Nursing: Practical Nursing

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.

Program Outcomes

After successfully completing the Practical Nursing Certificate, students will be able to:

Demonstrate safe nursing care under the supervision of the registered nurse.
Identify culturally competent techniques to promote resilience in self and others.
Utilize therapeutic communication across a variety of settings.
Model integrity through ethical and professional behaviors.
Effectively implement the nursing process.

Placement Requirements

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.

Certificate Requirements

Practical Nursing Certificate completion requires a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher, a minimum grade of B- (2.7) for all Program Core courses, and minimum grades for all Prerequisite Courses as described above. Students must also complete the minimum required clinical hours.

Programs

Certificate