• The Practical Nursing program is a noncredit, clock-hour certificate program.
  • The curriculum is divided into four modules offered over four semesters that can be completed in 18 months on an evening and weekend schedule.
  • Each module coincides with a term semester and offers at least a one-week break between modules.
  • Students must complete 610 classroom hours and 890 clinical practice hours, totaling 1,500 hours.
  • Quantitative grades are awarded for classroom instruction and the clinical/lab practicum portion grades are awarded on a pass/fail basis.
  • In addition to meeting clock-hour requirements, students must maintain a minimum 75% average for classroom instruction and a passing grade for clinical practice to progress.

Module 1 - Fall 1

HSSCI 6000 - Structure and Function of the Human Body 
90 Classroom hours

Introduction to human anatomy and physiology as it relates to the body in health and disease. The relationship between the structure and function in each body system is emphasized. Students explore the interrelationships among all body systems for the maintenance of homeostasis.

HSSCI 6001 - Fundamentals of Nursing
115 Classroom hours
180 Clinical hours

The course offers an introduction to the Scope of Practice and the responsibilities of being a Licensed Practical Nurse. Communication skills, legal, and ethical aspects for nursing are presented. The nursing process will be taught with an emphasis on the basic needs of clients of all ages including physical hygiene, comfort, rest, nutrition, mobility, safety, developmental needs and concepts of asepsis and sepsis. In addition, training in skills common to all areas of nursing practice takes place.
 

Module 2 - Spring

HSSCI 6002 - Medical Surgical Nursing 
155 Classroom hours
230 Clinical hours

This course introduces the principles of medical-surgical nursing including pharmacology, intravenous therapy, perioperative care, cancers, chronic illness and disease, immune system, gastrointestinal system, urinary system, respiratory system and cardiac system and their disorders. 
Prerequisites: HSSCI 6000, HSSCI 6001

Module 3 - Summer 

HSSCI 6003 - Reproductive and Pediatric Nursing Care 
120 Classroom hours
230 Clinical hours

This course continues to build upon the principles of Medical-Surgical nursing with the study of the reproductive system and its disorders. Concepts of maternal, pediatrics, and family-centered nursing are studied across the lifespan.
Prerequisites: HSSCI 6000, HSCCI 6001, HSSCI 6002

Module 4 - Fall 2 

HSSCI 6004 - Medical-Surgical, Mental Health, Management  
130 Classroom hours
250 Clinical hours

The course continues to build on the principles of medical-surgical nursing. Systems and disorders studied include endocrine, musculoskeletal, neurological, sensory, and integumentary. Mental health and illness concepts are studied. Students are transitioned to the role of a practical nurse through the discussion of nursing issues and trends, nursing organizations, job-seeking skills, and the role of the licensed practical nurse in society along with nursing management skills. NCLEX-PN preparation completes the course content. 
Prerequisites: HSSCI 6000, HSSCI 6001, HSSCI 6002, HSSCI 6003

Sample Schedule

Class days: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Clinical weekend: Every other Saturday and Sunday from 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Example:

SundayMondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturday
  4:30-9:30 p.m.
Classroom/Lab		4:30-9:30 p.m.
Classroom/Lab		4:30-9:30 p.m.
Classroom/Lab		 6:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Clinical
6:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Clinical		 4:30-9:30 p.m.
Classroom/Lab		4:30-9:30 p.m.
Classroom/Lab		4:30-9:30 p.m.
Classroom/Lab		  

Note: Alternate remote assignments may be possible to meet the required hours for the program.