Practical Nursing Certificate
Practical Nursing Certificate (PNC)
The Cincinnati State Great Oaks School of Practical Nursing prepares graduate practical nurses who are eligible to take the national standardized nursing examination (NCLEX-PN) and upon passing, work as licensed practical nurses (LPNs).
The program is approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing. Graduates share in the responsibility of nursing care to individuals and groups in a diversity of health care settings within the guidelines of the Nurse Practice Act.
Applicants must be graduates of an accredited high school or give evidence of high school equivalency by GED scores that meet standard core requirements set by the Ohio State Department of Education. COMPASS® scores must meet program requirements which include demonstrating keyboarding skill.
Admission to the College does not guaranty admission to the practical nursing program. Program applicants must complete the steps of the Practical Nursing Program Progression process to qualify to enter Practical Nursing clinical courses. Additional information about program Progression requirements is available from the Program Director.
Applicants must have earned grades of C or higher in high school or college biology, chemistry, and algebra courses. These courses must have been taken within seven years of application. COMPASS® scores must meet program requirements. Applicants must be Ohio state-tested nurse aides.
A criminal background check including both Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation and Federal Bureau of Investigation must be conducted within six months of entry into the program. A criminal record may prevent applicants from admission into the program. Program applicants are advised that when applying for the state licensure examination they will be required to answer a series of questions related to criminal convictions, reasons for dismissal from work positions, and mental health status. A positive response to any of these questions can result in disqualification as a candidate for licensure. Refer to Ohio Revised Code 4723.28 for clarification. The licensure application may be viewed on the Ohio Board of Nursing website at www.nursing.ohio.gov .
Students convicted of possession and/or distribution of controlled substances, or have positive drug screens for controlled substances not prescribed while enrolled in the program are automatically dismissed.
Current certification in CPR for health care providers or professional rescuer is required for progression into the PNC program. Students must submit the required health form with up-to-date immunizations prior to being designated in a class. Immunizations, PPD, and CPR must be updated throughout the program. Applicants must be active on a state Nurse Aide Registry.
General education courses must be taken in the order listed in the program curriculum, unless they have been taken previous to the listed semester. Students must meet all requirements of the program, including earning a minimum grade of C or pass in all curriculum courses, attaining satisfactory clinical evaluation, and maintaining the required grade point average.
Nursing courses from another nursing program are typically not accepted for transfer into Cincinnati State. Students who wish to discuss the possibility of transferring nursing credit from another nursing program to Cincinnati State must contact the Program Director for specific information after being admitted to the College and the program, but prior to being placed into a class. Restrictions may be placed on nursing credit transfer for students who failed a nursing course or courses in another program.
Because nursing is a dynamic profession, the program reserves the right to change the curriculum and progression requirements as necessary.
Practical Nursing Certificate (PNC)
All certificate-seeking students must complete a First Year Experience (FYE) course as part of the first 12 credit hours taken at Cincinnati State.
Program Prerequisites: Students seeking admission to the Practical Nursing Certificate program must complete specific progression requirements. Students should meet with their academic advisor to discuss progression eligibility and deadlines.
Biology Requirements: Students may take BIO 151 Anatomy and Physiology 1 and BIO 152 Anatomy and Physiology 2 in place of BIO 117 Human Body in Health and Disease and BIO 127 Human Body in Health and Disease Laboratory. Students who choose to take these courses must complete BIO 152 Anatomy and Physiology 2 by the end of the second semester.
| Semester 1 | Lec | Lab | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PN 101 | Practical Nursing Concepts 1 | 5 | 9 | 8 |
| BIO 117 | Human Body in Health and Disease | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| BIO 127 | Human Body in Health and Disease Laboratory | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| Semester 2 | ||||
| PN 102 | Practical Nursing Concepts 2 | 7 | 9 | 10 |
| PSY 110 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Semester 3 | ||||
| PN 103 | Practical Nursing Concepts 3 | 4 | 6 | 6 |
| MCH 100 | Healthcare Informatics | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| PN 185 | Practical Nursing Role Transition | 2 | 8 | 2 |
| ENG 101 | English Composition 1 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Total Credits: | 29 | 34 | 38 | |
Courses
PN 101 Practical Nursing Concepts 1
8 Credits. 5 Lecture Hours. 9 Lab Hours.
An introduction to the practical nursing role with applications of basic nursing skills in lab, simulation, and clinical settings. Topics include: pharmacology, safety, nursing process, nursing history and law, and alterations in health.
Prerequisites: Admitted to the Practical Nursing Certificate program, high school biology and chemistry within the past 7 years, and STNA (minimum grade C for all courses)
PN 102 Practical Nursing Concepts 2
10 Credits. 7 Lecture Hours. 9 Lab Hours.
A continuation of PN 101, with applications of clinical reasoning and nursing skills in classroom, lab, simulation, and clinical settings. Topics include: mental health, and care of the patient with alterations in health across the lifespan.
Prerequisites: PN 101
PN 103 Practical Nursing Concepts 3
6 Credits. 4 Lecture Hours. 6 Lab Hours.
A continuation of PN 102 focusing on preparation for transition to the role of the practical nurse, with applications of nursing skills. Topics include: care of the patient with complex alterations in health, women?s health/OB, and the professional role.
Prerequisites: PN 102
PN 110 Foundations of Practical Nursing
2 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.
A course on the role of the practical nurse in the healthcare system. Topics include: nursing history, scope of practice and law, safety, administering medication safely, the health/wellness continuum, cultural sensitivity, geriatrics, nursing processes, and holistic nursing care.
Prerequisites: Admitted to the PN program, high school biology and chemistry within the past 7 years, and STNA (minimum grade C for all courses)
PN 121 Alterations in Health 1
6 Credits. 6 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.
A course on evidence-based nursing care of patients with common health problems across the lifespan. Topics include: medical/surgical nursing, obstetrics/women's health, basic pediatrics, the hospitalized patient, mental health, and administering medication safely.
Prerequisites: PN 110, BIO 151, MCH 100, PSY 110 and (ENG 101 or ENG REQC) minimum grade C for all
PN 122 Alterations in Health 2
8 Credits. 8 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.
A continuation of PN 121. Topics include: nursing care of individuals with alterations in health, gerontology, and end of life care.
Prerequisites: PN 121 and BIO 152 (minimum grade C for both), and PN 181
PN 125 Academic Success Strategies for Practical Nursing
3 Credits. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.
A course on strategies for academic success in the Practical Nursing Certificate program. Topics include: building skills in critical thinking, studying, mathematics, and test-taking; improving time management skills; and developing effective communication and conflict resolution skills.
Prerequisites: Instructor consent
PN 180 Foundations of Practical Nursing Clinical
1 Credit. 0 Lecture Hour. 3 Lab Hours.
Students apply theory and skills related to the role of the practical nurse in laboratory and clinical settings. Topics include: nursing processes, data collection, clinical reasoning, therapeutic communication, infection control, and evidence-based nursing care.
Prerequisites: Admitted to the PN program, high school biology and chemistry within the past 7 years, and STNA (minimum grade C for all courses)
PN 181 Alterations in Health Clinical 1
2 Credits. 0 Lecture Hour. 6 Lab Hours.
Students apply theory and skills related to evidence-based nursing care of patients with common health problems across the lifespan, in laboratory and clinical settings. Topics include: fluid and electrolytes, IV therapy, wound care, urinary catheters, tracheostomy care, and suctioning.
Prerequisites: PN 110, BIO 151, MCH 100, PSY 110 and (ENG 101 or ENG REQC), (minimum grade C for all), and PN 180
PN 182 Alterations in Health Clinical 2
2 Credits. 0 Lecture Hour. 6 Lab Hours.
A continuation of PN 181. Students apply theory and skills in laboratory and clinical settings. Topics include: IV therapy, and administering medication safely.
Prerequisites: PN 121 and BIO 152 (minimum grade C for both), and PN 181
PN 185 Practical Nursing Role Transition
2 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 8 Lab Hours.
Students apply practical nursing knowledge and skills while working with diverse groups of patients. Topics include: professionalism, and transition from student to practical nurse role. To pass the course, students must achieve a predetermined score on a national standardized exam.
Prerequisites: PN 122 (minimum grade C), and PN 182
PN 198 First Year Special Topics in Practical Nursing
1-9 Credits. 0 Lecture Hour. 0 Lab Hour.
A course on selected topics related to Practical Nursing, which gives students opportunities to study information not currently covered in other courses. Grades issued are A, B, C, D, or F.
Prerequisites: None
PN 199 First Year Independent Project in Practical Nursing
1-9 Credits. 0 Lecture Hour. 0 Lab Hour.
A project related to Practical Nursing that is completed by one or more students to meet specific educational goals. Projects must have prior approval and supervision by Practical Nursing faculty. Grades issued are Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites: Vary by section
PN 298 Second Year Special Topics in Practical Nursing
1-9 Credits. 0 Lecture Hour. 0 Lab Hour.
A course on selected topics related to Practical Nursing, which gives students opportunities to study information not currently covered in other courses. Grades issued are A, B, C, D, or F.
Prerequisites: None
PN 299 Second Year Independent Project in Practical Nursing
1-9 Credits. 0 Lecture Hour. 0 Lab Hour.
A project related to Practical Nursing that is completed by one or more students to meet specific educational goals. Projects must have prior approval and supervision by Practical Nursing faculty. Grades issued are Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites: Vary by section
Faculty
Program Director
Denise Rohr
RN, MSN
Program Chair
Robin Everhart
RN, MSN