CIP Code: 51.3901
Length: 3 Semesters (one year)
G3 Tuition Assistance
Purpose
The purpose of the Practical Nursing Certificate (PN) curriculum is to prepare students to provide safe and effective nursing care for clients with common health problems as defined by the role of the practical nurse, as well as to collaborate effectively with all members of the healthcare team. Graduates will provide clinically competent, contemporary care that meets the needs of individuals across the lifespan, families, and communities. Upon successful completion of the curriculum, the graduate will be eligible to apply to take the NCLEX-PN® examination leading to licensure as a practical nurse..
Occupational Objectives
Employment opportunities for the LPN include nursing and staff positions in clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, health departments, home health agencies, clinics, prisons, and physicians’ offices. * Gainful Employment Data
Admission Requirements and Prerequisites
In addition to the requirements for admission to the college, the applicant must meet the following prerequisites for admission to the practical nursing program:
- Graduation from high school or satisfactory completion of the General Education Diploma (GED).
- Completion of college placement tests in reading, writing, and mathematics or multiple measures or other assessment equivalents.
- Completed all applicable developmental courses (Readiness to enroll in MTH 154 and ENG 111 );
- Submit all official college transcripts to Admissions and Records. No transfer courses will be accepted unless they are from a regionally accredited school.
- Cumulative GPA of 2.0.
- The Kaplan Nursing School Admissions Test within 3 years with a minimum total score of 45% average or greater and no item less than 35%. The test may be taken up to two times in one academic year.
- Complete and submit an application to the nursing program by the designated time in the semester preceding the start of the program (see nursing link on the RCC webpage for more information).
- Students who are offered a seat are conditionally placed in the program until a cleared background check and drug test are received. Instructions are given during orientation
- The Virginia Board of Nursing has the authority to deny licensure to any applicant who has violated any of the provisions of 54.1-3007 of the Code of Virginia. Any student entering the nursing program who has committed any illegal offenses other than minor traffic violations should contact the Board of Nursing and refer to the published list of Barrier Crimes
- In all cases, the recommendation of the admission committee is the final determinant for admission to the Practical Nursing Program.
Program Requirements:
- Attend orientation in the semester prior to the start of the program.
- Health Records Requirement: Physical examination, including immunizations, must be completed prior to the start of the first semester.
- Students are required to perform clinical rotations in cooperating healthcare agencies and must be willing and able to conform to all clinical requirements of participating clinical agencies.
- Applicants must be free of any physical or mental condition that might adversely affect their acceptance or performance as nurses. More detailed information is provided in the Nursing Handbook.
- CPR certification (American Heart Association, BLS for the Health Care Provider) is required of all students prior to start of the first semester. Information, including a schedule of CPR classes, will be provided at nursing program orientation or may be found on the website under Workforce Programs.
- Maintain a grade of “C” or higher in all courses in the curriculum.
- Maintain professionalism in both campus and clinical settings, especially in attitude and responsibility. Failure to meet this requirement can result in termination from the program.
- Conviction of a felony, misdemeanor, or any offense substantially related to the qualifications, functions, and duties of a registered nurse may constitute grounds for not allowing a candidate to take the licensing exam. This decision is made by the State Board of Nursing. For questions regarding this issue, call the Virginia Board of Nursing at 804-367-4515.
- Nursing students must be in good standing from all previous healthcare employers. Students may be denied clinical placement based on previous work history and thus, cannot be entered into or possibly complete the nursing program.
- Malpractice insurance is required, and is purchased from independent provider.
- Students are responsible for following the Health Precautions Policy in the PN Nursing Handbook regarding safe handling of bio-hazards, utilizing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and using appropriate ergonomics to prevent injury. Students will be responsible for all costs for any injury or illness received while in a clinical setting. Rappahannock Community College is not responsible for student accidents/incidents which occur in the classroom, clinical, or lab setting.
- RCC does not provide any student health services.
- Students will sign an Assumption of Risk form at the beginning of the program that shall remain in force for throughout the students’ program.
- Some agencies require health insurance coverage as a condition of attending clinical. Students are advised to have health insurance in place.
Approvals and USDOE Standards:
The Practical Nursing Certificate is approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing, located at Perimeter Center, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Henrico, Virginia 23233-1463. 804-367-4515, https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/nursing/
The Practical Nursing Certificate program at Rappahannock Community College, located in Glenns and Warsaw, Virginia, is not currently accredited. The program is currently applying for candidacy for national accreditation.
USDOE Standards
Pursuant to United States Department of Education (US DOE) regulation 34 CFR 668.43 (a) (5) (v), the Rappahannock Community College Certificate in Practical Nursing (PN) program provides the following information for all prospective and current students:
The Rappahannock Community College PN program meets all Virginia Board of Nursing requirements for pre-licensure nursing education programs in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Pre-Licensure: Rappahannock Community College’s PN program adheres to the regulations of the Virginia Board of Nursing to meet the requirements for students to be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX-PN). Successful completion of the PN program and NCLEX-PN leads to a Virginia Nursing License. States that the program does not meet educational requirements for professional licensure are: AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, WA, WV, WI, WY.
Post Licensure: The Commonwealth of Virginia participates with 42 other states in the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) National Licensing Compact (NLC) to allow nurses licensed in one state to provide nursing care across state lines in other compact states. The Uniform Licensing Requirements (ULRs) are found here.
States currently in the NLC are found at: https://www.nursecompact.com/ Prospective and current students are strongly encouraged to evaluate all state requirements in jurisdictions where they intend to practice nursing. A list of all state requirements is found at: https://www.ncsbn.org/14730.htm.
Once students have earned their license, they will have earned a multi-state privilege with the NLC states.
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