Nursing: Practical Nursing, CAS

(This program may be offered at Lincoln County Campus dependent upon sufficient enrollment and resources.)

The focus of the practical nursing curriculum is to provide education leading to basic knowledge of the biological, physical, behavioral, psychological, and sociological sciences and of nursing procedures. This program uses standardized procedures in the observation and care of the ill, injured, and infirm; in the maintenance of health; in action to safeguard life and health, and in the administration of medications and treatments.

Upon completing of this program, students will be able to

Caring: Demonstrate caring presence and relationship-centered interactions to support the dignity and wellbeing of the client and family.
Diversity and Cultural Competence: Advocate for cultural competence and diversity.
Nursing Judgement: Demonstrate nursing judgment and prioritization of care, incorporating evidence-based practices and the nursing process to contribute to a holistic plan of nursing care.
Professional Identity: Uphold the practical nursing scope of practice within the ethical, legal and regulatory frameworks, demonstrating professional behaviors reflecting self-awareness, integrity, and lifelong growth and development.
Quality and Safety: Ensure safe, quality client care in collaboration with the interprofessional health team.
Communication: Apply effective communication strategies to support interpersonal relationships and collaboration.

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Requirements & Courses

Courses

Information & Opportunities

Required Prerequisites (Any Semester)

First Semester Total: 14
¹M 140 is an acceptible substitution.

Second Semester (Summer)

Second Semester Total: 14

Third Semester (Fall)

Third Semester Total: 13

Total Credits: 41

^R Indicates Related Instruction requirement.
*Indicates prerequisite and/or corequisite needed. Check course description.

Admission Guidelines

Applications for formal acceptance into the practical nursing program are accepted once a year. Applications are available at www.fvcc.edu/nursing. In order to be considered for acceptance into the practical nursing program, the student must have

Completed or be currently enrolled in and complete all of the following required prerequisite courses with a grade of "C" or higher ("C-" will not be accepted) BIOH 104, M 094~, PSYX 100, and WRIT 101;
Selective GPA of at least 2.50 (out of 4.0 scale) in the prerequisite courses;
Completed the human biology course within five years of admission date. Individuals may request evaluation by the nursing program director for a possible exception;
Certificate status at FVCC with all required records on file;
Taken the Kaplan Nursing School Entrance Exam as part of the application process;
Signed application and $20.00 non-refundable processing fee receipt; and
Provided proof of current personal health insurance policy (FVCC Student Health Center does not meet this requirement.), completed a background check, and provided proof of immunizations required to finalize the acceptance process. Please see Nursing Program Information Packet at www.fvcc.edu/nursing for more information.

Program Information

- This is a demanding program. Individuals will be required to actively participate in and subscribe to the legal and ethical tenets of the discipline while enrolled as a student and as a graduate.

- Once a student has applied and been accepted into the practical nursing program, each course can only be attempted once and must be passed with a grade of at least a "C+" for the student to continue in the program. However, NURS 153, NURS 141, and NURS 149 should be taken with an S/U grade option.

- The practical nursing program is approved by the Montana State Board of Nursing.

Graduates of this program are eligible to apply to take the National Council of State Board of Nursing's Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). After passing the test, the Montana Board of Nursing grants licensure to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse in the State of Montana.

Opportunities After Graduation

There is an immediate need for practical nurses in a variety of health care facilities in the Flathead Valley and throughout Montana. Employment includes clinics, urgent care centers, rural critical access hospitals, dialysis centers, and long-term care.

Nursing: Practical Nursing, CAS

(This program may be offered at Lincoln County Campus dependent upon sufficient enrollment and resources.)

Admission Guidelines

Program Information

Opportunities After Graduation

Nursing Program Director

General Information Contact

Faculty Advisor

Faculty Advisor

Academic Advisor

Program Approval