Nursing Program (NUR)

NPC Nursing Programs Include:

These programs prepare students to make application to take the certified nursing assistant exam; the National Council Licensing Examination for practical (NCLEX-PN) and/ or registered nursing (NCLEX-RN). Successful completion of the certifying exam will allow for beginning employment in providing direct patient care. NPC boast a 94% to 96% pass rate for these exams in comparison to other Arizona colleges!

1. Associate of Applied Science (AAS) –
         Registered Nurse (RN)  •  72 credits
2. Certificate of Applied Science (CAS) –
         Practical Nursing (LPN)  •  51 credits
3. Nursing Assistant Training (CRT) –
         Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)  •  5 credits
4. LPN to RN Transition – For someone who is currently
         a LPN and wants to become a RN.
   
5. RN Refresher Program – For a RN whose license has
         lapsed • 8 credits

About The Programs

The nursing program is offered on the White Mountain (Show Low) and Little Colorado (Winslow) campuses. Many of the required courses for admission and general education courses are available at other NPC campuses and centers. The program consists of 72 credit hours leading to an Associate of Applied Science degree in Nursing. Of those 72 credit hours, 23 represent prerequisite courses which must be completed prior to completing four semesters of nursing course. After completion of the first year with the addition of the Practical Nurse Completion course, the student nurse can receive a Certificate of Applied Science in Practical Nursing and apply to write the NCLEX-PN. The student nurse may then exit the program or continue on to earn the Associate of Applied Science Degree, and be qualified to take the NCLEX-RN exam.

For the student who is already a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), who would like to return to school for the associate degree and become a Registered Nurse (RN), the prerequisite requirements are identical to the mulitple exit program. Students apply in the fall and complete the LPN to RN transition course in the spring semester. Prerequisites must be complete prior to enrolling the third semester NUR 221 nursing course. The student is eligible to take the National Council Licensing Examination for Registered Nursing (NCLEX-RN) when the core nursing courses are successfully completed.

• For more important details about the LPN to RN program please call Nursing Department secretary, Cathy Reed at (928) 532-6136.

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Licensing

Admission to or graduation from the program at any level does NOT guarantee licensure by the Arizona State Board of Nursing. Graduates must satisfy the licensing requirements of the State Board of Nursing independently of any college requirements per the Arizona Nurse Practice Act. Under Arizona Law an applicant could be denied certification as a nursing assistant or licensure as a registered or practical nurse if convicted of a felony or addicted to habit-forming drugs or if the applicant in any other way fails to meet qualifications required by law.

Continuing on to a Bachelor's Degree

In 1997, the NPC Nursing Program became part of the Healing Community composed of five rural community colleges and Northern Arizona University that work together on a collaborative basis. The Healing Community designed a common curriculum that provides students an opportunity for seamless articulation from an associate of applied science degree in nursing (A.A.S.) to a baccalaureate of nursing degree (B.S.N). When the graduate becomes a registered nurse, s/he can apply to Northern Arizona University to complete the upper division courses in nursing that apply to a B.S.N.

Additionally, Northland Pioneer College nursing students also may now take advantage of an exciting new partnership between the college and Arizona State University (ASU). Enrolled NPC nursing students can earn their AAS RN degree here and then transfer up to 75 of those credits toward a Bachelor of Science (BSN) degree at the ASU College of Nursing and Health Innovation. Check the link below for details:

• RN to BSN Transfer Agreement with ASU

Student Nurse Guidelines

Patient safety dictates that specific nursing program student guidelines apply to this program that are more stringent than the general college student policies. A copy of the nursing program student handbook is issued to all students admitted to the program. In case of state-mandated changes, curriculum and/or guidelines could change.

Clinical experiences take place in various health care agencies in and outside the college's district. Hours may vary from the class schedule depending on the clinical placement. Travel and overnight stays may be required.

• Nursing Admission Packet
• Nursing Program Application
• Nursing Program Student Handbook

Required Courses that must be completed BEFORE being admitted
to the Nursing program.

Before a student will be considered eligible to enter the nursing program, certain prerequisites MUST be met. Successful completion with a 'C' grade or better for each class and a cumulative GPA of 'B' (3.00) is required.

Six Required Prerequisite Courses:

1. BIO 181 General Biology • 4 cr.
2. BIO 201 Human Anatomy and Physiology I • 4 cr.
3. BIO 202 Human Anatomy and Physiology II • 4 cr.
4. CHM 130 Fundamental Chemistry • 4 cr.
5. BIO 205 Microbiology • 4cr.
6. ENL 101 College Composition I • 3 cr.

Admission to the Nursing program (LPN or RN)

Note: Admission to the College does NOT guarantee admission to the NPC Nursing Program. Students must be admitted to the Nursing Program in order to enroll in nursing courses. (Admission information is available in the academic advising and the Nursing Program areas.)

1. A completed nursing application should be submitted on or before the designated deadline that is noted in the application packet. Late applicants may be accepted on a space available basis if they meet the admission criteria but not before applicants who submit applications
   on time.
2. ALL prerequisite courses must be completed prior to the fall semester of admission to the program. 
3. Applicants must have taken a COMPASS or ASSET or ACT math test and provide their score.
4. Applicants to the Nursing Program must hold a current Arizona Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license in good standing.
5. Admission Selection: An Admission Committee composed of the Dean, two nursing faculty, a representative of Student Services such as an academic adviser, and faculty-at-large selects qualified applicants for admission to the program.
6. Admission criteria will include: HESI Admission Assessment test composite and cumulative scores, prerequisite GPA, overall GPA, letters of recommendation, applicant statement, and faculty or adviser recommendations. The factors will be weighted by the committee. Significant weight will be given to the HESI composite percentage and prerequisite GPA. Admission is contingent upon completion of program prerequisites by the end of the summer semester.
7. General Education and core requirements MUST be completed as listed on the curriculum outline in the program admission
   information packet.
8. College credits over eight years old may be acceptable. For a determination, provide appropriate documentation to the Dean of Nursing and Allied Health.
9. Transfer students for second, third or fourth semesters are considered on an individual basis. Criteria include course comparables, GPA, specified examination results, and recommendation from previous program director.

The NPC Nursing Program is accredited by:

National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 500
Atlanta, Georgia 30326

Phone: (404) 975 - 5000
Fax: (404) 975 - 5020

http://www.nlnac.org/home.htm

The trademarks NATIONAL LEAGUE FOR NURSING ACCREDITING COMMISSION and NLNAC are owned by the National League for Nursing, Inc., and are being used pursuant to license.