The Practical Nursing program is a non-credit, clock-hour certificate program. The curriculum is divided into four modules/semesters and is offered consecutively over 18 months during evenings and weekends.
Fall and spring modules run approximately 17 weeks long and the summer module runs 12 weeks. A one week break is typical between each module. Students are required to complete 617 classroom hours and 958 clinical practice hours; a total of 1,575 clock-hours. Quantitative grades are awarded for classroom instruction and the clinical/lab practicum portion grades are awarded on a pass/fail basis. In addition to meeting clock-hour requirements, students must maintain a minimum of a 75% average for classroom instruction and a passing grade for clinical practice to progress.
Module I - Fall
Structure and Function of the Human Body
- HSSCI 6000 (96 hours)
Introduction to human anatomy and physiology as it relates to the body in health and disease. The relationship between the structure and function in each body system is emphasized. Students explore the interrelationships among all body systems for the maintenance of homeostasis.
Fundamentals of Practical Nursing
- HSSCI 6001L (120 Class Hours)
- HSSCI 6001C (184 Clinical Hours)
The course offers an orientation to the practical nursing program including objectives and requirements, responsibilities of the student nurse, communication skills, basic nursing knowledge, legal and ethical aspects for nursing and skills common to all areas of nursing practice.
Module II - Spring
Concepts of Basic Medical and Surgical Nursing Care
- HSSCI 6002L (145 Class Hours)
- HSSCI 6002C (230 Clinical Hours)
This course introduces math for pharmacology and the study of drug preparation and administration. The study of nursing care of adults continues the basic medical-surgical concepts studied in Level I.
Prerequisites: HSSCI 6000, HSSCI 6001L, HSSCI 6001C
Module III - Summer
Nursing Care of Adults and Children
- HSSCI 6003L (124 Class Hours)
- HSSCI 6003C (276 Clinical Hours)
The system approach to the study of diseases and disorders continues with the study of the reproductive and respiratory systems. Content includes aspects of how disease processes affect individuals throughout the life span. Concepts of pediatrics and family centered nursing are studied.
Prerequisites: HSSCI 6000, HSSCI 6001L, HSSCI 6001C, HSSCI 6002L, HSSCI 6002C
Module IV - Fall
Nursing Care of the Adult
- HSSCI 6004L (132 Class Hours)
- HSSCI 6004C (268 Clinical Hours)
The course continues to build on the principles of medical-surgical nursing. Additional systems studied include the endocrine system, the integumentary system, and the nervous system. Mental health and illness concepts are also included. Issues and trends in nursing, nursing organizations, job seeking skills and the role of the LPN in society complete the course content.
Prerequisites: HSSCI 6000, HSSCI 6001L, HSSCI 6001C, HSSCI 6002L, HSSCI 6002C, HSSCI 6003L, HSSCI 6003C
