Career-Specific Program Overview
FAQ
The Practical Nursing program is an Arkansas State Board of Nursing approved program that prepares students to assist in providing general nursing care under the direction of a registered nurse, physician, or dentist. Students spend time in the classroom and in clinical experiences. Clinical labs are completed in nursing homes, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. Clinical practicum is planned to provide students with varied experiences; therefore, students may have a portion of their clinical experience in facilities in Morrilton, Conway, Russellville, Clinton, or other areas as needed.
Upon successful completion of the Practical Nursing program, students are eligible to take the National Council Licensing Exam (NCLEX-PN®) if approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN). After passing this exam, students may enter the job market as a licensed practical nurse. This license may also be used to enter a registered nursing program. All states require nurses to pass a licensing examination to become licensed as a practical nurse. Eligibility to take the NCLEX-PN® is dependent on meeting the standards in the ASBN Nurse Practice Act and Rules.
Career Opportunities:
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Nursing homes
- Home health care
- Public schools
- Mental health facilities
- Industry
- Government agencies
This license may also be used to enter a registered nursing program.
Certificate Requirements
Program Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the Technical Certificate in Practical Nursing will be able to:
- Demonstrate problem-solving/critical thinking approaches by means of utilizing the nursing process to individualize patient care.
- Use ethical principles in nursing practice, conduct, and relationships with patients, families, and staff.
- Identify with the values of the profession and incorporate them into nursing practice.
- Promote a positive public image of nursing as a professional role model.
- Apply concepts from the biological and behavioral sciences to the practice of nursing.
- Utilize communication skills to establish and maintain a therapeutic relationship with patients, families, and staff.
- Execute competencies required for beginning practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse.
Technical Skills
- Demonstrate problem solving-critical thinking approaches by means of utilizing the nursing process to individualize patient care.
- Use ethical principles in nursing practice, conduct, and relationships with patients, staff, and families.
- Identify with the values of the profession and incorporate them into nursing practice.
- Promote a positive public image of nursing as a professional role model.
- Apply concepts from the biological and behavioral sciences to the practice of nursing.
- Utilize communication skills to establish and maintain a therapeutic relationship with patients, families, and staff.
- Execute competencies required for beginning practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse.
Program Requirements
Students attempting to enter the Practical Nursing program must be admitted to UACCM, have completed or be currently enrolled in prerequisite courses and maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA and be in good academic standing. Submit a Practical Nursing Program Application and all documentation by April 1 for the Fall (August) class and October 1 for the Spring (January) classes. Achieving a score of 140 or higher on the Nursing Entrance Exam (NEX) will also be required prior to the application deadline. This exam may only be taken one time per application period, and must taken in the UACCM Testing Center
Students who are selected for admission into the Practical Nursing program must provide by the first day of class current proof of:
- 2-step Tuberculosis assessment and clearance
- Influenza vaccination
- Hepatitis B vaccination or titer
- Varicella vaccination or titer
- Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination
- Tetanus vaccination
- A satisfactory criminal and maltreatment background check
- Negative urine drug screening
- Current American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR certification
All students applying to the Practical Nursing program must read both Arkansas Nurse Practice Act, ACA §17-87-312 for criminal background checks and ACA §17-3-102 for licensing restrictions based on criminal records. Upon admittance to the program, students must submit a signed statement indicating that they understand and acknowledge receiving the information. All students should be aware that graduating from a nursing program in Arkansas does not assure the Arkansas State Board of Nursing’s approval to take the licensure examination. There is a possibility you could complete the nursing program, but be barred from licensure. Completion of the program does not guarantee you will be granted licensure to practice as a nurse.
Successful completion of the nursing program and receiving a license through the Arkansas State Board of Nursing does not guarantee license reciprocity in all 50 states.