Practical Nursing - Technical Diploma
As a Practical Nursing program graduate, you're eligible for careers in a variety of settings which could include an acute care hospital, long term care/rehab facility, physician's office, insurance provider, or home health agency. As a member of the health care team, the licensed practical nurse provides care to patients whose conditions are relatively stable and assists the registered nurse or health care provider in the care of the acutely ill patient. Why choose the Practical Nursing program at NWTC? Success - more than 92 percent of NWTC Practical Nursing graduates consistently pass their NCLEX-PN on their first attempt. Quality - many students are offered employment during their final clinical experience. Expertise- the Practical Nursing faculty are experts in the nursing profession who have completed graduate level nursing education. This program is approved by the Wisconsin Board of Nursing, Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services and is accredited by the ACEN: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. Graduates of this program, after obtaining licensure and completing additional coursework, may enter the Nursing-Associate Degree program.
Delivery
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Program Costs & Financial Aid
Tuition: $6,588, Books: $704, Supplies: $500
This program is partially eligible for financial aid.
Estimates based on in-state residency. Please visit the following URL to learn more about tuition and fees for this program. https://www.nwtc.edu/admissions-and-aid/paying-for-college/tuition-and-fees?ProgramCode=315431
Requirements for Program Entry
- For instructions on how to get started, download the application checklist for this program.
Program Outcomes
- Integrate Practical Nursing identity reflecting integrity, responsibility, and nursing standards.
- Communicate basic information using multiple sources in nursing practice.
- Utilize theoretical knowledge to participate in decision making.
- Apply the nursing process to basic client care across diverse populations.
- Function as a healthcare team member to provide safe and effective care.
Accreditation
The Practical Nursing program is accredited by: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (ACEN), 3390 Peachtree Road, NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta GA 30326 (404) 975-5000 FAX: (404) 975-5020 The Practical Nursing program is approved by: Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services Dept. of Regulation & Licensing 1400 East Washington St. P.O. Box 8935, Madison, WI 53708-8935 (608) 266-2112
Curriculum
Students following the study plan below will complete the Practical Nursing technical diploma in the number of semesters shown.
Pre-First Semester
First Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Full Semester
Second Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
- Curriculum Note: Students must earn a "B" or higher in all 31-543-xxx and 31-806-xxx courses. A student must repeat the particular course with "B" or better final grade to continue in or graduate from this program. If the course is sequential, the successful retake must occur before continuing the sequence.
- Individuals with criminal records may be ineligible for licensure. Individuals with abuse records may be ineligible for employment in nursing homes.
- It is suggested that a Medical Terminology course (10-501-101) be taken prior to entering the program.
- The credit for 10-890-101, College 101 is an Institutional Requirement for graduation. Consequently, it is not part of the program credit requirements, but must be passed with a "C" or better.
Course Descriptions
Human body systems, structural formation. (Prerequisite: 2.6 GPA OR Next Gen Reading score greater/equal to 250; OR ACT Reading score greater/equal to 15 OR 10-838-105, Intro to Reading and Study Skills OR equivalent).
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringBasic nursing/personal care skills, principles of communication skills, resident rights and team work with other care givers under the supervision of a licensed nurse. (Pre-requisite: Accepted into the Nursing Assistant program. Call 920-498-5444 or toll free 1-888-385-6982 or go to http://www.nwtc.edu for directions.)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall J-Session SpringStudents gain skills that lead to success in college, employment, and life. Students should take this course in their first semester. (Pre-requisite: None.)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringLearners develop knowledge/skills in planning, organizing, writing, editing. Students will also analyze audience/purpose, use elements of research, format documents using standard guidelines, and develop critical reading skills. (Prerequisite: High school GPA greater/equal to 2.6; OR ACT Reading score greater/equal to 16 AND English greater/equal to 18; OR Next Gen Reading score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 260; OR "preparatory course(s)", contact academic advisor at 920-498-5444)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringThis introductory clinical course emphasizes basic nursing skills and application of the nursing process in meeting the needs of diverse clients across the lifespan. Emphasis is placed on performing basic nursing skills, the formation of nurse -client relationships, communication, data collection, documentation, and medication administration. (Prerequisites: Accepted into Practical Nursing Program; 31-806-312, Anatomy/Structure-Function; Corequisites: 10-801-136, English Composition 1; 10-809-188, Developmental Psych; 31-543-303, Nursing Pharmacology; 31-543-101, Nursing Fundamentals; 31-543-302, Nursing Skills)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringDevelopmental Psychology is the study of human development throughout the lifespan. This course explores developmental theory and research with an emphasis on the interactive nature of the biological, cognitive, and psychosocial changes that affect the individual from conception to death. Application activities and critical thinking skills will enable students to gain an increased knowledge and understanding of themselves and others. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Rdg score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 237; OR ACT Rdg score greater/equal to 16 AND English greater/equal to 15; OR 10-831-107, College Reading and Writing with a "B" or better).
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringFocuses on basic nursing concepts to provide evidenced-based care to diverse patient populations across the lifespan. Current and historical issues impacting nursing will be explored within the scope of nursing practice. The nursing process will be introduced as a framework for organizing the care of patients. (Prerequisites: Accepted into Practical Nursing Program, 10-890-101; College 101; Corequisites: 10-801-136, English Composition 1; 10-809-188, Developmental Psych; 31-543-302 Nursing Skills; 31-543-303, Nursing Pharmacology; 31-806-312, Anatomy/Structure-Function)
Course Typically Offered: Fall SpringThis course introduces the principles of pharmacology, including drug classifications and their effects on the body. Emphasis is on the use of the components of the nursing process when administering medications. (Prerequisites: Accepted into Practical Nursing Program; Corequisites: 31-543-301, Nursing Fundamentals; 10-809-188, Developmental Psych; 31-806-312, Anatomy/Structure-Function)
Course Typically Offered: Fall SpringFocuses on development of evidence-based clinical skills and physical assessment across the lifespan. Content includes mathematical calculations and conversions related to clinical skills. In addition the course includes techniques related to obtaining a health history and basic physical assessment skills using a body systems approach. (Prerequisites: Accepted into Practical Nursing Program; Corequisites: 10-801-136, English Composition 1; 10-809-188, Developmental Psych; 31-543-303, Nursing Pharmacology; 31-543-301, Nursing Fundamentals; 31-543-304, Intro to Clinical Practice; 31-806-312, Anatomy/Structure-Function)
Course Typically Offered: Fall SpringThis course focuses on topics related to health promotion for individuals and families throughout the lifespan. We will cover nursing care of the developing family, which includes reproductive issues, pregnancy, labor and delivery, post-partum, the newborn, and the child. Recognizing the spectrum of healthy families we will discern patterns associated with adaptive and maladaptive behaviors applying mental health principles. An emphasis is placed on teaching and supporting healthy lifestyles choices for individuals of all ages. Nutrition, exercise, stress management, empowerment, and risk reduction practices are highlighted. Study of the family will cover dynamics, functions, discipline styles, and stages of development. (Prerequisites: 10-809-188, Developmental Psych; 31-543-301, Nursing Fundamentals; 31-543-302, Nursing Skills; 31-543-303, Nursing Pharmacology; 31-543-304, Intro to Clinical Practice; Corequisites: 10-801-196, Oral/Interpersonal Communication; 31-543-307, Nursing: Clinical Care Across Lifespan)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringThis clinical experience applies nursing concepts and therapeutic interventions to patients across the lifespan. It also provides an introduction to concepts of teaching and learning. Extended care to include the family is emphasized. (Prerequisites: 10-809-188, Developmental Psych; 31-543-301, Nursing Fundamentals; 31-543-302, Nursing Skills; 31-543-303, Nursing Pharmacology; 31-543-304, Intro to Clinical Practice; Corequisites: 10-801-196, Oral/Interpersonal Communication; 31-543-305, Nursing Health Alterations; 31-543-306, Health Promotion; 31-543-308, Intro to Clinical Management)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringThis course focuses on developing effective listening techniques and verbal and nonverbal communication skills through oral presentation, group activity, and other projects. The study of self, conflict, and cultural contexts will be explored, as well as their impact on communication. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Rdg score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 237; OR ACT Rdg score greater/equal to 16 AND English score greater/equal to 16; OR preparatory course-contact an academic advisor at 920-498-5444)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall Springelaborates upon the basic concepts of health and illness as presented in Nursing Fundamentals. It applies theories of nursing in the care of patients through the lifespan, utilizing problem solving and critical thinking. This course will provide an opportunity to study conditions affecting different body systems and apply evidence-based nursing interventions. It will also introduce concepts of leadership and management.(Prerequisites: 10-809-188, Developmental Psych; 31-543-301, Nursing Fundamentals; 31-543-302, Nursing Skills; 31-543-303, Nursing Pharmacology; 31-543-304, Intro to Clinical Practice; Corequisites: 10-801-196, Oral/Interpersonal Communication; 31-543-306, Health Promotion; 31-543-307, Nursing: Clinical Care Across Lifespan; 31-543-308, Intro to Clinical Care Management)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringThis clinical experience applies nursing concepts and therapeutic nursing interventions to groups of patients across the lifespan. It also provides an introduction to leadership, management, and team building. (Prerequisites: 10-809-188, Developmental Psych; 31-543-301, Nursing Fundamentals; 31-543-302, Nursing Skills; 31-543-303, Nursing Pharmacology; 31-543-304, Intro to Clinical Practice; Corequisites: 10-801-196, Oral/Interpersonal Communication; 31-543-305, Health Alterations)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall Spring