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 completion of the Associate Science in Nursing (ADN) leading to eligibility for RN licensure, and culminating with the Bachelor of Science Nursing (BSN). Qualified students may be accepted into VTSU PN-ADN-BSN Nursing program at any point (pre-PN, ADN, or BSN) and may progress through the bachelor’s degree or may choose to stop after receiving the PN or ADN credentials. If so, students may re-enter the program at a later time.
VTSU also offers an LPN and an RN re-entry programs. These programs are provided for LPNs and RNs whose licenses have lapsed and would like to have them reinstated. The LPN and RN re-entry programs update the nurse’s credentials, allowing them eligibility to return to a nursing position upon completion of the program. For further information about these programs, contact the Nursing department.
Graduates’ NCLEX pass rate for licensure are higher than the national average. Students in our nursing programs also have high completion rates.
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.
The PN and ADN programs are offered at four locations across the state with campuses in Bennington, Brattleboro, Randolph Center, and Williston and at distance education sites in Lyndonville, Middlebury, Newport, St. Albans, and White River Junction, which uses Telepresence technology. The BSN program is offered exclusively online. We’re a recognized leader in distance learning and health care simulation, which allows nursing students who practice in small rural communities across the state to experience lifelike medical situations. Our instructional curriculum is offered at distance education sites throughout the state, while the clinical experience takes place at local agencies. We also provide the latest in simulation technology at six high-fidelity simulation labs throughout the state.
The PN program extends over three terms, August through June. The student learns PN skills through independent study, lectures, demonstrations, and practice in a nursing skills lab and provides patient care under instructor supervision in a variety of healthcare settings.
Upon completion of the program, the graduate is awarded a Certificate of Practical Nursing and may apply to take the NCLEX-PN licensure exam. It’s the Vermont State Board’s Nursing responsibility to determine eligibility to sit for the licensure examination and to issue a license.
Students accepted into the Practical Nursing program must be 18 years of age by September 1 of the PN fall term.
The certificate program includes 495 hours of theory and 630 hours of clinical/lab.
Only 35 credits from the PN program count toward cumulative credits and are transferrable to ADN. Only non-clinical hours/courses count toward GPA.
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 in a variety of settings.
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Communication: Establishes collaborative relationships 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.
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Accountability/Self-Growth: Assumes responsibility for self-directed, goal-oriented growth.
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