Practical Nursing

Nursing Office, 386-506-3250

William Arrington, Assistant Chair, 386-506-3725, William.Arrington@daytonastate.edu

Melissa Brown-Mack, Advisor, 386-506-3052, Melissa.Brown-Mack@daytonastate.edu

Program Overview

Mission:

The Bob & Carol Allen School of Nursing provides an innovative learning environment that promotes excellence in nursing. The Practical Nursing program prepares students to demonstrate professionalism, ethical behavior, and competency in meeting the dynamic health care needs of individuals across the lifespan and across health care continuums.

Description:

The Practical Nursing program prepares students to pursue a career in nursing through high-quality instruction in classroom and clinical learning environments. Applications are accepted each May for Fall admission. Clinical experiences are provided at local extended care facilities, hospitals, and other community agencies. Graduates are prepared for employment in long-term care, home health, hospital, and outpatient settings.

Graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). Florida licensed practical nurses are eligible for admission to Daytona State College's Transition into Professional Nursing Accelerated Associate Degree Program.

Limited Access Program: Admission is competitive and requires completion of program-specific entrance requirements. Students should consult with an academic advisor before applying.

Outcomes:

Graduates of the program will be able to:

1. Demonstrate professional behaviors of accountability and professionalism consistent with the ethical, legal, and regulatory framework for the licensed practical nurse.
2. Communicate effectively with clients, families, significant others, and members of the health care team.
3. Provide culturally appropriate, individualized care to patients and their families.
4. Promote the physical, spiritual, and psychosocial well-being of clients.
5. Reduce risk potential for clients through the promotion of physical health and well-being.

Admission and Program Requirements

Admission:

This is a limited access program. Students should review the Practical Nursing application instructions before applying.

• Possess a standard high school diploma or GED.
• Be at least 18 years of age to enroll in nursing courses.
• Achieve specified minimum scores on the Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment System (CASAS) for Career and Technical Education (CTE) Reading and Mathematics skills or meet exemption requirements for admission. Students should consult an academic advisor for additional information.
• Meet with a counselor or academic advisor for course selection and registration.
• Receive a satisfactory Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) background check consisting of a fingerprint-based review of state and federal criminal history information.
• Receive a negative drug screening through Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) requirements.
• Successfully complete BSC0070 Basic Anatomy and Physiology for Health Careers or both BSC1085C Human Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab and BSC1086C Human Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab.
• Complete required coursework with a grade of "C" or better.
• Receive an adjusted individual total score (AITS) at the 65th percentile or higher on the Test of Essential Academic Skills (ATI TEAS) completed at Daytona State College.
• Complete a health screening, including recent physical examination; verification of immunization against influenza, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, and Hepatitis B; and a negative tuberculosis test.
• Possess Basic Life Support (BLS) certification for health care providers, including adults, infants, children, and automatic external defibrillator (AED), through the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross.
• Meet eligibility requirements for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses by having no criminal record or, if a convicted felon, by having civil rights fully restored.
• Ensure nursing courses for readmission or transfer were completed within one year and evaluated by the Nursing Readmission and Transfer Committee. Transfer students are accepted on a limited basis based on space availability.

Continuing Enrollment:

Continuing enrollment approval is required to enroll in program-specific courses after completing the required General Education coursework. Students are approved for continuing enrollment through a selection process based on specific admission criteria.

• Earn a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher.
• Complete the following courses with a grade of "C" or better:
  • HSC1000 Introduction to Health Care
  • BSC0070 Basic Anatomy and Physiology for Health Careers
• Submit an application for continuing enrollment during the month of May for Fall semester enrollment.

Completion:

• Achieve specified minimum scores on the CASAS CTE Reading and Mathematics assessments or meet exemption requirements to graduate from the program.
• Meet with a counselor or academic advisor for course selection and registration.
• Adhere to the policies and procedures of the Nursing program as outlined in the Nursing Student Policy Handbook and the Daytona State College Student Handbook.
• Complete courses in the sequence published in the sample program of study.

Financial Aid

This program is eligible for federal financial aid and the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program, subject to applicable eligibility requirements.

Financing Options: Complete the FAFSA at studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. For information on grants, loans, and work-study opportunities, visit the Office of Financial Aid at daytonastate.edu/financial-aid/. Students are also encouraged to apply for Daytona State College Foundation scholarships. Additional information is available at daytonastate.edu/scholarships/.

Note: Students who do not possess a standard high school diploma or GED are not eligible for federal student financial aid.

Career and Labor Market Information

Graduates are prepared for employment as Licensed Practical Nurses in long-term care, home health, hospital, outpatient, and other health care settings. Graduates are also eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses.

Note: It is never too early to prepare for your career. Log in to the Daytona State Career Services Student Job Board to create your account, submit your resume for review, search for employment opportunities, and practice your interviewing skills through Big Interview. For assistance, contact Career Services to connect with a Career Advisor.

Program Specific Courses

Sample Program of Study

Prerequisite Course

Fall - August Class

Spring

Summer Term A - 6 weeks

Summer Term B - 6 weeks