Practical Nursing
Diploma
Contact Information
Sara Lanier
706-771-4190
Augusta Campus - Building 900

Margaret Pella
706-595-0166
Thomson Campus

Tamara Youngblood
706-437-6830
Waynesboro Campus

Admission

Admission to the Practical Nursing program is competitive. Students must complete the Health Care Assistant program which includes a specialization in order to be considered for admission to the Practical Nursing program. General Core Courses (ENG 1010, MAT 1012 and PSY 1010) and designated Occupational Courses (AHS 1101, AHS 104, AHS 109 and SCT 100) must be completed with a GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale to be evaluated for admission to the Practical Nursing Program. For more information regarding this process, please contact the Admissions Office at (706) 771-4028.

Program Description

The Practical Nursing program is designed to prepare students to take the state board examination for licensure as practical nurses, NCLEX-PN. The program prepares graduates to give competent nursing care. This preparation is done through a selected number of academic and occupational courses providing a variety of techniques and materials necessary to assist the student in acquiring the knowledge and skills to give competent care. A variety of clinical experiences is planned so that theory and practice are integrated under the guidance of the clinical instructor. Program graduates receive a practical nursing diploma and have the qualifications of an entry-level practical nurse. The Practical Nursing Program is approved by the Georgia Board of Examiners of Licensed Practical Nurses and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). The address and phone number is: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, 61 Broadway 33rd Floor, New York City, NY 10006, 1-800-669-1656 Ext. 153. The web site is www.nlnac.org. High school graduation or GED is required for admission to this program.

Employment Opportunities

Graduates are in high demand for employment in nursing homes, health centers, convalescent homes, hospitals, schools, doctor’s offices, and prisons.

Notes:

• Students who do not earn a grade of “C” or higher in any one course with the AHS, NSG, or NPT prefix will be suspended from the program for one quarter. Before reentering the program, the student must complete an individualized remedial program assigned by the course instructor. A student who does not earn a grade of “C” or higher in any two courses with the AHS, NSG, or NPT prefix will not be allowed to reenter the program. A student who is not enrolled in the program for more than one year will be required to reenter the first quarter of the program.
• A grade of “C” or higher is required for all courses listed in the curriculum outline.
• Practical Nursing students must submit completed medical and dental examination forms and reference forms prior to participation in lab activities beginning in AHS 102, AHS 104 and NSG 110. Separate documentation will be required for Hepatitis B seroconversion, RPR, TB testing, and all immunizations and/or titers. Students who refuse to take the Hepatitis B vaccination series must sign a declination form and be aware that clinical practicum sites may refuse them an opportunity to gain clinical experience.
• Conviction of a felony or gross misdemeanor may prohibit employment in field and may make a student ineligible to take licensing exam required for the profession. A background check and/or drug screen may be required by some agencies before a student attends a clinical practicum. For more information, contact the appropriate program advisor.