Clarion County Career Center


(814) 226-4391

447 Career Lane Shippenville PA 16254


HOW DO I GET STARTED


CLICK HERE FOR STUDENT APPLICATION


Applications can be email to: tdelp@clarioncte.org


Or Mailed To:

Practical Nursing

490 Career Lane

Shippenville, PA 16254


It would be helpful for individuals wishing to attend the Practical Nursing Program to complete an online Basic Math review and Medical Terminology course.   

Entrance to the Practical Nursing Program requires several previous achievements and current credentials.  A list follows: *


1. Official High School Transcript or GED Scores

Foreign Educated Applicants:  Applicants must complete Certification of Preliminary Education if educated outside of the United States.  This process is the responsibility of the applicant both in effort and expense.  Reference information is available from the Practical Nursing Program.  This process may extend over many months.     

                                   

2. Pre-Entrance Examination & Basic Math Competency Examination* - All applicants for the Practical Nursing Program must complete a pre-entrance exam with the exception of the following:   

  • Those holding a Bachelor's Degree with a college/university GPA of 3.0 or greater.
  • Those with a Bachelor's Degree must provide official documentation of the high school transcript and college/university transcript with the application to be considered for the exemption from the pre-entrance exam.
  • You will still be required to take the pre-entrance Math Exam.


Call to schedule a testing time that is most convenient for you
Cost of the exam is $35 payable at the time of exam and is non-refundable.


A.  For acceptance into the program, the PSB Exam Scores must be 24 or greater.

B.  The minimal acceptable Basic Math Competency Exam Score shall be 75%.

C.  There will be no retesting of any pre-entrance exams.


3. Bring your completed application at the time of testing.  Be careful to have complete addresses for your three (3) references.


After test results are received by the Program, the Practical Nursing Secretary will send you a letter or phone you to schedule a conference with the Program Coordinator.


4. The conference is considered a professional one and proper attire is anticipated.  The conference will focus on you, nursing and returning to school.


5. Criminal Background Checks



Excerpts from the Pennsylvania Nurse Practice Act for Practical Nurses:  (Act 110): “The State Board shall not issue a license or certificate to an applicant who has been convicted of a felonious act prohibited by the Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act, or convicted of a felony related to a controlled substance in court of law of the United States or any other State, Territory, or Country unless:  (1) at least ten years have elapsed since the date of conviction; (2) the applicant satisfactorily demonstrates significant progress in rehabilitation since the conviction and the license of the applicant should not be expected to create a substantial risk of harm to the health and safety of patients or the public; (3) the applicant otherwise satisfies the qualifications contained in or authorized by the act.  (Convicted shall include a judgment, an admission of guilt or a plea of Nolo Contendere.)” Conviction of a misdemeanor/felony may also result in denial of license.


All candidates of the Clarion County Career Center Practical Nursing Program must obtain three background clearances to be admitted into the nursing program:


  • Act 151 – Child Abuse Clearance
  • Act 34 – Pennsylvania State Police Report
  • Act 114 – FBI Fingerprinting



Any candidate who does not supply proper clearances will not be admitted to the program.  If a candidate applies close to the start date of the class and is admitted, but does not submit proper clearances within a reasonable time frame, the candidate will not be able to continue in the program.  The fee for the clearances is the applicant’s responsibility. The results of the clearances must meet government standards for health care employment.


To obtain clearances, the applicant may obtain the forms from the Practical Nursing Program or use the online options as follows:




6.    A pre-entrance physical exam including a preliminary vision and dental evaluation by the primary care provider.  (Forms are provided at the time of the conference.)


7.    During the Practical Nursing Program, clinical experience is required.  Any candidate who knowingly cannot meet the requirements of the Practical Nursing Program will not be admitted to the program.  Clinical experiences include the following areas:


  • Clinical experience in long-term care facilities
  • Clinical assignment in acute care facilities
  • Clinical assignment for transitional care
  • Independent observational experiences in varied health care settings



8.    Clinical affiliates of the Clarion County Career Center require evidence of a negative drug screen in order for a student to participate in the clinical education part of the program at their facility. A urine drug test will be completed by an outside provider prior to clinical assignment at no cost to the student.


9.      The Coordinator has the authority and the power to waive numbers 2A, 2B and 2C (in all or in part) at his/her discretion.


10.    The Admissions Committee will review the admission criteria of each applicant. The Committee will determine approval for acceptance into the Practical Nursing Program based upon the applicant meeting all criteria.


Clarion County Career Center

Practical Nursing Program