Program Description

This practical nursing program provides academic, theoretical, and clinical instruction in medical, surgical, obstetric, pediatric, geriatric, and mental health nursing. The program will introduce the basic elements of the healthcare delivery system and the multi-disciplines that are incorporated into the system. Concepts of disease and wellness will be presented throughout the program and will bridge across the human lifespan. Legal and ethical issues, with an emphasis on confidentiality and effective communication skills, will be included. The student will acquire skills in nursing procedures, measurement of vital signs, and collaboration with other healthcare providers. They will understand the concepts of medical asepsis, infection control, and universal precautions applicable to all areas of healthcare. The importance of safe practice and the use of proper body mechanics are stressed. Mental health concepts, administration of medications, body structure and function, nutrition, and personal, family, and community concepts are studied. Clinical experience is an integral part of the program. Graduates will be eligible to write the National Council Licensing Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).

Program Outcomes (Student Learning Outcomes)

Upon completion of their program, the student should be able to: 

1. Practice quality, safe, and relationship-centered care as guided by practical nurse scope of practice.
2. Using a systems approach, ensure nursing judgement and collaboration in caring for diverse patients and families.
3. Employ a spirit of inquiry and integrity in providing care consistent with legal and professional standards of the practical nurse.
4. As a coordinator of care, generate system and professional resources for health and wellness which facilitate patient, family, personal, and professional growth.

Special Admissions Requirements

Please refer to the “Undergraduate Nursing Admission Requirements” policy in the Admissions Information section of this catalog for nursing program admission requirements.

Program Content

A minimum of 37.00 semester credit hours is required for graduation.

Third Party Testing

Assessment and remediation are critical components of nursing education. Students in the nursing program may be required to take third-party, standardized, proctored exams in an electronic format throughout the curriculum. Students may be required to go to a third-party testing site to complete exams.  These standardized tests are valid and reliable predictors of success on the NCLEX examination and provide valuable feedback concerning student strengths and weaknesses. Student learning outcome data identifies content areas that require remediation, allowing faculty to personalize student support and intervention. Courses that utilize third-party exams will incorporate the points earned on the test as a percentage of the final grade earned for the course as specified in the course syllabus.

Practical Nursing Curriculum Progression Milestone Exams and Policy

The purpose of the nursing progression milestone exams and policy is to ensure preparation of the student for the NCLEX exam. This process validates knowledge acquisition and application through standardized, third-party exams. Students will be required to complete three progression milestone exams at key points in the curriculum as well as an exit exam during the final semester.  Each progression milestone exam is a comprehensive assessment of all content covered in the program up to exam administration.

Progression Milestone exam #1 is administered after completing NP120 and while completing NP125.

Progression Milestone exam #2 is administered after completing NP231 and while completing NP236.

Progression Milestone exam #3 is a Pharmacology exam and will be administered during week 4 of the NP275 course.

If the *benchmark score on the first formal attempt is not attained, a plan for remediation will be developed in collaboration with the faculty/program chair/NCLEX coach and a second attempt will be provided.

If the benchmark score is not achieved on the second attempt, the student cannot be registered for any subsequent clinical courses. The student will be registered for outstanding general education requirements and a mandatory nursing remediation course. Students who are registered for the nursing remediation course must actively participate in the course, post attendance, and complete course requirements to be eligible for a milestone retake.  Students who fail to actively participate, post attendance, and complete remediation course requirements, or who withdraw, will be dismissed from the program and ineligible to take the final milestone retake. The final milestone retake is administered to eligible students at the conclusion of the 8-week remediation course. It is important to note that this may impact the anticipated graduation date by a minimum of one semester.

In the event a student fails a nursing course but passes the milestone exam, the student will re-take the milestone exam upon successful completion of the failed course. This will demonstrate retention of knowledge and preparation for the NCLEX exam. 

Students who are successful on the final retake exam will be rescheduled by Registrar Services.

Students who are unsuccessful on the final retake exam will be dismissed from the nursing program and provided advisement on alternative program pathways.

PN Exit Exam

The exit exam will cover content from all nursing courses, is reflective of NCLEX readiness and is administered in the final semester. Students will take practice assessments during the NP280 course, in conjunction with individualized remediation and completion of assignments focused on NCLEX readiness.  This is followed by a final exit exam.

Students who are unable to reach the *benchmark score on the exit exam will receive an Incomplete (I) grade for their NP280 course and will be required to successfully reach this benchmark on the final exit exam by the second week of the subsequent semester to resolve the (I) grade. 

If they are unable to resolve the (I) grade by the second week of the subsequent semester, the grade will convert to an (F) grade and the student will be placed on “Approved Break” for the remainder of the semester, during which time they must remain actively engaged in formal remediation.  This will cause a delay in program completion and graduation.  Students should discuss the implications of being on “Approved Break” with their financial aid advisor.

*Threshold benchmark scores required to pass the milestone or exit exams are based upon national student performance data and may be changed at any time by the university.

Dosage Calculation Exams

Dosage calculation exams are required at multiple points throughout the program. A student who is unable to pass any of the exams will not be allowed to progress without completion of remediation and demonstration of competency as evidenced by reaching the required score on a final dosage calculation exam attempt.