Practical Nursing

TC = Technical Certificate | 42 hours

PN Mission

As an integral part of the larger college system, the Practical Nursing program faculty endorses the mission of Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas (PCCUA) which is committed to helping every student succeed. The College provides high-quality, accessible educational opportunities and skills development to promote life-long learning and engage in the lives of its students and communities (College Catalog). The PN faculty adheres to that mission when offering the Practical Nursing Program. The mission of the Practical Nursing program is to provide a high quality educational program that prepares the student to function as a practical nurse providing safe, quality, evidence-based nursing care in the current healthcare environment and to plan for lifelong learning in the nursing profession.

Program Outcomes

Licensure Exam (NCLEX)

• The most recent annual licensure examination pass rate for the program will be at least 80% for all first-time test-takers for the same 12-month time period.
• The most recent annual licensure examination pass rate for the program will be at least 80% for all first-time test-takers on each campus for the same 12-month time period.

Program Completion

• The 3-cohort mean completion rate for all students enrolled in the first nursing course who complete the program within 150% time will be greater than the College 3-year mean completion rate in 150% time for students earning a technical certificate for the same time period.
• The 3-cohort mean completion rate for students enrolled in the first nursing course on each campus who complete the program within 150% time will be greater than the College 3-year mean completion rate in 150% time for students earning a technical certificate for the same time period.

Job Placement 

• 75% of all graduates will be employed in a position requiring PN licensure within 6 months of graduation.
• 75% of graduates on each campus will be employed in a position requiring PN licensure within 6 months of graduation.

End-of-Program Student Learning Outcomes and Related Competencies

The Practical Nursing faculty uses the following student learning outcomes and competencies to measure student achievement of program student learning outcomes and related competencies. 

1. Provide safe, quality, evidence-based, patient-centered nursing care to restore, promote, and maintain physical and mental health throughout the lifespan in a variety of healthcare settings.

   • Conduct comprehensive and/or focused physical, behavioral, psychological, and spiritual assessment of health and illness parameters in patients experiencing common health problems, using developmentally and culturally appropriate approaches.

   • Work with the professional nurse or other healthcare provider to identify patient needs based on assessment findings.

   • Contribute to a patient-centered plan of care based on knowledge of evidence and patient information/preferences to meet individual patient needs.

   • Provide patient-centered care focusing on restoration, promotion, and maintenance of physical and mental health.

   • Incorporate factors that create a culture of safety when providing patient care.

   • Reinforce patient teaching that reflects developmental stage, age, culture, spirituality, patient preferences, and health literacy considerations.

   • Implement nursing interventions to prevent illness, and restore, promote and maintain physical and mental health of patients across the lifespan.

   • Collect patient outcome data used to evaluate the effectiveness and impact of nursing care.

   • Deliver care within expected timeframe.

   • Communicate information about care provided and evaluation data including appropriate handoff at each transition in care.

   • Incorporate cultural awareness/sensitivity when providing care to diverse patients in a variety of healthcare settings.

   • Assist with the revision of the plan of care based on an ongoing collection of patient data including recognition of alterations to previous patient conditions.

   • Safely perform all psychomotor skills needed for efficient, safe, and compassionate patient care including accurate calculation of dosages.

   • Accurately document all aspects of patient care.

2. Engage in clinical judgment to make patient-centered care decisions within the scope of practice of the Practical Nurse.

   • Use clinical judgment to ensure accurate and safe care when implementing all steps of the nursing process.

   • Anticipate risks, and predict and manage potential complications for patients experiencing common health problems.

   • Prioritize patient care.

   • Incorporate knowledge of the healthcare system and how it impacts the nurse’s ability to provide safe, quality care.\

3. Incorporate quality improvement activities to improve patient care.

   • Participate in quality improvement activities.

   • Use the data from quality improvement activities to plan patient care.

   • Report identified quality improvement concerns to appropriate personnel (e.g., nurse manager, risk manager, etc.).

   • Assist in analyzing errors and identifying system improvements.

4. Participate in collaboration and teamwork with the interprofessional team, the patient, and the patient's support persons.

   • Share pertinent, accurate and complete information with the interprofessional team.

   • Work with the professional nurse to plan patient safety and quality improvements within the context of the interprofessional team.

   • Interpret the impact of team functioning on safety and quality improvement.

5. Use information technology to support and communicate the provision of patient care.

   • Use patient care technologies, information systems/technologies, and communication devices to support safe nursing practice.

   • Use high quality electronic sources of healthcare information.

   • Enter computer documentation accurately, completely, and in a timely manner. 

6. Incorporate management, legal, and ethical guidelines within the scope of practice of a Practical Nurse.

   • Practice within the legal and ethical frameworks of practical nursing.

   • Demonstrate accountability for nursing care given by self and/or delegated to unlicensed personnel.

   • Delegate nursing tasks to unlicensed personnel.

   • Advocate for patient rights and needs.

   • Initiate a plan for ongoing professional development and lifelong learning.

*These PCCUA Student Learning Outcomes and Related Competencies should not be duplicated in any manner without written permission from PCCUA.

Criminal Background Check

All PCCUA allied health programs will require each allied health student to complete an annual, national, and State of Arkansas criminal background check, which includes a Social Security and National Sex Offenders check, and drug test. All students must complete this requirement through VerifyStudents (www.VerifyStudents.com).

In addition, all students assigned to clinical agencies in the State of Mississippi will be required to also complete a criminal background check through the Mississippi Department of Health as directed by the clinical agency. Each respective program director/coordinator will provide the student with specific instructions for background checks through the Mississippi Department of Health. No other criminal background checks will be accepted. The cost incurred for complying with the above policy is the sole responsibility of the student.

If a student has positive results on the VerifyStudents and/or Mississippi Department of Health criminal background check, the respective program director/coordinator will send the student’s positive results to the designated individual(s) at the student’s assigned clinical agency. Representatives from the clinical agency will determine if the student is eligible to access the facility to participate in clinical learning experiences.  It is the student’s sole responsibility to provide the designated clinical agency representative(s) with any documentation required to determine eligibility for access. 

If representative(s) from the student’s assigned clinical agency deny the student access to the clinical facility, the student will not be able to fulfill respective program requirements in the clinical setting.  The student will be required to withdraw from the respective allied health program, and the student will not be eligible for readmission to the respective program or any other PCCUA allied health program.  If representatives from the student’s assigned clinical agency allow a student with positive criminal background results to participate in clinical learning experiences in that agency, this does not provide a future guarantee that the student will be allowed to participate in clinical in another agency or that the student will be allowed to take the respective licensing exam.

Students who are dismissed from an allied health program for an unacceptable criminal background check will not be eligible for tuition or fee refunds for allied health courses with a NG, PNP, NA, MLS, PLB, or EMT prefix.

Annual Drug Screening Test

PCCUA will require all allied health students to submit to a drug test under any or all of the following circumstances:

• Annually each academic year as directed by the respective program director/coordinator during specified time
• As a part of a drug abuse recovery program

Failure to comply with the scheduled drug test may result in immediate dismissal from the program.

If a student fails a drug test, the student will be dismissed from all allied health programs. The respective program director/coordinator will refer the individual failing the drug test for therapeutic counseling regarding drug withdrawal and rehabilitation.  

The readmission process to the same allied health program or admission process to another allied health program, for a student, who has previously failed a drug test, to any allied health program will include:

• Attendance at Narcotics Anonymous or recognized drug abuse treatment program of choice. Evidence of participation must be sent to the Dean of Allied Health and respective program director/coordinator.
  • Acceptable evidence from NA shall consist of:
    • Written record of at least the date of each meeting
    • Name of group attended
    • Meeting purpose
    • Signed initials of the group or district representative of each group attended.
  • Acceptable evidence from a drug abuse treatment program of the individual’s choice shall consist of:
    • Verifiable completion certificate
• Demonstrate at least six (6) months of drug abuse abstinence immediately prior to admission to the same allied health program or admission to another allied health program. Annual and random testing will be required at the individual’s expense.
• Provide positive letters of reference from employers, if any, within the last six (6) months.
• If the student is readmitted to the program or admitted to another allied health program and the individual fails another drug test, the student will be dismissed from the respective program and will not be eligible for readmission to, or provided a reference for any allied health program.
• Reentry policies apply.
• Students who are dismissed from any and all PCCUA allied health programs for failing a drug test will not be eligible for tuition or fee refunds for allied health courses with a NG, PNP, NA, MLS, PLB, or EMT prefix.

Disclaimer

In accordance with college policy as stated in the College Catalog, this publication is not to be construed as a contract between the student and the Practical Nursing Program. All programs within the Division of Allied Health reserve the right to make changes at any time in individual courses, the curriculum leading to a degree or certificate, as well as policies contained in the PN Information Packet, PCCUA College Catalog, student handbooks, and web. Students must be familiar with, observant of, and subject to all rules and regulations of PCCUA.

ARKANSAS STATE BOARD OF NURSING CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS

ARKANSAS STATE BOARD OF NURSING CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS

Graduation from the Practical Nursing Program at Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas does not guarantee approval from the Arkansas State Board of Nursing or from another respective state board of nursing to take the licensure examination.

For Arkansas residents, the following information is taken directly from the Arkansas Nurse Practice Act.

Licensing Restrictions Based on Criminal Records - A.C.A. § 17-3-102

(a) An individual is not eligible to receive or hold a license issued by a licensing entity if that individual has pleaded guilty or nolo contendere to or been found guilty of any of the following offenses by any court in the State of Arkansas or of any similar offense by a court in another state or of any similar offense by a federal court, unless the conviction was lawfully sealed under the Comprehensive Criminal Record Sealing Act of 2013, § 16-90-1401 et seq., or otherwise previously sealed, pardoned or expunged under prior law: 

(1)   Capital murder as prohibited in § 5-10-101; 

(2)   Murder in the first degree and second degree as prohibited in §§ 5-10-102 and 5-10-103; 

(3)   Manslaughter as prohibited in § 5-10-104; 

(4)   Negligent homicide as prohibited in § 5-10-105; 

(5)   Kidnapping as prohibited in § 5-11-102; 

(6)   False imprisonment in the first degree as prohibited in § 5- 11-103; 

(7)   Permanent detention or restraint as prohibited in § 5-11- 106; 

(8)   Robbery as prohibited in § 5-12-102; 

(9)   Aggravated robbery as prohibited in § 5-12-103; 

(10)  Battery in the first degree as prohibited in § 5-13-201; 

(11)  Aggravated assault as prohibited in § 5-13-204; 

(12)  Introduction of a controlled substance into the body of another person as prohibited in § 5-13-210; 

(13)  Aggravated assault upon a law enforcement officer or an employee of a correctional facility as prohibited in § 5-13-211, if a Class Y felony; 

(14)  Terroristic threatening in the first degree as prohibited in § 5-13-301; 

(15)  Rape as prohibited in § 5-14-103; 

(16)  Sexual indecency with a child as prohibited in § 5-14-110; if the offense is a felony;

(17)  Sexual extortion as prohibited in § 5-14-113; 

(18)  Sexual assault in the first degree, second degree, third degree, and fourth degree as prohibited in §§ 5-14-124 — 5-14-127; 

(19)  Incest as prohibited in § 5-26-202; 

(20)  Offenses against the family as prohibited in §§ 5-26-303 — 5-26-306; 

(21)  Endangering the welfare of an incompetent person in the first degree, as prohibited in § 5-27-201; 

(22)  Endangering the welfare of a minor in the first degree as prohibited in § 5-27-205; 

(23)  Permitting the abuse of a minor as prohibited in § 5-27- 221; 

(24)  Engaging children in sexually explicit conduct for use in visual or print media, transportation of minors for prohibited sexual conduct, pandering or possessing visual or print medium depicting sexually explicit conduct involving a child, or use of a child or consent to use of a child in a sexual performance by producing, directing, or promoting a sexual performance by a child, as prohibited in §§ 5-27-303 — 5-27-305, 5-27-402, and 5-27-403; 

(25)  Possession or use of child sexual abuse material as prohibited in § 5-27-603; 

(26)  Computer exploitation of a child in the first degree as prohibited in § 5-27-605; 

(27)  Felony adult abuse as prohibited in § 5-28-103; 

(28)  Theft of property as prohibited in § 5-36-103; 

(29)  Theft by receiving as prohibited in § 5-36-106; 

(30)  Arson as prohibited in § 5-38-301; 

(31)  Burglary as prohibited in § 5-39-201; 

(32)  Felony violation of the Uniform Controlled Substances Act, §§ 5-64-101 et seq., as prohibited in the former § 5-64-401, and §§ 5-64- 419 — 5-64-442;

(33)  Promotion of prostitution in the first degree as prohibited in § 5-70-104; 

(34)  Stalking as prohibited in § 5-71-229; 

(35)  Criminal attempt, criminal complicity, criminal solicitation, or criminal conspiracy, as prohibited in §§ 5-3-201, 5-3-202, 5-3-301, and 5-3-401, to commit any of the offenses listed in this subsection; and 

(36)  All other crimes referenced in this title. 

(b) 

(1)   If an individual has been convicted of a crime listed in subsection (a) or subsection (e) of this section, a licensing entity may waive disqualification or revocation of a license based on the conviction if a request for a waiver is made by: 

(A) An affected applicant for a license; or 

(B) The individual holding a license subject to revocation.

(2)   A basis upon which a waiver may be granted includes without limitation: 

(A) The age at which the offense was committed; 

(B) The circumstances surrounding the offense; 

(C) The length of time since the offense was committed; 

(D) Subsequent work history since the offense was committed; 

(E) Employment references since the offense was committed; 

(F) Character references since the offense was committed; 

(G) Relevance of the offense to the occupational license; and 

(H) Other evidence demonstrating that licensure of the applicant does not pose a threat to the health or safety of the public.

(3) The waiver requirements of this section are not required for a renewal of a license if an individual has been convicted of a crime listed in subsection (a) of this section and has either:

(A) Completed the waiver requirements of this section at his or her initial licensure;
(B) Been licensed in this state before the enactment of subsection (a) of this section; or
(C) Attended a professional or occupational school, program, or training in pursuit of an occupational license before the enactment of subsection (a) of this section and would have been qualified to hold an occupational license on or before July 24, 2019.

(c) If an individual has a valid criminal conviction for an offense that could disqualify the individual from receiving a license, the disqualification shall not be considered for more than five (5) years from the date of conviction or incarceration or on which probation ends, whichever date is the latest, if the individual: 

(A) Was not convicted for committing a violent or sexual offense; and 

(B) Has not been convicted of any other offense during the five-year disqualification period. 

(d) A licensing entity shall not, as a basis upon which a license may be granted or denied: 

(1)   Use vague or generic terms, including without limitation the phrases "moral turpitude" and "good character"; or 

(2)   Consider arrests without a subsequent conviction. 

(e) Due to the serious nature of the offenses, the following shall result in disqualification for licensure, regardless of the date of conviction or the date on which probation or incarceration ends unless a waiver is granted under subsection (b) of this section:

(1)   Capital murder as prohibited in § 5-10-101; 

(2)   Murder in the first degree as prohibited in § 5-10-102 and murder in the second degree as prohibited in § 5-10-103; 

(3)   Kidnapping as prohibited in § 5-11-102; 

(4)   Aggravated assault upon a law enforcement officer or an employee of a correctional facility as prohibited in § 5-13-211, if a Class Y felony; 

(5)   Rape as prohibited in § 5-14-103; 

(6)   Sexual extortion as prohibited in § 5-14-113; 

(7)   Sexual assault in the first degree as prohibited in § 5-14- 124 and sexual assault in the second degree as prohibited in § 5-14-125; 

(8)   Incest as prohibited in § 5-26-202; 

(9)   Endangering the welfare of an incompetent person in the first degree as prohibited in § 5-27-201; 

(10)  Endangering the welfare of a minor in the first degree as prohibited in § 5-27-205; 

(11)  Adult abuse that constitutes a felony as prohibited in § 5-28-103;  

(12)  Arson as prohibited in § 5-38-301; and

(13) Engaging children in sexually explicit conduct for use in visual or print media, transportation of minors for prohibited sexual conduct, pandering or possessing visual or print media depicting sexually explicit conduct involving a child, or use of a child or consent to use of a child in a sexual performance by producing, directing, or promoting a sexual performance by a child, as prohibited in §§ 5-27-303 —5-27-305, 5-27-402, and 5-27-403.

(f) This chapter does not preclude a licensing entity from taking emergency action against a licensee as authorized under § 25-15-211 for the sake of public health, safety, or welfare. 

(g) The disqualification for an offense listed in subsection (a) of this section and the disqualification for an offense listed in subsection (e) of this section do not apply to:

1. Of professions not governed by this site;
   
2. of polygraph examiners and voice stress analysis examiner under § 17-39-101 et seq.;
   
3. Of private investigators and private security agencies under the Private Security Agency, Private Investigator, and School Security Licensing and Credentialing Act, § 17-40-101 et seq.; or
   
4. Of body artists under § 17-26-601 et seq. who hold a valid license on or before July 1, 2024; or
   
5. Of cosmetologists licensed under Title 17, Chapter 26, Subchapter 3.

AR Nurse Practice Act July 2024 

17-87-312. Criminal Background Checks. 

(a) 

(1) Each first-time applicant for a license issued by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing shall apply to the Identification Bureau of the Division of Arkansas State Police for a state and national criminal background check, to be conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 

(2) At the time a person applies to an Arkansas nursing educational program, the program shall notify the applicant in writing of the provisions and requirements of this section. 

(b) The check shall conform to the applicable federal standards and shall include the taking of fingerprints. 

(c) The applicant shall sign a release of information to the board and shall be responsible to the Division of Arkansas State Police for the payment of any fee associated with the criminal background check. 

(d) Upon completion of the criminal background check, the Identification Bureau of the Division of Arkansas State Police shall forward to the board all releasable information obtained concerning the applicant. 

(e) For purposes of this section, the board shall follow the licensing restrictions based on criminal records under § 17-3-102. 

(f) 

(1)   The board may issue a nonrenewable temporary permit for licensure to a first-time applicant pending the results of the criminal background check. 

(2)   The permit shall be valid for no more than six (6) months. 

(g) 

(1)   Any information received by the board from the Identification Bureau of the Division of Arkansas State Police under this section shall not be available for examination except by: 

(A) The affected applicant for licensure or his or her authorized representative; or 

(B) The person whose license is subject to revocation or his or her authorized representative. 

(2)   No record, file, or document shall be removed from the custody of the Division of Arkansas State Police. 

(h) Any information made available to the affected applicant for licensure or the person whose license is subject to revocation shall be information pertaining to that person only.

(i)  Rights of privilege and confidentiality established in this section shall not extend to any document created for purposes other than this background check. 

(j)  The board shall adopt the necessary rules to fully implement the provisions of this section. 

(k) 

(1)   The board may participate at the state and federal level in programs that provide notification of an arrest subsequent to an initial background check that is conducted through available governmental systems. 

(2)    The board may submit an applicant's fingerprints to the federal Next Generation Identification system. 

(3)   The fingerprints may be searched by future submissions to the Next Generation Identification system, including latent fingerprint searches. 

(4)   An applicant enrolled in the Next Generation Identification system is not required to re-fingerprint when a subsequent request for a state or federal criminal history background check is required if: 

(A)   A legible set of the applicant's fingerprints is obtained when the applicant enrolls in the Next Generation Identification system; and 

(B)   The applicant is subject to the Rap Back service of the Next Generation Identification system. 

(l)   The Identification Bureau of the Division of Arkansas State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation may maintain fingerprints in the Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System. 

Arkansas Nurse Practice Act July 2024 

ACTS

The Arkansas Course Transfer System (ACTS) contains information about the transferability of courses within Arkansas Public Colleges and Universities. Students are guaranteed the transfer of applicable credits and the equitable treatment in the application of credits for admission and degree requirements. Course transferability is not guaranteed for courses listed in ACTS as “No Comparable Course.” Additionally, courses with an earned grade of “D” or less frequently do not transfer and institutional policies may vary. ACTS may be accessed on the Internet by going to the ADHE Website and selecting Course Transfer.

FERPA Policy

PCCUA complies with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974. A student has the right to inspect and review all of his/her records that meet the definition of educational records. No third party has the right to review student records without the student's consent, with very few limited lawful exceptions. Directory information can be provided, unless the student requests that it be withheld (PCCUA Student Handbook).

Health Insurance

Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas does not provide insurance for its students. The College strongly encourages each student to have personal health insurance, and for that reason, the College has contacted an insurance agency. Forms for this insurance are available in the Registrar’s office.

The Practical Nursing (PN) Program is approved by:

Arkansas Board of Nursing (ASBN) 
University Tower Building, Suite 800
1123 S. University Avenue
Little Rock, AR 72204-1619
Phone: (501) 686-2700
Fax: (501) 686-2714
Website: http://www.arsbn.org

State Board approval has been ongoing, with the most recent approval being granted in 2020.

Admission

Students are admitted to the Practical Nursing Program (PN) every third semester on the Helena-West Helena and DeWitt campuses. Students who wish to be considered for admission to the PN Program must meet the following criteria:

1. Fulfill all college admission requirements
2. Be at least 18 years of age
3. Submit official high school transcript documenting graduation from high school or official Arkansas High School Diploma/GED certificate and official transcripts from all previously attended colleges to the Registrar's office and PN Program Coordinator. These documents must be received in the Nursing Department on the DeWitt campus  by the application deadline date.
4. Document a minimum 2.0 cumulative grade point average in all courses taken at PCCUA
5. Complete EH 113 (ENGL 1013), Composition I, and MS 143, Technical Math, or MS 1123, Intermediate Algebra, or higher with a grade of "C" or better. Applicants who repeat EH 113 (ENGL 1013) or MS 1123 more than one (1) time in the past five (5) years to remove a grade of "D", "F", "W", or "EW" will not be considered for admission.
6. Document a total 9th grade reading level on the Nelson-Denny Reading Test by the application deadline. The Nelson-Denny Reading Test must be taken at PCCUA within three (3) months of: (1) the PN program application deadline for regular applicants, or (2) submission of a late application to the program. Students on the Helena-West Helena campus should contact the Advising Center to schedule a time to take the Nelson-Denny Reading Test. Students on the DeWitt campus should contact the PN Program Coordinator on the DeWitt Campus to schedule a time to take the Nelson-Denny Reading Test. The Nelson-Denny Reading test may only be taken once per application year.
7. Document a minimum score of 47 on the ATI Critical Thinking Exam by the application deadline. This exam must be taken at PCCUA within three (3) months of: (1) the PN program application deadline for regular applicants or (2) submission of a late application to the program. Students on the Helena-West Helena campus should contact the Advising Center to schedule a time to take the ATI Critical Thinking Exam. Students on the DeWitt campus should contact the PN Program Coordinator on the DeWitt campus to schedule a time to take the ATI Critical Thinking Exam. The ATI Critical Thinking Exam may only be taken once per application year.
8. Submit a completed PN Program application to the PN Program Coordinator on the DeWitt campus. The application must be received in the Nursing Department on the DeWitt campus by June 1st for admission to the fall semester and October 1st for admission to the spring semester.
9. By 154 and BY 164 with a grade of C or better taken within the last five (5) years may be substituted for PNP 103 prior to admission to the PN program.
10. Students who speak English as a second language must also take the NG ACCUPLACER ESL exam to prove proficiency in English. The following scores are required in each category:
    1. Listening: A minimum score of 106
    2. Reading: A minimum score of 116
    3. WritePlacer ESL: A minimum score of 5
11. Rare exceptions for individuals seeking admission may be made by the Faculty Committee.

All students who meet minimum admission criteria will be accepted unless the number of qualified applicants exceeds space available. This means MEETING THE MINIMUM CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION OR TAKING courses REQUIRED for the nursing certificate DOES NOT GUARANTEE ADMISSION TO THE PN PROGRAM.

Selection Process

1. Qualified applicants will be ranked from highest to lowest by the score earned on the ATI Critical Thinking Exam.
2. When two or more applicants have an equal score on the ATI Critical Thinking Exam, applicants will be admitted according to the date and time the application was received in the Nursing Department Office on the DeWitt campus.
3. Students initially not selected, will be placed on a waiting list from highest to lowest by the score earned on the ATI Critical Thinking Exam, and the date and time the application was received. Spaces that become available before the first day of classes will be filled from the waiting list.
4. Applicants not selected for admission and/or applicants who elect not to enroll in the Practical Nursing Program must repeat the application process which includes but is not limited to: submitting a new application to the Practical Nursing Program as well as repeating the Nelson-Denny Reading and ATI Critical Thinking exams within three (3) months of the application deadline.

Admission After Application Deadline

When space is available, qualified applicants who apply after the deadline will be considered for admission on a first-come, first-served basis.

Enrollment Process

Before enrolling in first semester practical nursing courses, the student must provide the following documents:

1. Completed Health Statement
2. Proof of immunization compliance
   • Current Td or Tdap
   • Two (2) Varicella or positive titer
   • Two (2) MMRs, if born after 1957 or positive titers
   • Initiation of Hepatitis B series  or positive titer  
3. Proof of a TB skin test within the last year
4. Signed Communicable Disease Statement
5. Current US federal or state issued photo ID, examples include:
   • US passport
   • US military ID
   • State driver's license
6. Proof of professional liability insurance
7. Attend scheduled mandatory orientation session for nursing the week of fall or spring registration

No late enrollment is allowed. Students are expected to furnish their own transportation to and from the clinical area.

After Enrollment

1. Proof of influenza (flu) immunization is required by November 1st of each academic year.

2. Comply with clinical affiliation agreements and facility policies pertaining to COVID. 

3. Any student who does NOT meet each expectation will NOT be allowed to attend clinical in an affiliated agency and may NOT be able to meet respective course requirements. This policy is effective for students enrolled in allied health and nursing courses.

4. Any student testing positive for COVID-19 will follow PCCUA’s and the clinical agency’s protocol BEFORE being allowed to return to class and the clinical setting.

Students admitted to the PN program on the distance Helena-West Helena campus are expected to come on occasion to the DeWitt campus to participate in scheduled program activities.

The number of unfilled spaces for each class is determined by availability of faculty and clinical facilities.

Students may also enter the program by transferring from another nursing program as space allows.

• Transfer students are those who left another nursing program and are seeking to enroll with or without advanced placement in the PCCUA program.
  • Transfer students will not receive an application for admission to the Practical Nursing Program until the Practical Nursing Program Coordinator receives a letter of good standing from the Director/Chair/Dean from the program from which the student is transferring. Good standing is defined as being eligible for enrollment in the program from which the student is transferring.
  • Transfer students must contact the PN Program Coordinator to discuss placement in the program.
• Applications may be obtained from the PN Program Coordinator on the DeWitt campus.
• The completed application must be received in the office of the PN Program Coordinator on the DeWitt campus no later than June 1st to be considered for admission to the fall semester or October 1st to be considered for admission to the spring semester. No late applications will be accepted.
• Students seeking admission by transfer will be ranked from highest to lowest by the score earned on the ATI Critical Thinking Exam and admitted on a 1:1 ratio with students seeking readmission until either group or space available is exhausted.
• When two (2) or more transfer applicants have an equal score on the ATI Critical Thinking Exam, applicants will be admitted according to the date and time the application was received in the Nursing Department Office on the DeWitt campus.
• Applicants who are not selected or who elect not to enroll must complete the entire admission process which includes, but is not limited to: (1) submitting another application to the program, (2) repeating the Nelson-Denny Reading and ATI Critical Thinking Exams within three (3) months of the application deadline, (3) meeting Drug Dosage Calculation Exam requirements, and (4) demonstrating Level I skill competency requirements to be considered again.
• Rare exceptions to the Alternate Admission policy can be made by the Faculty Committee.

Skill Competency

Skill competency is a prerequisite for students seeking alternate admission to Level II and III. Students seeking alternate admission to Level II must demonstrate proficiency in taking a complete set of vital signs (BP, P, RR). Students seeking alternate admission to Level III must demonstrate proficiency in taking a complete set of vital signs (BP, P, RR), administration of oral and parenteral medications, and urinary catheterization. Skill check-off times are scheduled with the PN Program Coordinator and are posted on the PCCUA program webpage. The applicant must pass the skill check-off within three (3) months of reenrollment. Maximum of three (3) opportunities are offered to demonstrate competency. Any missed Skilled Competency Evaluation will be counted as a fail. Applicants who fail to demonstrate skill competency will not be eligible for enrollment. 

Drug Dosage Calculation Competency Exam

The Drug Dosage Calculation Competency Exam is a prerequisite for all alternate admission students except for transfer students seeking enrollment in Level I. Exam times are scheduled with the PN Program Coordinator and are posted on the PCCUA program webpage. The applicant must pass the Drug Dosage Calculation Competency Exam within three (3) months of enrollment. A maximum of three (3) opportunities are provided to score 90% or above on the exam. Only a basic calculator with the capacity to add, subtract, multiply, and divide can be used. No calculators with advanced functions are allowed.  Any missed exam will be counted as a fail. Applicants who fail to score a minimum of 90% on the Drug Dosage Calculation Competency Exam will not be eligible for enrollment.

Advanced Placement

Licensed or unlicensed emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and certified or non-certified nursing assistants (CNAs) do not receive advanced placement in the practical nursing program.

1. Readmission to the nursing program is NOT guaranteed.

2. The number of unfilled spaces for each class is determined by availability of faculty and clinical facilities.

3. Students who apply for readmission are those who were previously enrolled in a nursing course at PCCUA, but failed to progress to the next level (W, EW, or failing grade) or those who separated from the program for one year or less.

4. Students admitted for the first time to the Practical Nursing Program are allowed a maximum of one readmission to the program. No required nursing course may be repeated more than one time.

5. All students who repeat a required practical nursing course also must repeat all required co-requisite nursing courses regardless of a previously earned grade of "C" or better in the co-requisite nursing courses. A grade of “C” or better is required in all repeated nursing courses to progress to the next level or graduation.

6. Applications for readmission may be obtained from the PN Program Coordinator on the DeWitt campus.

7. The completed application must be received in the office of the Practical Nursing Program on the DeWitt campus no later than June 1st to be considered for readmission to the fall semester or October 1st to be considered for readmission to the spring semester.

8. Applicants will not be considered for readmission unless:

   • Their Exit Interview is on file;

   • A current Health Statement, proof of current immunizations, and TB skin test is on file in the Nursing Department Office

   • A current American Heart Association Basic Life Support CPR card that remains current throughout enrollment in Level I, II, and III. Electronic recertification will not be accepted.

9. Since a limited number of space(s) may be available for readmission, the date and time of receipt in the Nursing Department on the DeWitt campus will be noted on each application.

10. Students applying for readmission will be ranked according to the following criteria:

    • The numerical average of the nursing course(s) at the time of separation.

    • When a student does not have a numerical average at the time of separation from the nursing course(s). The student will be given a 78.00 for ranking purposes.

    • Students will be ranked for readmission from the highest numerical average to the lowest numerical average for the required nursing course(s).

    • When two or more applicants have equal numerical averages, priority for readmission will be given to applicants according to the date and time the application was received in the Nursing Department Office on the DeWitt campus.

11. The Drug Dosage Calculation Competency Exam is a prerequisite for students seeking readmission to Level II or III. Exam times are scheduled with the PN Program Coordinator and are posted on the PCCUA program webpage. The applicant must pass the Drug Dosage Calculation Competency Exam within three months of re-enrollment. A maximum of three (3) opportunities are offered to score 90% or above on the exam. Only a basic calculator with the capacity to add, subtract, multiply, and divide can be used. No calculators with advanced functions are allowed.  Any missed exam will be counted as a fail. Applicants who fail to score a minimum of 90% on the Drug Dosage Calculation  Competency Exam will not be eligible for enrollment.

12. Demonstration of skill competency is a prerequisite for students seeking readmission to Levels II and III. Skill competency evaluation times are scheduled with the PN Program Coordinator and are posted on the PCCUA program webpage. Students seeking readmission to Level II must demonstrate proficiency in taking a complete set of vital signs (BP, P, RR). Students seeking readmission to Level III, must demonstrate proficiency in taking a complete set of vital signs BP, P, RR), administration of oral and parenteral medications, and urinary catheterization. The applicant must pass the skill-check-off within three months of re-enrollment. A maximum of three (3) opportunities are offered to demonstrate competency. Any missed skill competency evaluation will be counted as a fail. Applicants who fail to demonstrate skill competency will not be eligible for enrollment.

13. Applicants will be notified of admission status at least one week before regular fall or spring registration.

14. Applicants not selected for readmission, or who elect not to re-enroll, must repeat the entire application process to enter the next admission cohort.

15. Readmitted students are ineligible for pre-registration and must register during regular registration.

16. Rare exceptions to the Readmission Policy can be made by the Faculty Committee. The student must submit a timely written request to seek an exception.

NCLEX-PN Pass Rates on the First Write
 

The Arkansas State Board of Nursing reports a program's annual pass rate based on the number of candidates that take the licensure exam between July 1st and June 30th. Based on this time frame, the program’s annual pass rate may include graduates from more than one graduating cohort.

Program Completion

The official PN completion rate is reported in 150% time and when all students in the annual admission cohort have graduated or separated from the program.

Job Placement

The job placement rate is reported as the percentage of graduates seeking employment who are employed in a nursing position requiring licensure as a practical nurse within 6 months of graduation.

Students applying to or enrolled in the Associate Degree or Practical Nursing program must be aware that they are required to possess the following skills and abilities in order to provide safe patient care in the clinical setting.

The Associate Degree and Practical Nursing programs/or their affiliated clinical agencies may identify additional essential functions or skills and reserve(s) the right to amend the essential functions as deemed necessary.

Visual ability

• Read for prolonged periods of time either hardcopy or on computer screen

• Visualize small font (6 font) written words and information on paper, computer screen and medication labels

• Distinguish and appropriately respond to multiple visual inputs

• Prepare and administer medications including correct use of small calibrated syringes (0.5 mL), ampules, vials, etc.

• Monitor and assess subtle changes in patient status (ex: signs/symptoms, drainage, wound color and appearance, wound depth, cyanosis, etc.)

Auditory ability

• Hear monitor alarm(s), emergency signals, telephones ringing, telephone interactions, calls for assistance

• Respond and react immediately to spoken instruction and/or monitor equipment

• Tolerate occasional exposure to loud and unpleasant noises

• Distinguish changes in tone and pitch in heart, lung, and bowel sounds using a stethoscope or modified stethoscope

• Distinguish sounds and understand verbal communication in environments with multiple auditory inputs

Olfactory ability

• Ability to detect smoke and odors

• Ability to tolerate occasional unpleasant odors

Tactile ability

• Palpate for pulses, temperature, texture hardness or softness, physical landmarks, etc.

• Discriminate subtle differences between sharp or dull and hot or cold

Motor function ability

• Handle small delicate equipment/objects or hand-held devices without extraneous movement, contamination, or destruction

• Move, position, turn, transfer, assist with lifting or lift and carry adult patients without injury to patient, self, or others

• Lift, push, pull, or transfer (bed-to-chair, bed-to-bed) an adult or pediatric patient

• Use hands, wrists, and arms to apply up to 10 pounds of pressure to bleeding sites or when performing CPR

• Coordinate eye/hand, fine and gross motor movements

• Perform electronic keyboarding/documentation and/or extensive writing with a pen and/or pencil

• Stand, bend, walk, stoop, squat while providing patient care

Communication abilities

• Effectively read, write, comprehend, and speak the English language

• Communicate relevant, accurate, and complete information in a concise and clear manner both verbally and in writing to patients and health care members

• Communicate and function effectively in environments with multiple auditory and visual inputs

Cognitive abilities

• Perform mathematical calculations accurately for medication preparation and administration

• Make appropriate rapid decisions in stressful or emergency situations

• Manage multiple priorities and function effectively in stressful situations

• Remember multiple messages and information

• Adapt rapidly to environmental changes and multiple task demands

• Maintain concentration and focus in professional care settings

  Adapted with permission from the ADNP’s Essential Functions Statement at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Disclosure

Students are encouraged to disclose a disability and to request reasonable accommodation for that disability, as early as possible during a particular semester, in order that any agreed upon accommodation may be implemented as soon as possible for the benefit of the student. Written documentation of a disclosed disability must be presented to one of the PCCUA Disability Coordinators who are identified in the PCCUA College Catalog and Student Handbook.

Students with no history of accommodation or who do not utilize an accommodation granted by PCCUA during their pre-licensure educational program may be less likely to receive accommodations on the NCLEX licensure testing exam from the State Board of Nursing where they seek initial licensure.

Arrangements for Reasonable Accommodation

Reasonable clinical and classroom accommodation will be offered providing such accommodation does not alter the fundamental nature of the nursing program in a major way, jeopardize the health and safety of others, or cause undue hardship on the College or affiliated clinical agencies.

1. Make an appointment to meet with a Disability Coordinator as early as possible during a particular semester, preferably before a semester begins. A Disability Coordinator is located on each campus and identified in the College Catalog and Student Handbook.

2. Obtain an Application for Disability Services Form

3. Submit to the Disability Coordinator (1) a completed nd (2) medical documentation from providers which include, but are not limited to, a certified/licensed physician, psychologist, psychometrist, audiologist, speech pathologist, rehabilitation counselor, physical or occupational therapist. Medical documentation must reflect the student’s present level of functioning with respect to the major life activity affected by the disability. Diagnostic information must include specific recommendations as well as the rationale for each. The cost of obtaining professional documentation is the sole responsibility of the student.

4. The Disability Coordinator will verify eligibility and discuss with the student the medically recommended accommodation(s).

5. The Disability Coordinator and student will identify and agree upon reasonable accommodation(s).

6. The Disability Coordinator will complete a Faculty Notification of Services Form, which identifies recommended reasonable accommodation(s).

7. The Disability Coordinator will give the completed Faculty Notification of Services Form to the student.

8. The student will assume responsibility for taking the completed Faculty Notification of Services Form to each of the student’s instructor(s) to discuss the identified accommodation(s) on the Faculty Notification of Services Form. (The Disabilities Coordinator will email the instructors who are teaching courses for which the student has requested accommodation(s).

9. The instructor and student will discuss the requested reasonable accommodation(s).

10. The instructor will sign the Faculty Notification of Services Form indicating his or her notification to provide reasonable accommodation services. Each instructor will keep a copy of the signed Faculty Notification of Services Form for his/her records.

11. The student will return the original Faculty Notification of Services Form to the Disability Coordinator after each of the student’s instructor(s) for a particular semester has/have signed the form.

12. The Disability Coordinator will keep the signed copy of the Application for Disability Services Form, medical documentation, and Faculty Notification of Services Form in the Disability Coordinator’s office.

13. The Disability Coordinator will send a copy of the Application for Disabilities Services Form, medical documentation, and Faculty Notification of Services Form in a sealed envelope to the Registrar’s Office for inclusion in the student’s permanent academic record.

14. Requests to rescind or modify any accommodation must be submitted in writing to the student’s Disability Coordinator and all instructors providing reasonable accommodation(s) for a particular semester.

15. The request to receive accommodation services for a disclosed disability MUST BE REPEATED each and every semester the student is enrolled. However, documentation does not need to be presented to the Disabilities Coordinator each semester unless the status of a disability changes requiring a different level of accommodation.

• You must register to take the exam
• Email Jennifer Levine to register: jlevine@pccua.edu
• Report 15 minutes ahead of testing time to check in.
• No late admission allowed
• Bring current picture ID
• Testing location: Nursing Building

Stuttgart Testing: 

• You must be registered to take an exam
• Email Sonya Allen-Jenkins to register: sajones@pccua.edu  
• Report 15 minutes ahead of testing time to check in.
• No late admission allowed
• Bring current picture ID  
• Testing location: B104

Nelson-Denny and ATI Critical Thinking Exam Dates for Fall 2025 

THE NELSON-DENNY TEST IS FREE TO APPLICANTS

THE ATI CRITICAL THINKING TEST IS $50.00 (price subject to change) PAID BY THE APPLICANT AT THE TIME OF EXAM WITH CREDIT OR DEBIT CARD ONLY

Date, Day, Time

Feb 13th, Thurs, 11:00am

Feb 14th, Fri, 11:00am

Feb 18th, Tues, 9:00am

Feb 19th, Wed, 1:00pm

Feb 25th, Tues, 9:00am

March 6th, Thurs, 1:00pm

March 13th, Thurs, 11:00am

March 17th, Mon, 9:00am

March 19t,h Wed, 1:00pm

April 3rd, Thurs, 11:00am      

April 8th, Tues, 1:00pm

April 10th, Thurs, 11:00am

April 17th, Thurs, 1:00pm

April 30th, Wed, 1:00pm

May 19th, Mon, 11:00am

May 21st, Wed, 9:00am

May 28th, Wed, 11:00am

Testing For Readmission and Alternate Admission For Level II Spring 2026

Drug Dosage Calculation Competency and Skill Competency Exam Schedule for Readmission and Alternate Admission Students

All exams will be in the Nursing Department on the DeWitt campus.

Faculty, Curriculum, and Assessment
Second and Fourth Monday, 1pm until 4pm, N110 DeWitt campus; N116 Helena-West Helena Campus.

Admission/Promotion and Graduation
After fall and spring application deadlines and as needed on the DeWitt Campus and at the beginning and/or end of each semester and as needed on the DeWitt Campus.

Arkansas and Phillips County Advisory Committees
Annually in Arkansas and Phillips County. An email or letter is sent to committee members noting the date and time ofmeetings.

PN Student Forums
Student forums are held twice a semester to provide an opportunity for students to have input into program governance. Forums are published in the course outline and on the student calendar at the beginning of each semester.