The Practical Nursing (PN) Program provides students with a basic knowledge of nursing theory and practice. It prepares nursing graduates to take the National Council of Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN). Practical nurses are employed in a variety of settings such as long term care facilities, ambulatory care settings and hospitals. The practical nurse functions as an integral member of the health care team reporting to the registered nurse. This is a full time program with some classes being offered online.

The Practical Nursing Program (PN) is accredited by the:

National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
3343 Peachtree Road NE. Suite 850
Atlanta, GA 30326
Telephone: 1-404-975-5000, Fax: 1-404-975-5020
www.nlnac.org

This program is approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)

320 W. Washington
Springfield, IL 62786
1-217-785-0800
www.idfpr.org

Prior to receiving an application to the PN Program the student is required to:

• submit a South Suburban College application to Admissions, utilizing the NUR.CERT.LPNPREQ academic code.
• forward official high school or GED and college transcripts to the Office of Admissions..
• complete the college placement test prior to a meeting with a counselor. See the college catalogue for details..
• complete required college preparatory classes as indicated by the college placement test..
• meet with a nursing counselor (x2306) for assistance in academic planning..
• provide evidence of nursing assistant certification..
• complete or be currently enrolled in the following admission requirements with a “C” or better::
  • ENG 101 - Composition and Rhetoric
  • NUR 101 - Medication Dosage Calculation
  • BIO 115 - Human Body Structure (BIO 185&186 can be used in place of BIO 115)
  * All biology must be completed with a “C” or better within the last 5 years to be eligible for admission to the nursing programs at the time of application. Students applying to the program who do not satisfy the five year criteria may opt to satisfy the requirement by examination. The examination is given in April and October. Details are available in counseling.

After completion of or current enrollment in the above requirements the applicant is required to:

• make an appointment with a nursing counselor (x2306) to obtain a PN application form. Counselors will provide applications after students complete the above requirements and/or while students are enrolled in their final admission requirements. Applications for Fall will be available after November 15.
• submit the completed PN application with attachments to the Department of Nursing Office, Room 4120. All information must be on file by April 1. Students are encouraged to apply well in advance of the deadline.
• obtain a permit to register for the standardized preadmission nursing entrance examination from the Department of Nursing when the application is submitted. Applicants must test on one of the established testing dates. Entrance examination is at students’ expense.

The Admissions Committee reviews all applications to the PN Program. Acceptance to the program is based on:

• completion of placement test and required college preparatory classes with a grade of “C” or better.
• a minimum required course work GPA of 2.5.
• a minimum cumulative college grade point average (GPA) of 2.0.
• performance on standardized preadmission nursing entrance examination.

All students will be notified in writing of their admission status by the end of June. Students accepted into the program are required to attend an orientation prior to the first day of scheduled class. The orientation date will be announced in the acceptance letter.

Students accepted will also be encouraged to take NUR 102 during the summer.

All Practical Nursing students, prior to graduation, will be required to take a standardized exit test and pass with a score of 800 or better. The exit exam is taken during the terminal course, PNU 115. Students who do not achieve a score of 800 will receive an Incomplete (I) for this terminal class. The college policy for an incomplete “I” grade will be adhered to.