Practical Nursing Certificate

Practical Nurses are prepared to give skillful, bedside care that may include procedures such as assisting individuals with hygiene needs, nutrition and elimination needs, assessing vital functions, administering medications, and performing wound care. The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) functions under the supervision of the registered nurse, physician, dentist, podiatrist, or optometrist. There are employment opportunities that provide satisfying and rewarding work in hospitals, extended care facilities, nursing homes, rehabilitation units, medical offices, and private or home nursing.

Practical nursing is best suited to individuals who are interested in people and enjoy assisting others. In addition to having a caring manner, the nurse must develop technical skills that require manual dexterity. The curriculum of the Practical Nursing program is designed to include a blend of classroom activities and clinical experiences to provide the graduate with the knowledge and skills needed to assist individuals with health care needs. Experiences are provided in   various health care agencies in the community. The program is approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing and by the Ohio Board of Regents. Upon completion, the graduate is eligible to take the licensing examination for practical nurses (NCLEX). The Board of Nursing may, at its discretion, refuse to accept the application for licensure of any person who has been convicted or has charges pending against them for a felony or who has been convicted of a misdemeanor resulting from or related to the use of drugs or alcohol. Enrollment in the Practical Nursing program is limited. There is a special admission procedure. Please contact the Admissions Office for details.

The Practical Nursing department publishes a student handbook which delineates specific department/program policies that are not explained in the general catalog. The specific policies as described in the department’s student handbook take precedence over any general policy outlined in the College catalog. A copy of the handbook is available for review in the Admissions Office. An acceptable health physical and verification of immunizations/immunities is required. An acceptable Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (BCI&I) report/FBI background check and drug screening is required in order to enter the clinical sequence. A minimum grade of 77% is required in all non‐PNUR courses (BIOL 1101, BIOL 1730, and BIOL 1550) and all PNUR courses in order to meet prerequisite and graduation requirements. The Practical Nursing Certificate requires a 2.3 or better cumulative grade point average either in the required courses or the overall GPA.

The Practical Nursing program contains a sequence of clinical classes that begin in the Fall Semester each year. Entrance into this clinical sequence is limited to students who have successfully completed the entrance requirements. Copies of the entrance requirements are available from the Admissions Office. Students may begin non‐PNUR courses any semester. Students who plan to articulate into the Associate Degree Nursing program may wish to substitute the Human Anatomy and Physiology courses (BIOL 2751 and BIOL BIOL 2752) for the Basic Anatomy and Physiology courses. BIOL 2752 must be completed prior to entrance into PNUR2010.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

1. Function as a health team member under appropriate supervision.
2. Utilizes the nursing process when assisting the patient/client to reach optimal state of wellness throughout the life span.
3. Safely performs technical procedures based on knowledge of scientific and humanistic principles.
4. Utilizes various communication methods in maintaining relationships with patients, families, and coworkers.
5. Adjusts to changes occurring in society in relation to health care needs.