Courses and Requirements
The Practical Nursing (PN) Certificate provides students with the knowledge and skills essential for safe, effective entry level practical nursing practice. This option is approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing; graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). Nursing courses provide clinical experiences in health care settings, in addition to classroom study and laboratory practice. A student must maintain a grade of C or better in all required courses in order to move to the next level and to graduate from the program. Admission to the PN option is criterion based. A student may apply for readmission to this option one time, according to program policy. Many students complete most general education courses prior to the start of Practical Nursing I. The ADN Option provides Advanced Placement for the LPN. A minimum of 47 credit hours are required for graduation.
Accreditation
The Nursing Program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc., 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850; Atlanta, Georgia 30326; (404) 975-5000
Additional Admission Criteria and Information
Please find additional information here: Required Forms.
Information Session Dates
The dates of Information Sessions can be found on the Health Information Sessions.
CORI/CHRI/SORI
Students interested in participation in this academic program may be required to undergo a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, a Criminal Records Central Repository (CHRI) check and/or a Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) check. For more information, visit the CORI/CHRI/SORI page on the NECC website.
Northern Essex Community College is committed to the success of every student. Students with legal issues in their background will meet with a committee as part of the CORI/CHRI/SORI process and will receive guidance and counseling throughout the review of their records. NECC personnel make every effort to help students prepare for careers in their chosen field. Students are encouraged to seek assistance and support.
CPR
Students are required to be CPR Certified at the Health Care Provider/ Professional Rescuer level prior to the start of clinical courses.
Drug Screening
Students enrolled in this academic program may be required to pass a drug screening analysis.
Health
Students are required to complete a health evaluation, including the Hepatitis B immunization series, prior to final acceptance to the Program.
Student Professional Liability Insurance
Students are required to carry professional liability insurance. The premium is to be paid at the time of course registration.
Requirements
| BIO121 | Anatomy & Physiology I | 4 |
| BIO122 | Anatomy & Physiology II | 4 |
| NUR113 | Pharmacology I | 1 |
| NUR123 | Pharmacology II | 1 |
| PNS105 | Issues and Trends in Practical Nursing | 1 |
| PNS110 | Practical Nursing I | 5 |
| PNS111 | Practical Nursing Clinical I | 4 |
| PNS112 | Practical Nursing Lab I | 1 |
| PNS120 | Practical Nursing II | 5 |
| PNS121 | Practical Nursing Clinical II | 4 |
| PNS122 | Practical Nursing Lab II | 1 |
| PNS130 | Practical Nursing III | 6 |
| PNS131 | Practical Nursing Clinical III | 4 |
| PSY101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| PSY110 | Lifespan Psychology | 3 |
Courses with Prerequisites: BIO121, BIO122, NUR113, NUR123, PNS105, PNS110, PNS111, PNS112, PNS120, PNS121, PNS122, PNS130, PNS131, PSY110
Courses with Co-requisites: NUR113, NUR123, PNS105, PNS110, PNS111, PNS112, PNS120, PNS121, PNS122, PNS130, PNS131, PSY101
Program Notes
Students enrolling in the PN Option should be aware of professional attributes, such as respect, teamwork, honesty, and calmness required to provide basic, safe nursing care to people of all ages. Success in this profession will require good communication and critical thinking skills.
Students must be admitted to the PN Option to enroll in practical nursing (PNS) courses. Courses must be taken in the specific sequence identified below. Students may be required to participate in either day or evening clinical placements.
Required Course Sequence Practical Nursing Certificate
Year 1
Fall
BIO121, PSY101: May be taken prior to or concurrent with course sequencing.
Spring
BIO122, PSY110: May be taken prior to or concurrent with course sequencing.
Summer
| PNS105 | Issues and Trends in Practical Nursing | 1 |
| PNS130 | Practical Nursing III | 6 |
| PNS131 | Practical Nursing Clinical III | 4 |