Degrees & Certificates • Academic Programs • Practical Nursing Degree

Practical Nursing Degree
(AAS - GOTS)

Licensed Practical Nurses are a vital part of the health care team and are employed in a variety of health care settings. LPN’s provide care for clients of all ages. In addition to providing routine bedside care, they evaluate client needs, plan, and implement quality care as well as supervise the care provided by Nursing Assistants. In offices and clinics, they may also make appointsments, keep records, and perform other clinical duties. Those who work in private homes may provide complex care and teach family members simple nursing tasks.

What can I do with this degree?

The Practical Nursing Program prepares individuals to practice within the legal scope of practical nursing under the supervision of a registered nurse or physician. Graduates are prepared to take the NCLEX-PN licensing examination and practice as an LPN in entry level staff positions.

When and How do I get started with this degree?

The following materials must be on file in the Program Coordinator’s office before April 1st for August admission and before November 1st for January admission:

• Application for admission to SCC
  
• Official high school transcript indicating that the applicant has or will complete a high school course of study or a passing GED official score report
  
• Transcripts of post-secondary work completed at other institutions
  
• Results of the ACT or Compass or equivalent on file in the Admissions Office.
  
• Letter of intent written to the Nursing Coordinator stating intent the year applicant wishes to be considered for admission and any paid work experience relating to direct patient care activities. Information about work experience should include place of employment, type of work activities, and length of time employed in that position.
  
• A pre-admission conference with the Nursing Coordinator or his/her designee is required prior to an applicant’s consideration by the Practical Nursing Admissions Committee. YOU MUST ATTEND ONE CONFERENCE during each admissions period (unless waived by the Nursing Coordinator). Attending a conference at another Community College will not be acceptable.
  
• Proof of active status on the Medicaid Nurse Aide Registry or successful completion of an equivalent nursing course.

Check out the SCC calendar to find out when class terms and enrollment begins. For more information on becoming a student at SCC follow our 9 easy steps for becoming a student at SCC.

Admission Criteria

Potential candidates are recommended to the President by the PN Admissions Committee. The Admissions Committee will make their recommendations based on the following:

• Preference may be given to applicants with an ACT composite score of 20 or above or its equivalent on a nationally-normed preadmission practical nursing assessment,
  
• Preference may be given to applicants who demonstrate above average standing in high school or on the GED.
  
• Preference may be given to those applicants who have completed 12 or more credit hours in the approved curriculum with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better from any regionally accredited college.

Technical Standards

• Adequate visual acuity
• Adequate auditory perception
  
• Sufficient strength, gross motor, and fine motor coordination
  
• Sufficient verbal and written communication skills
  

Additional Criteria

Upon admittance the student must submit the following materials prior to beginning clinical experiences.

• Evidence of receiving the Hepatitis B vaccine series or a vaccine declination form
• TB skin test or chest X-Ray
• Immunization records

Student Responsibilities

In addition to tuition, students are responsible for transportation to the various clinical sites, professional liability insurance, books, and uniforms. Any student seeking financial assistance should contact the Financial Aid Office.