Practical Nursing Technology

Licensed Practical Nurses are healthcare professionals responsible for providing direct patient-centered care in many healthcare settings. Licensed Practical Nurses utilize the nursing process to plan, provide, and evaluate individualized care to meet basic patient needs. The State Technical College of Missouri Practical Nursing Technology program prepares students to perform all skills that are within the scope of practice as outlined by the Missouri Nurse Practice Act for Licensed Practical Nurses including intravenous therapy skills. The Practical Nursing Technology program has full approval by the Missouri State Board of Nursing, 3605 Missouri Boulevard, Jefferson City, MO 65102; (573) 751-0293; www.pr.mo.gov.

The Practical Nursing Technology program is an eleven-month, three-semester program with 1,215 total instructional hours including a minimum of 540 clock hours of nursing clinical study in which students will participate at approved clinical sites that include local hospitals, long-term care facilities, physician clinics, area schools, and other healthcare agencies. To be successful, students need effective communication skills and a solid background in science and math.

Students enrolled in nursing courses with both clinical and lecture components must pass both course componnents at the same time. If one course component is failed, both course components must be repeated and passed at the same time.

Upon successful completion of the program and approval from the Missouri State Board of Nursing, students become eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical/Vocational Nurses (NCLEX-PN).

Enrollment in the Practical Nursing Technology program is limited, and students are selected for this program on a competitive basis. Contact the Office of Admissions or https://statetechmo.edu/pnt/ for the specific application requirements, forms, and deadline.

Students who are admitted to the Practical Nursing Technology program should be aware that they will be subject to drug screening. Criminal background checks will be required prior to clinical placement. Per Missouri law, persons who have been convicted of or pled guilty to certain felony offenses may be prohibited from holding any direct patient care positions. This could prevent placement in and completion of clinical education courses, which are required to complete the Practical Nursing Technology One-Year Certificate program.

A grade of “C” or better must be maintained in all courses in order to continue and graduate in the Practical Nursing Technology program.

To view program outcome data, visit https://statetechmo.edu/pntfacts/.

Students interested in continuing their education and applying for the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing program, must have a “B” or better in the sciences to be considered for admission.  Contact the Office of Admissions or visit the college website for additional details.

Program Mission

The mission of the Practical Nursing Technology program is to prepare students for the competitive demands of the workforce. Partnerships with the community through healthcare, governmental, and accrediting agencies assist the program in providing learning environments in which students build upon their skills and knowledge to strengthen their understanding of local, state, and national health issues.

Program Goals
The goals of the program are to provide the opportunity for students to develop:

• Skills to be a safe and effective practitioner within the practical nursing scope of practice. 
• Individual growth in personal, vocational, and community lives in order to more effectively develop as a practical nurse and provide quality care. 
• Competency in practical nursing skills with the focus of providing patient-centered care.
• Ability to assume a role as a member of both the nursing and healthcare team through teamwork and collaboration with nursing faculty, advisory committee members, and cooperating agencies. 
• Clinical reasoning skills along with the utilization of evidence-based practice standards within the practical nursing scope of practice. 
• Nursing and technological knowledge in preparation for eligibility to take the NCLEX-PN examination to become a Licensed Practical Nurse.

Certificate - One-Year (C1)

Classification of Instructional Programs - 51.3901

Core Curriculum

			Credit Hours
NUR	100	Personal and Vocational Concepts	2
NUR	110	Fundamentals of Nursing I	2
NUR	111	Fundamentals of Nursing I Laboratory	2
NUR	115	Nutrition	3
NUR	120	Fundamentals of Nursing II	3
NUR	121	Fundamentals of Nursing II Laboratory	2
NUR	130	Maternity Nursing	2
NUR	140	Medical Surgical Nursing I	4
NUR	141	Fundamental and Maternity Clinical	3
NUR	150	Pharmacology	4
NUR	160	Nursing Care of Children	2
NUR	170	Medical Surgical Nursing II	6
NUR	171	Medical Surgical, Care of Children, and Leadership Clinical	5
NUR	180	Leadership and Management	3
SUB-TOTAL			43

General Education Requirements

Refer to the General Education Requirements and General Education Courses in the College Catalog.

			Credit Hours
ASC	104	Human Anatomy and Physiology with Lab I	4
ASC	106	Human Anatomy and Physiology with Lab II	4
SUB-TOTAL			8

Program Requirements

			Credit Hours
PSY	161	Health Psychology	3
SUB-TOTAL			3

Graduation Requirements

			Credit Hours
COM	125	Job Search Strategies	1
It is a graduation requirement of the Practical Nursing Technology program for students to earn a grade of "C" or better in all courses.
SUB-TOTAL			1

PROGRAM TOTAL

55

Courses

NUR 100: Personal and Vocational Concepts

This course is designed to introduce students to the foundations of modern practical nursing. Students are introduced to the program's philosophy and conceptual framework along with its rules and regulations. Students learn about individual learning styles, as well as organizational and time management techniques. The educational and professional responsibilities of the practical nurse are explored. Nursing history is explored with a review of nursing theories. The nursing process is introduced. A plan for patient care is developed. Hands-on learning experiences as well as cooperative learning activities and investigative assignments are utilized to assist students to learn and utilize evidence-based learning and practice. The importance of cultural diversities in healthcare delivery and recognizing each person as a unique individual are introduced. Methods of developing communication skills that allow the development of effective interpersonal relationships are stressed. Students examine legal and ethical issues in healthcare and prepare to make decisions, as graduates, in compliance with the Missouri Nurse Practice Act in order to practice as responsible nurses within the community.

Credit Hours: 2

NUR 110: Fundamentals of Nursing I

This course provides students with the opportunity to develop competencies necessary to meet the basic healthcare needs of individuals throughout the lifespan in a safe, legal, and ethical manner using the nursing process. Students learn concepts and theories basic to the art and science of nursing. The role of the nurse as a member of the healthcare team is emphasized. Students are introduced to the concepts of client needs, safety, communication, critical thinking, medical asepsis and infection control, personal care and hygiene, moving and positioning patients, body mechanics, vital signs, cultural care, and nutritional care. Math for medication administration begins in this course. NUR 110 and NUR 111 must be taken and passed at the same time. If either course is failed, both courses must be repeated and passed at the same time.

Requisite:
Corequisite NUR 111 minimum grade C

Credit Hours: 2

NUR 111: Fundamentals of Nursing I Laboratory

This lab course introduces psychomotor nursing skills needed to assist individuals in meeting basic human needs. At the conclusion of this course, students should demonstrate competency in performing basic nursing skills within the practical nursing scope of practice. NUR 110 and NUR 111 must be taken and passed at the same time. If either course is failed, both courses must be repeated and passed at the same time.

Requisite:
Corequisite NUR 110 minimum grade C

Credit Hours: 2

NUR 115: Nutrition

This course focuses on the introduction to basic principles of nutrition in relation to the human body. Nutrient and food guides for health promotion are identified. The importance of nutrition for prevention of disease processes and maintenance of health across the lifespan is presented. Examination of diet therapy within disease processes are integrated throughout the course.

Requisites:
Prerequisite NUR 100 minimum grade C
Prerequisite NUR 110 minimum grade C
Prerequisite NUR 111 minimum grade C
Prerequisite ASC 104 minimum grade C
and
Prerequisite PSY 161 minimum grade C

Credit Hours: 3

NUR 120: Fundamentals of Nursing II

This fundamentals course provides students with continued opportunities to develop competencies necessary to meet the needs of adult clients in a safe, legal, culturally-competent and ethical manner using the nursing process. The role of the nurse as a member of the healthcare team is emphasized. Students are introduced to physical assessment and clinical skills to care for patients needing support with bowel, urinary, respiratory, and wound care. Medication administration and IV skills are practiced in the lab and clinical settings. NUR 120 and NUR 121 must be taken and passed at the same time. If either course is failed, both courses must be repeated and passed at the same time.

Requisites:
Prerequisite ASC 104 minimum grade C
Prerequisite NUR 100 minimum grade C
Prerequisite NUR 110 minimum grade C
Prerequisite NUR 111 minimum grade C
and
Prerequisite PSY 161 minimum grade C
Corequisite NUR 121 minimum grade C

Credit Hours: 3

NUR 121: Fundamentals of Nursing II Laboratory

This lab course reinforces psychomotor nursing skills needed to assist individuals in meeting basic human needs. At the conclusion of this course, students should demonstrate competency in performing basic nursing skills and procedures including beginning medication administration within the practical nursing scope of practice. NUR 120 and NUR 121 must be taken and passed at the same time. If either course is failed, both courses must be repeated and passed at the same time.

Requisites:
Prerequisite ASC 104 minimum grade C
Prerequisite NUR 100 minimum grade C
Prerequisite NUR 110 minimum grade C
Prerequisite NUR 111 minimum grade C
and
Prerequisite PSY 161 minimum grade C
Corequisite NUR 120 minimum grade C

Credit Hours: 2

NUR 130: Maternity Nursing

This course teaches the processes of reproduction and childbearing occurring in the antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum phases. Previous knowledge of safe basic nursing skills and principles are incorporated as the practical nursing students utilize the nursing process to facilitate maternal self-care and care of the newborn. Emphasis is placed on the importance of using basic communication skills to establish effective interpersonal relationships with the childbearing family. Students are presented with ethical and legal responsibilities to provide family-centered maternity care within the scope of practice of the practical nursing student. NUR 130 and NUR 141 must be taken and passed at the same time. If either course is failed, both courses must be repeated and passed at the same time.

Requisites:
Prerequisite ASC 104 minimum grade C
Prerequisite NUR 115 minimum grade C
Prerequisite NUR 120 minimum grade C
Prerequisite NUR 121 minimum grade C
and
Corequisite ASC 106 minimum grade C
Corequisite NUR 141 minimum grade C

Credit Hours: 2

NUR 140: Medical Surgical Nursing I

This course is the first of two medical surgical nursing courses. This course focuses on the common medical and surgical disorders encountered in the healthcare setting. The focus is on understanding health and illness, mental health nursing, and the musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems. The emphasis is on system diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment including common medications and nursing interventions in the adult and the geriatric client. Nursing theories, various roles of the healthcare team, dosage calculation, research, communication, patient teaching, community health resources, professional accountability, and evidence-based practice are emphasized throughout this course. NUR 140 and NUR 141 must be taken and passed at the same time. If either course is failed, both courses must be repeated and passed at the same time.

Requisites:
Prerequisite ASC 104 minimum grade C
Prerequisite NUR 115 minimum grade C
Prerequisite NUR 120 minimum grade C
and
Prerequisite NUR 121 minimum grade C
and
Corequisite ASC 106 minimum grade C
Corequisite NUR 141 minimum grade C

Credit Hours: 4

NUR 141: Fundamental and Maternity Clinical

This course is designed to continue developing the foundation of basic nursing skills and competencies needed to perform safely and effectively as a practical nursing student in the clinical setting. Basic communication skills necessary to develop effective interpersonal relationships are presented. Students will explore issues in nursing care using evidence-based practice and critical thinking skills, including ethical and legal responsibilities. Students will develop a plan of care for their clients through the concepts of the nursing process. Students will be assigned to various clinical experiences including acute care, school nursing opportunities, community health, clinics, and mental health facilities. NUR 141 must be taken and passed at the same time as both NUR 130 and NUR 140. If students fail either NUR 130 or NUR 141, both courses must be repeated and passed at the same time. If students fail either NUR 140 or NUR 141, both courses must be repeated and passed at the same time.

Requisites:
Prerequisite ASC 104 minimum grade C
and
Prerequisite NUR 115 minimum grade C
and
Prerequisite NUR 120 minimum grade C
and
Prerequisite NUR 121 minimum grade C
and
Corequisite ASC 106 minimum grade C
Corequisite NUR 130 minimum grade C
Corequisite NUR 140 minimum grade C

Credit Hours: 3

NUR 150: Pharmacology

This course teaches students to administer medications with concern for safety, accuracy, and attention to physiological factors. It includes drug classifications, common medications in each classification, source, actions, side effects, adverse reactions, contraindications, and dosage. This course will focus on various aspect of medication administration including oral, injections, and IV medications. IV Therapy skills will be reinforced from NUR 120 to ensure efficiency of the skills.

Requisites:
Prerequisite ASC 106 minimum grade C
and
Prerequisite NUR 130 minimum grade C
and
Prerequisite NUR 140 minimum grade C
and
Prerequisite NUR 141 minimum grade C
and
Prerequisite COM 125 minimum grade C

Credit Hours: 4

NUR 160: Nursing Care of Children

This course teaches nursing care encompassing physical, intellectual, and emotional growth of the newborn through adolescence. The course also teaches students to explore cultural differences of patients and families in the pediatric setting. The impact that advanced technology has contributed to promoting pediatric health and wellness is studied. Alterations in child health (diseases or disorders) are examined systemically. Nursing care of the pediatric client in the following areas are emphasized: health maintenance, disease prevention, family relations, clinic triage, and grief and loss. NUR 160 and NUR 171 must be taken and passed at the same time. If either course is failed, both courses must be repeated and passed at the same time.

Requisites:
Prerequisite ASC 106 minimum grade C
Prerequisite NUR 130 minimum grade C
Prerequisite NUR 140 minimum grade C
Prerequisite NUR 141 minimum grade C
and
Prerequisite COM 125 minimum grade C
Corequisite NUR 171 minimum grade C

Credit Hours: 2

NUR 170: Medical Surgical Nursing II

This course is the second medical surgical nursing course and focuses on the common medical and surgical disorders encountered in the structured setting. Students will study the neurologic, sensory, integumentary, urinary, respiratory, gastrointestinal, immune, hepatic, pancreatic, endocrine, and hematologic and lymphatic systems. Emphasis is on symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and nursing interventions with the adult and geriatric client. Nursing theories, various roles of the healthcare team, dosage calculation, research, communication, patient teaching, community health resources, professional accountability, and evidence-based practice are emphasized throughout this course. NUR 170 and NUR 171 must be taken and passed at the same time. If either course is failed, both courses must be repeated and passed at the same time.

Requisites:
Prerequisite ASC 106 minimum grade C
and
Prerequisite NUR 130 minimum grade C
and
Prerequisite NUR 140 minimum grade C
and
Prerequisite NUR 141 minimum grade C
and
Prerequisite COM 125 minimum grade C
Corequisite NUR 171 minimum grade C

Credit Hours: 6

NUR 171: Medical Surgical, Care of Children, and Leadership Clinical

This course is designed to continue developing the foundation of basic nursing skills and competencies needed to perform safely and effectively as a practical nursing student. Basic communication skills necessary to develop effective interpersonal relationships are presented. Students will explore issues in nursing care using evidence-based practice and critical thinking skills, including ethical and legal responsibilities. Students will develop a plan of care for their clients through the concepts of the nursing process. Students will be assigned to various clinical experiences including acute care, school nursing opportunities, community health, and clinics. NUR 171 must be taken and passed at the same time as NUR 160, NUR 170, and NUR 180. If students fail either NUR 160 or NUR 171, both courses must be repeated and passed at the same time. If students fail either NUR 170 or NUR 171, both courses must be repeated and passed at the same time. If students fail either NUR 180 or NUR 171, both courses must be repeated and passed at the same time.

Requisites:
Prerequisite ASC 106 minimum grade C
and
Prerequisite NUR 130 minimum grade C
and
Prerequisite NUR 140 minimum grade C
and
Prerequisite NUR 141 minimum grade C
and
Prerequisite COM 125 minimum grade C
Corequisite NUR 160 minimum grade C
Corequisite NUR 170 minimum grade C
Corequisite NUR 180 minimum grade C

Credit Hours: 5

NUR 180: Leadership and Management

This course allows students to examine legal and ethical issues in healthcare and prepares them to make decisions, as graduates, in compliance with the Missouri Nurse Practice Act in order to practice as responsible nurses within the community. Students will be given insight into the teamwork concept. Specific emphasis is placed on delegation of tasks, motivation techniques, conflict resolution, initiating change, and time management. As the course comes to completion, students will begin preparation for employment and taking the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). NUR 180 and NUR 171 must be taken and passed at the same time. If either course is failed, both courses must be repeated and passed at the same time.

Requisites:
Prerequisite ASC 106 minimum grade C
Prerequisite NUR 130 minimum grade C
Prerequisite NUR 140 minimum grade C
Prerequisite NUR 141 minimum grade C
Prerequisite NUR 160 minimum grade C
and
Prerequisite COM 125 minimum grade C
Corequisite NUR 171 minimum grade C

Credit Hours: 3