Apr 18, 2024  
2011-2012 Academic Catalog 
    
2011-2012 Academic Catalog [THIS CATALOG IS OUT-OF-DATE. USE THE CURRENT CATALOG TO FIND CURRENT PROGRAMS.]

(Nursing) Practical Nursing Diploma (D45660)


This information is in addition to the general admission information found in the Gaston College Catalog.

Curriculum Description

The Practical Nursing curriculum prepares individuals with the knowledge and skills to provide nursing care to children and adults.

Students will participate in assessment, planning, implementing, and evaluating nursing care.

Graduates are eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) which is required for practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Employment opportunities include hospitals, rehabilitation/ long term care/home health facilities, clinics, and physicians’ offices.

Program Learning Outcomes:

  1. Participate in the assessment of a client by obtaining data from relevant sources regarding the biophysical, psychological, social and cultural factors that influence health status.
  2. Participate in the analysis of collected data by recognizing existing relationships between data gathered and a client’s health status and treatment regimen.
  3. Utilize basic communication techniques in the client interview and in the establishment/ maintenance of therapeutic nurse/ client relationships.
  4. Participate in the implementation of the therapeutic and preventative health care plan developed by the registered nurse or other authorized individual.
  5. Participate in client teaching deemed appropriate by the registered nurse or other authorized individual.
  6. Record and report assessment information, nursing care rendered, and the client’s response to care.
  7. Demonstrate traits of an active learner by seeking out and taking advantage of learning situations and opportunities for continuing education and membership in professional organizations.
  8. Function within the legal, ethical and professional parameters for a practical nurse.
  9. Utilize the nursing process in delivery of culturally competent client-centered care reflective of respect for individual differences, values, preferences, and expressed needs.

Program Information 2010-2011


Students applying for admission to Gaston College Practical Nursing Program MUST meet the requirements for GENERAL ADMISSION to the college:

  1. Submit to the Admissions Office a completed Application for Admission.
  2. Request that your high school mail an official high school transcript to the Admissions Office at Gaston College, 201 Highway 321 South, Dallas, NC 28034-1499. The documentation listed below can be submitted in the place of a traditional high school transcript.
    • Official Adult High School transcript
    • Official copies of GED scores
    • Official transcript from International Correspondence School
    • Official transcript from Home School
  3. Request that all colleges previously attended submit official transcripts.
  4. Schedule and take the placement test. The placement test may not be required of any person who has scored 500 on the verbal section and 520 on the math section of the SAT. Students who score a 21 or higher on the English portion of the ACT will be exempted from the Writing and Reading portions of the college’s placement test. Students who score a 21 or higher on Mathematics portion of the ACT will be exempted from the Math portion of the college’s placement test. (All test scores must be less than five years old.) A transfer student who has earned a “C” in both college level math and English from a regionally accredited institution shall have the test waived.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS TO BE ELIGIBLE TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO THE PRACTICAL NURSING PROGRAM:

  1. Must submit a minimum composite score of 18 on the American College Test (ACT) or 850 on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) (the Critical Reading and Math scores only). Must be taken within 5 years of date of application.
  2. Must have a grades of “C” or better in all required college courses listed as part of the nursing major (PNE).
  3. The required course in Anatomy & Physiology must be taken within the last 10 years of making application.
  4. The ACT will be waived for students who hold a Baccalaureate or higher degree from an accredited college or university.
  5. International students and U.S. resident applicants whose primary spoken language is not English will be required to demonstrate English proficiency. This may be established by scoring no less than 540 (207 on the computer) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The Department Chairperson of the Practical Nursing Program, in consultation with the Dean of the Health Education Institute, will determine the means of demonstrating proficiency on an individual basis.
  6. Current CPR certification (adult, infant, child and FBAO certification) is required prior to entrance to the program.
  7. Students may be required to submit documentation of additional non-academic criteria such as, but not limited to, criminal background checks and urine drug testing. If the clinical facility refuses to allow the student to do clinical at the facility based on said findings, the student would not be allowed to continue in the program.
  8. Students on academic probation or suspension due to related course work will be denied admission to the Practical Nursing Education Program. A student must have a 2.0 or better for admission.

The final selection of applicants into the program is based on the following criteria, which has been approved by the Admissions Committee made up of the nursing faculty. The final selection of applicants into the program is made by the nursing faculty.

  1. ACT/SAT score
  2. Number of required courses completed by end of the Fall Semester prior to entering program.
  3. Grade Point Average (GPA) in required courses only.

A completed health form documenting satisfactory emotional and physical health is required before entrance into the program by date to be announced by Nursing Department Chairperson. Forms will be provided by the College.

Individuals interested in additional information about the Practical Nursing Program should contact Beverly Davis, Chairperson Practical Nursing Program at 704.748.1062 or 704.748.1063. Deadline for Practical Nursing Application: March 1st of each year.

Total Credit Hours: 21


Total Credit Hours: 17


Total Credit Hours: 10


Total Semester Hour Credits: 48


Note(s):


*Required non-nursing courses.