Practical Nursing (D45660) Diploma

Purpose

The Practical Nursing curriculum provides knowledge and skills to integrate safety and quality into nursing care to meet the needs of the holistic individual which impact health, quality of life, and achievement of potential.

Course work includes and builds upon the domains of healthcare, nursing practice, and the holistic individual. Content emphasizes safe, individualized nursing care and participation in the interdisciplinary team while employing evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and informatics.

Graduates are eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) which is required for practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Employment opportunities include hospitals, rehabilitation/long term care/home health facilities, clinics, and physicians’ offices.

Admission Requirements and Special Conditions

Admission into the Practical Nursing program is a competitive admission process. A minimum grade point average of 2.8 or higher is required in the general education courses.

Special Accreditation Status

The practical nursing program is approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing.

General Requirements

1. Detailed current information for interested applicants is located at www.robeson.edu/practical [opens in a new tab]
2. Students must be able to fulfill all essential functions as outlined in the health sciences admission policy .
3. Admission to all RCC Health Science programs is a competitive process. Applicants are evaluated based upon the following factors: Academic performance, references and academic degrees.
4. Applicants must have a GPA of 2.8 or greater in the practical nursing general education courses by the published deadline date for submitting complete program checklists to the Admissions Office. Applicants not meeting the cumulative GPA requirements will not be reviewed by the program area for admission. For Practical Nursing program, the GPA calculation will be based upon grades earned in the following courses:
   • BIO 168  
   • BIO 169  
   • ENG 111  
   • PSY 150  
5. Once an applicant has successfully satisfied required English/reading and mathematics entrance competencies, applicants are eligible to submit an application packet. The program checklist outlines the number of strategies applicants may follow to meet the required competencies.
6. A point system is followed to evaluate health science program applications. Applicants earn points based upon academic performance, TEAS score, references and academic degrees. Point distribution is outlined on the program checklist, as well as on the program webpage.
7. All official transcripts must be on file in the Admissions Office in order for a student to be considered for admission.
8. Provisionally accepted students must submit to a criminal background check, drug screening and medical review/screen to include physical examination and immunizations. All fees associated with the criminal background check, drug screen and medical review will be the responsibility of the student even if not selected for admission.
9. It is the student’s responsibility to review all program materials, including the practical nursing web site at www.robeson.edu/practicalnursing [opens in a new tab] and to stay current with the program requirements, policies and procedures.