Practical Nursing

The vision of Columbia Public Schools' Program of Practical Nursing is to provide accessible, quality education in a caring environment by keeping the student's needs at the center of decision making. The PN program works in partnership with training facilities in the area to prepare students to provide safe and effective nursing care for patients in all settings. It is our goal to inspire students to develop and utilize critical-thinking skills essential to providing quality nursing care under the supervision of a registered nurse.

Conditional approval by the Missouri State Board of Nursing, this 12-month Practical Nursing program includes both classroom instruction as well as clinical experience in area health care facilities. This program prepares you for performing total bedside nursing and care of patients in acute, ambulatory, and long-term settings. Students participate in a variety of clinical experiences at area hospitals, long term care centers, and community agencies. Graduation from this program does not guarantee eligibility to take the NCLEX-PN to become licensed as a Practical Nurse.

Classroom hours are Monday-Thursday from 7:00am-4:00pm and typically start in late February or early March with applications due in December.

In 2008 there were approximately 753,600 Practical Nurses and the demand for the position is expected to increase by 21 percent between 2008 and 2018 due to an increasing elderly population needing long-term care needs.

The following is a list of Prerequisites for the PN program:

• High School diploma/GED
• Accurate completion of the entire application packet (including application fee and three (3) signed reference forms with attached evaluations)
• General aptitude exam (scheduled when turning in application)
• Possible interview (depending on decision of admissions committee)
• TOEFFL score of at least 500 (only applicable to anyone with English as a second language)
• Some applicants may be required to participate, and be successful, in a month-long preparatory program prior to admittance to the PN program (determination of this is based on testing and interview scores)

Tuition is variable for program sessions, please call the Health Sciences Office at (573) 214.3772 for current tuition rates and other questions such as admissions procedures, dates, fees, etc. Additionally, the PN program is financial aid approved and funding sources include A+, Vocational Rehabilitation, VA and Pell Grant. Please contact the financial aid office at (573) 214.3809 for further information about financial aid eligibility and the financial aid application process.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Applicants from non-English speaking countries may be required to take the TOEFL Exam to demonstrate a working knowledge of the English language, both written and spoken. Upon application to the program, a general aptitude exam is required to help predict the success of prospective students. Exams are given on a scheduled basis at the Career Center. There is a $60 application fee due prior to the time the exam is given. Three letters of reference are required prior to meeting with the Admissions Committee, who will make the final selection. The Practical Nursing Program is limited to thirty-two (32) students per class. Classes start in March each year.

Tuition, Books, and Fees

Ask about tuition. Additional costs include arm patch, nametag, and liability insurance, State Board Application fee, NCLEX-PN Exam fees, graduation picture, and graduation pin. The cost of books and fees listed above can be included in your financial aid package at the time of enrollment. Required out-of-pocket expenses include two (2) uniforms, lab coat, watch, stethoscope, and nursing shoes. Columbia Public Schools Health Science Center meets requirements for financial assistance programs including, but not limited to, Veterans Administration and Vocational Rehabilitation. Pell Grants are available. Call the Career Center Financial Aid Office at (573) 214-3809 for further information. They are located at 4203 South Providence Rd., Columbia, MO 65203.

Please download the Practical Nursing application and return to the Health Sciences Office at 4203 S. Providence Road in the Columbia Area Career Center.

Financial Aid is Available
Job Placement Information
Fill out FAFSA on the Web

MO State Board of Nursing
www.pr.mo.gov/nursing.asp

FAFSA CACC School Code:
016188

Testing Dates for August 2012 Class:
Tuesday, April 24---12:00 - 4:00
Friday, May 18, 2012---8:00 - 12:00
Saturday, June 9, 2012---9:00 - 1:00
Thursday, June 21, 2012---12:00 - 4:00
*Minimum enrollment required

Columbia Public Schools Program of Practical Nursing is conditional approval by the Missouri State Board of Nursing. The 47-week program is a full-time educational program. Classroom hours are Monday-Thursday from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm and are held at the Columbia Public Schools Health Science Center, located at 4203 S. Providence Rd., Columbia, Missouri. The program includes instruction in the following areas:   Course Clock Hours Anatomy & Physiology 123 Pharmacology 102 Nutrition 32 Fundamentals of Nursing 208 Personal & Vocational Concepts in Nursing 46 Leadership & Management 44 Nursing of Adults 526 Growth & Development 28 Maternal & Newborn Nursing 104 Nursing of Children 104 Nursing of the Elderly 72 Mental Health Nursing 72 Math for Meds (included in Pharmacology)   IV Therapy (included in Nursing of Adults)   Total Clock Hours 1461 Each 47-week program includes clinical practice during thirty four (34) weeks of instruction. Students participate in a variety of clinical experiences at area hospitals, long term care centers, and community agencies. Advanced placement is considered on an individual basis.

Check Out the Information Packet.