Length of Program/Hours
Full-Time Program
Approximately 12 months. Class starts each September and is in session Monday through Friday.
Part-Time Program
Approximately 24 months. Class starts November of odd years and is in session two days per week for the first year. During the second year, the program is in session Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
The hours (for either class) are:
* Theory day at Career Center - 7:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.*
* Simulated Clinical Lab at Career Center - 7:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.*
* Clinical Day at assigned agency/facility - 6:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
*Theory and/or SCL on Fridays are 7:30 AM until 3:00 PM
The Practical Nursing Program reserves the right to schedule 3:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. clinical or weekend clinical, only if needed to meet clinical objectives.
Sites of Clinical Experience
Clinical experience will be assigned at the following facilities:
Admission Policy
Applicants will be selected on the basis of their interest and ability to profit from education of this nature and the potential they show for success in the health care field.
The admission process involves review of the following:
Admission is contingent upon submission of background checks for Criminal History, Child Abuse, and FBI with fingerprinting. The results of these must meet the government standards as outlined by the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Pennsylvania Department of Aging.
At the recommendation of the Pennsylvania State Police, upon acceptance into the Practical Nursing Program, a copy of your driver's license and your social security card will be made and placed in your student record.
Program for the Disabled
A disability would not prevent access to the program if the student could meet terminal/expected competencies for the graduate. This could be possible with prostheses and/or supportive aides.
Communicate, psychomotor, visual and auditory skills are extremely important for the practice of practical nursing as they relate to patient safety. Functional level would need to be assessed for each individual.
Without the above mentioned skill, the practical nurse could not adequately assess the need for nursing care nor provide the care.
Tests may be given verbally, in a separate area, and with no time restrictions as warranted by individual situations.
An amplified stethoscope is available for classroom practice.
Advanced Placement
Advanced standing is available to qualified individuals who meet the following requirements:
Meet all standard entrance requirements including pre-admission testing.
Pass a clinical practice evaluation meeting the criteria for satisfactory performance for clinical courses.
Pass the final examination for each subject area to be waived with a minimum score of 75%.
Costs:
There is a $25 charge for each comprehensive challenged examination.
The two-day clinical evaluation will be equivalent to two (2) days pay for instructors.
Tuition costs will be calculated on a per diem basis for days enrolled in the program.
Registration Fee, textbook expenses and uniform costs are the same as those for routine admissions.
Interested persons should contact the Practical Nursing Program Coordinator for the complete Advanced
Placement Policy and discussion of your individual needs.
Registration and Expenses
Registration Fee
Upon notice of acceptance to the program, the applicant must submit to the school a $250 non-refundable registration fee in order to secure a position in the class. The tuition will be due as stated in the financial packet and recorded on the tuition contract at the time of the conference with the Coordinator.
If financial aid is being sought to pay for the remaining balance, a contract must be signed to pay what financial aid did not pay.
Textbooks
Textbook purchases are the responsibility of each student and are separate and distinct from tuition and fee charges billed by the school. Textbook expenses change yearly due to publisher cost increases.
Students accepted into the Practical Nursing Program will be given a list of books that will be ordered by the school. Students will be responsible for payment to the school for textbooks.
Uniforms
Uniform purchases are the responsibility of each student and are separate and distinct from tuition and fee charges billed by the school. Uniform expenses change yearly due to manufacture increases.
Students will be fitted and uniforms ordered during orientation by the uniform company representative for the full-time class. The uniforms for the part-time class will be later in the program.
Payment for uniforms must be made at the time of ordering by credit card or money order.
Housing
No housing is available through the school. Rentals are available throughout the local communities at the student's expense.
Calendar
Students are provided a calendar of class days per Level in the program. This calendar identifies class days as theory, simulated lab or clinic, including content and test dates for days in school.
Student Responsibility
In summary, the student practical nurse shall be responsible for all of the following:
Health Needs: All required health needs must be completed prior to the start of the program, as follows:
Medical examination including a vision exam and dental exam by primary care physician.
Immunizations: The student shall provide evidence of required immunizations prior to the start of class. Documentation of the required immunizations will be on the physical examination form. Required immunizations are:
Rubeola
Rubella (if not immune)
Tetanus (Tdap)
Tuberculin test - 2-step Mantoux
Hepatitis B
Varicella (if not immune)
Diphtheria
Students are encouraged, but not required, to carry hospitalization that would cover emergency treatment in the hospital. Neither the school nor hospital assumes responsibility for payment related to treatment for any injury at any time.
Living Expenses
Food, lodging, travel, social events, clothing, supplies and personal items are not included in the program's estimate of costs since these items are subject to personal control of the individual and may vary according to the degree of economy exercised.
Financial Aid
Student is to submit required paperwork before the start of actual classes.
Transportation
Students are responsible for their own transportation.
Grading & Promotion
In order for a student to be promoted from one level to another, the student must show satisfactory achievement in theory and satisfactory clinical performance.
Theory grading: Percentage grading procedures will be utilized to determine academic achievement. A percentage grade will be assigned to each test.
Students are required to complete each course with a minimum percentage of 75. Failure to achieve that percentage will result in termination from the program. Any student who is performing below 75% during a course will be scheduled to meet with the Coordinator to determine further participation in the program, including the possibility of a probation period to bring the grade to an acceptable level.
Clinical grading: Students are evaluated each day they spend in the clinical setting. Satisfactory performance must be demonstrated for each level.
Graduation
In order to graduate from the Practical Nursing Program a minimal theory grade of 75% and satisfactory clinical performance is required.
Full-time students can expect to graduate within one year. Part-time students within two years. Graduation ceremonies, with awarding of diplomas, are usually conducted at a local high school auditorium. Additional expenses might be incurred by the student for such things as graduation uniform, shoes, and pictures. Graduate requirements are detailed in the Student Handbook