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NURC - Practical Nursing Certificate

CR Certificate

Program Description

The Practical Nursing Certificate program at Lehigh Carbon Community College at the Main Campus located in Schnecksville, Pennsylvania and the Morgan Center Site located in Tamaqua, Pennsylvania and the Donley Center Site located in Allentown, Pennsylvania is accredited by the: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326 (404) 975-5000 www.acenursing.org. The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Practical Nursing Certificate program is Continuing Accreditation. The Practical Nursing Certificate program maintains full approval status with the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing. This is an integrated college program spanning three semesters. Upon completion of the approved curriculum, the graduate receives a certificate as a practical nurse. Once the graduate successfully completes the Virtual ATI NCLEX-PN review course they are eligible to sit for the National Council Licensing Examination Practical Nursing (NCLEX-PN). The Practical Nursing graduate is prepared to assist in caring for medical and surgical patients, convalescents, and the disabled. Rewarding work experiences are available in extended care facilities, private homes, public health agencies, offices, and clinics.

Program Objectives

Program Objective

Integrate the concepts of person, environment, health, nursing, and basic needs to assist with the assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of individuals, families, and groups across the life span.

Understand the cultural/spiritual needs of a diverse population within a dynamic healthcare system.

Utilize critical thinking to implement the nursing process as a framework for the delivery of cost-effective, outcome-based nursing care to individuals, families, or groups.

Develop the ability to use therapeutic communication and technology to promote, restore, or maintain the health of individuals, families, or groups.

Recognize the need for lifelong learning and the active participation in continued professional development.

Demonstrate the core competencies of a graduate of practical nursing as set forth by the NLN.

Practice within the ethical/legal standards of nursing care developed by the National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses Inc. and according to the state wherein employed.

Assume the roles of caregiver, interdisciplinary team member, manager, and community partner, as well as the responsibilities inherent in the scope of practical nursing as defined by the state wherein employed.

Employ the teaching-learning process to promote the optimum health of individuals, families, or groups within a framework of prevention and wellness care

Advisor Notes

Practical Nursing is a restricted program. Students are accepted on a competitive basis based on available seats and meeting requirements for program entrance. Students interested in applying for Practical Nursing should enter the Health Science A.S. program and complete the prerequisites listed in the Practical Nursing Program Sequence. See the Admission Requirements for details on admission to the program. To continue in the program, students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.20 and earn a C+ or better in all nursing courses. Students must earn a grade of “C” or better in required general education requirements to graduate. Students who have earned a “D” or “F” or have withdrawn are readmitted on a space-available basis only. A student may repeat only one nursing course (prefix NUR) in which a “C “, “D”, or “F” grade has been earned. Requirements of the program will be the requirements at the time of readmission.

Admission Requirements

  • Students must apply to Lehigh Carbon Community College and have a current application when applying for admission. Students will need to take all placement tests unless told they are exempt by a health care advisor.

    • Students interested in the Practical Nursing Program should apply for Health Science A.S. which will prepare the student to complete the prerequisite courses necessary for Practical Nursing Admission.

  • Students must submit all “Official” high school transcripts, technical school transcripts, and college transcripts, with the exception of Lehigh Carbon Community College transcripts.

  • Foreign transcripts must be officially evaluated on a course- by-course basis by either WES (World Educational Services) or ECE (Educational Credential Evaluators) and sent to Lehigh Carbon Community College Student Records and Registration, 4525 Education Park Drive, Schnecksville, Pa. 18078. These transcripts must be received and officially evaluated prior to the nursing application deadline.

  • Students must meet high school requirements as outlined by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing (Title 49, Ch. 21). These requirements must also be met by students who have a GED, a foreign high school diploma, or any non-course equivalency diploma. Students who do not meet the high school requirements may proceed with their application by completing the acceptable substitutes as outlined below, prior to applying for admission.

    • One unit of high school mathematics, one of which must be Algebra with a C or higher. An acceptable substitute for the mathematics requirement is Math 090 or Math 105 with a grade of C or higher, or a score of 77 (or better) on the Algebra Placement Test.

  • Prior to application to the Nursing Program, students must have completed the following courses with a C or higher:

    • BIO 163, PSY 140, SOC 150 or SOC 151

    • Biology prerequisites must have been taken within 7 years of acceptance to the program.

  • Students with the above prerequisites will submit the Practical Nursing program application and all other required document by the deadline associated with their desired start date.

  • Students applying to the program must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.20.

  • Students must register, test and submit scores from the ATI TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) by the February 1 deadline of the application year. Students may take the TEAS test twice in one academic year, which is defined as fall, spring and summer semesters. The higher score will be considered for admission purposes. Scores must be within one year of applying for admission. Cost for the test is the student’s responsibility. Students are encouraged to take the test at LCCC. If choosing to test at another location, an additional cost is required to submit scores to LCCC. All scores must be received no later than February 1. Information on registering for the TEAS test may be found at: http:// www.atitesting.com.

  • Prior to starting the nursing courses, students must have completed the following courses with a C or higher:

    • SDS 112, BIO 164 (within 7 years), PSY 145

There is an opportunity for Advanced Placement credit for students who have successfully completed an ACEN accredited nursing program course with a C+ or higher. Advanced Placement is only available for NUR 106. Advanced Placement must be submitted and evaluated by the Associate Dean of Curriculum, Assessment, and Articulation, James Ayrton, jayrton@lccc.edu, prior to applying to the program.