Practical Nursing - PN12 Diploma

Program Description: The Practical Nursing diploma program is designed to prepare students to write the NCLEX-PN for licensure as practical nurses. The program prepares graduates to give competent nursing care. This is done through a selected number of academic and occupational courses providing a variety of techniques and materials necessary to assist the student in acquiring the needed knowledge and skills to give competent care. A variety of clinical experiences is planned so that theory and practice are integrated under the guidance of the clinical instructor. Program graduates receive a practical nursing diploma and have the qualifications of an entry-level practical nurse.

Locations Offered:
Valdosta
Ben Hill Irwin
Coffee

This program qualifies for the HOPE Career Grant.

Requirements:

• Submit a completed application and application fee
• Be at least 18 years of age
• Submit official high school transcript or High School Equivalency transcript or college transcripts showing successful completion of 60+ semester credits or 72+ quarter credits
• Submit official college transcripts, if applicable
• Present acceptable ACCUPLACER, ACT, ASSET, COMPASS, PSAT, or SAT scores or GED score of 145 or higher or have one of the following: an associate degree or higher or have a HOPE GPA of 2.6 after the completion of 10^th grade. Documentation on a college transcript of successful completion of appropriate courses from a regionally accredited college or university may be accepted in lieu of test scores.

Additional Program Requirements:

• Admission to the college does not guarantee admission to the Practical Nursing program
• Students are accepted to the program based on a competitive admissions process.
• American Heart Association Provider CPR Certification, physical examination, up-to-date immunizations, criminal background check and drug screen required prior to start of clinical rotation.
• One year expiration on PNSG 2010 when taken in the Advance Patient Care Assistant Technical Certificate.

Standards-Based Enrollment Program Admission Requirements Effective Fall 2020:

• Practical Nursing is a standards-based enrollment program and applicants will be tentatively selected as the standards are obtained.
• 2.50 GPA in Advanced Patient Care Assistant Technical Certificate classes *and* Academic Good Standing, *and* 60.0 or better on the HESI A2 exam. In order to be placed on the list and/or registered for the PNSG classes:
  • Applicants must have a 2.50 GPA in completed Advanced Patient Care Assistant Technical Certificate classes and maintain a 2.50 GPA upon Technical Certificate completion. Applicants must have completed or be actively enrolled in all TCC classes.
    • The highest course attempt will be calculated in the GPA for standards-based enrollment.
    • Courses that fulfill core area requirements, as recognized by TCSG, may be substituted for evaluation for those courses required for program entry during the standards-based enrollment process.
• Applicants must have completed the HESI A2 exam with a cumulative score of 60.0 or better.
  • All applicants must complete these sections on the cumulative portion of the exam: Math, Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary and General Knowledge and Grammar, Anatomy & Physiology, Learning Profile & Personality Style. All applicants must also complete the critical thinking portion of the exam.
  • Applicants have three (3) attempts to complete the HESI A2 Exam within a 2 year (24-month) time frame, with the highest score used for program selection. The scores are valid for two (2) years post examination date. Scores must be valid at the application deadline.
• Applicants must be in "good academic standing" with WGTC. Students on academic warning, probation or suspension are not eligible for registration for the PNSG classes.
• Applicants must have all holds cleared in order to be eligible for registration. Applicants with active holds at the time of registration will forfeit their spot on the list.
• Applicants must see The ARC to be placed on the Standards-Based Enrollment list. Only students on this list will be eligible for registration, and registration is limited to 30 students.
• The entire Advanced Patient Care Assistant TCC must be successfully completed with Wiregrass graduation requirements met prior to program entry.
  • A grade of "C" or better is required in TCC classes.
  • A minimum of 25% of the Advanced Patient Care Assistant Technical Certificate must be completed at Wiregrass in order to obtain residency and graduate from the TCC.
• All applicants should review the Allied Health Policy Packet.

Program-Specific Advising Information:

• Graduation from the Advanced Patient Care Assistant Technical Certificate does not guarantee admission to the Practical Nursing Diploma Program.
• A criminal background check and drug screen will be required if accepted into the program and prior to the clinical experience. Previous arrests and convictions, as well as a positive drug screen, may prohibit a student from completing the clinical portion of the program. An immunization record will also be required to be submitted. Certain vaccinations and immunizations may be required. It is encouraged to begin the HBV vaccine prior to entering the program. These requirements are also required for completion of NAST 1100 Nurse Aide Fundamentals.
• The NAST 1100 course requires three 8 hour clinical days - off campus. These 3 days will be scheduled as given by the facilities. These 3 days may cause conflicts with other class times. Students are expected to communicate these conflicts to work out a solution prior to the clinical days.
• There will be a drug calculations competency exam that must be successfully completed upon entering the LPN program. The students will be required to prove competency on that exam or risk not being able to continue in program. While a study guide will be given at the program orientation, it will be the student's responsibility to seek out tutoring, review, or additional assistance if needed

Start Terms:

• This program begins each Fall and Summer semester on the Valdosta campus; it begins each Fall semester on the Ben Hill campus and each Spring semester on the Coffee campus.
• Beginning 2020, this program will begin each Fall and Spring semester on the Valdosta campus. The program will continue to begin each Fall semester on the Ben Hill-Irwin campus and each Spring semester on the Coffee campus.

Curriculum

Faculty & Staff

• Allied Health
  • Nursing
    • Advanced Patient Care Assistant - AN71
    • Nurse Aide - CN21
    • Nursing - ND73
    • Nursing Technician - NT61
    • Patient Care Assistant - PC21
    • Practical Nursing - PN12
    • Advanced Patient Care Assistant - AN71 (Effective Spring 2020)
    • Transitions in Nursing (LPN to ASN Bridge) - LT13

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