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Practical Nursing (PNP)

Certificate Program

Program Overview

This certificate program prepares men and women to become practical nurses. Licensing occurs after passing the NCLEX-PN examination. The practical nurse serves as a member of the healthcare team working under the supervision of a licensed physician or a registered nurse to meet the physical and psychosocial needs of people.

This program has been approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing and by The Higher Learning Commission. Lecture, lab, and clinical classes are limited in size to increase student/faculty interaction and student learning. Patient simulation, mastery of technical skills, and caring interventions occur in the nursing lab. This provides the student an opportunity to develop, practice, and implement the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for hospital and healthcare agency experiences. Clinical learning experiences are provided at local healthcare facilities.

Program Outcomes

  1. Contribute to the identification of holistic needs in the plan of care as a member of a healthcare team.
  2. Practice evidence-based decision making to establish priorities according to human needs of patients.
  3. Utilize effective verbal, nonverbal, written, and computer skills while providing care for patients with holistic needs and while communicating with other healthcare providers.
  4. Employ safety and health promotion practices in the ever-changing environment to maintain the patient’s state of well-being.
  5. Understand and demonstrate holistic nursing care within the limits relative to their scope of nursing practice and ethical standards.
  6. Illustrate advocacy by speaking, writing, or acting in support of the patient’s needs.
  7. Employ delegation techniques within the scope of practice in providing holistic care.

FYE1110

First Year Experience is required for all students no later than first year, fall semester. Students must receive a passing grade.

Class Sequence

Code Course Title Credits
Year 1 Fall Semester
BIO2112** Anatomy & Physiology II 4
PNP1110 Nursing I – Foundations of Practical Nursing 8
PSY1120** General Psychology 3
Spring Semester
PNP1120 Nursing II – Pharmacology for the Practical Nurse 2
PNP1130 Nursing III – Family Nursing Across the Lifespan 8
PSY1130** Human Development 3
Summer Term
ENG1110** Composition I 3
PNP2140 Nursing IV – Advanced Concepts in Practical Nursing 8
PNP2150 Nursing V – Seminar for Practical Nurses 1
Total Credit Hours 40

** Or its transfer equivalency

The following courses are not a part of the PNP certificate but must be taken prior to acceptance into the program:

Pre-Admission Requirements
BIO2110** Anatomy & Physiology I
MAT1110** Allied Health Math
AHT1100** Nurse Aide

Grades

In order to successfully complete the program, the student is required to achieve a letter grade of a ‘C” or better in all PNP numbered courses and the following courses:

  • BIO2110
  • BIO2112
  • MAT1110

Biology and math courses follow the general grading scale of the College. A letter grade of ‘C-’ in these courses does not meet this requirement.