Practical Nursing H170605 (Full-Time)
Course Info
DAY
Length: Approximately 15 Months (1350 Clock Hours)
Schedule: Mon.-Fri.; 7:30 am-1:30 pm
EVENING
Length: Approximately 18 Months (1350 Clock Hours)
Schedule: Mon.-Thurs.; 4:30 pm-9:50 pm
This program is approved by the Florida State Board of Nursing.
Basic Skill Levels:
TABE Test Scores: 11th Grade Reading, Language & Math
(In lieu of the TABE test, degreed applicants may submit proof of a U.S. college degree from a regionally accredited institution and complete the Application for Admission. Please click here to view a list of approved regional accrediting agencies.)
Other Requirements
Possess a GED or standard U.S. high school diploma from a school accredited by an approved accrediting association
OR
Possess a college degree from an approved regionally accredited institution
Adjusted Individual Total Score of 60% or higher on the Test of Essential Academic Skills V (also known as the TEAS-V Test)
Attend a mandatory Practical Nursing Information Meeting.
Physical examination/immunizations
Criminal background checks and random drug screenings
PLEASE NOTE:
A history of felony convictions or substance abuse may adversely affect your ability to gain employment or take licensing exams in the medical professions. We encourage you to consider your personal history when making appropriate career choices.
Students entering all health programs with a clinical study requirement are subject to criminal background checks and/or random drug screenings at their own expense.
If problems arise with the results of either the criminal background check or the drug screening, students will not be permitted to attend the clinical portion of the program which then results in program non-completion.
Refunds for the costs of the criminal background checks and drug screenings are NOT granted for these circumstances.
TO GAIN ADMISSION TO THE PRACTICAL NURSING PROGRAM:
STEP 1 - Submit passing TABE scores, along with an Application for Admission, to the Practical Nursing Program Counselor.
Students who take the TABE at Erwin complete the Application for Admission as a part of the testing process.
In lieu of the TABE test, degreed students must submit proof of a U.S. college degree from a regionally accredited institution and complete the Application for Admission.
(Transcripts from foreign countries must be translated and certified as equivalent to an American H.S. diploma. Students submitting translated and certified transcripts of foreign degrees must also meet TABE requirements.)
STEP 2 - Take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS).
Students who have met the required minimum TABE score of "11" in Reading, Language, and Mathematics, must then take the Test of Essential Academic Skills, also known as the TEAS test (click here for TEAS information.)
STEP 3 - Attend a Practical Nursing Information Meeting.
The Mandatory Meeting for the January 2014 Day Class is scheduled for Wednesday, October 2, 2013 at 6:30 PM .
This meeting will be held at Erwin Technical Center in Room 222.
Only candidates who have completed TABE and TEAS requirements are eligible to attend. Attendance is mandatory. Children should not accompany applicants to the meeting.
STEP 4 - Submit a PRACTICAL NURSING Admissions Packet to the Office of Student Services.
Packets will be distributed at the Practical Nursing Information Meetings. Deadline for returning Admission Packets will be announced at the meeting. Only completed packets will be considered. Among the items to be included in the packet are:
- Completed Cover Sheet (to be distributed at the Practical Nursing Information Meetings)
- Money order, made out to Erwin Technical Center, to cover fees of approximately $65. In lieu of fees, an authorization from a sponsoring agency will be accepted and must accompany the packet.
Official transcript of high school diploma, GED, or college degree
(Transcripts from foreign countries must be translated and certified as equivalent to an American diploma. Students submitting translated and certified transcripts of foreign degrees must also meet TABE requirements. A list of approved accrediting agencies is available in the Erwin Student Services Office.)
Proof of transfer credits, if applicable, earned at an approved accredited institution. (Transcripts or certificates of credits earned within two years of entry into the Practical Nursing Program will be evaluated for acceptance.)
- Declaration of tuition payment method
STEP 5 - After packets are reviewed, each student will receive notification that he/she:
- Has been accepted to begin the next available class, or
- Has been accepted to the next class as an alternate should there be cancellations
(Alternates who are not placed will receive priority for the next available class, only if they contact Mrs. McLeod to let her know they are still interested.)
COURSE OVERVIEW
Program Description
Instruction is designed to enable individuals to achieve instructional objectives in the following content areas: nursing skills, life span, nutrition, anatomy and physiology, medical nursing, surgical nursing, pediatric nursing, geriatric nursing, personal and community health, pharmacology, employability skills, leadership and human relations skills.
Fifty percent of the training is spent in the clinical areas and includes: maternal and newborn, pediatrics, medical/surgical, and experience in extended care facilities.
Successful program completion prepares students for the National Council Licensure Examination for Florida (NCLEX). Students completing the program receive credits toward a Registered Nurse A.S. Degree at Hillsborough Community College or any community college in the statewide system. Please contact the colleges for additional information.
Book and Supply Information
The following books and supplies are required for this program. All items listed on the fee sheet (see link below) are available at the Erwin Technical Center Bookstore. The ISBN number is located after each textbook. For the most current fee sheet, please contact the Student Services Office, Financial Aid Office or our Bookstore.
Practical Nursing Books and Supplies September 2012 (AM)
Practical Nursing Books and Supplies February 2013 (AM)
Employment/Career Opportunities
Graduates have been employed by many major area hospitals, doctors' offices, nursing homes, clinics, private homes, and School District of Hillsborough County.
Salaries
Salaries for graduates range from $14.50 - $25.00 per hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do LPN's and RN's responsibilities differ?
RNs have supervisory duty over all members of a patient health care team. Only RNs are permitted to assess patients and develop nursing diagnoses. LPNs may collect information to help the RN assess and develop the care plans. LPNs can do all tasks associated with patient care but some, like blood administration, still require RN supervision. In other words, RNs are in charge and LPNs work under their direction.
How does a LPN advance to a RN?
Licensed Erwin graduates may apply to local community colleges and receive credit toward their registered nursing course. They still must complete prerequisite courses before admission and will graduate as Associate Degree nurses.
They may also go to USF for a bachelor's degree in nursing; however, USF does not grant any credit for LPN status.
What kind of clinical experience is involved in this course and where is it offered?
PN students spend half of their education in the clinical setting with patients. They are placed in local hospitals such as Kindred, VA, and Memorial, as well as area nursing homes. (Some student clinical hours will vary from classroom hours, depending on clinical availability.)
Other than hospitals, what facilities hire LPNs?
There is a great demand for Erwin graduates at area nursing and rehabilitation centers, doctors' offices, dialysis centers, out-patient clinics, school district, and long-term care facilities. The school system hires LPNs to care for children with special needs. The military services frequently visit Erwin to talk to students concerning the reserves or service upon graduation. Private duty through agencies or direct employment by a patient is also available.
What is required to maintain an active license and can Erwin help with the requirement?
Florida nursing licenses are renewed every two years at a current cost of $90(subject to change). In addition, 24 hours of continuing education are required for renewal.
What are the physical demands of LPNs?
LPNs are expected to be in very good physical health because the work involves a great deal of physical activity. Walking, bending, and lifting are all part of the daily tasks. In addition, nurses may be called upon to perform CPR or assist in emergency situations that require strength and agility. Pregnancy is not necessarily a limitation for student nurses; however, medical restrictions cannot be placed on their activities.
Is math computation involved in the class work?
Yes, the type of math required for nursing is addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, and word problems. The instructors hold tutoring sessions to assist students who need help.
Is there a lot of homework in the Practical Nursing course?
Yes, most students find that one to two hours of homework per night is necessary to do well in the course. Student study groups have been very helpful for many students.
Where have graduates found employment?
Graduates have been employed by VA Hospital, Long-term care facilities, doctors' offices, nursing homes, clinics and private homes.
Is job placement available upon graduation?
Advisory committee representatives and teachers provide students with guidance and recommendations.
How can I learn more about this career field?
Click here for more information.