real-world experiences in clinical nursing situations.

Students who complete the program are eligible to apply for licensure as practical nurses by taking the NCLEX-PN licensing exam.

Student Achievement Data 

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) are in strong demand. The healthcare field is enjoying an above-average growth of employment opportunities, especially in geriatrics and rehabilitation. LPNs may be employed in various health care settings:

• Hospital
• Nursing Homes
• Rehabilitation Facilities
• Psychiatric Facilities
• Medical and Dental Offices
• Home Health Care
• Private Duty
• Schools and Industry
• 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 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, socio-cultural, and spiritual needs of the health care patient.
3. Safely perform therapeutic nursing techniques, 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 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

1. All Application requests will be processed through the Practical Nursing Administrative Assistant.
   1. All Applications will be updated by June 30th and Available from July 1st through May 1st.

2. All completed application materials will be submitted to the Adult Education Coordinator upon submission. The attached checklist will be placed in each PN student application file.

2. 1. Initial REQUIRED Application Documents
      1. Completed Application submitted to the HCCTC Adult Education Office.
      2. Nursing Essay Paragraph
      3. Professional Reference Form
      4. Volunteer Criminal History Clearance (epatch.state.pa.us)
      5. Official High School Transcript (Unofficial for Current Seniors)

3. Once the initial FIVE (5) Initial application documents are received, the Adult Education Office will begin scheduling Kaplan Exams between April 1st and May 30th.
   1. There is no specific study guide for this test, but any study guide for a standard aptitude test should prepare you for the test. 
   2. Many study guides are available for purchase and can be found by doing an online search; it is not required to purchase a study guide. Kaplan testing offers a study guide: Nursing School Entrance Exams 2019 - 2020 (ISBN 978-1-5062-3454-0).  The book is only $17.00 on Amazon
   3. There are many websites that have review information for math and science:
      1.  www.khanacademy.org
      2. http://www.test-preparation.ca/nursing/
   4. CareerLink offers math and reading classes, which may be helpful.  For more information, call 641-6408. 
   5. A Brief overview of Kaplan’s Admission Test with sample questions will be sent to you once your application is received.

4.  After the Kaplan Testing, the Application Review Committee will review the remaining required screening documents and candidate files for completeness and schedule a screening session with candidates appropriate for training.

5. The Adult Ed Coordinator and Practical Nursing Program Coordinator will conduct a screening session with each candidate before the final selection meeting between May 1st and June 15th.  If need be, sessions can be scheduled with only up to 4 candidates at one time.

6. The Practical Nursing Coordinator will hold a Final Selection Meeting in late June to discuss the remaining process and the financial options for all accepted students. Instructions for final acceptance documents, financial aid, and required school supplies/books will be reviewed at this meeting.

7. Selected students must sign an acceptance contract at this point. Students will have 15 business days to submit the acceptance contract and the administration fee to the Adult Education Coordinator.

8. All remaining final acceptance documents must be submitted to the Adult Education Coordinator NO LATER than September 1st.

Application Review Committee

Adult Education Coordinator

Nursing Program Coordinator

Primary Instructor

STUDENT SELECTION

Application Review Committee will select up to 30 people for enrollment in the Practical Nursing Program who fulfill all admission requirements, which include:

•  Be a graduate of an approved high school or have a high school equivalency (GED).
• Be in good physical and mental health, as evidenced by a physical examination.
• Must abide by the terms of the drug and alcohol policy.
• Have CPR certification for healthcare providers.
• Have a current, satisfactory criminal record, and child abuse record (Act 34 and Act 151).
• Meet the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing criteria as follows –The PA law requires that each applicant furnish proof that he/she is of good moral character. By law, the State Board of Nursing cannot issue a license to a person convicted of a felony under the Controlled Substances, Device and Cosmetic Act unless ten (10) years have passed since the date of conviction or other Board qualifications are met. As of July 1, 1998, any person who is convicted of a felony or two or more misdemeanors may not be employed in a home health care agency, home health organization which provides care to a care-dependent individual in the individual's place of residence, long-term nursing facility, older adult living center or person care home. (PA Code, Chapter 21)

ADVANCED PLACEMENT

Applicants who have 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.    Complete challenge exams

Further information can be obtained from the Practical Nursing Program.

Prior to the start of the October class all enrolled students must submit the following:

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS 

•         Official Transcripts (for seniors not submitted with Application)
•         Completed Physical Form
•         Mantoux TB Testing Form ( See Pre Admission Student Health)
•         Flu Vaccination Form
•         Current CPR Card
•         Signed Acceptance Contract – Due within 15 days of receipt
•         Administrative Fee – Non Refundable  & Due with Acceptance Contract.
•         Official Criminal Clearance – Must be dated within 45 days of the start of the school
•         Child Abuse Clearance – Must be dated within 45 days of the start of the school
•         Federal CHRI Fingerprinting – Must be dated within 45 days of the start of the school.

PRE ADMISSION STUDENT HEALTH

As evidenced by a physical examination, the student must be in good physical and mental health for admission to the Practical Nursing Program. At the student’s expense, the complete physical examination must be done by a physician, physician’s assistant or nurse practitioner and completed before enrollment.

• ·        A Mantoux (TB skin) diagnostic test required. Also, documentation of immunity and/or immunization is required for rubella, rubeola, mumps, varicella, tetanus and hepatitis B. A history of varicella documented by a physician is acceptable for immunity.
• ·        All documentation of immunity or immunizations and diagnostic tests must be submitted prior to September 1st. If the hepatitis immunization series is not complete prior to the start of classes, documentation for the subsequent hepatitis immunizations must be submitted to the Coordinator of Practical Nursing until the series is complete.

CURRICULUM OVERVIEW

LEVEL 1

THEORY 330 HOURS

CLINICAL 177 HOURS

Basic Science of 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

THEORY 246 HOURS

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 PEDIATRIC 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

THEORY 190 HOURS

CLINICAL 328 HOURS

CARE OF THE MEDICAL –SURGICAL PATIENT 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 succeed in the program and 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. The nursing faculty will review unusual extenuating circumstances 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:

78% For all Courses

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 Practical Nursing program's operational cost and on state reimbursement and guidelines. The Commonwealth currently contributes a predetermined portion of each student’s tuition. Tuition for the 2021-2022 school year is $13,500 There is an additional instructional material fee of approximately $2,500 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.                PLUS Loans

·         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.

3.                 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.

4.                 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.

5.                 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.

6.                 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. The student may also owe money if there is a discrepancy between the total amount owed and the amount of Title IV monies awarded.

NET PRICE CALCULATOR

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 performed with in the listed cooperating agencies:

Penn Highlands, Huntingdon

Penn Highlands, Huntingdon Convient Care

Arista Care at Woodland Park

Westminster Woods

AristaCare at Huntingdon Hills

Huntingdon County Child & Adult Development Corp.

Cove Forge Behavioral Health

Fulton County Medical Center

Broad Top Medical Centers, Inc,

UPMC Pediatric Care Center

Epworth Rehabilitation

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:

• · All human beings are unique individuals who have worth and should be treated with dignity. Each individual has diverse physical, psychological, sociological and spiritual needs that must be met.
• Human beings live within a society. Society is based upon diverse cultures which deserve respect and understanding of their beliefs.
• Education is a life-long process of acquiring knowledge. It is an on-going process accomplished through continuing education programs, employment and life experiences. Learning progresses from the simple to the complex with the students as active participants in the learning process.
• Nursing is both an art and a science that deals with the delivery of care in a variety of health settings. Practical nursing is an integral part of nursing. Practical nursing education is based upon an academic foundation in the physical, behavioral and social sciences, as well as the acquisition of technical skills. Through this education the student will gain competence in providing patient care.
• The practical nursing curriculum progresses from the simple to the complex and is always changing to reflect the most current technology. Learning is facilitated by the integration of concurrent theory and clinical experiences. The practical nursing education experience promotes maturity and personal growth allowing the student to become a productive member of society.

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. It 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 accessible and usable by disabled persons, contact LaVonda Runk, Business Manager, at the above address and number.

PROGRAM APPROVAL

Approved by:

Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing, Provisional Status

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

www.acenursing.org

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:

TBA

Instructor:

 Michael Bates RN, BSN

mbates@hcctc.org

Wendy Fonner RN, BSN

wfonner@hcctc.org

Support Staff:

Dianne Stewart

dstewart@hcctc.org

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

lhicks@hcctc.org

(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 institution's best interest.

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