Practical Nursing Certificate

PURPOSE: The purpose of the practical nursing curriculum is to prepare students to provide safe and effective nursing care and become a practical nurse capable of providing care for groups of clients with multiple health needs as defined by the role of the practical nurse. Upon completion of the curriculum, the graduate will be eligible to apply to take the NCLEX-PN examination leading to licensure as a practical nurse. Additionally, Brightpoint offers an associate degree registered nurse program and has articulation agreements with nine area universities that offer the baccalaureate in nursing.   

CREDENTIALS: A certificate program is defined as a curriculum of study less than two years in length that consists of a minimum of 30 credit hours. The Practical Nursing (PN) Program is a 40 credit program over three semesters.  The Practical Nursing Program is approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing, Perimeter Center, 9960 Mayland Dr, Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23223-1463, (804) 367-4515

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS AND SPECIAL CONDITIONS: The Practical Nursing curriculum is a 40-credit, three-semester Certificate Program that includes both general education and practical nursing courses. General education courses are taken as prerequisite courses prior to admission to the Practical Nursing program.  Once the student is in the program, all courses must be completed in the sequence as prescribed in the table below. All courses in one semester must be satisfactorily completed before advancing to the next semester. Nursing courses are sequential, built upon content from previous courses (including non-nursing prerequisite college courses).

1. Students must meet Brightpoint admission requirements.
2. Students must possess a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) certificate or a Certificate of Completion from a Virginia Board of Nursing approved Nurse Aide program
3. Students must be able to fulfill all essential functions as outlined in the program materials located on the web site. 
4. The program requires additional expenditures for the student’s health assessment, immunizations, urine drug screen, criminal background check, CPR certification, student liability, uniforms, supplies, and equipment, which are required for clinical assignments in PNE 162 and PNE 164.
5. Before enrolling in PNE 162 and PNE 164 all students must have current CPR certification through the American Heart Association: BLS Healthcare Provider. Internet courses are not acceptable unless there is a supervised demonstration component.
6. Before enrolling in PNE 162 and PNE 164 students must submit to a physical examination with immunization as indicated. Additional testing may be required. Evidence of hepatitis-B vaccination or declination statement must be provided. Results of screenings must be available and evaluated as satisfactory by the dates provided at the time of enrollment. Students who fail to meet this requirement will not be allowed to remain in PNE 162 and PNE 164. 
7. The criminal background and physical examination requirements are conducted by an independent company not associated with Brightpoint and is considered to be part of the expenses that students are responsible for prior to enrolling in PNE 162 and PNE 174.This process can take 30 days to complete. Students should contact the nursing department at 804-706-6500 and refer to the Practical Nursing Student Handbook for more information.
8. A prospective student with a felony/misdemeanor conviction needs to see the Practical Nurse Coordinator. Certain convictions will prevent an individual from being certified as a nurse aide in Virginia and other states. Refer to the Virginia Board of Nursing Guidance Document 90-55 for further information.
9. Clinical assignments in all tracks are contingent upon faculty availability and suitable clinical experiences. Clinical assignments may include day, evening and/or weekend rotations and possibly nights. Students are advised to plan accordingly. 
10. To become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) a student must satisfactorily complete all required course and pass the NCLEX-PN exam.

PROGRAM OUTCOMES: Students who complete the Practical Nurse Certificate Program will:

• Implement plans of care for clients through provision of safe and effective nursing care within the scope of the LPN role and education.
• Communicate therapeutically with clients/families and effectively with members of the healthcare team in all forms of communication.
• Provide culturally congruent care across the lifespan and across all healthcare environments.
• Deliver safe and effective nursing care that conforms to the highest legal and ethical standards as prescribed by the Virginia Board of Nursing.
• Identify and report suspected abuse with clients across the life span.
• Collaboratively apply critical thinking skills to the holistic care of clients.
• Demonstrate preparation and eligibility for evaluation through the NCLEX-PN licensure examination.