Practical Nursing Program Pathway | VHCC

Program Pathway | HEALTH

Practical Nursing Certificate

info@vhcc.edu | (276) 739-2438 | vhcc.edu Revised 09/14/2023

Practical Nursing Certificate

This program is designed to train individuals for a career as a practical nurse.

Students who complete our Certificate of Practical Nursing will have the academic foundation needed to take the National Licensure Exam (NCLEXPN) for licensure as a licensed practical nurse (LPN). LPNs provide basic care under the direction of registered nurses or physicians and enjoy employment in a variety of healthcare settings.

Program Length Completion of prerequsite general

education courses and 3 semesters of practical nursing courses.

Career Opportunities LPNs work in a variety of settings

ranging from hospitals and medical offices to assisted-living and long-term care facilites.

Is this Pathway for you? Yes, if you enjoy hands-on patient care in a fast-paced environment with direct interaction with both patients and members of a care team.

G3 Eligible This program is G3 eligible. G3 Scholarships cover tuition and fees for Virginia residents of modest income who are pursuing high demand careers.

Tuition & Fees At only $162.11 per credit hour, you’ll

save $10K to $22K, in tuition costs alone, by starting at VHCC! Out-of-state students living within a 30-mile radius qualify for in-state tuition.

Dr. Teressa Wexler has over 39 years of Nursing experience and more than 28 years experience in Nursing education. She has a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from Chamberlain University and Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership with Specialization in Educational Technology (EdD/ET) from University of Phoenix. Dr. Wexler has completed various nursing degrees including LPN, BSN MSN, and DNP. She also has a Post-graduate Certificate in Healthcare Simulation (High-Fidelity)and certifications of an Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator and Certified Nurse Educator.

Teressa Wexler, DNP, EdD/ET, MSN, CHSE, CNE Program Coordinator NEB 144C twexler@vhcc.edu | 276-739-2482

YOUR PROGRAM PATHWAY | 3 Semesters Basic Admission Criteria Required

Fall Semester PNE 155*

Body Structures and Functions

3

PNE 161 PNE 173

Nursing in Health Changes I Pharmacology for Practical Nurses

6 2

HLT 105

BLS CPR Certification

1

SDV 101

Orientation to College Sucess

1

NUR 135

Drug Dosage Calculations

2

TOTAL CREDITS

15

Spring Semester PSY 230

Developmental Psychology

3

PNE 162

Nursing in Health Changes II

10

PNE 136

Care of Maternal, Newborn, & Pediatric Patients

4

TOTAL CREDITS

17

Students are qualified to take the Certifed Nurse Aide Examination after successful completion of PNE 162.

Summer Semester PNE 163

Nursing in Health Changes III

9

PNE 145

Trends in Practical Nursing

1

PNE 158

Mental Health & Psychiatric Nursing

2

ENG 111

College Composition I

3

TOTAL CREDITS

15

After completion of this curriculum, the student is eligible to apply for the NCLEX-PN exam provided by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing for licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). * BIO 141 and 142 are acceptable substitutes recommended for progression to the LPN to RN Program. BIO 145 acceptable substitution for PNE 155 VHCC PN Program is on conditional approval under certain terms and conditions from VA Board of Nursing.

Why start at Virginia Highlands?

For more than 50 years, VHCC has been committed to making our region a better place to live, work, and learn!

Beautiful 100 acre campus in Abingdon

SAT & ACT Not Required for Admission

The SAT and ACT are merely numerical indicators of college readiness and are therefore not required. We’ve found that if you’re committed to your own success, regardless of your scores, then we’ll be able to help you cross the finish line!

Career Services & Job Opportunities!

Our instructors and career coaches are recognized by regional industry leaders and enjoy tremendous success connecting our students with employment opportunities upon degree completion.

17:1

Student to Faculty Ratio

80+

Programs of Study

84%

of Students Get Financial Aid

#1 College in the Region

Virginia Highlands Community College was recently voted the #1 College in the Region through the Best of Bristol Awards Program – from a group of two and four year colleges and universities in southwest Virginia and northeast Tennessee.

vhcc.edu | (276) 739-2438 | info@vhcc.edu PO BOX 828, Abingdon, VA 24212 VHCC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution.

Si necesita ayuda en espanol, marque el numero 276-739-2559.