PRACTICAL NURSING (LPN)
Program Length: 12 –18 Months
Clock Hours: 1350
Credential Issued: Diploma
This program is designed to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to successfully pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nursing. Students will learn an understanding of personal and professional ethics, effective communication with members of the health care team, patients and patient’s families as well as medical procedures and skills performed by practical nurses. The topic covered include areas such as care of the elderly, care of patients with psychological disorders, care of patients who have surgery, care of patients in all stages of human development, assist patients with psychological and social growth, assist with rehabilitation, nutrition as part of healing, knowledge and understanding of disease and its process, signs and symptoms of illness and well-being and educating the patient and their family. The program focuses on caring for the patients emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
The following objectives are designed to meet Palm Beach Career – School of Allied Health Sciences’ mission and goals:
- To present a complete and up-to-date curriculum, whose scope, presentation, and implementation will focus on the achievement of academic excellence;
- To train nurses who will be sensitive to our health and social issues;
- To provide students with the necessary background for the healing and prevention of diseases; • To challenge its students to attain academic excellence and appreciate the moral-ethical aspects of healthcare;
- To prepare students to utilize critical thinking in problem-solving situations;
- To promote a concern for interpersonal respect and professionalism;
• To offer graduates an enriched environment that will encourage them to pursue their career goals, and assist them in obtaining entry-level employment as practical nurses.
Upon completion of this program, the graduate will:
Provide nursing care that incorporates knowledge of expected growth development, and prevention and/or early detection of health problems
Acknowledge the necessity for lifelong learning as a part of personal and professional development and growth.
Assist promotion of physical health and well-being by providing care and comfort, reducing risk potential for clients, and assist with management of health alternations
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Human Flourishing: Promote the human dignity, integrity, self-determination, and personal growth of patients, oneself, and members of the health care team.
Nursing Judgment: Provide a rationale for judgments used in the provision of safe, quality care and for decisions that promote the health of patients within a family context.
Professional Identity: Assess how one’s personal strengths and values affect one’s identity as a nurse and one’s contributions as a member of the health care team (Professional Identity).
Spirit of Injury: Question the basis for nursing actions, considering research, evidence, tradition, and patient preferences.
Obtain licensure as a practical nurse.
All applicants must meet the general admission requirements as indicated below:
- Provide proof of age (must be at least 17.5 years old) – Driver’s License (ID)
- Provide proof of graduation from high school or its equivalent (GED)
- *Take the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) or meet exemption criteria (please speak with an Academic Advisor regarding exemption)
- Apply and be accepted to PBC – School of Allied Health Sciences;
- Interview with an admission representative
- Complete an admission application and return it to our admission office, along with the application fee of $100;
- Complete the application for the appropriate program
- Demonstrate an ability to meet applicable program-specific requirements
- Provide a non-refundable registration fee of $150 prior to enrollment
- Complete and sign an Enrollment Agreement
- Provide the minimum refundable down payment fee of $2,500 to hold your sit
Acceptable Proof of High School Diploma or GED
o High school diploma/transcript or G.E.D certification with test scores.
o Academic transcript that indicates the student successfully completed at least a two-year program that is acceptable for full credit toward an associate/bachelor’s degree at any institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
o Foreign high school diploma equivalent to a United States high school diploma
o If an applicant previously entered a program in a degree-granting institution for which a high school diploma was required, PBC may accept an evaluation from a NACES or AICE approved credentialing agency, certifying that a high school diploma was a requirement for the higher degree program.
*Minimum passing scores are subject to change as a result of evidence based findings, best practices and program outcomes. Failure to complete and pass the TABE assessment shall result in the student being administratively withdrawn from the nursing program. Students administratively withdrawn for failure to complete/pass the TABE on the second attempt may not be considered for re-entry.
Additional Admission Requirements
In addition to the general admission requirements and procedures, applicants wishing to be considered for admission to the Practical Nursing (LPN) Diploma program must:
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o Take and pass both Introduction to Health and Medical Terminology with at least a “C” grade from Palm Beach Career or transfer from another institution
o Take the HESI exam and have overall cumulative score 60 or higher
o Math portion score of 60 or higher on the HESI
o Submit a criminal background check (level II) and a disposition of any criminal offenses and drug screening, and have health clearance from a physician and negative PPD prior to their clinicals o Have a current CPR/First Aid certification from the American Heart Association (AHA) o Complete a Practical Nursing Application
o Have a personal interview with the Nursing Program Director
Note:
- Students are expected to maintain the standards of the school in academic, professional and personal achievement.
- Orientation will be conducted prior to the start of the class, and an institute catalog is given to each student.
- The applicant is responsible for providing verifiable proof of graduation from high school, or proof of having satisfied the requirements for high school in a manner recognized by the United States Department of Education.
- The school does not discriminate regarding age, race, sexual preference, gender, color, creed, religion, veteran status, or national or ethnic origin in the acceptance and admission of students 5. Transfer applicants must provide official transcripts from all schools attended no later than 30 days after the start day of their first semester of enrollment at PBC – School of Allied Health Sciences. Transfer student must show a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on 4.0 scale). Transfer credits from national or regional approved institutions will be evaluated and credited after enrollment at PBC – School of Allied Health Sciences
- Prior to registering, a student should have on file in the Records Office the following: o A completed admissions application
o Transcripts of all previous School work
o Official transcripts (in a sealed envelope from the previous institution attended) must be sent to the Palm Beach Career Records Office
o N.B.: Incomplete application packets will not be considered, and PBC reserves the right to deny enrollment, if the School deems that an applicant’s proof of graduation cannot be authenticated or verified.
The program is offered as a hybrid program.
Program Minimum Hours Requirements
Course Code Number | Practical Nursing Course Titles | Clock hours |
The minimum clock hours required for graduation: 1350
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PN 100 | Vocational Adjustment | 24 |
PN 101 | Body Structure and Functions | 96 |
PN 102 | Human Growth and Development | 24 |
PN 103 | Principles of Nutrition | 24 |
PN 104 | Fundamentals of Practical Nursing | 256 |
PN 200 | Pharmacology | 72 |
PN 300 | Medical-Surgical Nursing | 346 |
PN 400 | Maternal-Newborn Nursing | 128 |
PN 401 | Pediatric Nursing | 128 |
PN 402 | Geriatric Nursing | 174 |
PN 500 | Mental Health Concepts | 78 |
Total Clock Hours | 1350 |
A diploma will be issued to each student who successfully completes the program requirements and satisfies graduation requirements below:
o Student has a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
o Student has completed and passed all required externship hours
o Student is current with financial obligations to the School
o Student has met with the Career Services department for assistance with job placement or provides documentation of employment
o Student has completed an Exit Interview with the Bursar
o Student has completed the Graduation Clearance form and submitted it to the Registrar at least 60 days before the last day of class
In Florida:
o Workers on average earn $50,200.
o 10% of workers earn $39,920 or less.
o 10% of workers earn $64,960 or more.
In the United States:
o Workers on average earn $54,620.
o 10% of workers earn $40,490 or less.
o 10% of workers earn $72,650 or more.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2022: https://www.onetonline.org/link/localwages/29-2061.00?st=FL