Nursing
Program Narrative
NCC prepares individuals for a life-long versatile career in nursing through its Practical Nursing Certificate and Associate Degree Nursing Programs. The nursing profession offers graduates numerous employment opportunities, at competitive salaries, in a variety of health care settings. The nursing curricula for both the RN and PN programs are designed to support the acquisition of theoretical knowledge and concurrent clinical application and prepare graduates to provide nursing care in a variety of health care settings. Excellent clinical facilities provide the settings for students to observe and practice what they have learned in the classroom and the college lab. Students gain clinical experience in settings such as: maternal-child health, mental health, medical-surgical units, and long-term care. Both programs are approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, 61 Broadway, New York, NY, 10006, 212-363-5555, ext. 153.
Nursing courses are traditionally offered during the day. The RN program is offered as an Evening/Weekend option. The next Evening/Weekend class will be admitted Spring 2010. The college reserves the right to schedule evening clinical rotations for day students, if necessary. The Practical Nursing program is offered at both the Main and Monroe Campuses. General Education courses included in both nursing curricula are offered during the day and evening in a variety of formats (distance learning, telewebs, etc.). Students may elect to complete general education courses prior to entering the nursing program. Students choosing this option are encouraged to consult an academic advisor. Nursing courses are sequentially arranged and must be completed in four consecutive semesters (RN) or one calendar year (PN).
NCC's nursing department is proud of its high rate of achievement on licensing examinations and high job placement rates of graduates. Scholarship opportunities are also available for qualified students.
Students admitted to the nursing program are expected to perform the same essential functions of an employment position as a licensed registered or practical nurse. A detailed description of the essential functions is available online from the Nursing Department homepage.
Nursing students must be in good physical and mental health. After acceptance, students are required to 1) carry and maintain health insurance, 2) have a physical examination, 3) submit results of required lab tests and tuberculin skin test, and 4) submit an immunization record or have required titers drawn. Certification in Basic Life Support (CPR) is required throughout the program. Additionally, you will be required to submit results of a criminal background check and Pennsylvania Child and Elder Abuse History Clearance. Students with an offense on their criminal background check should contact the nursing department prior to applying to the program.
Associate Degree Nursing (RN) Program Features
The RN program requires a minimum of four academic semesters to complete. Students are admitted into the RN program twice a year (August/January). Students may choose to enter the day program in the Fall or Spring. The Evening/ Weekend program option allows students to complete nursing courses during the evening while attending clinical every other weekend and occasionally Friday afternoons.
Associate Degree Nursing (RN) Program Requirements
Admission is on a competitive basis. Applicants shall have completed work equal to a standard high school course with a minimum of 16 units including 4 units of English, 3 units of Social Sciences, 2 units of Mathematics (two of which are Algebra), and 2 units of Science with a related laboratory or the equivalent.
The minimum admission requirements to the program include completion of high school chemistry and biology with labs and grades of B or better and two years of Algebra with a C or better. An acceptable substitute for high school chemistry is NCC CHEM 135 with a grade of B or better; for high school biology it is NCC BIOS 115 with a B or better; for high school algebra I and II it is MATH 022 and 026 or MATH 028 with C's or better. Courses used as admission criteria cannot be used to satisfy degree requirements. Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to the Nursing program.
Students applying to the program must have a minimum GPA of 3.00. Primary consideration is given to those who have B's or better in the program sciences and those who have received B's or better the first time a course is taken. If available spaces in the program are not filled by students who have met the aforementioned standards, the College reserves the right to accept students who have, in the judgment of the College, the potential to complete the Nursing Program.
Applicants to the Advanced Placement RN Program
The College also offers an Advanced Placement program enabling LPN's to earn an associate degree and sit for the National Council of Licensing Examination-RN. Students must meet RN program prerequisite requirements, be an LPN, and have completed the General Education component (with "C" or better) of the RN program. LPN's may elect to take approved challenge exams for select nursing courses for credit toward the associate degree. Qualified candidates gain entrance into the program on a seat available basis. Contact the Admission Office at 610-861-5500 for additional information.
Primary consideration is given to those who have B's or better in the program sciences and those who have received B's or better the first time a course is taken. If available spaces in the program are not filled by students who have met the aforementioned standards, the College reserves the right to accept students who have, in the judgment of the College, the potential to complete the Nursing Program.
Deadlines
In order to be considered, applicants must submit an application and all transcripts by September 15 for Spring Semester (RN) and by February 1 for Fall Semester starts (RN/PN). Applications received after these dates will be reviewed on a space available basis.
Professional Conduct
Nursing Students are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner in accordance with the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics.
Please Note:
Act 1985-109 known as the Professional Nursing Law of the Laws of Pennsylvania declares the following: "...The Board shall not issue a license or certificate to an applicant who has been convicted of a felonious act prohibited by the act of April 14, 1971 (P.L. 233, No. 64), known as 'The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act', or convicted of a felony relating to a controlled substance in a court of law of the United States or any other state, territory, or country unless:
1. at least ten (10) years have elapsed from the date of conviction;
2. the applicant satisfactorily demonstrates to the board that he has made progress in personal rehabilitation since the conviction such that licensure of the applicant should not be expected to create a substantial risk of harm to the health and safety of patients or the public or a substantial risk of further criminal violations; and
3. the applicant otherwise satisfies the qualifications contained in or authorized by this act.
Sections 133.14. and 15.1 of the Professional Nursing Law and Sections of the Practical Nursing Law imply the will of the legislature in relation to felonies and misdemeanors reflecting questions about moral character.
As used in this section the term 'convicted' shall include a judgment, an admission of guilt or a plea of nolo contendere. An applicant's statement on the application declaring the absence of a conviction shall be deemed satisfactory evidence of the absence of a conviction, unless the board has some evidence to the contrary."
Contact the Admissions Office at 610-861-5500 or the Nursing Department at 610-861-5376 for further information.
Practical Nurse (PN) Program Requirements
Admission is on a competitive basis. Applicants shall have completed work equal to a standard high school course with a minimum of 16 units including 4 units of English, 3 units of Social Sciences, 2 units of Mathematics (one of which is Algebra), and 2 units of Science with a related laboratory or the equivalent.
The minimum admission requirements to the program include completion of high school biology with a grade of C or better and one year of Algebra with a C or better. An acceptable substitute for high school biology is NCC BIOS 115 with a grade of C or better; for Algebra, it is NCC MATH 022 with a grade of C or better. Meeting the minimum admissions requirements does not guarantee admission into the Nursing program. Courses used as admission criteria cannot be used to satisfy degree requirements. A minimum GPA of 2.5 is required. If seats are available, the College reserves the right to accept students who have in the judgment of the College, the potential to complete the Nursing Program but who fall below the standards listed above. Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission into the Nursing Program.
Primary consideration is given to those who have B's or better in the program sciences and those who have received B's or better the first time a course is taken. If available spaces in the program are not filled by students who have met the aforementioned standards, the College reserves the right to accept students who have, in the judgment of the College, the potential to complete the Nursing Program.
Students admitted to the nursing program are expected to perform the same essential functions of an employment position as a licensed practical nurse. A detailed description of the essential functions is available online from the Nursing Department homepage.
Practical Nursing (PN) Program Features
The Practical Nursing certificate program consists of 27 credits of nursing courses and 16 credits of general education. This program can be completed in one calendar year and prepares graduates to provide nursing care to individuals across the lifespan. Concentrated clinical experience is part of the summer courses, which are scheduled five days a week. This provides students opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge to clinical practice in a variety of settings to better prepare them for their role as a practical nurse.
Applicants to the Advanced Placement PN Program
The College offers an Advanced Placement program for the PN Program enabling students with recent incomplete nursing education experience, licensure in another state or country, or foreign nursing education to gain advanced standing in the PN program. Students must meet all PN program prerequisite requirements and have completed the first semester General Education courses for the program prior to being accepted. Students are required to successfully complete a two-part challenge examination and be approved by the nursing department prior to being accepted. Qualified candidates gain entrance into the program for the Spring semester on a seat available basis. Contact the Admissions Office at 610-861-5500 for additional information.
Primary consideration is given to those who have B's or better in the program sciences and those who have received B's or better the first time a course is taken. If available places in the program are not filled by students who have met the aforementioned standards, the College reserves the right to accept students who have, in the judgment of the College, the potential to complete the Nursing Program.
Deadlines
In order to be considered, applicants must submit an application and all transcripts by February 1 for Fall PN start. Applications received after this date will be reviewed on a space available basis.
Please Note:
Act 1985-109 known as the Professional Nursing Law of the Laws of Pennsylvania declares the following: "...The Board shall not issue a license or certificate to an applicant who has been convicted of a felonious act prohibited by the act of April 14, 1971 (P.L. 233, No. 64), known as 'The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act', or convicted of a felony relating to a controlled substance in a court of law of the United States or any other state, territory, or country unless:
1. at least ten (10) years have elapsed from the date of conviction;
2. the applicant satisfactorily demonstrates to the board that he has made progress in personal rehabilitation since the conviction such that licensure of the applicant should not be expected to create a substantial risk of harm to the health and safety of patients or the public or a substantial risk of further criminal violations; and
3. the applicant otherwise satisfies the qualifications contained in or authorized by this act.
Sections 133.14. and 15.1 of the Professional Nursing Law and Sections of the Practical Nursing Law imply the will of the legislature in relation to felonies and misdemeanors reflecting questions about moral character.
As used in this section the term 'convicted' shall include a judgment, an admission of guilt or a plea of nolo contendere. An applicant's statement on the application declaring the absence of a conviction shall be deemed satisfactory evidence of the absence of a conviction, unless the board has some evidence to the contrary."
Contact the Admissions Office at 610-861-5500 or the Nursing Department at 610-861-5376 for further information.
Primary consideration is given to those who have B's or better in the program sciences and those who have received B's or better the first time a course is taken. If available places in the program are not filled by students who have met the aforementioned standards, the College reserves the right to accept students who have, in the judgment of the College, the potential to complete the Nursing Program.
Program Outcomes - Associate Degree Nursing Program
The graduate of the program will:
1. Demonstrate completion of the program objectives and associated competencies:
a. Use the nursing process to manage and provide care to individuals across the lifespan through efficient and effective management of resources in a variety of health care settings.
b. Communicate effectively with patients, their support systems, and the health care team through the use of interpersonal skills and technology.
c. Perform ongoing comprehensive assessments of patients' health status and changing needs.
d. Employ clinical decision making based on critical thinking skills and evidence-based practice to deliver safe effective nursing care through the nursing process.
e. Demonstrate caring interventions based on physiologic and psychosocial needs of the patient.
f. Collaborate with patients, support persons, members of the health care team and community agencies to provide patient-centered quality care.
g. Initiate the teaching-learning processes to promote, maintain, and restore health to individuals within their communities.
h. Demonstrate professional accountability and commitment to standards of professional practice while practicing nursing within legal, ethical and regulatory frameworks.
2. Students will be prepared to successfully complete the National Council Licensure Examination - RN.
3. Students will be satisfied with their nursing education.
4. Students will be prepared for and gain employment in a variety of settings.
Program Outcomes - Practical Nursing Program
The graduate of the program will:
1. Demonstrate completion of the curriculum objectives and associated competencies:
a. Assist in the application of the nursing process to provide nursing care to individuals across the lifespan through efficient and effective use of resources in structured health care settings.
b. Communicate effectively with patients, their support systems, and the health care team through the use of interpersonal skills and technology.
c. Assess the health status and health care needs of patients through the collection of data within established protocols and guidelines.
d. Employ basic clinical decision making based on critical thinking skills to deliver safe effective nursing care under the supervision of an experienced registered nurse, physician, or dentist.
e. Demonstrate caring interventions based on accepted standards of care and the physiologic and psychosocial needs of the patient.
f. Collaborate with patients, support persons, members of the health care team and community agencies to provide patient-centered quality care.
g. Utilize the teaching-learning processes to promote, maintain, and restore health to individuals within their communities.
h. Demonstrate professional accountability and commitment to standards of professional practice while practicing nursing within legal, ethical and regulatory frameworks.
2. Students will be prepared to successfully complete the National Council Licensure Examination - PN.
3. Students will be satisfied with their nursing education.
4. Students will be prepared for and gain employment in a variety of settings.