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Practical Nursing

 

DIPLOMA

The Practical Nursing program expands upon the foundational skills of the Nursing Assistant. The curriculum prepares students to assist in the provision of general nursing care, think critically, and adhere to the Nursing Code of Ethics under the direction of a registered nurse or physician. Practical nursing students are eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Exam for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). This program provides a pathway for students who wish to pursue academic advancement or seek employment in a wide variety of healthcare settings.

PROGRAM FACT SHEET

Students completing this Diploma will be able to: 

  • Demonstrate effective communication while providing culturally competent care to individual patients across the lifespan;  
  • Use information and technology in the healthcare setting; 
  • Work within an established plan of care for an individual patient to organize or assign aspects of care under the direction of an RN or other health care provider;  
  • Utilize evidence-based nursing judgment while prioritizing care, implementing interventions, and promoting the health of individual patients across the lifespan; 
  • Demonstrate professional behaviors and accountability to legal and ethical nursing practice standard for a competent practical nurse; 
  • Participate in Quality Improvement (QI) by providing input into the development of policies and procedures and effectively using resources to achieve patient outcomes; 
  • Report changes and responses to interventions to a RN or the appropriate licensed healthcare providers while providing a safe environment; and 
  • Participate as a member of the inter-professional team, collaborating with other healthcare providers to promote safe, quality, patient-centered care.

 

JOB OUTLOOK          COURSE SEARCH

Steps to Apply

Learn what is required for application to the Practical Nursing program. Attend an on-campus Nursing Information Session:

  • First Friday of the month
    Click here to register to attend the on-campus Nursing Information Session.

If you are unable to attend an on-campus session, click here to view the power point presentation.

Download the Practical Nursing program application/acceptance timeline for fall 2024.



Students must apply to the Practical Nursing program for the Fall 2024 start. At the time of application students must have: 

  • Completed all preliminary coursework by the end of the Spring 2024 semester (prior to program start), with a grade of “C” or better, and a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher 
  • Be current on the Nursing Assistant Registry 
  • Have taken the ATI TEAS exam within the last 18 months with an overall composite score of 53 or higher 

Please note: Pine Technical & Community College only accepts TEAS scores from IN-PERSON proctored exams (no virtual/online testing scores are accepted.)

  • Save a Pine and apply online!
  • Request all external transcripts be sent to PTCC
    • If you attended a Minnesota State school, your transcripts will automatically be sent
    • If you attended a school outside the MNState system, contact the school to have your official transcripts sent to PTCC
  • Complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
  • Apply online to the Practical Nursing Program for Fall 2024. The Fall 2024 application is now open (Feb. 12, 2024) and will close on May 15. Click here to access the application link. (The late application link will open May 16 and close July 31.)
  • At the time of Fall 2024 application, you must have completed the following preliminary coursework with a grade of “C” or better AND a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher:
    • ENGL1276 College Composition
    • BIOL1240 Health & Disease in the Human Body OR BIOL1250 General Biology, BIOL1260 Anatomy & Physiology I, and BIOL1270 Anatomy & Physiology II (must complete all 3 courses)
    • HPPC1000 Medical Dosages (valid for 5 yrs.)
    • HPPC 1002 Medical Terminology (valid for 5 yrs.)
    • HPPC1004 Pharmacology (valid for 5 yrs.)
  • Are current and in good standing on the Minnesota or Wisconsin Nursing Assistant Registry

Have taken the ATI TEAS exam within the last 18 months with an overall composite score of 53 or higher

Please note: Pine Technical & Community College only accepts TEAS scores from IN-PERSON proctored exams (no virtual/online testing scores are accepted.)

TEAS exams will be offered at the PTCC campus:

Fri., February 16, 9 am
Sat., February 24, 9am
Wed., February 28, 9am
Thurs., February 29, 9am

Fri., March 15, 9 am
Sat., March 16, 9 am
Fri., March 29, 9 am
Sat., March 30, 9 am

Fri., April 19, 9 am
Sat., April 20, 9 am

Sat., May 4, 9 am
Mon., May 13, 9 am

  • Register to take the ATI TEAS test
  • The test is $97.00 (cost subject to change by ATI)
  • Students need a 53 or better to be accepted into the Practical Nursing program
  • If you take the TEAS at PTCC, your scores will automatically be sent without extra costs to the student
  • If you take the TEAS at another location, you will need to have your scores sent to PTCC (extra cost)
  • You can take the TEAS more than once, and we will accept your highest score
  • Important note when registering to take the TEAS test!
    Pine Technical and Community College only accepts TEAS scores from IN-PERSON proctored exams (no virtual/online testing scores are accepted.)
  • Check this out for more TEAS information and how to register for an exam
  • Need some help studying for the TEAS?

TEAS Prep– Individualized study plan available

  • Students are ranked by points using a rubric
  • Ranking points are based on prerequisite coursework GPA and TEAS score

Download the GPA calculator to determine your GPA based on prerequisite coursework.

There are a maximum of 40 seats in the PN program each fall and spring semester.

Our Practical Nursing program has been ranked 4th in Minnesota by practicalnursing.org!

Their evaluation process considers various factors, including past and present first-time NCLEX-PN pass rates, weighted by year. Their methodology ensures affectiveness of how a program supports students in their journey toward licensure and beyond.

Additional Information

Transferology is a free tool that can help you determine the transferability and applicability of your credits.

With Transferology you can:

  • Determine how your individual classes from other higher educational institutions will transfer to PTCC
  • Run a program plan to see how your classes could apply toward your PTCC degree
  • Plan for a smoother transfer process

Note: If your school or class is not listed in Transferology, this does not mean your credits will not transfer. The PTCC Admissions Application and PN Nursing Application must both be complete with all transcripts received before transcript evaluation begins.

For assistance, please contact PTCC Admissions at admissions@pine.edu.

Program completion:  75% of practical nursing students will complete the program at 150% of the program length, averaged over the past 3-years.

NCLEX-PN:  80% (or higher) of PN graduates will pass the NCLEX-PN on first attempt, averaged over 3-years.

2016 NCLEX-PN = 85.37%
2017 NCLEX-PN = 91.67%
2018 NCLEX-PN = 93.94%
2019 NCLEX-PN = 100%
2020 NCLEX-PN = 97.22%
2021 NCLEX-PN = 92.45%

Job Placement:  80% of PN graduates will be employed in their nursing field at 6-12 months post-graduation; 30% of PN graduates will continue on in their nursing education.

6-12 month Graduate Surveys:  50% of PN graduates will complete and return the 6-12 month graduate surveys; 80% of respondents will chose “Excellent” or “Good” for each survey question; 80% of respondents will rate program satisfaction as “Excellent” or “Good”; Qualitative comments will be trended and changes made to program as needed for continuous quality improvement.

This document is available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities upon request. Please call 800.521.7463.

2023-2024 Associate Degree Nursing Mobility and Practical Nursing Student Handbook.

Spring 2024 Grading Scale Addendum.

Why Pine?

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