Practical Nursing

Practical Nursing Certificate

See also:

• Nursing
• Nursing Certificates

Practical Nursing Certificate

The Practical Nursing Certificate program is a part-time evening and weekend program designed to prepare graduates to provide health care to clients of various ages in a variety of health care settings. The seven-quarter program is designed as a career path for entry-level patient care providers. Nursing assistants and patient care assistants can continue their education in the PN certificate program and become licensed practical nurses after successful completion of the program and passing the PN licensing examination. After obtaining their practical nursing license, graduates of the PN certificate program may apply for articulation into the associate degree nursing program at Columbus State Community College.
 
The practical nursing certificate program is sequential and it helps students to develop communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Nursing courses are structured to promote student learning through lecture, laboratory, clinical, seminar, and practicum experiences. Learning opportunities are designed to apply practical nursing concepts in the promotion, maintenance and restoration of health for clients. Students learn to work collaboratively with other health team members in the health care delivery system.
 
Students take 32 hours of nursing courses and 23 hours in arts and sciences for a total of 55 credits. Students will participate in clinical experiences in a variety of health care settings under the direction of a registered nurse. A practical nursing outcome exam will be given at the beginning of the seventh quarter of the program. Students must achieve a minimum score on this outcome exam in order to graduate.
 
Students who successfully complete the Practical Nursing Certificate program are qualified to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). The program is approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing. 
 
Upon completion of the Practical Nursing Certificate Program, the graduate will be able to:

• Demonstrate the role and scope of practice for the practical nurse in Ohio.
• Apply knowledge from the biological, behavioral, and nursing sciences to the care of clients.
• Utilize the nursing process to provide safe and effective nursing care to a diverse population in a variety of health care settings.
• Communicate effectively with clients and families, health care providers, and community members for the purpose of health promotion, maintenance and restoration.
• Safely perform nursing skills according to accepted standards of practice.
• Demonstrate professionalism by engaging in legal, ethical, and accountable behaviors and utilizing economic concepts as they relate to the health care arena.
• Synthesize knowledge from nursing and related disciplines using critical thinking skills.
• Demonstrate caring behaviors by respecting the diversity of each person by treating them with dignity and integrity.
• Collaborate with the health care team to provide and delegate nursing care according to Ohio Board of Nursing rules.

Program Admissions Information

Students need to apply to CSCC and adhere to admission criteria. Specific requirements for admission to the Practical Nursing Certificate Program are listed below.

• Practical Nurse Certificate Program application.
• High school biology, with a grade of “C” or better, within the past five years or BIO 100 Introduction to Biological Sciences, or a college level biology.
• Placement into ENGL 101 Beginning Composition.
• Placement into MATH 100 Calculations and Dosages.
• Students must at least be registered for the following courses before they can apply: NURC 101 Nurse Aide Training Program or STNA and MULT 101 Medical Terminology.
• Completion of the TEAS entrance test with a reading score of 80 percent or above, an English score of 70 percent or above, and a math score of 60 percent or above.
• Grade point average of 2.25 or better in most recently completed course work.
• DEV 090 College Success Skills is recommended.

The Ohio Board of Nursing Felony Policy, Section 4723.28 of the Ohio Revised Code, states that the Board may deny a convicted felon a license or the privilege of sitting for the licensure examination. A student with a history of felony conviction is responsible for informing the program coordinator.

The Ohio Board of Nursing Licensure Application includes the requirement that all applicants for licensure identify existing psychiatric conditions(s). Please check with the Board of Nursing, (614) 466-3947 or www.nursing.ohio.gov, for further clarification.

A federal law known as the “Personal Responsibility Act” (PROWORA) limits licensure to U.S. citizens and other qualified applicants. The State Board of Nursing is required to keep assurance of citizenship on record with applications for licensure.

Practical Nursing Certificate Program