CIP 51.3901
Degree: Certificate
Program Code: 157-01
Program Length: 4 Semesters
Minimum Credits: 53

Program Advisor
Linda Cline
276.964.7507
Russell Hall Room 110

Additional Practical Nursing Program Information

Purpose: The practical nurse program prepares students to qualify as contributing members of the health care team, rendering patient care as practical nurses in a variety of health service facilities. At the successful completion of the program, and application approval of the state board of nursing, students will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX exam, leading to licensure as a practical nurse. The Practical Nursing Program is approved by the Virginia State Board of Nursing; however, it is not accredited by a nursing education accrediting body.

Occupational Objective: Position in health-related facilities such as hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, physicians’ offices, certain government agencies, or other health-related agencies.

Admission Requirements: To enter the Certificate Practical Nursing program student must be a high school graduate or equivalent. High School courses must include one unit of biology with a lab and one unit of algebra with a “C” grade or better. Students not having biology and algebra can take BIO 100 (must have a grade of “C” or better in the course) and complete MDE 10 with a satisfactory. The student must demonstrate competence in math via the Direct Enrollment Policy, or students that do not meet the requirements must enroll in the college corequisite studies program to gain proficiency in this area. Applicants must have a “C” or better reflecting a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better in high school or college. All students must take the HESI admission test or the TEAS if applying to other healthcare programs within the past 5 years with scores that meet the program requirements for consideration of entrance into the practical nursing program. If you have taken these tests and not scored well then you are encouraged to repeat to obtain a higher score. Entrance is based on the highest ranking GPA, HESI admission test results or TEAS test results, and available seats.

Background checks and drug screens of all students entering the program are required and must be cleared prior to any clinical placement in order for students to complete the program requirements and continue in the program. PPD & influenza immunizations are required annually.

Application should be made by March 6 of the year students plan to enter the program and all application materials must be in place by this date. The HESI admission test is not given until after applications have been received. Out-of-region applicants will be considered after May. Out-of-state applicants will be considered after May. The program start date is the fall semester of each school year.

The SWCC service region includes Buchanan, Dickenson(partial), Russell, and Tazewell counties.

The nursing law of Virginia addresses the criteria for application for licensure. The Virginia State Board of Nursing has the power to deny the opportunity to procure a license through testing if the applicant has willfully committed a felony/misdemeanor under the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia or of the United States.

Program Requirements: Upon admission, students must complete a health examination form before enrolling in the classes. During the course of the program, the practical nursing faculty will carefully observe and evaluate the student’s suitability for nursing. Students who exhibit unprofessional behaviors in the classroom or clinical settings will be evaluated and if issues persist, dismissal will be initiated by the director and administration of the program.
Students must earn at least a “C” grade in each of a given semester’s PNE prefix courses to continue into the next semester. Students who receive a grade lower than the required “C” must drop out of the program.

Proof of tuberculin skin test (PPD) must be shown on admission to the program and /or before entry into the clinical areas. Previous positive reactors are exempt but must see the program director.

Students must successfully pass a competency simulation and score 850 on the HESI Exit Exam in PNE 295 in order to pass the course. You must pass this course in order to sit for boards.

Physical demands in this program include duties that frequently require squatting, bending, kneeling, reaching, and stair climbing; lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds; frequent pushing and pulling up to 200 pounds with assistance; occasional lifting up to 200 pounds with assistance and occasional carrying up to 51-74 pounds. Duties also require constant use of acute sight, hearing, touch, and speech. Environmental conditions include procedures that involve the handling of blood and body fluids using universal precautions.

Other Requirements: 

1. Students are responsible for transportation to classes and to agencies used for clinical experience.
2. Complete the required physical examination prior to admission with current immunizations.
3. Be assigned to clinical agencies on a space available basis.
4. Be certified in CPR (American Heart Association BCLS). Students must maintain CPR certification throughout the entire clinical phase of the program.
5. Purchase of uniforms and accessories.
6. Students doing clinical rotations must adhere to the policies of the clinical affiliate.
7. Students are required to have health insurance coverage. 

Program Readmission: In order to return to the program (usually the following year when the course(s) are offered again), the student must meet the following:

1. Apply in writing to the program head at least one semester before the readmission semester for permission to repeat the course(s) in which a grade lower than a “C” was earned.
2. Have at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA at the time of application for readmission. All returning students must take the HESI admission test and meet program entrance requirements.
3. Have a conference with the program head and/or a designated representative to discuss and review a) personal or professional factors that may have an influence on the student’s success and b) academic or professional activities that the student may have undertaken since the interruption of the program.
   Decisions on readmission will depend on these criteria and upon the availability of a clinical slot in the desired class. Normally, students will be notified of readmission four to six weeks before the requested admission date, except in situations where there are mitigating circumstances.

A Virginia law may affect an individual’s ability to find employment in certain settings as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Effective July 1, 1992, licensed nursing homes and similar organizations are prohibited from hiring persons who have been convicted of certain criminal acts. A criminal background check and drug screen are required.

Financial Requirements: In addition to the usual college tuition and fees, the nursing program requires Uniforms, Books, CPR and HIPAA certification, and program-designated achievement tests.

Clinical Contracts: Individual contracts are in effect with each affiliate clinical agency and these contracts differ in requirements made of students. The general stipulations are as follows:

1. Clinical agencies reserve the right to dismiss a student from their agency at any time with any due cause. This will be done with advance notice except in an emergency.
2. Students must be in proper uniform whenever in the clinical facility.
3. Students must adhere to the established policies of the clinical facilities.
4. Immunizations must be current and include Hepatitis B and MMR. Proof of Tuberculin skin test (PPD) must be shown on admission to the program and before beginning a readmission second year. Previous positive reactors are exempt but must see the Program Director.
5. Students release the hospital, its agents, and its employees from any liability for any injury or death to themselves or damage to their property arising out of the agreement to use the hospital’s facilities. Contracts for each agency are available in the Nursing office and may be reviewed by the students upon request.
6. Clinical facilities require a criminal background check and drug screen as a condition for placement. All nursing students will be required to provide proof of background checks and drug screens prior to clinical placement. Associated costs for the background checks are the responsibility of the students.

Program Reciprocity

Pursuant to United States Department of Education (US DOE) regulation 34 CFR 668.43 (a) (5) (v), the Southwest Virginia Community College Certificate in Practical Nursing (LPN) program provides the following information for all prospective and current students:

The Southwest Virginia Community College LPN program is approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing. 

The Southwest Virginia Community College LPN program meets all Virginia Board of Nursing requirements for pre-licensure nursing education programs in the Commonwealth of Virginia. 

The Commonwealth of Virginia participates with multiple other states in the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) National Licensing Compact (NLC) to allow nurses licensed in one state (primary state of residence) to provide nursing care across state lines in other compact states. Applicants are encouraged to visit https://www.ncsbn.org/nurse-licensure-compact.htm to learn more about the Nurse Licensure Compact.  

Southwest Virginia Community College is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Licensure Reciprocity (https://sw.edu/health-technology/wp-content/uploads/Licensure-Reciprocity.pdf)