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PROGRAM INFORMATION:
Application Deadline:
March 9
Program Location:
Wadley Campus
Approval:
Alabama Board of Nursing
Degree Earned:
Certificate
Length of Program
- 1 Year (49 Semester Hours)
- 3 Semesters of coursework
Credentials Earned
Licensed Practical Nurse following successfully passage of the National Council
Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN)
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Admission Requirements
Students must apply for admission to the College and to the practical nursing program by the published deadline date. Before applying, students must meet ALL application requirements listed below. Students who do not meet the minimal application requirements will not be considered for acceptance to the program. Meeting minimal application requirements does not guarantee acceptance to the program. (Please note that application requirements and procedures may change without prior notice. Please check with Health Sciences Division and/or website for updates prior to applying. )
In addition to the general admission requirements of the College, application to the Practical Nursing program requires:
- unconditional admission to the College.
- 2.5 grade point average (gpa) calculated on last 24 semester credit hours of completed coursework and clear academic status.
- official transcripts must be received by Records Office (Wadley Campus) from ALL previous post-secondary institutions (or high school transcripts for students with no previous college enrollment).
- student meet eligibility requirements for English 101, Math 100 or 116, and satisfaction of the College reading requirement.
- official score on ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) version V. See TEAS information for details.
- application for Practical Nursing Program before deadline.
READ DIRECTIONS CAREFULLY AS INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.
Admission to the Practical Nursing Program is competitive, and the number of students admitted is limited by the number of clinical facilities available.
After meeting minimal requirements, applicants are rank-ordered for acceptance using a points system based on score on TEAS v.5 and quality points from selected college courses (or high school courses for students who have not attempted college coursework.) Students who have completed 12 credit hours of required academics for nursing at SUSCC are awarded 10 points towards admission.
Meeting minimal requirements does not guarantee acceptance. |
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| Semester I |
| Course Number |
Course Name |
Credit Hours
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| NUR 101 |
Body Structure & Function/Med Term
OR
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4
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| BIO 201* |
Human Anatomy & Phys. I
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| NUR 102 |
Fundamentals of Nursing |
6
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| NUR 103 |
Health Assessment |
1
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| NUR 104 |
Introduction to Pharmacology
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1
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| MTH 116 |
Mathematical Applications
OR
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3
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| MTH 100 |
Intermediate College Algebra
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Semester Total
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15
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| Semester II |
| Course Number |
Course Name |
Credit Hours
|
| NUR 105 |
Advanced Nursing |
8
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| NUR 106 |
Maternal & Child Nursing |
5
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| ENG 101 |
English Composition I |
3
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| BIO 202* |
Human Anatomy & Phys. II (if elected BIO 201) |
(4)
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Semester Total
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16 (20)
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| Semester III |
| Course Number |
Course Name |
Credit Hours
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| NUR 107 |
Adult Child Nursing |
8
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| NUR 108 |
Psychosocial Nursing |
3
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| NUR 109 |
Role Transition |
3
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Semester Total
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14
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*BIO 103, Principles of Biology, is a prerequisite to BIO 201. BIO 201 is a prerequisite to BIO 202. Students may elect to take NUR 101 to meet anatomy & physiology requirement for the practical nursing program. Students who elect to take BIO 201 are also required to complete BIO 202 to meet anatomy & physiology requirements for the program.
Upon program completion, the Occupational Certificate is awarded. Eligible to apply to take
NCLEX-PN.
Must apply to be admitted to the Mobility Option Program.
Admission to the Mobility Option is not guaranteed. |
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Background check
Southern Union is contractually obligated to comply with requirements set forth
by agencies used for clinical rotations. All health sciences students are
required to have a background check and drug screening completed to meet the
requirements of clinical agencies in accord with the Joint Commission
Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) standards. The background check
will be conducted by one vendor approved by the clinical agencies. Currently the
vendor is Student Backgrounds and the website is www.studentbackgrounds.com
Students must complete the background check prior to enrolling in the first
semester of a program. Students contract directly with the approved vendor and
results are confidential. The clinical agency (ies) will make the decision to
approve or deny the student for clinical privileges. Refusal of an agency to
accept a student will prevent a student from completing the health science
program. The student will be responsible for clearing any denials reported from
the clinical agency. Students who are unable to resolve denials will be
withdrawn from the Health Sciences Program.
Refusal to sign the "Consent for Release of Information" form or refusal of
access to a clinical agency will result in withdrawal or dismissal from the program.
Drug Screening
Drug screening will be conducted during the
first semester of nursing courses and at random throughout the program. Students who
do not pass the drug screening will be withdrawn from the program.
Drug screening will be conducted by one specified vendor. Please refer to student handbook
for complete policy.
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Students enrolling in a health science program must provide Southern Union State
Community College with the required health care data after admission to the
program. Clinical agencies mandate that students provide information regarding
their current health status (annual physical and essential functions) that may
affect the safety of the student or the client in the clinical settings.
Clinical agencies also require documentation of specific immunizations and proof
that a criminal background check and drug screening has been conducted. Various
immunizations are required and are subject to change depending on the health
care agency requirements. The student’s health requirements must be on file in
the Health Sciences building before the student can register for health science
courses.
Clinical requirements must be kept current throughout the students’ tenure in
the program. The documentation will be reviewed initially upon entrance to the
program and prior to each semester until program completion. Students may not
register for classes if the required clinical documents are not up to date.
Clinical documents such as Tb skin tests must not expire during the semester.
Immunizations
The Health Sciences Division must verify that all students have
up-to-date immunizations. Students who do not have documentation of immunization
must have blood drawn for titer to see if they are immune. The Health Sciences
Student Requirements form provides details about how to meet clinical
requirements. The Student health forms guidelines and physical forms are
available for download below.
Health Insurance
Students in the Health Sciences must demonstrate proof of health insurance.
Students without proof of health insurance will not be allowed to register for
health science courses or attend clinical.
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NUR 101. BODY STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION
PREREQUISITE: Admission to program or permission of instructor.
This course provides students with basic knowledge of the normal structure and
function of the human body. Major content focuses on the interrelations among
the organ systems and the relationship of each organ system to homeostasis.
Medical terminology is integrated throughout course content. Upon completion of
this course, students will be able to demonstrate basic knowledge of
bodysystems, their interrelationships and associated medical terminology.
NUR 102. FUNDAMENTALS OF NURSING. 6 hrs.
PREREQUISITE: Admission to program.
COREQUISITE: NUR 103, NUR104, NUR 101 OR BIO 201, AND MTH 100 (OR MTH 116 FOR PN PROGRAM).
This course provides opportunities to develop competencies necessary to meet the 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, teaching/learning, critical thinking, ethical-legal, cultural
diversity, nursing history, and program’s philosophy of nursing. Additionally,
this course introduces psychomotor nursing skills needed to assist individuals
in meeting basic human needs. Skills necessary for maintaining microbial,
physical, and psychological safety are introduced along with skills needed in
therapeutic interventions. At the conclusion of this course, students
demonstrate competency in performing basic nursing skills for individuals with
common health alterations.
NUR 103. HEALTH ASSESSMENT. 1 hr.
PREREQUISITE: Admission to program.
COREQUISITE: NUR 102, NUR104, NUR 101 OR BIO 201, AND MTH 100 (OR MTH 116 FOR PN PROGRAM).
This course is designed to
provide the opportunity to learn and practice history taking and physical
examination skills with individuals of all ages, with emphasis on the adult. The
focus is on symptom analysis along with physical, psychosocial, and growth and
development assessments. Students will be able to utilize critical thinking
skills in identifying health alterations, formulating nursing diagnoses and
documenting findings appropriate to nursing.
NUR 104. INTRODUCTION TO PHARMACOLOGY. 1 hr.
PREREQUISITE: Admission to program.
COREQUISITE: NUR 102, NUR103, NUR 101 OR BIO 201, AND MTH 100 (OR MTH 116 FOR PN PROGRAM).
This course provides opportunities to develop competencies necessary to meet the needs of
individuals throughout the lifespan in a safe, legal, and ethical manner using
the nursing process. This course introduces students to basic principles of
pharmacology and the knowledge necessary to safely administer medication.
Course content includes legal implications, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics,
calculations of drug dosages, medication administration, and an overview of drug
classifications. Students will be able to calculate and administer medications.
NUR 105. ADULT NURSING. 8 hrs.
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of NUR 102, NUR 103, NUR 104, MTH 100 (or MTH 116 FOR PN PROGRAM) and
BIO 201 (or NUR 101 for PN program).
COREQUISITE: NUR 106, ENG 101, AND BIO 202 (UNLESS PREVIOUSLY COMPLETED NUR 101).
This course provides opportunities to develop competencies necessary to meet the needs of
individuals throughout the lifespan in a safe, legal, and ethical manner using
the nursing process. Emphasis is placed on providing care to individuals
undergoing surgery, fluid and electrolyte imbalance, and common alterations in
respiratory, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, endocrine, and
integument systems. Nutrition, pharmacology, communication, cultural, and
community concepts are integrated.
NUR 106. MATERNAL AND CHILD NURSING. 5 hrs.
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of NUR 102, NUR 103, NUR 104, MTH 116 (equivalent) & BIO 201 (or NUR
101 for PN program).
COREQUISITE: NUR 106, ENG 101, AND BIO 202 (UNLESS PREVIOUSLY COMPLETED NUR 101).
This course is designed to utilize the nursing process to focus on the childbearing and childrearing stages
of the family unit. This introductory course focuses on the role of the nurse in
meeting the physiological, psychosocial, cultural and developmental needs of the
family during antepartal, intrapartal, postpartal, infant, and childhood.
Course content includes aspects of growth and development, health teaching,
health promotion and prevention. Nutrition and pharmacology are integrated. Upon
completion of this course, the student will be able to provide and manage care
of the childbearing and childrearing family in a variety of settings.
NUR 107. ADULT/CHILD NURSING. 8 hrs.
PREREQUISITE: Admission to PN program and successful completion of NUR 105, NUR 106, NUR 101 (or BIO 201 & BIO
202) and ENG 101.
COREQUISITE: NUR 108 AND NUR 109.
This course provides students with opportunities to develop competencies necessary to meet the needs of
individuals throughout the adult life span in a safe, legal, and ethical manner
using the nursing process. Emphasis is placed on providing care to individuals
experiencing complex alterations in: burns, emergencies, immunological and
oncological alterations, sensory, endocrine, neurological, cardiovascular, lower
GI, and GU systems. Nutrition, pharmacology, therapeutic communication, cultural
and community concepts are integrated throughout.
NUR 108. PSYCHOSOCIAL NURSING. 3 hrs.
PREREQUISITE: Admission to PN program and successful completion of NUR 105, NUR 106, NUR 101 (or BIO 201 & BIO
202) and ENG 101.
COREQUISITE: NUR 107 AND NUR 109.
This course is designed to provide an overview of psychosocial adaptation and coping concepts used when
caring for clients with acute and chronic alterations in mental health. Topics
include therapeutic communication skills, normal and abnormal behaviors,
treatment modalities, and developmental needs. Upon completion of this course,
students will demonstrate the ability to assist clients in maintaining
psychosocial integrity through the use of the nursing process.
NUR 109. ROLE TRANSITION. 3 hrs.
PREREQUISITE: Admission to PN program and successful completion of NUR 105, NUR 106, NUR 101 (or BIO 201 & BIO
202) and ENG 101.
COREQUISITE: NUR 107 AND NUR 108.
The course is designed to provide the student with the knowledge and skills necessary to make the
transition from student to LPN practitioner. Content includes the
responsibilities of the LPM, leadership skills, problem solving and decision
making quality assurance, management of resources, accountability, resume
preparation, job interviewing skills, and obtaining/resigning employment.
Emphasis is placed on NCLEX test-taking skills, computer-assisted simulations
and practice tests, development of a prescriptive plan for remediation, and
review of selective content, specific to the practical nursing. Upon completion
of this course, the student will demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary for
entry into practical nursing.
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Is the practical nursing program offered on the Opelika Campus?
No, at this time the program is offered on the Wadley campus.
How many students are accepted to the Practical Nursing Program?
The number accepted may vary depending on clinical space. Anywhere from 24 – 32 students are
accepted once each year.
What do I need to do to become a nurse?
There are two (2) applications you must complete before you can possibly start
the nursing program. Students must
first apply to the College and be accepted. Then students must apply for admission to the nursing program by the
deadline date for applications. Before
applying to the nursing program, the student must meet requirements that can be
found for each program under “Admission Requirements”. Not everyone who qualifies for the
program will be accepted due to the competitive admission.
When can I start nursing?
You must apply by one of the deadline dates and be accepted to the program. The date you should submit your
application will depend upon when you meet the admission requirements and when
you decide it is the right time for you to start the program.
What prerequisites are there for nursing?
Practical Nursing applicants must have completed all developmental courses, if
required, in English, math and reading. If you are unsure about whether you will need developmental courses, you
should contact the Health Sciences Academic Advisor on the Opelika Campus.
If I meet the “Admission Requirements”, will I be in the program?
Not necessarily. Admission is
competitive. There are more applicants for admission than space in clinical setting allow. Applicants are rank-ordered according to their TEAS
test scores and grades in college math and English. Applicants with the highest scores will be on the
top of the list. We usually accept
approximately 32 students from each admission ranking.
Must the health requirements/CPR be completed before I apply for admission?
No, health requirements and CPR certification will be due AFTER admission to the program. Do not submit any immunization
records with your application.
How do I apply to the nursing program?
There is an application to the program available on the website or you can
obtain one from the Health Sciences Admissions Office on the Opelika Campus.
You must attach transcripts and
admission test results to the application and turn it in by the published
application deadline.
Can I fax the application?
No, original documents must be received by given deadlines.
How long is the waiting list?
SUSCC does not have a “Waiting List”. Students must apply for the program to be included in the rank order for
acceptance. The top students are
admitted and the next 20 students are placed on an
alternate list in case an opening
becomes available before the program begins.
I applied a year ago and was on the waiting list. Why haven’t I heard anything?
The “alternate list” is only good for a brief time; it is used until the program
begins. Students must reapply if
they do not get admitted.
How will I be notified about program acceptance/admission?
Only by U.S. mail. You will receive
a letter of standing about 4 weeks after deadline date.
To what address will the letter be sent?
The address that is on file in the Records Office of the College. It will not be sent to the address on the
application. Be sure to keep your College records updated.
My grade point average (gpa) is 4.0 but I did not get into the program. A
friend was accepted with a 2.5 gpa. Why?
Admission to the nursing program is not based on the applicant’s cumulative gpa. The admission is based on a
combination of a test score and grades in certain courses with preference given
to students who have attended Southern Union.
REGARDING TRANSCRIPTS:
Can I deliver my official transcripts by hand?
No. The Registrar’s office requires
transcripts be mailed directly from the sending school to SUSCC Admissions
Office in Wadley, Alabama.
Do I have to send an official SUSCC transcript to Health Sciences?
No. You must attach an unofficial copy to your application.
The application says I must attach
transcripts. My transcripts are
already in the Records Office. Do I
need to attach them again?
YES! You must attach unofficial
transcripts from ALL schools you have ever attended. If you do not, your
application will not be considered for admission. Attaching partial
transcripts is not acceptable. For example, If you attended five (5) schools,
you must have 5 separate transcripts attached.
When I attach my SUSCC transcript, it has
transfer credit listed from other schools. Do I have to attach other
transcripts?
Yes, transcripts must be attached from EVERY school attended whether the credit
applies to nursing or not. For
example, if you attended 5 schools, you must attach 5 separate transcripts.
I received a letter stating my
transcripts were not received in the Records Office by the deadline but I
requested them from my school over 2 (or more) weeks ago. Why was my application denied?
The nursing program has deadline date(s) published well in advance and those
dates do not vary. It is the applicant’s responsibility to know about the
deadline and abide by the requirements. The admission process cannot be delayed
because an applicant did not allow enough time for all records to be received. Transcripts are stamped with a
“Received” date as they are received by the Records Office. The nursing
admission office respects this date as accurate and does not consider
transcripts received after the deadline. It is recommended that transcript
requests be made not less than 30 days prior to the deadline. It is the
applicant’s responsibility to contact the Records Office in advance to ensure
that transcripts have been received. Neither SUSCC, nor the Nursing Program, can
be responsible for the speed of the U.S. mail or the speed with which another
institution mailed the transcripts.
Can I take nursing online?
SUSCC does not teach nursing courses online at the present time although
computer testing and some hybrid courses may exist in the curriculum.
Can I take nursing in the evening?
Nursing courses are taught primarily in the day. Some clinicals may be late afternoon, evening, or weekend.
Do you offer a part-time option for nursing?
The nursing courses must be taken in sequence as outlined in the curriculum. Students must also take the
corequisites that are required during the semester they are enrolled if they
have not previously been completed with a grade of C or higher.
If I have taken all the academics or
general education courses required in the program, can I finish before three
semesters?
It takes a minimum of 3 semesters to complete the program. Each nursing course must be taken as
outlined in the nursing curriculum. Your course load may be lighter, but the program cannot be completed earlier.
After I have been accepted to the nursing
program, how many days per week will I be in class, lab, or clinical?
On average, students in the first two semesters of the program will be in class,
lab, or clinic four (4) days per week. Times for classes will vary. If you must take a general education course
along with nursing courses, you may be in class more often.
CLINICAL:
When does clinical begin?
Students begin their clinical experience during the first semester of the
program.
Where will I attend clinical?
A variety of clinical agencies are used within a 65-70 mile radius of the
Opelika Campus. You may attend different sites during the same semester.
Can I choose where I attend clinical?
No. Efforts are made to accommodate
students’ requests when possible. However the learning experiences require a variety of experiences and therefore
students will experience clinical in a variety of healthcare settings.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS:
What are essential functions?
Physical and mental requirements for performing the duties of a particular
health science program.
Do I have to have Essential Functions
signed by physician by the time I apply for admission?
No. Students must acknowledge the physical and mental requirements of the
program before they apply. A
physician’s signature is required after acceptance.
When are my health records due to be turned in?
Your health records will need to be turned in AFTER admission to the program. Instructions will accompany your
acceptance letter.
Do I have to be CPR certified or have a
physical exam before I apply for the program?
No, after you are accepted, you will receive directions for obtaining CPR
certification and your health requirements.
Can I use Professional Rescuer CPR from
Red Cross CPR?
No, most clinical contractual agreements require American Heart Assocation,
Health Care Provider level with AED.
Where do I go for my drug screen?
You will be notified of where to go for drug screening after classes have begun.
You will be given directions at that time where and when to report. You will not
be given prior notice. Random drug screens may occur during the program at any
time.
What happens if my drug screen is positive or my criminal background check is rejected?
You will receive notification a contact person at the appropriate agency to work
with to resolve the matter. If no
resolution is reached, student will not be allowed to register for courses or
will be required to withdraw from the program. You may find more information about the drug screen and background check
in that area of the website.
Miscellaneous
Does SUSCCC have a job placement office?
No. During the program, students are
attending clinical agencies where they make contacts with potential employers
and during the final semester potential employers recruit students on campus. |
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Comprehensive Exams
Students in the nursing program will
be required to take comprehensive examinations at the end of each nursing
courses within the curriculum. The test results will be part of the course grade
and may serve as the course final in selected courses. Students will be charged
for these tests.
Comprehensive Program Exam
To assist the student to be
successful on the licensure exam, students in the nursing program will be
required to take a comprehensive program exam in order to successfully complete
NUR 204 or NUR 109 Transition into Nursing Practice. Students receiving the
Associate in Applied Science in Nursing or a Certificate in Practical Nursing
will be provided an opportunity to take this exam during the course. It will
count as part of the course grade and may be the final for NUR 204 and NUR 109. It is recommended that students
scoring below the determined passing level will remediate to help the student
reach their goal of becoming a nurse.
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LPN GE Disclosure - Updated July 2011
Practical Nursing (LPN) CIP Code: 51.1613
Award Year: 2010-2011
U.S. Department of Labor's Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) Code: 29-2061
On-Time Graduation Rate: 74%
Tuition and Fees for Program: $6696
Typical Cost of Books and Supplies: $1100
Job Placement Rate: 87%
Median Loan Debt: $7066
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Southern
Union State Community College is an Equal Education Employment/Opportunity
Institution.
Click
here for official
policy of non-discrimination. |
750 Roberts Street
Wadley, AL 36276
(256) 395-2211
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1701 LaFayette Parkway
Opelika, AL 36801
(334) 745-6437
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321 Fob James Drive
Valley, AL 36854
(334) 756-4151
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Information for Students With Disabilities (Click Icon)
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