ABOUT THE PROGRAM
CIP 52.0302
The Practical Nursing program prepares the individual to assist in providing general nursing care requiring basic knowledge of the biological, physical, behavioral, psychological, and sociological sciences, and of nursing procedures that do not require the skills, judgment, and knowledge required of a registered nurse. This care is performed under the direction of a registered nurse, licensed physician, or dentist.
Students who complete the program requirements, three semesters, as identified by the Mississippi Community College Board, will be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses (NCLEX-PN).
The graduate of the program functions as a provider of care and member of a profession. This curriculum references the client needs and integrated processes categories from the test plan for National Council Licensure Examination for Licensed Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Numerous career opportunities are available for the licensed practical nurse in various healthcare settings including but not limited to hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and home health services.
GRADUATE JOB PLACEMENT
admission criteria
- Apply for regular admission and be accepted by SMCC, Admissions Office, 1156 College Drive, Summit, MS 39666.
- Submit an application to the Nursing Administrative Office, 1156 College Drive, Summit, MS, 39666.
- Submit official transcripts from high school, GED, and/or college for all colleges’ courses attempted to SMCC Registrar’s Office.
- A national ACT composite score of 18 (including the science section) with a 17 or higher in math and reading.
NURSING PROGRAMS AT SMCC REQUIRE APPLICANTS TO COMPLETE THE SCIENCE SECTION OF THE ACT AS PART OF THE ADMISSION PROCESS
ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA
To be considered for acceptance into the PN program, the applicant’s fine in the nursing administrative office must be complete. Qualified applicants will be considered by the admissions committee on a competitive basis using the following criteria:
- GPA
- ACT
- Residency
- Students entering the program for the first time
- Completion of academic courses*
*While academic courses are not required for admission, once completed, add points in the selection process for applicants. Academic courses that may add points include BIO 2511, BIO 2513, BIO 2521, BIO 2523, and MAT 1313.
Within two weeks following email notification of the applicant’s admission status, the applicant must make an appointment with the Nursing Administrative Assistant declaring intent to enter the next scheduled class. Failure to comply with this requirement negates the applicant’s priority status and vacancies will be filled based on available class slots using acceptance criteria.
Criminal Background Check including fingerprinting (MS Code Section 43-11[5][6][iii]) results may deny students access to clinical agencies and disqualify the student from participation in the program. Students unable to participate in clinical experiences will be required to withdraw from the program.
HEALTH DATA REQUIREMENTS
Students selected for admission into the PN program must submit proof of the following items: negative drug screen as specified by the Nursing and Allied Health Substance Abuse Policy; current American Heart Association Health Care Provider CPR Course; physical examination; two (2) Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccinations or positive MMR titer; two (2) Varicella (chicken pox) vaccinations or positive Varicella Titer or signed declination; TB skin test (two-step or documentation of yearly 1 step) or Quantiferon blood test; Hepatitis B Vaccine or signed declination statement; TDAP within the last ten years; yearly flu vaccination; and COVID-19 vaccination (strongly recommended). All items should remain current for the full school year (August – May). Students admitted to any nursing courses must adhere to the current catalog policies and the PN program of study.
STUDENT PROGRESSION POLICY
In addition to the college probation and suspension policy, a grade point average of 2.0 in each course in practical nursing is required. A student must maintain a “C” or better average in each nursing course and pass all clinical skills in order to continue in the program. Students are admitted on a full-time basis only. Dismissal from the program may occur at any tine during a nursing course when a violation of program policies occurs.
ADVISORS
Licensed Practical Nursing
