No. of Credits: 45
Contact: Dr. Laura Polk, Dean, School of Science and Health
Dr. Sarah Cano, Chair, Nursing
The Practical Nursing Certificate program prepares students to work as nursing professionals contributing to care for clients with basic health issues. Students learn the principles and practices of nursing to promote achievement of optimal health outcomes. Instructional methods include independent and Web-enhanced study, lectures, demonstrations, skills practice and simulation. Students participate in clinical practica off campus in a variety of healthcare settings under the supervision of nursing instructors. Practical Nursing graduates assist with the nursing process and clinical judgment to render care in acute care hospitals, long term/transitional care facilities and community-based settings. Graduates of the program are prepared to test for the practical nursing (PN) license through the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX); and are provided an educational foundation to articulate for further study at the associate degree level. By law, a state nursing board may deny licensure for a variety of reasons. Completion of the CSM Nursing Program does not guarantee the award of a nursing license by a state board of nursing.
The Practical Nursing and Associate Degree in Nursing programs have the approval of the Maryland Board of Nursing and are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Accreditation information regarding the nursing programs may be obtained from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing: 3343 Peachtree Road, NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, GA 30326, 404-975-5000 www.acenursing.org.
Practical Nursing Certificate Admission Criteria:
- High school diploma or GED
- Minimum 2.0 GPA in high school or in college (with at least 12 earned college credits)
- College placement test scores at the ENG 1010 and MTH 1120 levels, and placement out of Reading, or completion of the appropriate College Prep courses to achieve these levels
- ATI TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) score of 59 or above. TEAS scores are considered current for 3 years.
This is a competitive admission program and begins only in the fall. First consideration will be given to residents of CSM’s service area (Calvert, Charles, St Mary’s counties). All petitioners who have met the admission criteria are ranked and admitted according to their residency status and cumulative GPA. The cumulative GPA will be calculated for all colleges in which transfer work has been applied to the program.
Admission and progression in this program requires that a “C” or better be earned in all coursework. The minimum grade of “C” is 75% for nursing courses that have letter grades.
Applicants may obtain the Nursing Programs’ Admission Information booklet online at the college’s web site. After reviewing the program requirements and procedures, applicants are advised to attend a Health Pathways Information Session before meeting with an academic advisor.
This program may be designated as a Health Manpower Shortage program. For more information contact the Admissions Department.
The maximum number of credits accepted in transfer from other institutions to this program is 33.
LPNs with an active unencumbered Maryland or compact state LPN license are eligible to apply for admission to the Nursing Transition Pathway. Students should discuss this opportunity with a college advisor.
NOTE: Students are required to provide proof of immunization status, a completed health form, a criminal background check and drug screen at the students’ expense. Students are also required to provide proof of health insurance and CPR certification. The American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers OR the American Red Cross CPR for Professional Rescuers and Health Care Providers are the only accepted CPR courses.
The college will not be responsible for any tuition, fees or other costs that may be charged or paid or lost due to incomplete, untimely or unsatisfactory health records, CPR certification, background check or drug screen. The college is not responsible for the conduct of background checks and drug screenings, or decisions made by other entities as a result of the background check, drug screening and health requirements.
Career Opportunities:
licensed practical nurse
Student Learning Outcomes:
Students will…
- Apply components of clinical reasoning to formulate clinical judgment decisions to deliver safe, patient-centered care.
- Contribute inter-professionally with the health care team to manage care across the healthcare continuum.
- Apply the nursing process to achieve patient health outcomes.
- Demonstrate professional core values congruent with the practice of practical nursing.
Required Courses and Recommended Sequence:
The following is a recommended sequence of courses for completing this program. College Prep and prerequisite course requirements, credit load, and/or course availability may affect a student’s individual progress. Course availability within the program sequences is specifically intended for full-time students who begin their course work with the fall semester. Students should always consult their online program evaluation or an academic advisor to better understand typical course availability and individual program planning.
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