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Nursing

• Practical Nursing (PN) Certificate
• Associate Degree Nursing (ADN)
• To learn more about these programs visit our on line catalog
• Also, we offer a Nurse Re-entry Program for RNs and LPNs who have let their license lapse and would like to have it reinstated.

The curriculum for the preparation of both Practical Nurses and Associate Degree Registered Nurses is built upon the foundational concepts of Dorothea Orem and eight outcomes that are prominent in each nursing course:

• Nursing process;
• Scientific principles;
• Communication theory;
• Ethical/legal principles;
• An understanding of the nursing role as a member of the interdisciplinary team;
• An understanding of the role of the provider of care;
• Teaching/learning principles; and
• Responsibility for 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 programs are approved by the Vermont State Board of Nursing , located at 81 River Street, Montpelier, VT 05601; phone 1-802-828-2396 and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) located at 61 Broadway, 33rd Floor, New York, NY 10006; phone 1-800-669-1656 or 1- 212-363-5555.

The PN program offers a Certificate in Practical Nursing. The PN program extends over two semesters and one summer session (10.5 months). PN students learn practical nursing skills through independent study, lectures, demonstrations and practice in a nursing arts lab. Under nursing faculty or clinical instructor supervision, PN students also provide client care in a variety of health care settings either on site or in neighboring health care agencies.

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;
• Further skill development in lab and clinical settings;
• Nursing theory in psychiatry, MCH, and Med-Surg.

Graduates of both the PN and ADN programs can expect a high level of professional demand from many potential employers such as hospitals, long term care facilities, and home health agencies.

Graduates of Vermont Tech’s ADN program have a 100% rate of professional placement within 4 months of graduation. Graduates of the PN program have a 99% rate of placement over the same time period.

Students in Vermont Tech’s nursing programs typically have some level of prior nursing assistant experience, and are seeking additional certification and opportunities for advancement.

The average age of PN students is 30, and that of ADN students is 34.

Acceptance from the PN to the ADN program is contingent upon meeting the criteria for acceptance and passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) licensure examination. Applicants should note there is a separate application and acceptance process for the +1 year of study. Admission to the ADN Program is competitive, and there is no assurance of admission from the PN program.

PN program graduates are eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). 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.

Upon completion of the required credits in the ADN program, graduates are awarded an Associate in Science Degree in Nursing. ADN graduates are then eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). ADN Graduates are prepared to work in a health care setting under the supervision of more experienced practitioners.

For both licensure examinations, the Vermont State Board of Nursing application requests information regarding past history of substance, 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.

To be eligible for the PN program, prospective students must:

• Complete high school or GED;
• Complete the program application;
• Take Vermont Tech placement examination;
• Arrange to send all "Official" high school and post-secondary transript(s);
• Arrange for two letters of recommendation that address:
• Work ethic;
• Communication;
• Potential for adaptation to a fast-paced clinical environment;
• Potential to competently/compassionately deliver health care to clients across the lifespan; and

It is highly recommended that students complete a minimum of secondary level chemistry, biology and algebra I (within the last 10 years).

Acceptance guidelines include:

• English placement into freshman level English; and
• Combined Mathematics score of 100 or higher.

Applicants to the ADN program must have a minimum of secondary level chemistry (with lab) or post secondary microbiology (within the last 10 years), as well as meet the following admission criteria:

• Complete the program application;
• Graduate from an accredited PN program;
• Pass National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX)-PN prior to entry;
• Submit Practical Nurse license which is not sanctioned or restricted;
• If a current PN student, attain first semester PN GPA of 3.2 or higher;
• If a current PN student, attain second and third semester GPA of 3.0 or higher;
• If a current PN student, must arrange to have at least one current faculty recommendation as well as one healthcare employer/colleague recommendation that address:
• Clinical competence;
• Work ethic;
• Potential transition to RN role, particularly with respect to leadership, management and accountability; and
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• If an LPN, must have two health care employer/colleague recommendations that address:
• Clinical competence;
• Work ethic;
• Potential transition to RN role, particularly with respect to leadership, management and accountability; and
• Excellent interpersonal skills.

Take Vermont Tech placement examination (if not taken as a potential PN student)
For the ADN program applicates must submit a copy of current PN license without any sanctions or restrictions.

(Note: If a graduate of a non-collegiate PN program or a graduate of a Vermont program prior to 1996, you must show completion of college-level equivalency for: Anatomy & Physiology I and II, Human Growth and Development and Nutrition, or successfully pass a challenge examination in each of those courses.)

Acceptance guidelines include:

• English placement into freshman level English; and
• Combined mathmatics score of 100 or higher.

After admission and before enrollment, all students must complete a physical examination and provide a copy of a current Health Care Provider CPR card. This indicates that the student has successfully completed a basic life support course. All ADN students must complete (until it is passed at 100%) a medication administration examination.

• The PN program is offered at 9 sites across Vermont:
• Bennington/Putnam Campus
• Thompson/Brattleboro Campus
• Fanny Allen/Williston Campus@ Blair Park
• Randolph Center Campus

Extended PN Campuses:

• Middlebury
• Springfield
• Newport
• White River Junction
• St. Albans

The ADN Program is offered at five sites across the state of Vermont:

• Bennington/Putnam Campus
• Thompson/Brattleboro Campus
• Fanny Allen/Williston Campus@ Blair Park
• Randolph Center Campus

Accreditation:

Accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)

• Practical Nursing: Continuing Accreditation 2009
• Associate Degree Nursing: Initial Accreditation for 5 years 2006

Approved by Vermont State Board of Nursing

• Practical Nursing: Continuing Approval 2009
• Associate Degree Continuing Approval 2009

In 2004, the pass rate on the National Council Licensure examination for Pratical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) was 99.07% and the ADN ( NCLEX-RN) pass rate was 95.3%. In 2005, the PN pass rate was 98.15% and the ADN pass rate was 96.88%. In 2006, the PN pass rate was 97.73% and the ADN pass rate was 96%. All are well above the national average.

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