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Nursing

Practical Nursing at NIACC

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Practical Nursing is designed to prepare men and women to work in nursing situations which are relatively stable and unchanging. The PN is trained to assist experienced registered nurses and physicians in more complex and rapidly changing situations.

The PN program can be completed in one summer term and two academic terms.  Minimum standards for graduation are an overall grade point average of 2.00 (C) in the prescribed curriculum; a "C" in each nursing course including theory and a satisfactory achievement in clinical performance; and at least a " C - " in required nonnursing courses. Individuals considering enrollment or currently enrolled in the PN program should be aware that prior felony convictions may prohibit eligibility for licensure upon completion of the program.

Upon successful completion of the program, the graduate is eligible to write the NCLEX-PN.  Passing this exam enables the graduate to work in a beginning Licensed Practical Nurse position under the supervision of qualified personnel.  NIACC's Practical Nursing program is approved by the Iowa Board of Nursing. 

A limited number of Licensed Practical Nurses who meet specific criteria are eligible to enter the Associate Degree Nursing program at the sophomore level.  See the College Catalog for the ADN Option for Licensed Practical Nurses.

Entrance Requirements

The applicant must complete the application process through the health professions counselor located in the Student Services Office. Entrance requirements include the following criteria:

  • Completion of high school diploma or equivalent.

  • Completion of high school with a grade point average of 2.00 or higher.

  • Satisfactory COMPASS assessment test results in reading, writing, and math (administered by NIACC).

  • Successfully complete the 75-hour Nurse Aide Training course (HSC-171 and HSC-174) or the equivalent, submit proof of successful completion of Nurse Aide written and skills tests for placement on Direct Care Worker Registry, and provide a current CNA certification card.

Students seeking entrance into the PN program should be aware that nursing courses with a clinical component may not be taken by a person:

  • who has been denied licensure by the Iowa Board of Nursing.

  • whose license is currently suspended, surrendered, or revoked in any United States jurisdiction.

  • whose license/registration is currently suspended, surrendered, or revoked in another country due to disciplinary action.

Applying to the Program

Approved applicants are accepted into the program based on the date of application. Completed applications are reviewed beginning in October.

After acceptance, a physical examination providing evidence of current immunization and sound physical and mental health is required. Students should be aware they may need to travel a distance for clinical experience. Clinical experiences may be scheduled during evening/ night hours and weekends.

Criminal background checks and adult/dependent abuse checks are required. Results of these checks will be reviewed by the State Department of Human Services to determine eligibility for clinical enrollment. Drug testing may also be required by individual agencies. Cost for requirements is the responsibility of the student.

Program Strengths

The faculty and students have identified the following as strengths of the PN program:

  • Students have seven clinical rotations during the year. The final rotation includes a one-to-one preceptorship with a Licensed Practical Nurse.

  • Licensed Practical Nurses who meet specific criteria and have one year experience may enter the Associate Degree Nursing program at the sophomore level.

 

Curriculum

First Term (Summer - 6 weeks)
ENG-105 Composition I* 3 s.h.
HSC-150

 Body Structure and Function*
OR Anatomy and Physiology I and II

 4 s.h..
PNN-603  Practical Nursing I 4 s.h.
 
Total 11 s.h.
Second Term (Fall)
PNN-604

Practical Nursing II

13 s.h.
PSY-111 Introduction to Psychology* 3 s.h.
     
Total 16 s.h.
Third Term (Spring)
PNN-607

Practical Nursing III

13 s.h.
PSY-121 Developmental Psychology* 3 s.h.
Total 16 s.h.

* Courses which may be taken prior to entry into the Practical Nursing program. Body Structure and Function must be completed within five years of beginning the nursing component of the curriculum.

Note: A current Healthcare Provider (CPR) Certification offered by the American Heart Association is required. The current certification/renewal needs to be completed prior to the fall term or any reentry into the program. A yearly TB test is also required prior to the fall term or any reentry into the program. Students must be current with these requirements or they will not be allowed in the clinical area.

The job market and beginning salaries for new graduates are predicted to be outstanding. One hundred percent of available NIACC graduates are employed in training-related jobs (2007 NIACC Career Graduate Report).

For information on the PN Program at NIACC, e-mail Suzanne Murphy - murphsuz@niacc.edu, Brandi Hiscocks - hiscobra@niacc.edu or  Donna Orton - ortondon@niacc.edu at North Iowa Area Community College, 500 College Drive, Mason Ctiy, IA 50401 (1-888-GO NIACC)

Health Division

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North Iowa Area Community College, 500 College Drive, Mason City, IA 50401
641-423-1264 or 1-888-GO NIACC
www.niacc.edu