Mar 28, 2024  
2021-22 BTC Catalog 
    
2021-22 BTC Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Nursing: Practical Nursing


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Overview

The BTC Practical Nursing (PN) Certificate Program is a part-time, concept-based pathway designed for students interested in becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and who are looking for a part-time option that better meets their needs. The PN certificate uses the Nursing DTA/MRP curriculum scaled to the PN scope of practice.

Students take one year or more of prerequisite general education courses then apply to the program and upon acceptance complete six quarters part-time of nursing program core courses including summer quarter. After graduating from the PN Certificate students are eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination – PN (NCLEX-PN). Once graduates of the PN Certificate Program become licensed LPN’s and complete 1,000 hours of work as an LPN they may apply to the LPN-RN program option to complete the Associate Degree in Nursing Direct Transfer Agreement/Major Ready Pathway (DTA/MRP).

The PN Certificate Program has a separate admission process from admission to BTC. Students must be admitted into a cohort before beginning nursing coursework. See the PN Certificate Program website for more information about the current admission requirements and process.

Beginning Fall Quarter 2021, Practical Nursing course titles and numbering will be changing. Currently enrolled PN students will graduate using the 2020/21 Catalog course titles and numbering. There will be no change in admissions,curriculum and graduation requirements with this update in course titles and numbering.

Program Outcomes 

The BTC Practical Nursing graduate will:

Nursing Care: Implement the nursing process to deliver individualized culturally competent care.

Self-Care Promotion: Build strategies to promote the health of self and others.

Professionalism: Demonstrate integrity through professional boundaries, ethical behaviors, and respectful communication.

Collaborative Leadership: Build positive health outcomes through the promotion of evidence-based clinical care within the interdisciplinary team.

Clinical Judgment: Administer safe nursing care by integrating critical thinking, evidence-based practice, and prioritization.

Placement Requirements 

ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) v.6 assessment. Applicants must score at the “PROFICIENT” level or higher in each of the four areas on one transcript. See the ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills handout on the website for more information about this entrance assessment.

Healthcare Experience. PN Certificate applicants must submit a Healthcare Experience Verification Form for prior approval. Experience in healthcare may be demonstrated by certification or training in an allied healthcare field. Other healthcare experience will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by Nursing Program faculty and staff and either approved or denied. The form is available on the PN Certificate website.

Clinical Placement Requirements 

After acceptance into the Nursing Program but prior to beginning clinical rotations, students must complete the clinical placement process and be at least 18 years of age. Clinical requirements include: 

•    Criminal background check 

•    10-Panel urine drug screen 

•    Physical examination 

•    Tuberculous screening 

•    Required immunizations 

•    Current American Heart Association BLS for Provider CPR certification 

•    Medical Insurance Coverage 

More information about the clinical placement requirements process is on the Practical Nursing Program website.

Degree Requirements

MATH& 146, BIOL& 241, BIOL& 242, CHEM& 121 or CHEM& 161, ENGL& 101 all with a B or higher. PSYC& 100 and BIOL& 160 all with a C or higher. A grade of B- or higher in all core program courses.

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