Stanly Community College
Introduction to
Practical Nursing Program
What is a practical nurse?
The practical nurse (LPN) performs bedside clinical care and is trained in the fundamentals
of biological sciences. Courses include basic nursing care, behavioral sciences, and
biological sciences. Critical thinking is stressed in all phases of the practical
nursing program. Individuals who excel in this program have excellent critical thinking
skills, great attention to detail, and display both compassion and confidence in their
work.
What do practical nurses do?
LPNs perform bedside nursing care in acute care facilities, long-term care facilities
and often work as frontline managers in nursing homes and extended care facilities.
The LPN works under the guidance of an RN, MD, DO, DDS, CRNA, NP or certified Nurse-Midwife
to identify the nursing problems of a client and report these findings to their collaborating
teammate. The LPN can administer medications, provide continuity of care to patients
and/or residents, and is expected to reinforce teaching to clients in all areas.
Where do practical nurses work? LPNs work in acute care settings, nursing homes, physicians’ offices, schools, social
service agencies, private care, travel nursing agencies, and freestanding clinics
such as urgent care facilities. An increasing number of home health and hospice agencies
are utilizing LPNs in many areas according to state regulations and Nurse Practice
Acts.
Why should I choose SCC?
The Practical Nursing Program at SCC offers educational requirements that allow students
to become an LPN in 12 months. The three-semester timeframe includes general education
requirements as well as practical nursing courses. The program classes are designed
to allow the student to work part-time or full-time, especially on the weekends. SCC’s
program is recognized and accredited by the North Carolina Board of Nursing and the
National League of Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA).
The Practical Nursing curriculum provides knowledge and skills to integrate safety
and quality into nursing care to meet the needs of the holistic individual, impacting
health, quality of life and the achievement of potential.
Course work will include and build upon the domains of healthcare, nursing practice
and the holistic or whole individual. Course content will emphasize safety, individualized
nursing care and participation in the interdisciplinary team while employing evidence-based
practice, quality improvement and informatics.
Graduates of the program will be eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure
Examination (NCLEX-PN) which is required for licensure and practice as a practical
nurse (LPN). Employment opportunities are growing and include acute care facilities
such as hospitals, rehabilitation and long-term care facilities, home health, outpatient
and ambulatory clinics and provider offices.
The Stanly Community College Practical Nursing program is committed to providing accessible
high-quality nursing education in order to meet the diverse and ever-changing health
care needs of patients, and promoting the development of highly qualified graduates
prepared to meet those needs. This program provides an education that is of high
quality, progressive and sensitive to the needs of the individual and community.
The Core Competencies for Practical Nursing, as defined by the National League of
Nurses (NLN) are the discrete and measurable skills essential for the practice of
nursing and are a foundation for the curriculum of the practical nursing program.
They include:
- Human Flourishing: Promoting the human dignity, integrity, self determination and
personal growth of patients, the nurse and other members of the health care team
- Nursing Judgment: Providing a rationale for judgment used in the provision of safe
quality care and for decisions that promote the health of patients within a family
context
- Professional Identity: The ability to assess how personal strengths and values affect
the identity of the nurse and their contributions to the health care team.
- Spirit of Inquiry: Questioning the basis for nursing actions, considering research,
evidence, traditions and patient preferences.
Through the educational experiences offered students will have the opportunity to
develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary for safe and clinically
excellent practice.
Practical Nursing Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Establish safe practical nursing behaviors including accountability for entry-level
practical nursing competence as demonstrated by a passing score (pass/fail only, no
score is awarded) on the NCLEX-PN licensure exam as delineated by the rules and regulations
of the North Carolina Board of Nursing.
- Communicate with individuals, significant support person(s), and members of the interdisciplinary
healthcare team.
- Formulate holistic assessments to identify the needs of the individual in order to
provide culturally competent client-centered care.
- Utilize healthcare informatics to apply research to practice for evidence-based practice,
clinical judgments, and management decisions.
- Create nursing plans of care for clients across the life-span.
- Incorporate teaching and learning principles into their nursing practice.
- Manage healthcare for clients by utilizing cost-effective nursing strategies, quality
improvement processes, and legal/ethical awareness to promote quality outcomes.
Practical Nursing Diploma - D45660
Plan of Study Grid
| First Year |
| Fall |
| ACA 122 |
College Transfer Success
|
1 |
| BIO 168 |
Anatomy and Physiology I
|
4 |
| NUR 101 |
Practical Nursing I
|
11 |
| |
Credit Hours
|
16
|
| Spring |
| BIO 169 |
Anatomy and Physiology II
|
4 |
| ENG 111 |
Writing and Inquiry
|
3 |
| NUR 102 |
Practical Nursing II
|
10 |
| |
Credit Hours
|
17
|
| Summer |
| NUR 103 |
Practical Nursing III
|
9 |
| PSY 150 |
General Psychology
|
3 |
| |
Credit Hours
|
12
|
| |
Total Credit Hours |
45
|
Stanly Community College
Practical Nursing – Diploma
The Practical Nursing curriculum provides knowledge and skills to integrate safety
and quality into nursing care to meet the needs of the holistic individual which impacts
health, quality of life, and achievement of potential.
Course work includes and builds upon the domains of healthcare, nursing practice,
and the holistic individual. Content emphasizes safe, individualized nursing care
and participation in the interdisciplinary team while employing evidence-based practice,
quality improvement, and informatics.
Graduates are eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination
(NCLEX-PN) which is required for practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Employment
opportunities include hospitals, rehabilitation/long term care/home health facilities,
clinics, and physicians' offices.
Admission Procedure
Applications are open from June 4th, 2024 – March 15th, 2025.
Applicants seeking admission into the Practical Nursing program must complete steps
1 and 4 in entirety by March 15th, 2025, to be considered for acceptance for Fall Semester 2025.
Print this admission procedure for your records to track completion of all steps.
Step 1: Application __________ (date completed)
- Submit a completed CFNC Application by choosing the “Fall 2025” enrollment term and
“Practical Nursing Diploma” as the program of study. You can access the electronic
application from the SCC homepage, stanly.edu and select the “Apply” button (in the top right corner). For assistance with the
admissions process, please contact Eagle’s One Stop at 704-991-0123.
- Applications do not roll over from the previous year(s). A new application must be
completed for the intended year of entry into the Practical Nursing program.
Step 2: Transcripts __________ (date completed)
- Submit to the Admissions Office an official high school transcript and official post-secondary
transcripts for all institutions attended. Applicants who obtained a GED/Adult High
School diploma must submit an official GED/AHS transcript and a high school transcript even if the applicant did not complete high school.
- Transfer credit will be given to BIO courses taken within the last 10 years. There
are no other time limits on transfer courses within the PN program of study currently.
- After the Enrollment Management Office has received and evaluated other college transcripts,
applicants may view transfer credit awarded by viewing “My Progress” within Student Planning of Self-Service. For questions related to transfer credits,
contact the Enrollment Management Office at 704-991-0212.
Step 3: Complete one course of Algebra (high school level or higher), and Chemistry
(high school level or higher) with a grade of “C” or higher. __________ (date completed)
- Submit evidence of high school or college-level algebra and chemistry with a grade
of “C” or higher.
- It is recommended to use the MAT and CHEM courses approved by the general UNC articulation
agreement. Success Coaches have access to courses which transfer because of this articulation
agreement. Contact with your Success Coach is paramount.
- Applicants wishing to complete these credits at other colleges should contact the
Admissions Office (704-991-0215) at Stanly Community College to ensure the credits
are acceptable.
- To determine if credit was awarded for these required courses, applicants may view
the “Required Documents” section in Self-Service or contact the Admissions office
at 704-991-0215.
Step 4: Prove college readiness.
Step 5: Maintain GPA (ongoing)
- For the applicant that completed any college level courses taken with SCC before admission
into the PN program, a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 is required.
Requirements 1 and 4 must be completed no later than March 15th, 2025, to be considered for acceptance into the PN (Practical Nursing) program.
Step 6: TEAS Testing __________ (date completed and score)
- Take the standardized nurse entrance exam, Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS).
Only those applicants who successfully complete steps 1 & 4 above will be eligible to take the TEAS exam. Applicants eligible to take the TEAS
exam will be notified through their SCC student email account by the Admissions Office regarding TEAS registration. This email will include
steps for signing up for the exam. Students are responsible for checking their SCC
student email often to meet TEAS registration deadlines. There is a minimal fee for
the exam, and it must be taken at SCC. Test scores are valid for two years and must
be valid when applications are evaluated by admissions.
- The TEAS exam is used as a ranking tool for applicants.
- TEAS prep courses are periodically offered through SCC’s continuing education division.
Contact Rita Love at 704-991-0328 or rlove9827@stanly.edu for upcoming prep course offerings.
- TEAS scores are not accepted from other colleges/universities.
- All eligible applicants must take the most current version of TEAS offered at SCC.
SCC currently uses ATI TEAS 7th
- An invitation to take the TEAS does not mean all admission requirements are met. It
is the student's responsibility to meet all admission requirements. Contact Admissions
at 704-991-0215 or hburnette9430@stanly.edu for questions about missing requirements and TEAS eligibility.
After conditional acceptance is granted by the admissions office, applicants must
provide successful completion of the following:
- Submit a completed SCC medical form. The medical form will be mailed to applicants who are conditionally accepted to
the PN program, and must be completed by a physician, physician’s assistant, or a
nurse practitioner by the date given on the conditionally accepted letter.
- Submit evidence of current certification in CPR for the Healthcare Provider endorsed by the American Heart Association.
- Information about the medical form, CPR and how to submit these documents will be
covered in a Practical Nursing orientation session.
- Complete Practical Nursing Online Orientation. Information regarding the due date for the PN orientation will be in the mailed
acceptance letter.The PN Program Director will send an email with orientation information after acceptance
letters are sent.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/DRUG SCREENING
Applicants accepted for admission to health services programs at Stanly Community
College are required to complete a criminal background check and drug screening after
notification of acceptance and prior to participation in on-site clinical training.
Based on the results, clinical affiliates where the student will participate in on-site
training may deny access to their facility, resulting in the student’s inability to
complete the clinical portion of training. Students unable to complete the clinical portion will be unable to progress in the
program. Students are responsible for paying all costs associated with this requirement.
SELECTION PROCESS
Applicants seeking admission to the Practical Nursing program will be ranked based
on TEAS scores and admitted based on rank order. Applicants accepted for admission
must complete all admission requirements by the date specified in their acceptance
letter. Applicants who fail to complete all admission requirements for the PN program
will be removed from the acceptance list and replaced by applicants on the alternate
list.
ALTERNATE LIST
As vacancies arise on the acceptance list, applicants on the alternate list are contacted
in rank order and offered acceptance to the program. Applicants on the alternate list
who are not offered acceptance to the PN program for the year in which they have applied
to enter will not be carried over to a waiting list the following year. Applicants must apply each year
they wish to be considered for admission into the Practical Nursing program. Any concerns
about acceptance should be directed to the Director of Admissions.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Applicants to the Practical Nursing program are advised to familiarize themselves
with all admission requirements for this program of study. Contact the Admissions
Office at 704-991-0215 for questions concerning admission requirements. Note: Admission
requirements are subject to change.
CRITERIA FOR PROGRESSION
Progression policies specific to the nursing program are in the Practical Nursing
Student Handbook.
ADVANCED STANDING POLICY (for previously enrolled SCC Practical Nursing students only)
Advanced standing policies are in the Practical Nursing Student Handbook. Contact
the Director of Practical Nursing by email (rsilsby7868@stanly.edu) for advising.
CRITERIA FOR GRADUATION https://catalog.stanly.edu/current/academic-regulations/graduation-requirements.html
LICENSURE
- The nursing faculty must verify a student as a candidate for the National Council
Licensure Examination for Practical Nursing based on academic achievement and professional
accountability.
- The North Carolina Board of Nursing application for licensure includes a criminal
background check. Before an individual can sit for a licensure exam (NCLEX-PN), the
application process must be completed. An applicant may then sit for the licensure
exam; however, an individual may be denied licensure based on a criminal background
check. If the individual has been convicted of a felony or any other crime involving
moral turpitude, the NCBON (North Carolina Board of Nursing) may deny that individual
a license even if he or she has passed the NCLEX exam. This process is between the
individual and the North Carolina Board of Nursing. The nursing program validates
only the successful completion of the diploma.`
Notice of Nondiscrimination
Stanly Community College is an equal opportunity educational institution and employer.
The College does not practice or condone discrimination in any form against students,
employees, or applicants on the grounds of race, color, national origin, religion,
gender, age, or disability consistent with the Assurance of Compliance with Title
VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246, Title IX of the
Education Amendments of 1972, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with
Disabilities Act of 1992.
Full policy can be accessed at https://www.stanly.edu/college-information/notice-nondiscrimination
Last updated 05/29/2024
Thank you in advance for your interest in the practical nursing diploma program at
Stanly Community College. The following list of questions have been compiled to help
answer the most common questions related to the practical nursing admission process;
however, the list of questions is not meant to take the place of collaborating with
our Admissions staff or your Success Coach.
- Is your program online?
No. This program will require you to be on campus or in clinic at least 3 days per
week. Seated classes and labs are held at our Crutchfield Education Center, 102 Stanly
Parkway, Locust, NC 28097. Clinicals will be held at Bethany Woods, Stanly Manor,
Trinity Place and Atrium-Stanly.
- How long is this program?
This is a three-semester program. Upon completion, students will be eligible to sit
for the NCLEX, to practice as a licensed practical nurse.
- How do I apply to the practical nursing diploma program?
Applications to SCC can be started at https://www.stanly.edu/online-learning/new-student-orientation/step-1-getting-started.html and follow the admission requirements process for applying to the program.
- When is the application deadline?
The application deadline for the practical nursing diploma program is March 15th for the following fall cohort. Each cohort starts in the fall and attends fall, spring,
and summer semester.
- Who is my Academic Advisor/Success Coach?
Melanie Alexander will be your advisor/Success Coach from the time you apply until
you complete the program; you may email Melanie at malexander0134@stanly.edu.
- Can I take general education courses before being admitted into the practical nursing
program?
Yes. Although it isn’t a requirement, we encourage students to complete as many general
education courses as possible, prior to the start of the program. These general education
courses include ACA 122, ENG 111, PSY 150, BIO 168 and BIO 169.
- How am I invited to take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS)?
Applicants to the practical nursing program that have met steps 1 and 4 on the admissions
checklist will be invited by admissions to take the TEAS test. Invitations to take
the TEAS are sent to eligible students SCC student email accounts.
- Can I take the TEAS elsewhere and have the results submitted to SCC?
No. We only accept the TEAS test given here at Stanly Community College. Due to the
high importance of this test, faculty believe that all students should be held to
the same accountability; testing at SCC ensures testing standards are met.
- How long is my TEAS score viable?
The score is good for 2 years and it must be the most current version given by the
college.
- Is there a cost associated with the TEAS test?
Yes. The test cost is $70 each time it is taken. Perspective students may also purchase
a study guide for the exam from the bookstore or online and practice tests from www.atitesting.com.
- Do I have to complete a drug test for this program?
Yes. As a requirement of the clinical facilities, all students within the practical
nursing curriculum must complete a drug screening.
- Do I need to complete a criminal background check as part of the admission requirements?
Yes. As a requirement of the clinical facilities, a criminal background check must
be completed. The college does not see the criminal background check results nor give
advice related to the results. Being accepted to the program does not mean that you
are automatically cleared to attend clinical sites. If the clinical site denies a
student clinical privileges, that student is withdrawn from the program.
- How much does the program cost?
|
Estimated Cost for LPN Program for In-State Resident
|
|
|
Tuition
|
Fees
|
Estimated Total
|
|
Fall Term
|
$1,216.00
|
$168.25
|
$1,384.25
|
|
Spring Term
|
$1,292.00
|
$168.25
|
$1,460.25
|
|
Summer Term
|
$912.00
|
$130.75
|
$1,042.75
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Estimated Program Total
|
|
|
$3,887.25
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
**Estimated total does not include the cost of textbooks, CPR, immunizations, drug
screening, background check, and other clinical site requirement.
|
|
|
|
- Do I need clinical uniforms and equipment before the program starts?
Information regarding uniforms and other equipment will be provided in the mandatory
orientation prior to the fall semester.
- Am I required to obtain my nursing assistant certification (CNA) prior to consideration
into this program?
No. Within the first semester of the practical nursing program, you will become proficient
in the skills necessary to pass the NNAAP State Exam through NACES, to become a certified
nursing assistant. It is not a requirement for you to take the exam to become a certified
after the first semester of the program, but you may choose to do so if you wish.
- Is the practical nursing program of SCC accredited?
Stanly Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and
Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate degrees. Contact the Commission
on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500
for questions about the accreditation of Stanly Community College. External Web site:
http://www.sacscoc.org
The practical nursing diploma program is approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing
(NCBON).
https://www.ncbon.com/sites/default/files/documents/2024-03/2024-approved-pre-licensure-nursing-prog.pdf
- What happens if I do not get accepted this year when I apply?
You must submit a new application to the program each year that you are seeking admission.
