Vermont Technical College offers a Practical Nursing (PN) certificate program and an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) program. These programs are offered at 4 locations across the state: Putnam/Bennington Campus; Thompson/Brattleboro Campus; Fanny Allen/Williston Campus; and Randolph Center Campus. The PN program is also offered in a distance learning format in several locations around Vermont in collaboration with the Community College of Vermont and health care providers in various locales.
The nursing curriculum is built upon the foundational concepts of Dorothea Orem and eight outcomes that are prominent in each nursing course: Nursing Process; Scientific Principles; Communication; Ethical/Legal Principles; Nursing Role; Provider of Care; Teaching/Learning; and Accountability/Self Growth. As students move into increasingly complex care issues, theories are explored in more detail, with the goal of appropriate application to each clinical environment.
The PN program extends over two semesters and one summer session (ten-and-one-half months). Students learn practical nursing skills through independent study, lectures, demonstrations, and practice in a nursing arts lab. Under instructor supervision, students also provide patient care in a variety of health care settings either on site or in neighboring health care agencies.
Credits in both levels of the program are assigned as follows: 1 lecture hour equals 1 credit; every 3 clinical/lab hours equals 1 credit.
Upon completion of the program, PN graduates are eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses. The ADN program graduates are awarded an Associate of Science Degree in Nursing and are eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses. From graduates of both programs, the Vermont State Board of Nursing application requests information regarding past history of substance abuse, prior felony convictions, and failure to pay child support and/or taxes. Other states may ask similar questions. It is the Board's responsibility to determine eligibility to sit for the licensure examination and to issue the license to practice.
After licensure, PN graduates typically find employment in hospitals, nursing homes, and other health care agencies and work under the supervision of a Registered Nurse, physician, or dentist. With experience, they can assume increasing responsibilities in the nursing field.
The ADN program articulates with the PN program and requires two further semesters of full-time study. The curriculum includes microbiology, technical communication, mathematics, the humanities, trends in nursing, advanced pharmacology and further skill development in both lecture and lab settings. The clinical component also continues into the second year.
The ADN program is selective and rigorous and there is no assurance of admission from the PN program. Additionally, the twelve clinical credits earned in the PN program do not transfer to the ADN program.
Graduates are prepared to work in a health care setting under the supervision of more experienced practitioners. With experience, they can assume increasing responsibilities, and may be responsible for supervising others.
The minimum number of credits required for the certificate 47 and for the associate's degree is 35.
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