Practical Nursing, CAS (1311)

CIP: 513901

Program Description

Practical nurses provide compassionate, comprehensive, and competent care to clients across the lifespan. Practical nurses are vital members of the healthcare team. The practical nursing program will provide a base of theory and clinical practice to develop the knowledge and skills necessary for practice. The curriculum is designed to prepare graduates to maintain the highest level of training through competence and the ability to pass the NCLEX-PN licensure examination. Graduates will be ready to fully function within their scope of practice and enter the local workforce.

Program Learning Outcomes

• The first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate will be 85%;
• 50% of fully admitted students will complete the program on time (3 academic terms);
• 95% of Practical Nursing Program graduates will be employed as a Licensed Practical Nurse, if successful on the licensure examination, within 6 months of graduation.

End-of-Program Learning Outcomes

• Promote the dignity, integrity, and self-determination of patients by providing individualized nursing care
• Function to the full scope of practice as a member of a health care team to provide safe quality care
• Utilize evidence, collaboration, and patient preferences in predictable patient care situations to promote optimal health status
• Demonstrate accountability for decisions and actions performed substantiated by evidence of sound nursing judgment

Program Assessment

Program evaluation demonstrates that students and graduates have achieved the student learning outcomes, program outcomes, and role-specific competencies. To ensure regulatory standards are met, the program has a Systematic Plan of Program Evaluation in place that is shared with communities of interest. Specifically, the SPE evaluates performance on the licensure (NCLEX) exam, program completion, and job placement rates.  End-of-Program Student Learning Outcomes (EPSLOs) are evaluated using standardized examinations, graduate surveys, employer surveys and other direct and indirect assessment methods.