Program Description
Vermont State University’s Practical Nursing (PN) program offers a career ladder progression approach for students to enter and advance in a nursing career. The career ladder approach is provided in a 1+1+2 model, which allows for the completion of the PN certificate, followed by the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN), leading to eligibility for RN licensure, and culminating with the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Qualified students may be accepted into the VTSU PN-ASN-BSN Nursing program at any point (pre-PN, ASN, or BSN) and may progress through the bachelor’s degree or may choose to stop after receiving the PN or ASN credentials. If so, students may re-enter the program at a later time.
The PN program extends over three terms, August through June. Nursing education is provided through classroom instruction and clinical education, which includes experiences in clinical agencies, on-campus labs, and simulation. The certificate program includes 495 hours of theory and 630 hours of clinical/lab work. Only 35 credits from the PN program count toward cumulative credits and are transferrable to ASN. Only non-clinical hours/courses count toward GPA. Students accepted into the Practical Nursing program must be 18 years of age by September 1 of the PN fall term.
PN and ASN programs are offered at numerous locations throughout Vermont and bordering states. Didactic content is delivered in person and with telepresence technology. The RN-BSN program is offered exclusively online. We are a recognized leader in distance learning and healthcare simulation, allowing nursing students in small rural communities across the state to experience lifelike medical situations. Our curriculum is offered at distance education sites throughout the state, while clinical experience takes place at local agencies. We also conduct high-fidelity simulations in labs across the state.
Upon successful completion of the program, the graduate is awarded a certificate of Practical Nursing and is eligible to apply to a State Board of Nursing for eligibility to sit for the NCLEX-PN. The student may not practice until they are issued a license from the State Board. Graduates’ NCLEX pass rates for licensure are higher than the national average.
After licensure, PN graduates typically find employment in long-term care, outpatient clinics, physicians’ offices, and other healthcare agencies and work under the supervision of a registered nurse, physician, or dentist. With experience, they can assume increasing responsibilities in the nursing field.
Program Outcomes
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Nursing Process: With guidance, employs the nursing process for selected clients to maintain, achieve, or regain their optimal level of self-care.
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Scientific Principles: Integrates knowledge of scientific, behavioral, and cultural principles in the care of selected clients incorporating global appreciation, diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice in a variety of settings.
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Communication: Establishes collaborative relationships promoting quality care and embracing diversity and inclusion while engaging therapeutic communication techniques with members of the nursing and health team.
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Ethical/Legal: Supports the use of legal and ethical standards at the practical nurse level.
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Nursing Role: Assumes the role of member of the interdisciplinary team as a graduate practical nurse.
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Provider of Care: Provides care which maximizes the self-care potential of individuals across the lifespan in a variety of health care settings.
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Teaching/Learning: Contributes to the development of a teaching plan for the client with an alteration in basic self-care needs understanding the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice.
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Accountability/Self-Growth: Assumes responsibility for self-directed, goal-oriented growth.
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