Practical Nursing Certificate
The Practical Nursing (PN) certificate program at Clover Park Technical College prepares graduates for entry into the nursing profession as practical nurses under the direction of a licensed registered nurse, licensed physician, or dentist. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX PN exam.
Clover Park Technical College’s Practical Nursing Certificate program consists of 60 credits of nursing courses and 53 credits of general education courses. Students must receive a “B-” or better in all technical (nursing) courses to satisfy graduation requirements.
This PN program focuses on the art and science of nursing. Students learn in the classroom, in the skills laboratory, and in clinical practice settings. Clinical learning experiences are obtained in various health care settings in the community under the guidance of nursing faculty. Clinical experiences are largely scheduled between 5:00 a.m. and 11:30 p.m. The college reserves the right to schedule clinical experiences during evening and/or on weekends if necessary, and students may be required to travel up to 50 miles for clinical site.
To apply, download and complete the PN Admission Packet and follow the directions given in the packet for deadlines and how to submit.
Program Accreditation
The Clover Park Technical College Practical Nurse program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA) located at 2600 Virginia Avenue, NW, Washington DC 20032, 202-909-2526
Physical Activity Requirements
This occupation requires medium physical activity, handling body fluids, and exposure to infectious diseases. Nurses are often standing for long periods of time. For safety and protection of patients, student nurses must be able to perform basic cardiac life support, including CPR, and function in stressful and/or emergency situations.
Employability Requirements
Graduates must pass the NCLEX-PN exam and meet state eligibility requirements, including a criminal background check, in order to apply for licensure. Persons with history of criminal convictions may not be eligible for licensure.
Program Length
This program is designed to be completed in four quarters. This is an academically rigorous program that requires a high degree of ability to read, understand, and critically think and apply complex concepts to provide quality patient care. Students can expect 3-4 hours per week per class for homework and study (e.g. 15-20 hours per week for four classes) in addition to actual class time. It is strongly recommended that students not work more than 20 hours per week while in the nursing program to allow for adequate study time.
Admission Dates
Fall, winter, and spring quarters.
If students are taking or have taken prerequisite courses at another educational institution, they must have credits evaluated prior to submitting the application. Students must request an official college transcript be sent to CPTC Enrollment Services for evaluation and complete a transfer credit request form. Mail your official transcript to Clover Park Technical College ATTN: Credential Evaluator.
It is the student’s responsibility to ensure their application is complete. Instructions for submitting applications are included in the application packet.
Program Outcomes
• Human Flourishing: Promote the dignity, integrity, self-determination, and personal growth of diverse patients, their families and oneself through therapeutic communication.
• Nursing Judgement/Caregiver:Provide a rationale for judgments used in the provision of safe, quality care and for decisions that promote the health of patients within the family context.
• Professional Identity: Articulate a unique role as a member of the health care team, committed to evidence-based practice, caring, advocacy, and safe quality care, to provide optimal health care for diverse patients and their families.
• Collaborator: By collaborating with health care team members, utilize evidence, tradition, and patient preferences in predictable patient care situations to promote optimal health status.
• Spirit of Inquiry: Communicates relevant, accurate and complete patient care information in a concise, confidential and clear manner.
Completion Requirements
Prerequisite(s)
CPTC courses with an “&” in the course name are transferable to other Washington State educational institutions.
Completion of the following academic prerequisites:
General Education Courses: (Only if required for the prerequisites below that require a B or better.)
- CHEM& 110 or higher with a 2.0 or better (5CR)
- BIOL& 160 or 175 with a 2.0 or better (5CR)
General Education Courses: You must achieve a “B” or better
- BIOL& 241 Human A & P 1 w/Lab (5 Cr.)
- BIOL& 242 Human A & P 2 w/Lab (5 Cr.)
- BIOL& 260 Microbiology with lab (5 Cr.)
- ENGL& 101 English Composition I or ENGL& 235 Technical Writing (5 Cr.)
- MAT 099 Intermediate Algebra or MATH& 141 Precalculus I or MATH& 146 Introduction to Stats (5 Cr.) or MATH& 151 Calculus I
- NUTR& 101 Nutrition (5 Cr.)
- PSYC& 100DIV General Psychology (5 Cr.)
- PSYC& 200 Lifespan Psychology (developmental psychology) (5 Cr.)
Must achieve a passing grade in COLL 102
- COLL 102 College Success for All (3 Cr.)
Speaking, understanding, and writing the English language is required.
American Heart Association CPR for the Health Care Provider. This includes adult, child, and infant, under the guidelines of the American Heart Association. Online CPR courses are not accepted. Students are required to carry personal health/medical insurance throughout their clinical rotations.
NLN PAX Pre-admission Exam with a score of 102 or higher. This exam is offered in the college Testing Center and may be taken elsewhere.
Students must receive a “No Record On File” report related to crimes against persons from the Washington State Patrol. A non-refundable fee is charged to each student for the background check.
Required immunizations must be completed by the first day of the quarter you start. A complete list can be found on the document Requirements for Applying to the Practical Nurse Program on the college Nursing webpage.
Program Course List