Practical Nurse Certificate (PN) (selective) (January entrance) A licensed practical nurse (LPN) participates in direct and indirect nursing care, health maintenance, teaching, counseling, collaborative planning, and rehabilitation. LPNs work under the direction of registered nurses, physicians, and/or dentists. MWCC’s Practical Nursing Certificate provides short-term education leading to a rewarding health care career. The college credits earned in this program may be applied toward a nursing degree. The PN Certificate is approved by the Massachusetts Board of Nursing. Graduates take the National Council Licensure Exam for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). See the selective admissions section in the front of the college catalog for application requirements. Requirements for consideration: The application deadline is September 1, with classes starting in January. This selective enrollment program requires additional application components. The selection process is competitive and space is limited. Applicants must have completed MAT126 (C+ or better) and meet certain academic standards. See page 20 of the catalog for specific details, or refer to the program application available on our website or through the admissions office. Suggested Course Order Number Semester 1 BIO115** Human Biology*
Cr Semester
Prerequisites: ENG100, RDG100, FYE101, or placement Note: Recommended completion prior to program application ENG100, RDG100, FYE101,or placement Co-requisite: BIO115 and admission into the Practical Nursing program
4
PSY105 Introduction to Psychology* NUR102 Fundamentals of Practical Nursing
3 11
Semester 2 NUR104 Maternal-Child Nursing
8
PSY110 Human Growth and Development*
3
ENG101 English Composition I*
3
Grade Prerequisites/Notes
Prerequisites: NUR102, BIO115, PSY105 Co-requisites: ENG101, PSY110 Prerequisite: PSY105 Note: Recommended completion prior to program application Prerequisites: ENG100, RDG100, FYE101,or placement Note: Recommended completion prior to program application (advised within 3 years of application)
Semester 3 NUR106 Contemporary Nursing for Practical 13 Nurses Total: 45 credits
ENG101, PSY110, NUR104
See page 143 of the college catalog for technical standards. *These courses must be taken concurrently or prior to the nursing courses specified for that particular semester **BIO203 and BIO204 may be taken in place of BIO115.
Campus/format: A majority of this program is a selective, day only program. All nursing classes are held at the Gardner Campus. Lab courses may be held at the Devens Campus. Other courses can be completed at different campuses. Helpful hints: Because of an extensive classroom/clinical commitment, students are encouraged to complete some of the general education requirements prior to beginning nursing courses. Limitations of clinical sites necessitate traveling some distances. Transfer options: With additional courses and acceptance, PNs can matriculate into the second semester of MWCC’s associate‘s degree in nursing program. Consult with your academic advisor. Special requirements: Applicants must meet all requirements for consideration before entering the program. Students must meet technical standards and additional requirements including mandatory math review (additional fee charged), immunizations, CPR certification, liability insurance, health insurance, and a Criminal/Sexual Offender Records Information (CORI/SORI) check (see page 21). Additional tuition applies for this program (see page 23). Some clinical facilities may require drug testing. Career options: After passing the licensure exam, graduates can pursue careers as licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in hospitals, physician’s offices, rehabilitation centers, out-patient settings, residential care facilities, or in home care. Earning potential: $36,434 to $43,241 per year. Go to the academic program page at www.mwcc.edu to view gainful employment disclosure information. Please note: All BIO (BIO115, 203 or 204), MAT126 (prerequisite), and NUR102, 104 and 106 courses require a grade of C+ to be eligible for promotion to the next level. Also, BIO115, 203, and 204 credits cannot be more than five years old.
154 MWCC 2011-2012 College Catalog & Student Handbook