The Practical Nurse (PN) focuses on basic health science, technical skills, general knowledge, and judgment necessary to organize and provide caring interventions to patients with commonly occurring medical conditions. PN is the basic level of nursing that applies principles of therapeutic, rehabilitative, and preventive care for people of all ages and cultures in various stages of dependency. The PN practices nursing with the guidance of a registered nurse or physician in a variety of health care settings.
The Practical Nursing Program offers two options: Traditional Program and Flex Program. The Traditional Program offers face-to-face classes two days per week and lab/clinical two days per week. Those interested in the Flex Program must meet the Traditional Program criteria, have a medical background, and have completed all general education courses. The Flex Program offers classes one day per week and lab/clinical one day per week. In addition to face-to-face classes, one spring and one summer class are offered as online courses.
Practical Nursing students are given a knowledge base through courses and content that includes preparation in general academics, nursing theory and practice, biophysical sciences, and social sciences. Classroom study includes basic nursing concepts, patient- care related subjects, anatomy & physiology, medical/surgical nursing, pediatrics & obstetrics, gerontology, nursing management, mental health concepts, pharmacology, and nutrition.
Curriculum Components include team work, caring, integrity, responsibility, and dedication. Students receive their clinical experience in hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, physicians’ offices, and community agencies. The PN program uses extensive technology including computers, Simulation Lab, ATI and other recording software.
Unique Aspects of the PN Program
Admission is competitive with enrollment in the fall semester only. Weighted admission criteria is used in the selection of students for entry into the PN program. Current weighted admission criteria are listed on the OCtech PN webpage. Students must also meet the Core Performance Standards for the didactic clinical environment regarding physical demand and communication skills. Students must maintain an 80% (“B”) or higher in all Nursing courses in order to progress through the program.
Admitted applicants will be required to complete special program admission criteria such as a physical (validating physical and mental health status necessary for the nursing profession) and CPR. A criminal record check must be obtained as designated by clinical agencies. Students who have prior convictions of a crime (excluding minor traffic violations) may not be granted permission to take the National Council Licensure Examination. Please contact the SC State Board of Nursing to clarify your position. Drug testing is required upon admission and as required by clinical agencies.
Students with allergies, such as betadine and latex, may be exposed to chemicals in various forms in the lab and hospital environment. It is recommended that a health care provider be consulted regarding any allergies to determine if nursing is the appropriate choice for you.
The Practical Nursing Program is approved by the State Board of Nursing for South Carolina and
has full accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (ACEN), 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA, 30326; Phone: 404-975-5000; Fax: 404-975-5020. Web: www.acenursing.org
Upon successful completion of the three semester program, graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses in order to be designated as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).
