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Practical Nursing – Certificate (PN-C)

This program prepares students to provide direct nursing care, under supervision, to individuals in a variety of health care settings. The program consists of integrated lectures, labs, clinical experiences and simulations. Students who successfully complete the curriculum receive the certificate in practical nursing and are eligible to take the state licensing examination (NCLEX-PN) required for licensure as a practical nurse (LPN).

Students must apply for admission to the nursing program and must do so within the application deadlines. Admission to the nursing program is highly competitive and is not guaranteed. There are special admission requirements to the nursing program, and it is the student’s responsibility to understand the requirements and adhere to them. Students must meet all admission requirements. Admission into the program is based on a competitive point system, a pre-admission standardized exam (Kaplan Nursing Admission Assessment), and completion of prerequisite courses. The selection process is subject to change. Students must work with a student success navigator to plan the prerequisite course sequence and to complete the application process for the nursing program.

The three-semester practical nursing program begins in March of each year and concludes the following May. There is a short break from mid-July to late August between Semester I and Semester II. Practical nursing classes are on a different course calendar than other classes. All science classes must be taken within the last eight years. Practical nursing courses must be taken in sequence. Students are required to take a licensure preparation course at Jackson College as part of their curriculum in order to graduate.

Most clinical sites are subject to Act 303 of the Public Acts of 2002, amended April 1, 2006, of the State of Michigan, which restricts persons with certain criminal convictions from having access to vulnerable populations. Therefore, the agreements that Jackson College has with these organizations require that as a condition of admission, all students will be subject to a fingerprint-based criminal background check, including an FBI check. Exclusions for convictions can range from one year to permanent exclusion. Questions should be directed to the security department.

In addition, all students must pass a drug screen to enter any nursing program at Jackson College, as well as complete immunizations (as required for health care providers), meet technical standards, and complete a physical form. Following graduation, applicants for licensure as a nurse are also asked about criminal convictions and substance abuse, and this can impact the individual’s ability to become licensed.

Prerequisites are:

  • BIO 132 Human Biology OR
  • BIO 253 Human Anatomy and Physiology I AND BIO 254 Human Anatomy and Physiology II

Minimum Credits: 33
Minimum Cumulative GPA: 2.0
Minimum grade in all nursing courses: 2.0
Minimum grades in BIO 132 or BIO 253 and 254: 2.5
Minimum Jackson College credits: 29

*Check the points system in the PN selection process worksheet regarding values of points for designated grades. Admission is competitive and based on grades.

RELATED REQUIREMENTS

Choose one of the following:

Course # Course Name Credits Prerequisites Notes
BIO 132 Human Biology 4 ENG 085* and MAT 020* or higher

Students focus on the structure and function of the human body, the unity and diversity of life, the nature of scientific inquiry, and the principles and processes of evolution as well as contemporary issues that relate to biology. Course includes a laboratory component which focuses on human anatomy.
BIO 253 and 254 Human Anatomy and Physiology I & II 8

Human Anatomy and Physiology I
This is the first course of a two-semester course sequence in which students study the anatomy and physiology of the human body. The course includes introductions to basic chemistry, biology and histology and extends to the survey of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular and nervous systems. This course includes a laboratory component in which students are responsible for performing dissections and making original observations on dissected material. The laboratory experience culminates with the use of a plastinated human specimen for observation. A strong background in biology and/or chemistry is highly recommended.

Human Anatomy and Physiology II
This is the second course of a two-semester course sequence in which students study the anatomy and physiology of the human body. The course includes the autonomic nervous system, sensory, motor, and integrative systems, special senses, endocrine system, cardiovascular systems, lymphatic system and immunity, respiratory systems, digestive system, metabolism and nutrition, urinary system and reproductive systems. This course includes a laboratory component in which students are responsible for performing dissections and making original observations on dissected material. The laboratory experience culminates with the use of a plastinated human specimen for observation. Because physiological processes are based on the principles of chemistry, prior chemistry coursework is strongly recommended for this course.

CORE REQUIREMENTS

Take the following:

Course # Course Name Credits Prerequisites Notes
PNC 110 Foundations of Nursing 5 MAT 133 (Preferred) or Higher

Introduction to the nursing process and their role as caregiver. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is explored, along with nursing skills that meet basic physiologic and safety needs. Laboratory and clinical experience provide the student an opportunity to demonstrate initial application of the roles of caregivers and member of the discipline in a highly structured, supervised setting.
PNC 111 Foundations Skills Lab 1
PNC 112 Practical Nursing Pharmacology I 2
PNC 113 Practical Nurse Pharmacology II 1
PNC 120 Medical-Surgical Nursing I 5.5
PNC 130 Medical-Surgical Nursing II 5.5
PNC 140 Medical-Surgical Nursing III 3
PNC 150 Maternal/Newborn Concepts 2 LPN 180 and LPN 181and MAT 133 (Preferred) or Higher

Extend the use of the nursing process to the childbearing and childrearing clients. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is utilized as a framework to care for the client who has a well-defined health care problem in a structured setting.
PNC 160 Pediatric Concepts 2
PNC 170 Entry Into Practice 2

Sample Course Map

The following is a sample course map for informational purposes and will not suit every student’s situation. A detailed, individualized course map will be created when a student meets with their Student Success Navigator.

PREREQUISITES

Course # Course Name Credits Prerequisites Notes
BIO 132 Human Biology 4 ENG 085* and MAT 020* or higher

Students focus on the structure and function of the human body, the unity and diversity of life, the nature of scientific inquiry, and the principles and processes of evolution as well as contemporary issues that relate to biology. Course includes a laboratory component which focuses on human anatomy.

SEMESTER 1 – LEVEL 1

Course # Course Name Credits Prerequisites Notes
PNC 110 Foundations of Nursing 5 MAT 133 (Preferred) or Higher

Introduction to the nursing process and their role as caregiver. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is explored, along with nursing skills that meet basic physiologic and safety needs. Laboratory and clinical experience provide the student an opportunity to demonstrate initial application of the roles of caregivers and member of the discipline in a highly structured, supervised setting.
PNC 111 Foundations Skills Lab 1
PNC 112 Practical Nursing Pharmacology I 2

SEMESTER 2 – LEVEL 2

Course # Course Name Credits Prerequisites Notes
PNC 113 Practical Nurse Pharmacology II 1
PNC 120 Medical-Surgical Nursing I 5.5
PNC 130 Medical-Surgical Nursing II 5.5

SEMESTER 3 – LEVEL 3

Course # Course Name Credits Prerequisites Notes
PNC 140 Medical-Surgical Nursing III 3
PNC 150 Maternal/Newborn Concepts 2 LPN 180 and LPN 181and MAT 133 (Preferred) or Higher

Extend the use of the nursing process to the childbearing and childrearing clients. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is utilized as a framework to care for the client who has a well-defined health care problem in a structured setting.
PNC 160 Pediatric Concepts 2
PNC 170 Entry Into Practice 2