Practical Nursing, Diploma

Program Standard and Course Guide

Table of Contents

ADMISSIONS

Standard Number: PN04-02-01 (Admission Requirements)

Standard Statement

Statewide admission requirements are implemented for the Practical Nursing, Diploma program.

Explanatory Comment

Admission refers to regular admission into a Diploma program.

Statewide program admission requirements consider state and national occupational licensing and certifying requirements, where applicable. The institution develops and implements clearly stated Diploma program admissions policies and procedures.

Admission requirements are related to the functions of the Practical Nursing profession.

Evaluative Criteria

The institution develops, implements, and publishes clearly stated Practical Nursing, Diploma program admission and advanced placement policies and procedures.

The requirements for admission to the Practical Nursing, Diploma program are:

1. attainment of 17 years of age;

2. documentation of high school graduation or satisfaction of High School Equivalency Certificate requirements;

3. achievement of minimum regular admission scores on tests of reading, language, and math as specified in GDTAE document Minimum Program Entrance Scores; and

4. completion of application and related procedures.

Admission of transfer students to the Practical Nursing, Diploma program is contingent upon their meeting the following requirements:

1. regular admission and good standing at a regionally accredited diploma or degree granting institution; and

2. proper completion of application and related procedures.

Standard Number: PN04-02-04 (Provisional Admission Requirements)

Standard Statement

Statewide provisional admission requirements are implemented for the Practical Nursing, Diploma program.

Explanatory Comment

Provisional admission is granted to qualified students who do not meet the regular admission requirements of the program.

Provisionally admitted students are allowed to take developmental studies courses and/or certain occupational courses as designated in the course sequence standard.

The institution develops, implements, and publishes clearly stated policies and procedures for entry into programs on a provisional basis.

Evaluative Criteria

Provisional admission to the Practical Nursing, Diploma program is afforded those students who do not meet program requirements but do meet provisional admission requirements.

The requirements for provisional admission to the Practical Nursing, Diploma program are:

1. attainment of 17 years of age;

2. achievement of minimum provisional admission scores on tests of reading, language, and math as specified in GDTAE document Minimum Program Entrance Scores; or recommendation by program faculty and designated admissions personnel on the basis of interview and assessment of student potential; and

3. completion of application and related procedures.

All Practical Nursing, Diploma program students initially admitted on a provisional basis meet regular admission requirements prior to graduation.

Provisionally admitted students whose English, math, and/or reading achievement levels do not meet regular program admission requirements are required to enroll in developmental studies courses approved by the State Board of Technical and Adult Education.

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

Standard Number: PN04-03-02 (Program Numbering System)

Standard Statement

A Major Code of PN04 and a CIP Code of 51.161304 are applied to the Practical Nursing, Diploma program.

Explanatory Comment

Assignment of a statewide Major Code PN04 and CIP Code 51.161304 to the Diploma program is the basis from which statewide programmatic consistency is developed.

Each degree/diploma/certificate program complies with the assigned Major Code(s) established in the relevant program-specific standards of the State Board of Technical and Adult Education.

Evaluative Criteria

Each authorized degree/diploma/certificate program is assigned a Major Code and CIP Code.

Each degree/diploma/certificate program having a given Major Code is consistent with all other programs throughout the state that have the same Major Code.

Degree/diploma/certificate programs having multiple specializations are assigned a specialization Major Code for each option.

Standard Number: PN04-03-03 (Program Consistency and Sequence)

Standard Statement

The Practical Nursing, Diploma program utilizes essential course components consistent with statewide program requirements. Specific course alphanumeric identification Codes are assigned to each course. Students are required to progress through two course categories in a developmentally valid sequence.

Explanatory Comment

Programs are assigned an identical Major Code PN04 and are consistent statewide. Each specific course is assigned an alphanumeric descriptor that serves as a statewide course identification code.

Evaluative Criteria

The Practical Nursing, Diploma program is assigned a Major Code of PN04 and utilizes essential components designated for that program number statewide. Program components include, but are not limited to:

Program Title

Practical Nursing, Diploma

Program Description

The Practical Nursing program is designed to prepare students to write the NCLEX-PN for licensure as practical nurses. The program prepares graduates to give competent nursing care. This is done through a selected number of academic and occupational courses providing a variety of techniques and materials necessary to assist the student in acquiring the needed knowledge and skills to give competent care. A variety of clinical experiences is planned so that theory and practice are integrated under the guidance of the clinical instructor. Program graduates receive a practical nursing diploma and have the qualifications of an entry-level practical nurse.

Program Final Exit Point

Practical Nursing, Diploma

95 minimum quarter hours credit required for graduation

APPENDIX A

Accreditation and Certification

The Practical Nursing, Diploma program must conform to the institutional accreditation requirements of the Council on Occupational Education (COE) or the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (COC).

The State of Georgia requires that the Georgia Board of Examiners of Licensed Practical Nurses license all Practical Nurses. To become licensed, applicants must complete a state-approved program in Practical Nursing and pass a national written examination.

An optional accrediting agency for the Practical Nursing program is the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.

APPENDIX B

General Information

Practical Nursing, Diploma Program Curriculum Model

Suggested Course Sequence

The standard curriculum for the Practical Nursing, Diploma program is set up on the quarter system. A suggested sequence for the program is given below with area of specialization. Technical colleges may implement the Practical Nursing, Diploma program by using the sequences listed below or by using a locally developed sequence designed to reflect course prerequisites and/or corequisites.

Suggested Sequence

First Quarter

Second Quarter

Third Quarter