Practical Nursing Certificate

The Practical Nursing (PN) Certificate provides students with the knowledge and skills essential for safe, effective entry level practical nursing practice. This option is approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing; graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). Nursing courses provide clinical experiences in health care settings, in addition to classroom study and laboratory practice. A student must maintain a grade of C or better in all required courses in order to move to the next level and to graduate from the program. Admission to the PN option is criterion based. A student may apply for readmission to this option one time, according to program policy. Many students complete most general education courses prior to the start of Practical Nursing I. The ADN Option provides Advanced Placement for the LPN. 

A minimum of 47 credits is required for graduation.

Accreditation

The Nursing Program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc., 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400; Atlanta, Georgia 30326; phone: 404-975-5000 https://www.acenursing.org/

Additional Admission Criteria and Information

Please find additional information here: Required Forms/Criteria Packets for Health Programs.

CORI/CHRI/SORI

Students interested in participation in this academic program are required to undergo a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, a Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) check and/or a Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) check. For more information, visit the CORI/CHRI/SORI page on the NECC website.

Northern Essex Community College is committed to the success of every student. Students with legal issues in their background will meet with a committee as part of the CORI/CHRI/SORI process and will receive guidance and counseling throughout the review of their records. NECC personnel make every effort to help students prepare for careers in their chosen field. Students are encouraged to seek assistance and support.

CPR

Students are required to be CPR Certified at the Health Care Provider/ Professional Rescuer level prior to the start of clinical courses.

Drug Screening

Students enrolled in this academic program may be required to pass a drug screening analysis.

Health

Students are required to complete a health evaluation, including the Hepatitis B immunization series, prior to final acceptance to the Program.

Student Professional Liability Insurance

Students are required to carry professional liability insurance. The premium is to be paid at the time of course registration.

Requirements

Course NumberTitleCredits
BIO121Anatomy & Physiology I

4

BIO122Anatomy & Physiology II

4

PNS105Issues and Trends in Practical Nursing

1

PNS110Practical Nursing I

5

PNS111Practical Nursing Clinical I

4

PNS112Practical Nursing Lab I

1

PNS113Practical Practical Nursing Pharmacology I

1

PNS120Practical Nursing II

5

PNS121Practical Nursing Clinical II

4

PNS122Practical Nursing Lab II

1

PNS123Practical Nursing Pharmacology II

1

PNS130Practical Nursing III

6

PNS131Practical Nursing Clinical III

4

PSY101Introduction to Psychology

3

PSY110Lifespan Psychology

3

Schedule Tips: PNS110, PNS111, PNS112, PNS113 offered FALL ONLY; PNS120, PNS121, PNS122, PNS123 offered SPRING ONLY; PNS105, PNS130, PNS131 offered SUMMER ONLY

Courses with PrerequisitesBIO121, BIO122, PNS105, PNS110, PNS111, PNS112, PNS113, PNS120, PNS121, PNS122, PNS123, PNS130, PNS131, PSY110

Courses with CorequisitesNUR113, NUR123, PNS105, PNS110, PNS111, PNS112, PNS113, PNS120, PNS121, PNS122, PNS123, PNS130, PNS131, PSY101

Required Course Sequence/Pathway Practical Nursing Certificate

Course NumberTitleCredits

Year 1 Fall

Course NumberTitleCredits
BIO121Anatomy & Physiology I

4

PNS110Practical Nursing I

5

PNS111Practical Nursing Clinical I

4

PNS112Practical Nursing Lab I

1

PNS113Practical Practical Nursing Pharmacology I

1

PSY101Introduction to Psychology

3

BIO121, PSY101: May be taken prior to or concurrent with course sequencing.

Year 1 Spring

Course NumberTitleCredits
BIO122Anatomy & Physiology II

4

PNS120Practical Nursing II

5

PNS121Practical Nursing Clinical II

4

PNS122Practical Nursing Lab II

1

PNS123Practical Nursing Pharmacology II

1

PSY110Lifespan Psychology

3

BIO122, PSY110: May be taken prior to or concurrent with course sequencing.

Year 1 Summer

Course NumberTitleCredits
PNS105Issues and Trends in Practical Nursing

1

PNS130Practical Nursing III

6

PNS131Practical Nursing Clinical III

4

Total Credit Hours: 47