Practical Nursing Certificate
Thank you for your interest in the Practical Nurse Program at Clover Park Technical College. The application process consists of several requirements prior to admission to the program. Please read the entire practical nursing application packet. Admission policies are subject to change. Applicants are accepted under the terms in place at the time the application is received. The student is advised to keep up to date on any changes that might affect their qualifications for acceptance into the Practical Nursing program.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Practical Nursing Pathway prepares the student for employment as an entry-level practical nurse. Following successful completion of the pathway, the graduate is eligible to take the NCLEX, state board exam and apply for licensure as a licensed practical nurse. The LPN provides basic patient care under the supervision of a registered nurse, ARNP, physician, or other health care professional. LPN’s are employed by long-term care facilities, in outpatient settings, clinics, schools, and hospitals. The LPN performs basic patient care, administers medications, performs skilled nursing procedures, and documents in the patient record. During lab classes the student practices nursing skills, some of which are learned by practicing on classmates. The student also participates in a variety of clinical experiences that allow them to apply theoretical knowledge to patient care. During this clinical experience, the student is expected to demonstrate competence in providing safe patient care.
PROGRAM COMPONENTS
The Practical Nursing Program begins each fall and spring quarter, accepting 60 students each quarter. The program consists of three quarters with 42 credits of nursing courses to complete. Students must receive a “B-” or better in all nursing courses to satisfy graduation requirements. Clinical experiences will occur every quarter and may be scheduled during day, evening, or weekend hours and may begin as early as 5:45 A.M. or end as late as 11:00 P.M. Students may be required to drive up to 50 miles to some clinical sites.
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.
Entry Requirements
The following are required to enter the Pracitical Nursing Program:
1. Pre-requisite Courses: A student must achieve an average of a "B" for all pre-requisite courses. (CPTC courses with an “&” in the course name are transferable to other Washington State educational institutions.)
- CHEM& 121 (5 Cr.)
- BIOL& 160 (5 Cr.)
- BIOL& 241 Human A & P 1 w/Lab (5 Cr.)
- BIOL& 242 Human A & P 2 w/Lab (5 Cr.)
- ENGL& 101 English Composition I (5 Cr.)
- MATH& 146 Introduction to Stats (5 Cr.)
- PSYC& 100DIV General Psychology (5 Cr.)
Must achieve a passing grade in COLL 102
- COLL 102 College Success for All (3 Cr.)
2. 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.
3. PAX Exam score of 102 or higher
4. Proof of immunizations
Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR)
o 2 MMR doses of vaccinations, or
o Proof of immunity by titer of each of the three components -Rubella, Mumps & Measles. (Lab report required)
Varicella (Chicken Pox)
o 2 doses of the Varicella vaccinations, or
o Positive antibody titer (lab report required)
Hepatitis B
o 3 vaccinations and
o Positive HepB sAB antibody titer (lab report is required)
TB Skin Test (2 Step) Provide one of the following:
o Negative 2 step test (2 separate tests done 1-3 weeks apart) within the past 12 months ( you must show placement date and read date for both of the 2 steps) or
o Past negative 2 step test PLUS all subsequent annuals (latest test must have been done within the past 12 months) or
o If positive results, clear Chest X-Ray report within the past 3 years and a current year symptom-free report from your healthcare provider or
o Negative QuantiFERON Gold Blood test. You must submit a copy of the laboratory report to meet this requirement.
Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis (TDaP)
o There must be documentation of a TDaP vaccination. If the TDaP vaccine was administered more than 10 years ago, you must also submit a recent TD booster.
Influenza
o Submit documentation of a seasonal flu shot administered after October 1 of the current year. If after flu season (October to March) flu shot will be needed when available.
COVID
o Must be fully vaccinated.
Additionally, once a student is accepted into the program, the following is expected.
1. Student 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.
2. Student will upload all clinical documentation, including immunizations into current document management system.
3. Student will keep department up to date on any changes related to background checks, address or name changes.
Admission Dates
Fall 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.
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 Nursing 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
Program Outcomes
Individual-Centered Care: Utilize critical thinking to provide excellent individual-centered care to our diverse community.
Professional Nursing Practice: Demonstrate professional nursing standards through continuous learning and self-care.
Leadership and Collaboration: Create an inclusive and collaborative environment through the development of leadership qualities and culturally conscious attitudes.
Information and Technology: Implement evidence-based information and technology that supports healthcare teams and their decision- making process.
Safety: Integrate the nursing process to promote safe, high-quality care of individuals and their communities.
Communication: Employ strong therapeutic communication skills to promote the health and wellness of individuals in various settings.
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.)
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 will measure your verbal ability in English, math and science. 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
| NURS 170 | Introduction to Health and Wellness | 5 |
| NURS 171 | Introduction to Health and Wellness Lab | 1 |
| NURS 172 | Introduction to Health and Wellness Clinical/SIM | 5 |
| NURS 173 | Communication in Healthcare I | 2 |
| NURS 180 | Variations of Health and Wellness I | 5 |
| NURS 181 | Variations in Health and Wellness I Lab | 2 |
| NURS 182 | Variations in Health and Wellness I Clinical/Simulation | 5 |
| NURS 186 | Psychosocial Issues in Nursing I | 3 |
| NURS 190 | Variations in Health and Wellness II | 5 |
| NURS 191 | Variations in Health and Wellness Lab II | 1 |
| NURS 192 | Variations in Health and Wellness CLIN/SIM II | 6 |
| NURS 194 | Ethics and Policy in Nursing I | 2 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 42 |