Description of Programs

FORM DOWNLOADS:

• Application Process
• Practical Nursing Application Form
• Recommendation Forms

ADMISSIONS POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CERTIFICATE (PN) PROGRAM
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Application process for students who desire to enter the PN Nursing Program begins in January. The application deadline for the program is March 1st. Admissions to the Nursing Program are selective.

A student who applies to the Nursing Program shall:

1. Provide the following credentials to the office of the PN Director:
   1. Completed nursing application; Official high school transcript indicating diploma or GED scores;
   2. An official transcript from any college, university, or schools of nursing attended;
   3. Entrance scores (COMPASS, ASSET, ACT or SAT), and ;
   4. Three reference forms;
   5. Nurse Entrance Test ( Applicant must meet required scores on the COMPASS Test to proceed to the Nurse Entrance Test.)
2. Meet all the following requirements:
   1. Students must be 18 years old at time of entry into the program to meet requirements for legal documentation and administration of medications in the hospital setting;
   2. Be a high school graduate or anticipate high graduation or where applicable, pass the General Education Development test (GED)

It is the applicant's responsibility to provide all documents in "A" and follow the procedures in "B" for the application to be considered. Enrollment requirements must be completed prior to class selection.

Admission Process/Selection

The admission process to the Certificate (PN) Nursing Program is selective. Applicants for the Certificate (PN) are chosen using the percentage scores from the Nurse Entrance Test and the reference forms. College courses may be accepted towards the PN certificate, evaluation will be done by the Program Director and the Registrar. Math and Science courses cannot be over seven years old at the time of entry into the nursing program. Completion of the secondary Medical Professions courses allows for the waiver of selected PN coursework.

Progression

All courses required for the Nursing Program must be completed with a "C" or better. Nursing courses include a theory/classroom grade and a clinical grade. Both components of the course must be passed to progress in the program. Progression in the nursing sequence requires a minimum grade of C in all courses and their pre-requisites/co-requisites. Students who are failing to meet minimum grade requirements may petition the faculty regarding a change in enrollment status to day or evening to allow for continued progression.

Attendance Policy

The Practical Nurse Program is a fast pace curriculum that requires dedication and time. The Arkansas State Board of Nursing mandates the number of hours for clinical and theory that a PN Program must offer. The student should plan to be in attendance every day and schedule appointments after 3:00 pm or when there is time off from school. (See calendar) If a student has to be absent, then there is a limit on how much time can be missed. Total number of hours missed cannot exceed 72 hours. If hours exceed this total, then the student is terminated from the program. Excused absences will be for court appearances, jury duty, and military service. Special consideration will be given on individual bases for any hospitalization that does not exceed one week.

Re-admission

Students admitted and enrolled in nursing are allowed only one re-admission according to space available. Students wishing to re-enter the Certificate (PN) program must apply as a new applicant. The PN Program Director and Division Chairperson of Nursing will evaluate each student wishing to re-enter before granting permission. The following conditions will prevent re-admission in to the program: an incident of patient endangerment or lack of patient safety.