Practical Nursing Technical Diploma

What careers are in my future?

Employment Potential

A graduate of this program will have the potential for employment in the following areas:

Licensed Practical Nurse: administers care to individuals whose conditions are relatively stable; administers care to the acutely ill under the direct supervision of an RN or MD; teaches basic hygiene, nutrition, and aspects of good health; administers first aid; and assists with health assessment and basic health teaching in a variety of settings under the supervision of an RN or MD.

Health Insurance Claims Approver: processes insurance claims on a computer terminal.

Industry Credentials

Graduates of the program are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN Examination for licensure as a Licensed Practical (LPN).

Practical Nursing graduates who successfully pass the NCLEX-PN can apply credits completed in an accredited Practical Nursing program to the NWTC ADN Bridge program.

Graduates of the Medical Assistant Technical Diploma who achieve status of “Certified Medical Assistant” or “Registered Medical Assistant” and work at least 3,000 hours in a Medical Assistant role may apply for admission to the Medical Assistant to Practical Nursing bridge program.

Refer to the information for the Practical Nursing program on this website for required General Studies courses.

How do I get started in this program?

Requirements for Program Entry

• REQUIREMENTS FOR PROGRAM APPLICATION

• Completed application.

• High school transcript or equivalent. (For a list of equivalents, go to www.nwtc.edu/gettingstarted.)

• To be admitted to this program, learners must achieve a prior cumulative high school or college grade point average of 3.0 or higher OR a satisfactory academic skills assessment score. College grade point average must be based on 15 credits or more. To learn more about starting this program, please contact an academic advisor at (920) 498-5444 or (888) 385-6982.

• One semester of college Chemistry with a "C" or better OR two semesters of high school Chemistry with a "C" or better. NWTC course that would fulfill Chemistry requirement; 10-806-134.

• REQUIREMENTS FOR PROGRAM ENTRY

• Attend mandatory orientation.

• All students must have completed General Anatomy & Physiology (10-806-177) with a "B" grade or better (prerequisite of Chemistry with a "C" grade or better).

• Submit required immunization documentation. A fee is charged for this service. Must be completed to be accepted to the program.

• Complete caregiver background check. A fee is charged for this service. Must be completed to be accepted to the program.

• Students are required to complete an American Heart Association BLS Provider course prior to clinical experiences. Students are required to maintain certification to comply with affiliating agency requirements. Must be completed to be accepted to the program

• All students must successfully complete a DHS approved Nursing Assistant course prior to program entry.

Program Availability

FULL TIME	Spring 2020	Summer 2020	Fall 2020
Green Bay	Unavailable	Unavailable	Accepting
Marinette	Unavailable	Unavailable	Unavailable
Sturgeon Bay	Unavailable	Unavailable	Unavailable

PART TIME	Spring 2020	Summer 2020	Fall 2020
Green Bay	Unavailable	Unavailable	Accepting
Marinette	Unavailable	Unavailable	Unavailable
Sturgeon Bay	Unavailable	Unavailable	Accepting

Application Checklist

Alternative Delivery Options

Complete this program by following the full-time academic plan or the Medical Assistant to PN bridge program which gives you credit for your education and experience. For students in the Shawano area, you may choose to complete the program right in Shawano.

Medical Assistant to PN Bridge:

If you are a medical assistant looking to advance your career, apply your knowledge and work experience to the Practical Nursing program. You’ll take less classes and finish faster than if you took the PN program on its own. Learn more »

Shawano Center:

Complete the program at NWTC Shawano.

Shawano Center Program Availability
Location	Spring 2020	Summer 2020	Fall 2020
Shawano	Unavailable Program is unavailable for this start date.	Unavailable Program is unavailable for this start date.	Available Accepting applications

Shawano Application Checklist

What will I learn?

Curriculum

Students following the study plan below will complete the Practical Nursing technical diploma in the number of semesters shown. For alternate study plans, refer to the information in the Related Links area at the right of this page.

PRE-SEMESTER

10-806-177

Gen Anatomy & Physiology

10-806-177 GENERAL ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY ...overview of the human anatomy/physiology using a body-systems approach, emphasizing the interrelationships between form/function at the gross and microscopic levels. (Prerequisite: Gen Chemistry w/C or better OR 2 semesters lab-based high school chemistry w/C or better & placement value of 3300; OR Accuplacer Rdg score greater/= to 80; OR ACT Rdg score greater/= to 17; OR prep courses-contact academic advisor at 920-498-5444)

SEMESTER TOTAL

FIRST SEMESTER

10-801-136

English Composition 1

10-801-136 ENGLISH COMPOSITION 1 ...learners 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: Accuplacer Rdg score greater/equal to 55 AND Sentence Skills greater/equal to 75; OR ACT Rdg score greater/equal to 16 AND Eng greater/equal to 18; OR preparatory courses-contact academic advisor at 920-498-5444)

10-809-188

Developmental Psychology

10-809-188 DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY ...defines human development; examines theories; heredity and environmental effects; prenatal development and birth; evaluates biosocial, cognitive psychosocial development through the life span; aging, death, and dying. (Prerequisite: Accuplacer Rdg score greater/equal to 55 AND Sentence Skills greater/equal to 60; 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)

10-890-101

College 101

10-890-101 COLLEGE 101 ...Students will utilize digital tools and resources to assess, explore, practice, apply, and evaluate both employability and learning skills. By establishing NWTC cultural values as hallmarks of success in academic, career, and personal settings the course encourages reflective, personalized development of a growth mindset and emphasizes the importance of making wise choices. To maximize the return on investment, students should take this course in their first semester as it identifies key expectations (hidden rules) of higher learning and professional employment.

31-543-301

Nursing Fundamentals

31-543-301 NURSING FUNDAMENTALS ...focuses 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; 10-801-136, English Composition 1; 10-806-177, Gen Anatomy and Physiology, 10-890-101, College 101; Corequisites: 10-809-188, Developmental Psych; 31-543-303, Nursing Pharmacology)

31-543-303

Nursing Pharmacology

31-543-303 NURSING PHARMACOLOGY ...this 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; 10-801-136, English Composition 1; 10-806-177, Gen Anatomy & Physiology; Corequisites: 31-543-301, Nursing Fundamentals; 10-809-188, Developmental Psych)

31-543-302

Nursing Skills

31-543-302 NURSING SKILLS ...focuses 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; 10-801-136, English Composition 1; 10-806-177, Gen Anatomy & Physiology; Corequisites: 10-809-188, Developmental Psych; 31-543-303, Nursing Pharmacology; 31-543-101, Nursing Fundamentals; 31-543-304, Intro to Clinical Practice)

Nsg:Intro to Clinical Practice

31-543-304

31-543-304 NSG: INTRO TO CLINICAL PRACTICE ...this 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; 10-801-136, English Composition 1; 10-806-177, Gen Anatomy & Physiology; Corequisites: 10-809-188, Developmental Psych; 31-543-303, Nursing Pharmacology; 31-543-101, Nursing Fundamentals; 31-543-302, Nursing Skills)

SEMESTER TOTAL

SECOND SEMESTER

10-801-196

Oral/Interpersonal Comm

10-801-196 ORAL/INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION ...the communication process, perception and self-concept, language, listening, nonverbal communication, interpersonal relationships, communication in groups and public communication; prepare and deliver an oral presentation. (Prerequisite: Accuplacer Rdg score greater/equal to 55 AND Sentence Skills score greater/equal to 60; 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)

Nursing Health Alterations

31-543-305

31-543-305 NURSING HEALTH ALTERATIONS ... elaborates 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 Promotions; 31-543-307, Nursing: Clinical Care Across Lifespan; 31-543-308, Intro to Clinical Care Management)

31-543-306

Nursing Health Promotion

31-543-306 NURSING HEALTH PROMOTION ...this 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)

Nsg:Clin Care Across Lifespan

31-543-307

31-543-307 NSG:CLIN CARE ACROSS LIFESPAN ...this 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; 31-543-306, Health Promotions)

Nsg:Intro Clinical Care Mgt

31-543-308

31-543-308 NSG: INTRO CLINICAL CARE MGT ...this 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; 31-543-306, Health Promotions; 31-543-307, Nursing: Clinical Care Across Lifespan)

SEMESTER TOTAL

TOTAL CREDITS

Curriculum Note

. Students must earn a "B" or higher in all 31-543-xxx and 10-806-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 grade.

Program Outcomes

• Implement one's role as a nurse in ways that reflect integrity, responsibility, ethical practices, and an evolving identity as a nurse committed to caring, advocacy, and quality care while adhering to evidence-based practice.

• Demonstrate appropriate written, verbal, and nonverbal communication in a variety of clinical contexts.

• Integrate knowledge of social, mathematical, and physical sciences, pharmacology, and disease processes while participating in clinical decision making.Provide patient centered care under supervision by participating in the nursing process across diverse populations and healthcare settings.

• Provide patient centered care under supervision by participating in the nursing process across diverse populations and healthcare settings.

• Minimize risk of harm to patients, members of the healthcare team, and self through safe individual performance and participation in system effectiveness.

• Collaborate as an active member of the multidisciplinary health care team to provide effective patient care throughout the lifespan.

• Use information and technology to communicate, manage data, mitigate error, and assist with decision-making.

What's next after graduation?