Practical Nursing, Technical Certificate

Suggested Program of Study

APPLICATION PROCEDURE AND DEADLINE: Classes are admitted in August and January. Class size is limited, and all applicants are not accepted for participation.

All applicants will have an equal opportunity regardless of race, age, disability, sex, creed, religion, or nationality. Applicants with special needs due to disability must make this fact known prior to admission, so that necessary accommodations can be made. Because of the nature of the profession it may not always be possible to accommodate students with severe disabilities.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS: General and specific requirements listed below:

1. Completion of all general admissions procedures of the College.
2. Completion of the Nursing and Allied Health Application for Admission form.
3. Placement test scores: Reading, ACCUPLACER 78, ACT 19; or completion of a developmental reading course with a grade of “C” or better; ACCUPLACER Writing 83 and Math 70, completion of required developmental courses based on placement scores, or completion of 15 semester hours of general education applicable to the program with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
4. College transcript documenting successful completion with a grade of “C” or above in prerequisite courses.
5. Current state certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).
6. Nursing entrance test scores on file.

The above information must be submitted to:

Southeast Arkansas College
Attention: Nursing & Allied Health Technologies Division
1900 Hazel Street
Pine Bluff, AR 71603

Any applicant who does not have a completed application packet in the Nursing & Allied Health Division Office by 4:30 p.m. on the final day of the application acceptance dates may not be considered for admission.

ACCEPTANCE PROCEDURE: Applicants who have completed the above admission requirements will be reviewed for acceptance to the program. ACT or ACCUPLACER scores are reviewed to determine acceptance into the program. Students who have successfully completed remedial courses in math, reading or English will also be considered. Should the qualified applicants exceed the available slots in the program, admission into a particular class will be based on the date of completed application. After acceptance into the Practical Nursing program, the student must submit evidence of the following in order to begin classes:

1. Current CPR Certification- American Heart Association Health Care Provider Certification must be valid for an entire period of enrollment.
2. Functional Ability Acknowledgement Form
3. P.P.D. Skin Test or Chest X-Ray
4. Criminal background check and drug screen results on file.
5. Hepatitis B Series or Signature on SEARK College Vaccination Waiver Claim Form.

All students accepted into the Practical Nursing Program will be required to have state and FBI criminal background checks and will be required to pay all associated fees. Conviction of certain crimes may make the applicant ineligible to test for licensure despite successful completion of the Practical Nursing Program. Random drug screening may be utilized at any time during the course of the program at the student’s expense.

The Practical Nursing program is an interdisciplinary practical nursing program is designed to provide a beginning point for individuals seeking upward mobility in the nursing profession. Practical Nursing students are prepared for giving direct and primary nursing care under the immediate supervision of the clinical instructor, staff R.N., Advance Practice Nurses (APN), and/or physicians in the cooperating clinical facilities.

Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) are eligible for acceptance into the Practical Nursing program. The CNA who possesses current State of Arkansas Certification receives direct articulated credit in lieu of repeating the course.

The program prepares Practical Nurses for employment in a wide range of health care settings including: hospitals, nursing homes, APN offices/clinics, physician’s offices, and private duty care. The Arkansas State Board of Nursing approves the Practical Nursing program with regular evaluations to ensure a quality program of education in the nursing field.

Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to apply and take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) for licensure as a practical nurse.