Practical Nursing, O.C.

(1,350 clock hours) (45 occupational credits)

The Practical Nursing (PN) program is a 12-month program designed to assist a student with nursing employment in such areas as a hospital, doctor’s office, home health, or long term care facility. The Practical Nursing Certificate program qualifies the student to take the national licensing exam to become a licensed practical nurse. All students who graduate from a practical nursing program and wish to take the Licensed Practical Nurse exam in Florida, will be reviewed by the Florida State Board of Nursing, in accordance with State Law Chapter 464.008 and 464.018.

To be considered for this program a student must:

• have a high school diploma, GED certificate, or home school equivalent,
• take the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) as outlined in this catalog,
• apply for general college admission by established deadline on the Academic Calendar,
• submit a specific PN application to the Nursing Department by the established deadline for a spring start, and
• complete the Practical Nurse Entrance Test (PNET) by the established deadline. See brochure available from the Nursing and Health Sciences Programs for testing dates.

In order to meet clinical agency requirements where student training will take place, all students in Nursing and Health Sciences Programs must now meet state and federal regulations as described by Florida Statutes S. 400.211. An in-depth background screen is required for admission to the program. Students must be free of offenses that would disqualify one for employment as a Certified Nursing Assistant.

In addition, students must establish that they are drug and alcohol free by voluntarily submitting to a drug and alcohol screening analysis. Screening is required prior to admission when coordinator notifies student. Random screening within the program may be required by clinical agencies. Admission testing will be done by attended urinalysis for the following classes: amphetamines, cannabinoids, cocaine, opiates, and PCP.

This is a limited access program. Applicants must reach required scores on the TABE and PNET to qualify for admission. If there are more qualified applicants than there are available positions, the applicants will be selected through PNET scoring. In-depth admission information is available in the Advising Department and on the College Web site www.fgc.edu. Florida Gateway College reserves the right to make changes in its nursing admission processes.

Practical Nursing Total: 1,350 clock hours, 45 occupational credits

Program Notes:

• Class and clinical hours will vary for each term.
• Clinical calendars may vary from the Critical Dates calendar due to availability of clinical sites.
• Standardized testing within the program is mandatory.
• Students must make a C or better to continue to the next course in the program.
• Students must complete background and drug screens, physical examination, immunization, and laboratory study, including the Heptavax, after admission into the program.
• This is a limited access program. A student should not assume admission until officially notified, in writing, by the Practical Nursing Team Leader.