Practical Nursing (PN12)  Diploma


Program Description:

The Practical Nursing program is designed to prepare students to sit for the NCLEX-PN for licensure as practical nurses. The program prepares graduates to give competent nursing care. This is done through a selected number of academic and occupational courses providing a variety of techniques and materials necessary to assist the student in acquiring the needed knowledge and skills to give competent care. A variety of clinical experiences is planned so that theory and practice are integrated under the guidance of the clinical instructor. Program graduates receive a Practical Nursing diploma and have the qualifications of an entry-level practical nurse.

Practical Nursing Handbook Practical Nursing Admissions Application (Fall 2022)

Entrance date: Fall semester & Spring semester only

Program admission requirements:

Program Acceptance Capacity: 60 Students (effective Fall 2019)

Minimum Test Scores

ACCUPLACER – Sentence Skills 60 COMPASS – Writing 32
Reading Comp. 64 Reading 79
Arithmetic 40 Math 50

High School diploma or equivalent required for admission.

Applicant must be at least 18 years of age.

Submission of an acceptable Nursing Aptitude Test score of “35” or better is required. The NAT can be repeated once within a calendar year, and potential students must wait sixty (60) days after the initial test date before retesting. If the potential candidate seeking admission into the program is unsuccessful in passing the NAT after two (2) attempts, the candidate may retake the test the next calendar year. Acceptable NAT scores are valid for 3 years. Applicants who have attempted the TEAS exam within 1 calendar year (12 months) of the application process, may use that score if 55 or higher. Applicant must provide documentation of a physical. Documentation of negative tuberculosis skin test or chest X-ray, birth certificate, and immunization record are required after acceptance into the program.

Students must attend orientation. PN students must have at least a 2.7 GPA (for applicable core) and an overall GPA of at least 2.0 to progress to Fundamentals and Dosage. Classes may only be repeated once. All science courses must be less than 5 years.

Credits required for graduation: 57

*Requirements to advance:

A GPA of 2.7 is required to advance from the first semester to the second semester.

The GPA will be calculated using the following courses: ENGL 1010, MATH 1012, PSYC 1010, COMP 1000, and ALHS 1011.

Students will be allowed only two (2) failing grades during their enrollment in the program. Upon failing the first class (nursing courses, or nursing practicum courses) the student will attend an appeal hearing with the Chair, and selected nursing faculty. The student will be placed on a probationary status with a prescribed action plan. The student must adhere to the prescribed action plan completely.

If a student fails a second course, that student will be dropped from the program and unable to reenter for three (3) years.

Beginning Spring 2022 (January 2022), ALL FIRST TIME college students will be required to take the College Success (COLL 1020) course.

The Practical Nursing Program is approved by the:

  • Georgia Board of Nursing (GBON)
    237 Coliseum Drive
    Macon, Georgia 31217-3858
    Phone: 844-753-7825
  • Effective June 22, 2020, “the Practical nursing program at Albany Technical College Main Campus located in Albany, GA is a candidate for initial accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.” This candidacy status expires on June 22, 2022.
  • Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
    3390 Peachtree Road NE Suite 1400
    Atlanta, GA 30326
    Phone: (404) 975-5000

The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Practical Nursing program is Candidacy.
View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at http://www.acenursing.us/accreditedprograms/programSearch.htm

Practical Nursing Public Disclosure

Basic Skills Courses 9 credits
MATH 1012

Emphasizes the application of basic mathematical skills used in the solution of occupational and technical problems. Topics include fractions, decimals, percents, ratios and proportions, measurement and conversion, formula manipulation, technical applications, and basic statistics.

3
PSYC 1010

Presents basic concepts within the field of psychology and their application to everyday human behavior, thinking, and emotion. Emphasis is placed on students understanding basic psychological principles and their application within the context of family, work and social interactions. Topics include an overview of psychology as a science, the nervous and sensory systems, learning and memory, motivation and emotion, intelligence, lifespan development, personality, psychological disorders and their treatment, stress and health, and social relations.

3
ENGL 1010

Emphasizes the development and improvement of written and oral communication abilities. Topics include analysis of writing, applied grammar and writing skills, editing and proofreading skills, research skills, and oral communication skills.

3
Occupational Courses 48 credits
PNSG 2415
Prerequisites: ALHS 1011, ALHS 1060, PNSG 2010, PNSG 2030, PNSG 2035, PNSG 2210, PNSG 2310, PNSG 2220, PNSG 2230, PNSG 2330, PNSG 2240, PNSG 2340 Corequisites: PNSG 2250, PNSG 2255, PNSG 2410

Builds on the concepts presented in prior nursing courses and develops the clinical skills necessary for successful performance in the job market, focusing on practical applications. Topics include: application of the nursing process, critical thinking, supervisory skills, client education methods, and group dynamics.

2
PNSG 2410
Prerequisites: ALHS 1011, ALHS 1060, PNSG 2010, PNSG 2030, PNSG 2210, PNSG 2310, PNSG 2220, PNSG 2230, PNSG 2330, PNSG 2240, PNSG 2340 Corequisites: PNSG 2250, PNSG 2255, PNSG 2415

Builds on the concepts presented in prior nursing courses and develops the skills necessary for successful performance in the job market. Topics include: application of the nursing process, supervisory skills, client education methods, group dynamics and conflict resolution.

1
PNSG 2255
Prerequisites: ALHS 1011, ALHS 1060, PNSG 2010, PNSG 2030, PNSG 2035, PNSG 2310, PNSG 2220, PNSG 2230, PNSG 2330, PNSG 2240, PNSG 2340 Corequisites: PNSG 2250, PNSG 2415

Focuses on clinical health management and maintenance and the prevention of illness, care of the individual as a whole, and deviations from the normal state of health. The definition of client care includes using the nursing process, performing assessments, using critical thinking, providing client education, displaying cultural competence across the life span and with attention to special populations. Topics include: health management and maintenance and prevention of illness, care of the individual as a whole, pathological and nonpathological concerns in obstetric clients and the newborn; client care, treatments, pharmacology, and diet therapy related to obstetric clients and the newborn; and standard precautions.

1
PNSG 2250
Prerequisites: ALHS 1011, ALHS 1060, PNSG 2010, PNSG 2030, PNSG 2035, PNSG 2210, PNSG 2310, PNSG 2220, PNSG 2230, PNSG 2330, PNSG 2240, PNSG 2340 Corequisites: PNSG 2255, PNSG 2415

Focuses on health management and maintenance and the prevention of illness, care of the individual as a whole, and deviations from the normal state of health. The definition of client care includes using the nursing process, performing assessments, using critical thinking, providing client education, displaying cultural competence across the life span and with attention to special populations. Topics include: health management and maintenance and prevention of illness, care of the individual as a whole, pathological and nonpathological concerns in obstetric clients and the newborn; client care, treatments, pharmacology, and diet therapy related to obstetric clients and the newborn; and standard precautions.

3
PNSG 2340
Prerequisites: ALHS 1011, ALHS 1060, PNSG 2010, PNSG 2030, PNSG 2035 Corequisites: PNSG 2230, PNSG 2330, PNSG 2240

This fourth clinical course, in a series of four medical-surgical clinical courses, focuses on clinical client care including using the nursing process, performing assessments, applying critical thinking, engaging in client education and displaying cultural competence across the life span and with attention to special populations. At the completion of the four part sequence of these medical-surgical clinical courses students will have completed a minimum of 375 hours of clinical experience including 300 hours of comprehensive medical-surgical, 37.5 pediatric and 37.5 mental health experiences. Topics include: health management and maintenance; prevention of illness; care of the individual as a whole; hygiene and personal care; mobility and biomechanics; fluid and electrolytes; oxygen care; perioperative care; immunology; mental health; and oncology. In addition pathological diseases, disorders and deviations from the normal state of health, client care, treatment, pharmacology, nutrition and standard precautions with regard to cardiovascular, hematological, immunological, respiratory, neurological, sensory, musculoskeletal, endocrine, gastrointestinal, urinary, integumentary and reproductive systems.

2
PNSG 2240
Prerequisites: ALHS 1011, ALHS 1060, PNSG 2010, PNSG 2030, PNSG 2035 Corequisites: PNSG 2230, PNSG 2330, PNSG 2340

This fourth course in a series of four courses focuses on client care including using the nursing process, performing assessments, using critical thinking, engaging in client education and displaying cultural competence across the life span and with attention to special populations. Topics include: health management and maintenance; prevention of illness; care of the individual as a whole, oncology; as well as pathological diseases, disorders and deviations from the normal state of health, client care, treatment, pharmacology, nutrition and standard precautions with regard to the integumentary and reproductive systems.

4
PNSG 2330
Prerequisites: ALHS 1011, ALHS 1060, PNSG 2010, PNSG 2030, PNSG 2035 Corequisites: PNSG 2230, PNSG 2240, PNSG 2340

This third clinical course, in a series of four medical-surgical clinical courses, focuses on clinical client care including using the nursing process, performing assessments, applying critical thinking, engaging in client education and displaying cultural competence across the life span and with attention to special populations. At the completion of the four part sequence of these medical-surgical clinical courses students will have completed a minimum of 375 hours of clinical experience including 300 hours of comprehensive medical-surgical, 37.5 pediatric and 37.5 mental health experiences. Topics include: health management and maintenance; prevention of illness; care of the individual as a whole; hygiene and personal care; mobility and biomechanics; fluid and electrolytes; oxygen care; perioperative care; immunology; mental health; and oncology. In addition pathological diseases, disorders and deviations from the normal state of health, client care, treatment, pharmacology, nutrition and standard precautions with regard to cardiovascular, hematological, immunological, respiratory, neurological, sensory, musculoskeletal, endocrine, gastrointestinal, urinary, integumentary and reproductive systems.

2
PNSG 2230
Prerequisites: ALHS 1011, ALHS 1060, PNSG 2010, PNSG 2030, PNSG 2035 Corequisites: PNSG 2330, PNSG 2340

This third course in a series of four focuses on client care including using the nursing process, performing assessments, using critical thinking, engaging in client education and displaying cultural competence across the life span and with attention to special populations. Topics include: health management and maintenance; prevention of illness; care of the individual as a whole; mental health; as well as pathological diseases, disorders and deviations from the normal state of health, client care, treatment, pharmacology, nutrition and standard precautions with regard to the neurological, sensory, and musculoskeletal systems.

4
PNSG 2320
Prerequisites: ALHS 1011, ALHS 1060, PNSG 2010, PNSG 2030, PNSG 2035 Corequisites: PNSG 2210, PNSG 2310, PNSG 2220

This second clinical course, in a series of four medical-surgical clinical courses, focuses on clinical client care including using the nursing process, performing assessments, applying critical thinking, engaging in client education and displaying cultural competence across the life span and with attention to special populations. At the completion of the four part sequence of these medical-surgical clinical courses students will have completed a minimum of 375 hours of clinical experience including 300 hours of comprehensive medical-surgical, 37.5 pediatric and 37.5 mental health experiences. Topics include: health management and maintenance; prevention of illness; care of the individual as a whole; hygiene and personal care; mobility and biomechanics; fluid and electrolytes; oxygen care; perioperative care; immunology; mental health; and oncology. In addition pathological diseases, disorders and deviations from the normal state of health, client care, treatment, pharmacology, nutrition and standard precautions with regard to cardiovascular, hematological, immunological, respiratory, neurological, sensory, musculoskeletal, endocrine, gastrointestinal, urinary, integumentary and reproductive systems.

2
PNSG 2220
Prerequisites: ALHS 1011, ALHS 1060, PNSG 2010, PNSG 2030, PNSG 2035 Corequisites: PNSG 2210, PNSG 2310, PNSG 2220

This second course in a series of four focuses on client care including using the nursing process, performing assessments, using critical thinking, engaging in client education and displaying cultural competence across the life span and with attention to special populations. Topics include: health management and maintenance; prevention of illness; care of the individual as a whole; as well as pathological diseases, disorders and deviations from the normal state of health, client care, treatment, pharmacology, nutrition and standard precautions with regard to the endocrine, gastrointestinal, and urinary system.

4
PNSG 2310
Prerequisites: ALHS 1011, ALHS 1060, PNSG 2010, PNSG 2030, PNSG 2035 Corequisites: PNSG 2210, PNSG 2220, PNSG 2320

This first clinical course, in a series of four medical-surgical clinical courses, focuses on clinical client care including using the nursing process, performing assessments, applying critical thinking, engaging in client education and displaying cultural competence across the life span and with attention to special populations. At the completion of the four part sequence of these medical-surgical clinical courses students will have completed a minimum of 375 hours of clinical experience including 300 hours of comprehensive medical-surgical, 37.5 pediatric and 37.5 mental health experiences. Topics include: health management and maintenance; prevention of illness; care of the individual as a whole; hygiene and personal care; mobility and biomechanics; fluid and electrolytes; oxygen care; perioperative care; immunology; mental health; and oncology. In addition pathological diseases, disorders and deviations from the normal state of health, client care, treatment, pharmacology, nutrition and standard precautions with regard to cardiovascular, hematological, immunological, respiratory, neurological, sensory, musculoskeletal, endocrine, gastrointestinal, urinary, integumentary and reproductive systems.

2
PNSG 2210
Prerequisites: ALHS 1011, ALHS 1060, PNSG 2030, PNSG 2035 Corequisites: PNSG 2310, PNSG 2220, PNSG 2320

Focuses on client care including using the nursing process, performing assessments, using critical thinking, engaging in client education and displaying cultural competence across the life span and with attention to special populations. Topics include: health management and maintenance; prevention of illness; care of the individual as a whole; immunology; as well as pathological diseases, disorders and deviations from the normal state of health, client care, treatment, pharmacology, nutrition and standard precautions with regard to the cardiovascular, respiratory, and hematological and immunological systems.

4
PNSG 2035
Prerequisite: ALHS 1011 Corequisites: PNSG 2030, PNSG 2010

An introduction to nursing practice in the clinical setting. Topics include but are not limited to: history taking; physical assessment; nursing process; critical thinking; activities of daily living; documentation; client education; standard precautions; hygiene and personal care; mobility and biomechanics; fluid and electrolytes; oxygen care; and perioperative care.

2
PNSG 2030
Prerequisite: ALHS 1011 Corequisites: ALHS 1060, PNSG 2010, PNSG 2035

An introduction to the nursing process. Topic include: nursing as a profession; ethics and law; client care which is defined as using the nursing process, using critical thinking, and providing client education and includes principles and skills of nursing practice, documentation, and an introduction to physical assessment; customer/client relationships; standard precautions; basic life support; infection control/blood-borne/airborne pathogens; and basic emergency care/first aid and triage.

6
PNSG 2010
Prerequisite: ALHS 1011 Corequisites: ALHS 1060, PNSG 2030, PNSG 2035

Applies fundamental mathematical concepts and includes basic drug administration. Emphasizes critical thinking skills. Topics include: systems of measurement, calculating drug problems, resource materials usage, fundamental pharmacology, administering medications in a simulated clinical environment, principles of IV therapy techniques, and client education.

2
ALHS 1090

Introduces the elements of medical terminology. Emphasis is placed on building familiarity with medical words through knowledge of roots, prefixes, and suffixes. Topics include: origins (roots, prefixes, and suffixes), word building, abbreviations and symbols, and terminology related to the human anatomy.

2
ALHS 1011

Focuses on basic normal structure and function of the human body. Topics include general plan and function of the human body, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, nervous and sensory systems, endocrine system, cardiovascular system, lymphatic system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system, and reproductive system.

5
Faculty
Click to view profile for Teresa Darity
Program Chair

Chair/Instructor Practical Nursing
Health Technology Building, Room 112

Click to view profile for Kaycee Everson
Advisor

Practical Nursing Instructor

Click to view profile for Annette Holloway
Advisor

Practical Nursing, Instructor
Healthcare Technology Building

Up one level
Programs of Study