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Program Info
Minimum credits: 66
Length: 4 semesters (2 years) once accepted into the program. The Practical Nursing program is full-time.
Division: Arts, Sciences, & Business
Contact: 434.797.8512
Award: Associate of Applied Science
Plan Code: 195-01 CIP Code: 51.0999
This degree is for students who wish to develop professionally in the areas of health care education, community health, or more advanced nursing training and supervision. DCC’s program requires students to develop a firmer foundation in positive practices, anatomy and physiology, and applied mathematics than is required in typical practical nursing programs. Upon completion, graduates are eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nursing (NCLEX-PN).
Admission Requirements: DCC’s practical nursing program is academically rigorous, with more applicants than available seats. Admission is on a selective (not first-come, first-served) basis, focusing on the student’s past academic performance and results of the entrance exam.
Required for full admission:
- High School diploma or GED, or homeschool equivalency.
- Minimum GPA of 2.0
- Non-developmental placement in English (writing and reading)
- Successful completion of the Nursing Entrance exam with minimum overall score of 70%.
- Current C.P.R. certification at the American Heart Association BLS provider level.
- Priority consideration will be given to students who have completed a sequence of preparatory college-level courses with grades of B or better in 3 attempts or less.
- ENG 111 successfully completed with a grade of C or better.
- NUR 135 or MTH 133 successfully completed with a grade of C or better.
- BIO 141 and BIO 142 completed with a grade of C or better.
- If accepted into the program, the student will be responsible for obtaining and paying for a physical exam, malpractice insurance and a criminal background check.
Note: Certain criminal convictions may prevent licensure as a nurse in Virginia and may also prohibit employment in certain health care settings. Students convicted of any felony or any misdemeanor involving moral turpitude/barrier crimes do not qualify for the DCC Nursing programs. Clinical facilities will not allow students to complete clinical hours, meaning that students will not be able to meet the Virginia Board of Nursing requirements, nor meet the credit requirement for graduation. Any student who has committed illegal offenses other than minor traffic violations should discuss with the program head.
Readmission Requirements: Students seeking readmission to the program will follow the same procedures and submit a readmission application. Once a student is readmitted, there are additional requirements regarding repetition of previous coursework, which may be obtained from the Nursing Department following readmission.
Program Outcomes Graduates will be able to:
- Assist in assessing the client’s physical and mental health.
- Contribute to the development and implementation of the health care plan.
- Record and report the nursing care rendered and the client’s response to care.
- Communicate with patients, families, and other members of the health care team.
- Identify legal-ethical issues, and self-limitations in the provision of patient care.
- Engage in additional educational opportunities that will enhance growth.
Program Requirements: In order to advance to the next semester, students must earn a grade of “C” or better in all course work. Students must also demonstrate satisfactory attendance and performance in nursing clinical areas.
The Virginia Board of Nursing and the State Council for Higher Education have approved and/or accredited the development, implementation, and continuation of this program.
NURSING PROGRAM DOCUMENTS
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